Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa

This may seem like an odd mix of ingredients, and I would agree. And that is why it took me more than 2 years from when I first got this recipe to finally make it. My BFF promised me it was amazing, but I guess I didn't quite get it. But now I do! I was hooked after the first bite. It's the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy. In fact, those who tried it at our family Thanksgiving dinner declared it the best appetizer EVER, and I have been threatened with disownment if I consider making any other appetizer for any future get-togethers. Yes, it really is *that* good.

Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa

12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
1 c. sugar
1 jalapeno, minced (I took out most of the seeds, but make it as spicy as you want)
1 bunch of green onions, chopped (including greens)
Large handful of cilantro, chopped
2 8-oz blocks of cream cheese
Wheat Thins

Pick cranberries over to get rid of any stems and bruised/bad ones. Place in saucepan with enough water to just cover them.

Bring to a boil until cranberries start to pop. Allow to boil for about 1 more minute until the majority of cranberries have popped. Drain almost all the water off.

Mix in sugar, jalapeno, green onions, and cilantro with cranberries. Refrigerate until needed, at least 4 hours.

To serve, place 1 block of room-temp cream cheese on a platter and top with 1/2 of the cranberry mixture. Serve with Wheat Thins or other crackers that can hold up to the cream cheese.

*Next time I make it, I will add 1/2 of the cilantro when I make it and 1/2 right before I serve. I want the flavors to meld but also want the bright green of the fresh cilantro.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

I has been forever since I have posted any recipes.

Lots has changed in Ohio and a lack of my own cooking space is to blame.

Cooper, what's your excuse?

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large), scrubbed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten with a fork
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted plus more for the preparing the pan
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans


Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce each one 2 or 3 times with a fork. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.


Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F. Scoop the sweet potato out of their skins and into a medium bowl. Discard the skins. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the eggs, butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until smooth.


Butter an 8 by 8-inch casserole. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pan and sprinkle the top with the pecans. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until a bit puffy. Serve immediately.
 
Thank you Food Network for the delicious recipe! And thank you Beckie Enderle for the picture. I made this last Thanksgiving and forgot to take a picture!