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.

BBQ Kielbasa

I apologize for not having a picture of these. I assure you, they are excellent.

BBQ Kielbasa Appetizers

2 lbs of Kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, cooked and slightly browned
1- 18oz bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. Dijon Mustard
1 beer

In a large saucepan, bring beer, sugar, BBQ sauce and mustard to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes and add cooked kielbasa. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until sauce is glazey.

Rating: Well, since these disappeared so quickly that I could not get a picture, I would say they are pretty good. 5 stars for sure!

Salsa

Salsa and Margaritas are a summer staple around these parts. This is a fresh salsa recipe that's easy to make. Thanks for sharing Michelle!

Salsa:

6 Roma Tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. lime juice
3 cloves of garlic, minced
salt to taste
pepper to taste
chili powder to taste ( I used 1/2 tsp.)

Mix together in a medium bowl, chill and serve!

Helpful hint: Kevin and I love our Vidalia Onion Chopper. This makes dicing these vegetables effortless. It's well worth the $20.

Cheesy Jalapeno Dip

This cheesy dip has a slight kick! It's great for pot lucks and parties!

Cheesy Jalapeno Dip

Ingredients:
1 c. Hellman's Mayo
1 c. sour cream
2 1/2 c. finely shredded cheddar cheese
5 jalapeno peppers, chopped into small pieces
1 medium onion-finely chopped
5 dashes of Red Hot
2 small cloves of garlic-pressed

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients. Chill for 2 hours before serving. Served great with tortilla chips, crackers, pita chips or bagel chips.

Cocktail Meatballs - Only 3 yummy ingredients!

These have been around forever, but they are so easy and so yummy, how could I not include them here?

Cocktail Meatballs

1 bag of frozen pre-made meatballs
1 large jar of grape jelly
2 jars of chili sauce

Mix all ingredients in a slowcooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir well before serving.

That's it! So easy!

Hot and Yummy Buffalo Chicken Dip!

This recipe and photo are courtesy of NunPunch via allrecipes.com. This recipe is easy, great and a party favorite!

Hot and Yummy Buffalo Chicken Dip

2-10oz cans of Tyson All White Chicken Breast (drained and rinsed!)
2-blocks of Cream Cheese
1 c. ranch dressing
3/4 c. hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot)
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese

In a medium crock pot, add chicken and red hot on the highest setting. Mix together. Add cream cheese, ranch and cheddar cheese. Let it heat, stirring often. Once hot and all the cheese is melted, turn the temperature down to low and serve with chips and celery stalks.

Enjoy!

Meal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars! If you like it hot, then this recipe is great for you.

Yummy Summertime Veggie Pizza

I decided this would be my very first recipe post for 2 reasons. 1. All my veggies are ready to be picked from the garden. It's the perfect time to make this. 2. I am tired of writing it down for my co-workers.

Veggie Dip:

2 c. Sour Cream
2 c. Real Mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip!)
4 tsp. dill weed
2 tsp. Accent Salt
2 tsp. Beau Monde (by Island Spice)
2 tsp. Minced Onion
Mix together in a medium bowl and chill for 1 hour. If you are making this just for a dip, chill for 2 hours.

Veggie Pizza:

2 rolls of Pillsbury Butter Tastin' Crescent Rolls
2 c. Fancy Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 carrots shredded
1 red onion-chopped
1 green pepper-chopped
1 red pepper-chopped
1 medium stalk of broccoli-chopped

Lightly spray one large cookie sheet with Pam. Roll out both crescent rolls and piece together until the entire sheet is covered. Bake as directed on the Pillsbury Crescent rolls package or until a light golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Spread a generous amount of the Veggie Dip over the crust. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the dip. Add the shredded carrots, chopped onion, peppers and broccoli. Chill for 1 hour.

Cut into squares and enjoy! You will have some dip leftover so cute some fresh veggies and have a healthy snack.

Appetizer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is an easy potluck appetizer that is a crowd pleaser!