Jalapeno Popper Dip

This dip is addictive!

Ingredients:

16 oz. softened, cream cheese (I use the 1/3 less fat)

1 c. Miracle Whip (the original recipe calls for mayo)

4-7 oz diced green chilis (depending how you like it - I prefer more)

2-5 oz. diced, jalapeno peppers (depending on how you like the heat - I love the spice!)

1 c. shredded, cheddar cheese

6 slices crumbled bacon

1 c. Panko bread crumbs

1/2 c. shredded, Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Mix cream cheese and Miracle Whip together.  I blend them in my Kitchen Aid to get the most consistent mixture.

Using a scraper (or a spoon) add the green chilies, jalapenos, bacon, and cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture.

I use my square, stoneware baking dish for this recipe; however, if you don't have stoneware, spray an 8 or 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.  Spread the mixture into the dish.

Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Spread bread crumb mixture over the top of the dip.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes - until the dip is hot and the bread crumbs have begun to brown.

Serve with crackers or sliced baguette bread and Enjoy!

Creamy, Baked Chicken Taquitos

These were gone within minutes after being set out on the table!  They are really good and so easy to make!

Definitely a MUST TRY!

Ingredients:

2 c. shredded chicken

6 slices crumbled bacon

4 oz. cream cheese (softened)

To Taste chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder

Tortillas

Directions:

Mix cream cheese and seasonings together.

Add chicken and crumbled bacon to cream cheese.

Cut tortillas into small circles - I used a biscuit cutter.

Spoon filling onto tortillas.

Roll and secure with a toothpick.

Place taquito rolls onto baking sheet - I use my stoneware baking sheet, but use baking spray if it isn't stoneware.

Brush rolls lightly with oil or spray with baking spray.

Bake 15-20 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.

Serve with Dip below.

This dip is a family favorite that we eat on nearly everything! 

Directions:

Mix ranch dressing (we use light) with Cholula hot sauce to taste.

Yummy!!

Who Knew Toilet Bowl Cleaner Was So AWESOME?!!!

I had no idea what an amazing product toilet bowl cleaner was!!!  Before you continue reading, please note that I do not hold any stock in Clorox :) - However, I kind of wish I did after learning this!

We just had renters up and leave our rental house, and let me tell you, they DID NOT clean ANYTHING!!!  The place was gross and I was fighting stains and grime in the kitchen.  After trying for an hour and applying every cleaning product I had brought with me to remove the stains in the sink, I decided to try the last product I had: toilet bowl cleaner!  I squirted it in and went to clean out the refrigerator.  Upon my return (only a few minutes later) I realized that the stains had literally melted away!  AWESOME!  

I went home and did the same to my 30+ year old sink and lime-corroded sink sprayer (I use the term sprayer loosely because it really only allowed one or two pathetic streams of water out when in use.)  The results were AMAZING!

This is my new favorite product!

Below is how I have used this product to clean my sink, sink sprayer, shower head, and even bathtub.  I hope you enjoy your results just as much and would LOVE to hear other items you have used this seemingly single-purpose cleaner on!  Comment or Email me!

Directions for your Sink:

Squirt toilet bowl cleaner into your sink being sure to coat the stained areas.  I used a cleaning brush to spread it around.

After letting it set for 5-15 minutes (depending on how gross your sink is - don't worry, we won't judge) rinse clean and enjoy your new sink!

Directions for your Sprayer:

Squirt toilet bowl cleaner into an old glass or jar.

Fill with hot water.

Soak your sprayer for 10-20 minutes (again dependent on how much build up you have)

Rinse and enjoy the full spray!

Directions for Shower Heads:

Squirt toilet bowl cleaner into a freezer zip top bag and add hot water.

Use a rubber band to secure the bag around your shower head.

Let sit for about 10 minutes (depending on the build up.)

Rinse and enjoy!

Directions for Bath Tub Ring:

Use a cleaning brush or scrubber to spread toilet bowl cleaner around the tub.

Be sure to coat the stained areas well.

Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse and enjoy and ring-free tub!

Chipolte Seasoning Mix

Chipotle Seasoning Mix:

4 tbsp. chipotle chili powder

4 tsp. paprika

4 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

*Store the extra in an airtight container

Cheesy Tex-Mex Rolls

This is one of my family's favorites - even my young boys love it!  It is definitely a MUST-TRY!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. corn (I use frozen corn when I can't get fresh)

1 red pepper

1/4 c. loosely packed cilantro

1 lb. ground beef

2-4 tbsp Chipotle Seasoning (You can buy a premixed seasoning or mix your own using my **recipe in a following post)

1/4 tsp salt (optional depending on which Chipotle Seasoning you use - store bought usually has salt)

1 1/2 c. grated Cheddar and Jack cheese

6-8 flour tortillas (depending on how much filling you put in them)

Directions: 

Cook beef and seasonings until browned.

Add corn and diced red pepper.  Cook 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and drain any excess grease if necessary.

Mix shredded cheeses and cilantro together.  

Add cheese mixture to beef mixture.

Spoon mixture into tortillas and roll, folding the ends in.

Place rolls onto baking sheet - I use a stoneware baking sheet that works really great!

Spray the rolls with oil or use a basting brush to coat them.

Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes (or until lightly browned and crisp.)

I always cut ours on a bias.  They are easier to eat!

Serve with ranch, sour cream, and or guacamole.

Enjoy!

Thank you to Pampered Chef for this recipe!

Mexican Lasagna

This is the yummiest lasagna ever!

Ingredients:

1 lb. burger

16 oz. can re fried beans (I use fat free)

taco seasoning (you can use a packet - I use taco spices to taste and will post my seasoning recipe in another post)

12 uncooked lasagna noodles

2 1/2 c. salsa (I used hot salsa because my family and I like spicy)

2 1/2 c. water

16 oz. sour cream

2 c. shredded jack cheese

sliced olives (I sliced a whole can because my family loves olives)

3/4 c. diced green onions

Directions:

Mix uncooked beef, beans, and spices together.

Lay 4 noodles in the bottom of the pan.

Spread 1/2 the meat mixture onto the noodles.

Lay down 4 more noodles.

Spread remaining beef mixture.

Add remaining 4 noodles.

Combine salsa and water.

Pour over noodles.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Combine sour cream, olives, and green onions.

After the pan comes out of the oven, spread the sour cream mixture on top and add cheese.

Return to the oven and bake until it bubbles and begins to brown.

Enjoy!

Hawaiian Meatballs with Twice Baked Potatoes

 These Hawaiian Meatballs are an absolute favorite throughout our entire family-extended loved ones included.  Plus they are soooo very simple to make.

Then I thought I would make some twice baked potatoes for my first time.  Oh My Goodness!  They were so good!  Served with a side salad-this was a super nummy, yummy meal!  

Hawaiian Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 lb sausage

1 can spam(I use my food chopper to chop into tiny pieces)

2 eggs

1 cup milk

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 medium onion, diced

6 shakes soy sauce

Mix and shape into balls no more than 2 Inches.  Place in 9 x 13 inch pan. 

Sauce

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp dry mustard

juice from large can of pineapple chunks

mix well and pour over meatballs.  Top with pineapple chunks.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.  Baste.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes.  Baste.  Continue baking for another 30 minutes.  Baste one more time before serving.

Twice baked Potatoes

Wash and pierce 6 potatoes.  Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour or until tender.  Once cooled enough to handle(right away using baking mitt) cut a thin slice off the top of each potato length wise.  Scoop out the pulp leaving thin shells.

In large bowl mix 1/4 cup butter and pulp.  Stir in 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup ranch dressing, a few shakes of garlic salt, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.  Spoon into shells.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Place on baking sheet and continue baking at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Top with bacon and green onions.  Enjoy!