Quick Appetizer: Dolores Dip

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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! 

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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

  1. In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, mustard and horseradish to softened cream cheese, mix well.
  2. To creamed cheese mixture, add onion and pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Refrigerate mixture one hour to meld flavors.
  4. 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.

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Easy Entree: Blue (Bleu) Pizza

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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!   

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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

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

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Quick Appetizer: Artichoke Dip

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Need a quick appetizer for guests?  This is definitely my go-to recipe, and the first one I teach everyone to make for parties. This dip has only 4 ingredients, and can be heated in the microwave or oven!  Better yet, you can serve it in a bowl or bread round, and the scooped out bread can sub for crackers. Enjoy!

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INGREDIENTS

  • 1  10oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts [283g]
  • 3/4 c. mayonnaise [140g]
  • 1 c. Swiss cheese, shredded [90g]
  • 5 green onions (scallions), chopped
  • paprika (optional topping)
  • crackers or bread round for serving

DIRECTIONS

  1. Drain and dice artichoke hearts
  2. In a medium bowl, combine artichokes, mayo, shredded cheese and green onions
  3. Spoon mixture into bread round or microwave/oven safe serving bowl
  4. Sprinkle top of dip with paprika, if desired
  5. Microwave dip on high until hot and cheese is melted or cook in 350 degree [177C] oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling.

Options: Add drained, chopped spinach or lump crabmeat to change it up!

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