Quick Appetizer: White Cheddar Dip

May 24, 2013 by Lee in Plan for a Party, Appetizers, Comfort Food

If you're like me, you're always interested in finding an appetizer that is both quick and yes, appetizing! I'm also grateful if it only has a few ingredients that I can remember while I'm at the market on the way home! This white cheddar dip is exactly that - 5 ingredients - quick and delicious. If you have tree nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts - it will still be wonderful. The pairing of sharp white cheddar with just a bit of cayenne pepper gives it a savory kick. And, speaking of pairings, this dip is fantastic for a wine tasting - whether you're serving whites or reds -

. . . or a tailgate, . . . or a pool party, . . . or impressing your friends at a potluck -- you get the idea!

INGREDIENTS

10 oz. [300g] sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
6-8 green onions (scallions), chopped
1/4 c [40g] walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 c [120mL] mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon [1.25mL] ground red cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl.
Refrigerate at least one hour to marry flavors together.
Serve with crackers, flatbread or pita chips

Dessert: PBC Blondies

February 28, 2013 by Lee in Plan for a Party

PBC = Peanut butter cup, and these blondies = obsession! I love peanut butter, chocolate and gooey, and this cookie definitely delivers on all three. I suggest cutting these blondies into tiny triangles for a rich less guilty bite! Pack them up for picnics, or potlucks - also party perfect for March madness (my other obsession)!

INGREDIENTS

5 oz [150g] mini chocolate peanut butter cups, unwrapped and chopped
8 tablespoons [113g] butter, melted
1 cup [180g] brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon [2.5mL] vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon [2.5mL] almond extract
pinch of salt
1 cup [120g] all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

Butter an 8"×8" [20cm] pan
Mix melted butter with brown sugar – beat until smooth.
Beat in egg; add vanilla and almond extract.
Add salt, stir in flour. Mix in chopped mini peanut butter cups.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees [177C] 20-25 minutes, or until slightly set in the middle. Cool on baking rack before cutting.

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Quick Appetizer: Dolores Dip

February 14, 2013 by Lee in Appetizers, Plan for a Party

Try this savory dip when you want a "make ahead" option for a party, or a potluck. If you're hosting a bridal or baby shower, this is also an easy and deliciously different filling for tea sandwiches. It's named for my mother, Dolores, who is always asked to bring this creamy spread to every occasion. Thanks, Mom, for sharing the super secret family recipe!

INGREDIENTS

8oz. [227g] regular or light cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 t [7.5 mL] horseradish
3 T [36g] mayonnaise
1 1/2 T [18g] yellow mustard
1 small red or yellow onion, grated or very finely diced
pinch of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, mustard and horseradish to softened cream cheese, mix well.
To creamed cheese mixture, add onion and pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate mixture one hour to meld flavors.
To serve, let dip sit 15 minutes to soften, then use as spread for tea sandwiches or place in small bowl and serve with chips, crackers or breadsticks.

Easy Entree: Red Pizza

January 25, 2013 by Lee in Entrees, Plan for a Party, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meals

I created this recipe after a trip to my local farmer's market. I realized that, without intending to, I'd chosen all "red" produce - juicy cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onions - even some sun-dried tomatoes! Luckily, all those "red" vegetables taste even better when layered with mozzarella on a marinara sauced crust. For a spicy kick, I added the red pepper flakes. This pizza is fabulous as a quick weeknight meal, but can easily become the centerpiece of a cozy weekend party for friends. So, go to the grocery or farmer's market and stock up on "red" - oh, and maybe grab a nice bottle of it too!

INGREDIENTS

1 homemade or store-bought pizza crust
1 1/2 c [350mL] marinara sauce
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1/2 c [75g] sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, sliced
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 pint [230g] cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 1/2 c [168g] mozzarella cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Spread marinara sauce on pizza crust, leaving 1/2 inch [13mm] border.
Sprinkle 1 c [112g] mozzarella cheese over sauce.
Layer red bell pepper strips, sun-dried tomatoes and onion over cheese.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Top pizza with cherry tomato halves and remaining 1/2 c [56g] cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees [204C] until brown on bottom and cheese is melted - about 15-20 minutes.

Easy Entree: Blue (Bleu) Pizza

January 23, 2013 by Lee in Entrees, Plan for a Party, Weeknight Meals

Who says that pizza has to be slathered with tomato sauce and dotted with pepperoni, or that blue cheese is only good as a dip for chicken wings? Not me! This pizza combines mozzarella with blue cheese and adds a layer of prosciutto. Then, it's topped off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and arugula. Sprinkling cool arugula over the hot crust makes this pizza unique, but adding the sweet/salty combo of balsamic glaze/prosciutto makes it special. Serve it in small squares as an appetizer, or, cut it in wedges as an entree - perfect for your next pizza party!

Adapted from Gemignani at Tortora's

INGREDIENTS

store-bought or homemade pizza crust
3 oz. [84g] prosciutto, cut in thin strips (about 5 slices)
1 small red onion, sliced
½ c [56g] crumbled blue cheese (gorgonzola, stilton etc.)
1 c [112g] shredded mozzarella cheese
balsamic glaze (reduced balsamic vinaigrette) - available at Trader Joe's
½ c [75g] baby arugula (rocket), chopped

DIRECTIONS

On ready-made or home-made pizza crust, layer mozzarella and blue cheeses, prosciutto strips and red onion slices.
Bake at 375 degrees [190C] for 20-25 minutes, until cheeses bubble.
Remove from oven and drizzle balsamic glaze over hot pizza.
Top pizza with chopped arugula.

Trader Joe's