Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Dip Appetizers BItes

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Oh Boy... Jalapeno Poppers!!!

But not just any poppers, these are more of a cheese dip with all of the ingredients in a Jalapeno Popper.  Making these in a dip form lets you serve them for a crowd easier.  You can make one big ball (Better yet, in the shape of a football, decorated with sliced cheese for the sewn seam of the ball and sprinkles of Panko bread crumbs to get the color right).  I chose to make pre-dipped Fritos brand scoops.

I was serving up a Football party.  Sadly, the one and out repetition of the KC Chief's post season quest for another Super Bowl appearance became prophetic (we were robbed with that holding call in the 4th quarter, but I digress)... But these hit the appetizer tray as my guests arrived with all the optimism you could imagine.  I wanted something they could grab a napkin, grab a couple of and move on to making plans for a football game in February.

Hand held cheese dip seemed perfect!

And it indeed was!  Everybody loved these.

Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe.

But first, for any big deal party (like a Chef's appearance in a post season football game),  What a great way to display those appetizers on this three tiered food tray.  Make your party planning something special for the eyes as well as the taste buds.  Your food deserves it.



And as I said, keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

OK... Here's what I did...

Bacon Jalapeno Popper
Cheese Dip Bites 

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Bacon, chopped and browned to just crispy 
• 2 Bricks (16 Ounces) Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 Cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 2 TBS Mayonnaise
• 1 Cup (about 4-5) Minced Jalapenos 
• 1/2 Cup Green Onions, Chopped small, green and white parts
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Bag Fritos brand Scoops

Cooking Directions

1. Cook your bacon (oven method, in frying pan as you like).  Once cooked, chop to tiny pieces, drain on paper towels
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, using th paddle attachment, mix the Cream Cheese with the Mayonaisse until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the Minced Jalapenos, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Powder and Green Onions.
4. Continue to mix with the stand mixer until well combined, another couple of minutes.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for an additional minute.
5. Lay out the Fritos Scoops on a serving dish.  Scoop 1 rounded teaspoon of the fip into each scoop.  
6. Roll each filled scoop onto the Bacon bits to coat the top.
7. Wrap loosely in cling wrap.  Store in the fridge until ready to serve
8. Serve with Chilled and ENJOY!

Jalapeno Popper
Cheese Dip Bites 

Same as above... BUT, leave out the bacon.  Roll in toasted Panko brand Bread Crumbs (I like the Italian version) instead of the bacon,

When serving at a party, I like to reserve some of the dip to make a few bites for my Vegetarian friends.

Cheddar and Garlic Mini Cheese Balls

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 Oh Boy Cheese Balls!

But not just any cheese balls, these are a wonderful twist on the classic cheese ball.  Everyone loves food on a stick.

The cheese is the classic combination of Cheddar and garlic.  But the idea works fine for about any cheese ball you have ever imagined,

Just a base of cream cheese, add another type of cheese (Say a Taco Blend), Some type of filling (say minced bacon and Lettuce), add a Coating (like nuts here, or for the above idea, plop the Taco blended bacon and lettuce cheese ball on top of a half cherry tomato.  Insert stick and Viola...

This is a wonderful little idea for a party or when you are asked to bring a plate of Appetizers.

After all, everyone LOVES food on a stick!

 OK... Here's what I did...

Cheddar and Garlic
Mini Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 2 (8 Oz) Brick Cream Cheese, Thawed to room temperature
• 2 TBS Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 TBS Garlic Powder
• 1 Cup Thin sliced Garlic Chives (Can use Green Onions, the green parts, sliced thin)
• 24 Pretzel Sticks

Cooking Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese and Mayo.  Using the whisk attachment, whisk the cheese until fluffy.  This will take about 5 minutes.  You will need to scrape the sides of the bowl down frequently and tap the sides of the inside of the bowl with the whisk attachment to free up clogged chunks. 
2. Add the Cheddar Cheese and garlic powder and fold by hand to mix.
3. Divide into 24 equal size pieces, roll them into balls.
4. Insert a Pretzel stick
5. Roll the sides and bottoms in the Chives
6. Arrange on a serving platter and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours
7. Serve Chilled and ENJOY!

Fig and Goat Cheese mini Cheese Balls

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 Oh Boy Cheese Balls!

But not just any cheese balls, these are a wonderful twist on the classic cheese ball.  Everyone loves food on a stick.

The cheese is a smidgen upscale, goat cheese and figs and all.  But the idea works fine for about any cheese ball you have ever imagined,

Just a base of cream cheese, add another type of cheese (Say a Taco Blend), Some type of filling (say minced bacon and Lettuce), add a Coating (like nuts here, or for the above idea, plop the Taco blended bacon and lettuce cheese ball on top of a half cherry tomato.  Insert stick and Viola...

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato mini cheese balls (You can even come up with a clever way to work a Pretzel Bun into the title since there is a pretzel in the appetizer.

This is a wonderful little idea for a party or when you are asked to bring a plate of Appetizers.

After all, everyone LOVES food on a stick!

 OK... Here's what I did...

Fig and Goat Cheese
Mini Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 1 (8 Oz) Brick Cream Cheese, Thawed to room temperature
• 4 OZ Creamy Goat Cheese, Thawed to room temperature
• 1 TBS Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Cup Figs, chopped small then minced
• 24 Pretzel Sticks (I like to use the thicker "Dipping Sticks" Style but the skinny ones work fine
• 2 Cups Crushed Pecans

Cooking Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese and goat cheese.  Using the whisk attachment, whisk the cheese until fluffy.  This will take about 5 minutes.  You will need to scrape the sides of the bowl down frequently and tap the sides of the inside of the bowl with the whisk attachment to free up clogged chunks. 
2. You may need to add additional creaminess to the cheeses to get a creamy fluffy texture.  I add a bit of Mayonnaise. 
3. Add the figs and fold by hand to mix.
4. Divide into 24 equal size pieces, roll them into balls.
5. Insert a Pretzel stick
6. Roll the sides and bottoms in the crushed pecans
7. Arrange on a serving platter and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours
8. Serve Chilled and ENJOY!

Lemony Artichoke and Crab Meat Dip - 52 Appetizer Recipes

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This is my GO TO recipe when I need to bring something to impress.

A rich lemony mixture of Lemons and Cream Cheese made smooth with a bit of mayo.  This is very addictive.  Don't be surprised when your guests flock to the dip bowl and hang out until it's gone.

The dip is very easy to make.  Simply mix well and a quick bake to heat and get that golden brown and delicious look.

I even have a little bonus recipe for you...

For the baked tortilla chips, simply buy some flour tortillas.  Cut into edge shapes.  Brush each wedge with butter and season with taco seasoning.
Lay each wedge in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until the wedges have started to dry out and crisp.

Serve alongside the dip for extra bragging rights.

This is such a winner.  Perfect for any small dinner party, big family get together, the church ladies will be green with envy if you bring this to the church PotLuck and of course a great "game day" snack for your Super Bowl party!

 OK... Here's what I did...

Artichoke Lemon and
Crab Dip

Ingredients

• 2 Packages (8 ounce each) Cream Cheese, softened to Room Temperature
• 1-1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced and smashed to a paste
• 1 Jar (14 Ounces) Artichoke Hearts, Quartered packed in Oil, drained and chopped to half dime size.
• 2 Cans Crabmeat, carefully picked clean of shells and squeezed to drain, chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 Lemon
• 4 Green Onions, diced, whote and green parts.
• 1 Cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• Pinch each of salt and pepper
  Optional, add Taco seasonings or Creole/Cajun Spices for a seasonal dish
• Additional Lemon slices for garnish
• Additional Green onions for garnish
• Serve with Baked Tortilla chips

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Using the paddle attachment, add the minced garlic paste, artichoke hearts, crabmeat, lemon zest and juice as well as the chopped green onions and Parmesan cheese with the seasonings.  Mix on low for a full minute until thoroughly combined and evenly mixed.
3. Spoon mixture into an attractive shallow baking dish (I like to use a fancy Pie Plate for this... Just the right size.  Bake for 30 minutes until top just starts to brown.
4. Garnish with lemon slices and additional chopped green onions.  Serve hot with baked tortilla chips and ENJOY!

 A Fantastic Appetizer.  Crispy fried chicken, all dressed up with a heat and sweet sauce... A Favorite!

A win win win!

One of my "52 Appetizer Recipes" Collection (Plenty more than 52 actually, A great place to find ideas!

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This recipe has been added to my growing list of "52 Church PotLuck Dishes"!

A list of something NEW worthy of being shown off at a neighborhood BYODish (Bring Your Own Dish) Party, a Family special occasion dinner, Any Big Holiday Gathering or of course that glorious day when you bring a dish to share with your Church family...

Ages ago, literally almost a half century ago I was listening to our pastor talking about a PotLuck Dinner. It happened to be scheduled around a church work day when we were expected to weed, polish and do general cleaning and maintenance around the church (you know, back in the day when there were no no-wax floors and church pews smelled of Old English furniture polish). I am of course paraphrasing, but as I recall the pastor said,

"A potluck, like a church requires work. At a potluck everyone is expected to contribute.. At a church no one should come empty handed and no one should leave unfed".

I will confess that in my youth I brought more store bought plastic spoons and forks than I ever brought covered dishes and crock pots of fresh made love and caring delights. But now that I have become a hobbyist cook, I occasionally am reminded of those days and people from my youth. I reminded and I do wish that I could drop a dish of some new creation on those old tables at my fondly remembered Liberty Baptist Church.  Tables covered with newspapers and loaded with God's bounty prepared with love and caring... Enjoy

***********************PINTEREST*********************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 

1. In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.
2. And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
   Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest

Doritos and Beer Spinach Dip - 52 Appetizers and Cooking with Beer Recipes

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It's PARTY TIME!

And here's a favorite dip of mine.  A couple of varieties of melty cheese, flavored with a half bottle of beer, made rich and thick with cool sour cream and made pretty (and even an illusion of health) with a package of frozen spinach.

This is the stuff they charge a lot for as an appetizer at restaurants (or charge less and skimp corners).

Add the Doritos and you have a dip that party goers hover over.

Enjoy indeed!



Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

 OK... here's what I did...

Doritos and Beer Spinach Dip

Ingredients

• 1/2 Pound Velveeta Brand Cheese food
• 1/2 Pound Queso Cheese
• 1/2 Bottle (6 OZ) Beer
• 1/2 Large Sweet Onion, small dice
• 1 tsp Taco Seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 (10 OZ) Package Frozen Spinach, thawed, drained and squeeze as much water as possible out.
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• 1 Bag Taco Doritos Chips

Cooking Directions

1. In a large pot, add both cheeses with the beer and stir to combine. Set over medium heat and continue to occasionally stir until melted and well combined.
2. Add the onion, spinach and seasonings and continue to stir.
3. Add the Sour Cream to thin the dip. Add additional sour cream as needed for best dipping consistency.
4. Serve heated and hot with Doritos Taco Corn chips and ENJOY!

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Cooking With BEER Recipes"!!!

Everyone knows about cooking with wine, but BEER has so much more complex flavors.  I imagine the day after beer was invented, someone made an Irish Stew. Cooking with beer infuses recipes with this intoxicating concoction of hops and barley in an effort to enhance and enrich everyday food..  Come take a look, sure to have something you might like to try.  All recipes have been tested and WORK!

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I am also pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Appetizers Recipes"!!!

From Dips and Salsas to everyone's favorite, Deviled Eggs; Appetizers will set the mood for something special. And make enough different ones and you have a Tapas Meal!

Links include Dips (Take a Look at the WORLD's BEST Guacamole recipe (and world's easiest to make), Salsas, Grilled Bites, Watermelon Art, and of course something with a spectacular presentation and taste... Take a look, something to match any occasion...

****************************PINTEREST**************************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 

In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.

And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest

Scallion Cream Cheese - 52 Appetizers Recipes

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Oh Boy, dip time and such an easy recipe to make

Just dump, mix and enjoy!

Perfect for a Schmear on a bagel, dip for a cracker or if you look real close you will see this paired with a sugar/salt cured Salmon (come back tomorrow for that recipe)!


Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

 OK... Here's what I did...

Scallion Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 Brick (8 Oz) Cream Cheese, Softened to Room Temperature
• 2 TBS Ranch Dressing
• Pinch Salt
• 4 Green onions (Scallions), Green and White Parts, Minced
• 1 Green onion, Green and White parts, Chopped to use as garnish

Cooking Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all ingredients and mix until thoroughly blended
2. Serve chilled as a dip or topping on a cracker as an Appetizer
3. Garnish with remaining chopped Scallion.
4. And ENJOY!!!

Pairs wonderfully with a simple cracker as a dip, delicious as a schmear on a bagel.

But come back for tomorrow's post and see how to sugar/salt cure your own piece of Salmon for an inexpensive very beautifully classy side dish!

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Double Click the Photo above
For a link to my growing list of
52 Appetizer Recipes

So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Appetizers Recipes"!!!

From Dips and Salsas to everyone's favorite, Deviled Eggs; Appetizers will set the mood for something special. And make enough different ones and you have a Tapas Meal!

Links include Dips (Take a Look at the WORLD's BEST Guacamole recipe (and world's easiest to make), Salsas, Grilled Bites, Watermelon Art, and of course something with a spectacular presentation and taste... Take a look, something to match any occasion...

****************************PINTEREST**************************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 

In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.

And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest

Honey Rosemary Spreadable Goat Cheese - 52 Simple But Next Level Dishes (Appetizers and Catering Ideas)

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Here's something just painfully simple yet truly adds something special to your spread.

Artisan Cheese sellers will charge you double for ingredients probably in your pantry right now.

Just pick up a log of soft goat cheese, whip in a bit of honey and rosemary to taste and bingo bango bongo...

Double the cost taste for half the price from your wallet!


Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

OK... Here's what I did...

Honey Rosemary Spreadable Goat Cheese

Ingredients

• 6 Ounces Log of Soft Goat Cheese
• 2 TBS Honey
• 1 TBS Minced Fresh Rosemary

Cooking Directions

1. Add the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer bowl and mix until fully combined.
2. Seal with plastic wrap overnight for the flavors to fully incorporate.
3. Serve chilled to room temperature and ENJOY!

A Spread this good deserves fresh baked bread...

Like this Cheddar Herb Beer Bread!

But that's a post for another day (tomorrow)!!!

ENJOY!

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This simple recipe has been added to my growing list of "52 Simple but Next Level Dishes"!

Kind of an odd title for these posts. But the longer sentence is... Simple recipes that are easy and inexpensive that will take your cooking to the next level... Things like easy pickled items (I always have a jar of Pickled Red Onions for sandwiches in my fridge). Or how about the easiest bread to make in the world... Beer Bread that is tasty on it's own but also makes a wonderful open face pizza style sandwich... With easy to make Tomato Sauce. Or how about Roasting Garlic for a spread on toast points for a unique appetizer. Infusing Oil with Herbs or spices or spicy peppers. Or how about making your own BBQ sauce. Nothing sets you apart as a grill master like setting out a jar of your own specialty BBQ Sauce.

You get the idea. These recipes are very simple, take very little time but will set you apart as a better cook...

*************************************************************************

So,  I am also pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Appetizers Recipes"!!!

From Dips and Salsas to everyone's favorite, Deviled Eggs; Appetizers will set the mood for something special. And make enough different ones and you have a Tapas Meal!

Links include Dips (Take a Look at the WORLD's BEST Guacamole recipe (and world's easiest to make), Salsas, Grilled Bites, Watermelon Art, and of course something with a spectacular presentation and taste... Take a look, something to match any occasion...

****************************PINTEREST**************************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 

In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.

And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest

Pineapple Dip with Jerk Spice - 52 Appetizers Recipes

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Fast Easy... Open a can and a package... Spice, Mix and ENJOY!

Perfect for when you want to serve something Fresh made with a hint of the unusual...

And of course TASTY

And FAST and EASY!

I made this with a combination of Sweet Pineapple and spicy Jerk (Jamaican Island spices).  But you could adapt this with a Cajun spice mix or even something savory like an Herbes de Provance spice mix.


Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

OK... Here's what I did...

Pineapple Dip
with Jerk Spice

Ingredients

• 1 Brick (8 Ounces) Cream Cheese, Softened to room temperature
• 1 Can (15 Ounces) Crushed Pineapple, drained but reserve juices
• 1 tsp Jerk Spice mix (can use Cajun mix, Italian Mix or Herbes de Provance for a different taste)
• 2 Cloves Garlic (optional), crushed and minced
• Dusting of Sweet Paprika for Garnish

Cooking Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer,mix together the Cream Cheese, Pineapple, Jerk Spice and Garlic until well combined and smooth.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Dust with Sweet Paprika for color.
4. Serve with Apple Slices or crackers and ENJOY