Showing posts with label appetizers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appetizers. Show all posts

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Biscoff Fluff Dip



If you've ever tasted the delectable treat Biscoff, you KNOW
you're going to love this dish. 

And if you've never tried it, you're missing out BIG TIME! 

Biscoff is a spiced shortbread with bits of caramely flavors similar to the texture of peanut butter - you should be able to find it in the same aisle at the grocery store. 

I got the image and this info from the lotusbiscoff.com page
through Google about how cookie butter was born....

In Belgium, people developed a habit of putting their favorite cookie, Lotus Biscoff, on their bread! Some used the whole cookie, some crumbled it, and others soaked it in their drink first. Delicious, but hardly practical, until someone had a bright idea. Why not make a creamy cookie butter? An innovative Belgian woman created her own recipe and entered it in a competition for a TV show. And guess what? She won! Afterwards, she and Lotus Bakeries worked together to bring Lotus Biscoff cookie butter to its smooth perfection.


Lotus cookies are sometimes given out on airplanes
as a special treat. 

You can use 'light' ingredients in this recipe, but I suggest you
use full fat.  The dip will last longer and hold up better with
full fat ingredients. 

Now that we've established the basics, let's get on with this simple and amazing dish.... 

Get ready for the crowd to go wild....and be sure to have copies of this recipe on hand. 

And be careful not to eat the jarfull with a spoon!  It's hard to resist! 

(hover over photo to pin) 

BISCOFF FLUFF DIP 

1 (8 ozs) block cream cheese, softened to room temp
1 (7 ozs) tub of marshmallow creme
1 heaping cup Biscoff cookie butter
3 Tb. whole milk or 1/2 & 1/2
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 (8 ozs) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
10 Biscoff (Lotus) cookies, coarsely crushed,
plus a couple more crushed for garnish 
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, divided
Dippers: Biscoff cookies, pretzel crisps, graham crackers,
strawberries or apple slices 

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add in 
marshmallow cream and cookie butter; beat until smooth.  Add
milk and vanilla, beating until blended.  

Fold in whipped topping with a rubber spatula, adding crushed
cookie butter crumbs and about half the chocolate chips until
thoroughly combined and fluffy. 

Cover and chill for 2 hours to let flavors blend.  Set on the counter
a few minutes to soften before stirring.  Stir and transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with extra crushed cookies and remaining
chocolate chips.  Serve with your choice of dippers. 


You may also enjoy...

(with Biscoff) 






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Saturday, December 16, 2023

Hot Cocoa Dip (3 ingredients - serve with fruit or cookies)


Maybe you've seen this amazing recipe floating around on the internet?  

It's a real keeper - can be made quicklly and enjoyed with cookies or fruit!



I wanted to be sure I didn't forget about it, so am posting it here.  

It would be super any time of the year, but especially now during the Christmas holidays.  

Recipe is easily doubled if you need a whole lot.  

Enjoy soon!  (& Quickly too!) 

(hover over photo to pin) 

HOT COCOA DIP

1 jar (7 ozs.) marshmallow creme (may also be called Fluff) 
1 tub (8 ozs.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 - 3 packets of hot cocoa mix
mini (or macro - very tiny) marshmallows for topping

In a large bowl, beat marshmallow creme with whipped topping until blended.  Add in cocoa mix and blend until smooth. 

Sprinkle with marshmallows and crushed candy cane if you'd like.

Serve with fruit, graham crackers or shortbread cookies. 

It's great to give away as a gift too! 



You might also enjoy....


Chili Cheese Dip (2 ingredients)
(guess what they are, right? ha)



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Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Bryan Times - Crockpot Sips & Snacks for Entertaining - Dec. 3, 2019

As we head into this very busy season of the year, I think it's a great time to put your crockpot to work. I love that a dish can be cooking, with little/no attention, while preparing the rest of the meal, or delivering goodies across town. (Maybe after seeing these yummy recipes, you'll want to add a crockpot to your Christmas list?) I do hope you'll consider these recipes as you entertain this month.                                               


CROCKPOT PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

2 c. milk 
1/2 c. brewed espresso or 3/4 c. strong brewed coffee
2 Tb. pumpkin
2 Tb. sugar or sweetener
2 Tb. vanilla (yes, TB.)
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
(or substitute 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. cloves, 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, and pinch of ground ginger)

Place milk and espresso/coffee in crockpot. Whisk in pumpkin, sugar, vanilla and spices. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again before serving. Ladle into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon.

These meatballs are a fabulous creation.  A taste tester once told me the sauerkraut puts this dish 'over the top'. 
                                                           


CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS

1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce
1 (14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well
1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 (2 #) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs, thawed

In 4 or 5- qt. crockpot, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 4 - 5 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: about 5 dozen delicious meatballs!!


                              Crockpot Chocolate Candy Clusters (for a crowd)     
    
CROCKPOT CHOCOLATE CANDY CLUSTERS 

1 (20 ozs) pkg. white almond bark
1 (4 ozs) box German chocolate baking squares
1 (12 ozs) bag semi sweet chocolate chips 
1 (16 ozs) jar dry roasted peanuts
1 (16 ozs) jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 

Turn crockpot on high.  Break almond bark into pieces and place in crockpot.  Break German chocolate baking squares on top of almond bark, then add semi sweet chocolate chips.  Place lid on crockpot. (Tip: Place a paper towel under lid to catch moisture) DO NOT STIR FOR FIRST 45 MINUTES. 

Then, turn crockpot on low.  Pour in the peanuts and stir. Place the lid on and stir candy every 15 minutes for the second hour.  Turn off crockpot.  Drop candy by tablespoonsful onto waxed paper and let cool until firm.  Store in airtight container.  Keeps well in refrigerator for weeks. Yield: about 30 - 40 pieces

This one is named because you can 'bake' it while you're at church on Sunday morning. 

MINISTER'S DELIGHT

1 (20 ozs) can apple, cherry, blueberry or peach pie filling
1 c. crushed pineapple, partially drained, optional
1 (15 - 18 ozs) box yellow cake mix
1/2 c. butter, melted
Optional: 1/3 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
Garnish: ice cream or whipped topping 

Spray a 3 - 4 qt. slow cooker with non-stick vegetable spray.  Add pie filling; spread pineapple over top, if using. In medium bowl, combine dry cake mix and butter; mix with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over pie filling. Sprinkle nuts on top, if desired.  

Place 2 paper towels over slow cooker to catch any condensation. Cover and cook on low for 2-1/2 - 3 hours. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping. Yield: 5 - 6 servings 
CROCKPOT HOT VANILLA MILK 

1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. hot water
5 c. milk 
2 Tb. french vanilla coffee syrup, like Torani
(more or less according to preference)

In large saucepan, combine sugar and hot water. Stir; heat just until it just begins to boil. Transfer to crockpot; add milk and flavored syrup. Stir; cook on high for 1 hour or low for up to 3 hours.  Serve in mugs; top with whipped cream and sprinkles of cinnamon if desired. 

WHITE CHILI DIP 

1(1#) pkg. Bob Evans sausage roll 
2 (10 ozs. each) rotel tomatoes (with green chilies), well drained
2 (8 ozs. each) cream cheese, softened
1 (15 ozs) can refried beans, optional

Brown sausage; drain.  Thoroughly drain tomatoes. In large microwavable bowl, combine all ingredients. 

Microwave 2 - 3 minutes until mixture is smooth, stirring every minute.  Place in crockpot (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray) on low to keep warm up to 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas". – Peg Bracken

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Bryan Times - October 21, 2019 - Crockpot Recipes

Crockpots can help give you a 'night off' when life keeps you hopping with school activities. Here are some ideas to help you save time in the kitchen.  


This is an easy way to bake potatoes in the slow cooker on a busy day. Toppings can be made ahead so you can have a quick meal. 

CROCK POT BAKED POTATOES 

4-7 russet baking potatoes
2-3 tsp. olive oil
1-1/2 tsp. salt, optional
aluminum foil
Your choice of toppings: crumbled cooked bacon, chili, sour cream, grated cheese, cooked broccoli, taco-seasoned meat, etc. 

Scrub potatoes and completely dry. Prick each several times with a fork. Rub potatoes with a bit of oil, then salt. (this step can be omitted).  Wrap each potato tightly with foil, being sure to cover completely.  Place potatoes in slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 - 5 hours or low for 8-9 hours, or until soft.  Do not overbake or potatoes could become soggy.  Carefully unwrap potatoes; cut open and serve with desired toppings. 
                                                          


All cheese lovers will enjoy this one, no matter what their age. 

CROCKPOT MAC 'N' CHEESE 

1-8 ozs. box of macaroni, cooked and drained (do not overcook)
1 Tablespoon oil
1-13 ozs. can evaporated milk
1 1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
1/4 c. melted butter

oss cooked macaroni with oil. Add all remaining ingredients. Pour into lightly greased crock-pot. Stir well. Cook covered on low for 3 – 4 hours. Stir occasionally.


The first time I made this delightful dessert, I served it to company and they went wild.  Serve warm with ice cream (& caramel ice cream topping?) for an impressive treat. 


CROCKPOT PEACH CRISP 

3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. quick oats
1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
fresh grated nutmeg, optional
1/4 cup butter, softened 
2 large cans (20 ozs. each) peaches, well drained

Spray the inside of the crock or butter it. In medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or 2 forks until the mixture is crumbly.
Place drained peaches in the prepared crock and stir 1/2 the crumbs into the fruit. Top with the rest of the crumbs. (Before placing on the lid, cover the crock with 2 paper towels to keep the moisture from falling on top of your dessert-optional).  Cook on low for 3 - 4 hours.


Use your favorite cooking apple; this freezes nicely.  

CROCKPOT APPLESAUCE (No Sugar Added Option)

12 medium or large apples, cored, peeled and chunked into 1/4ths
1/4 c. (no sugar added) apple juice
1 - 2 cinnamon sticks 
about 1/4 c. agave nectar (does not spike sugar counts)
(You could also use honey or add stevia or sugar when it's done cooking)

Place apples into ungreased 3-4 qt. crockpot along with cinnamon stick. Pour apple juice over the apples, then drizzle with agave nectar, or honey.  Cook on high for at least 2 hours, then check for texture. Or cook it on low for 4 - 5 hours. Stir with wooden spoon or potato masher if you'd like chunks. Use a food processor or a hand held blender for a smoother applesauce. 

This tasty dip is easily doubled to serve a crowd. 

CROCKPOT REUBEN DIP 

1 c. sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 pkg. (8 ozs) cream cheese, cut into chunks
1 pkg. (6 ozs) shredded swiss cheese
2 - (3 ozs) thin sliced corned beef, diced
2 Tb. (or more) thousand island dressing 

Spray a 2-1/2 qt. crockpot with cooking spray. Place sauerkraut in the bottom, then add everything else and give it a stir.  Cover and heat on low for about 2 hours until cheese are melted, stirring occasionally to blend all ingredients. Serve warm with crackers, rye bagel chips or cocktail rye bread. 

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get." -Jackson H. Brown 

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Glazed Pigs in a Blanket



My family has always been crazy for simple pigs in a blanket, so I was ecstatic to try this easy recipe to dress them up for a ladies luncheon I was headed to. 

I received several comments about how good these are. 

If you like dijon mustard and worcestershire, I think you will go bonkers for
this scrumptious appetizer with a delicious brown sugar glaze...and poppyseeds
(for cuteness!) *-* 


These would be amazing to serve during the holiday season...they
are, after all, little bites.  Sometimes with all the many dishes at gatherings, it's nice just to have a taste.  

BETCHA CAN'T EAT JUST ONE!!! 

But they're also perfect for tailgating parties or any gathering, really! 

Go for it!  Trust me, they will fly out of the dish! And you'll be asked for the recipe too.  

A simple little sauce makes this become a fabulous twist on a classic. 

GO FOR IT!! You will definitely SCORE and be a real WINNER when you serve these little piggies wrapped in crescent roll deliciousness!  


GLAZED PIGS IN A BLANKET 

1 (8-count) pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (4-count) pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls 
1 pkg. (14 ozs) Li'l Smokie sausages
A few Tablespoonsful of dijon mustard

SAUCE: 
1/2 c. butter
2 Tb. brown sugar
1 Tb. dijon mustard 
1 Tb. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 - 1 Tb. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly spray 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 

On a large cutting board, unroll each can of crescent rolls separately.  Separate into triangles. Spread a teaspoon (or less, your preference) of Dijon on each triangle.  Cut each lengthwise into 3 smaller triangles. 

Place a little smokie sausage on the wide end of the triangle; roll up and place in prepared pan. 

In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, mustard Worcestershire and poppy seeds.  Bring to a boil and pour evenly over piggies in the pan. 

(To ensure I didn't have soggy dough on the bottom, I baked about 8 minutes before topping with sauce).

Bake about 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Serve hot.  Yield: 36 little snackies

Recipe inspired by Plain Chicken blog - please stop by and be sure to check out her post with lovely photos! 


Linked to 




You might also enjoy these appetizers...

(3 ingredients) 










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Tuesday, December 4, 2018

German Chocolate Cheeseball (with instant pudding!)

We all love having those quick and easy recipes to take to parties this time of year!

I have another one to add to your collection.  

This simple cheeseball has SO many options - use any flavor pudding
you'd like....I am partial to German Chocolate, but you could use white chocolate, butterscotch, pistachio...be creative. 

And you can also use a sugar free pudding mix, along with powdered sugar replacement (did you know you can make your own by whirling sweetener, like xylitol or erythritol for a while in the blender? Click here for easy instructions). 

We have to watch our sugar intake, so I used unsweetened shredded coconut, but of course, sweetened works just great too.  

Do your thing, but whatever you do, do NOT pass this recipe over. 

It's great served with graham crackers - regular or chocolate - vanilla wafers, even apple slices! Pretzels....whatever your family enjoys. 


GERMAN CHOCOLATE CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, softened
(please don't use fat free as it won't hold very well) 
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 sm. box (4-serv. size) instant chocolate (fudge) pudding mix
1-1/4 c. powdered sugar 
(or less if using powd. sugar substitute)
2 Tb. milk
1/2 c. unsweetened, shredded coconut
1/2 c. pecans, chopped 
(and toasted makes them even better!)

Chocolate or regular graham crackers, vanilla wafers
pretzels, or apple slices for serving

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, instant pudding mix, powdered sugar and milk for several minutes on high. 

Line a qt. bowl with plastic wrap.  Place half the coconut and half the pecans in the bottom.  Gently mix them together (your fingers work great for that).  
Add the cheeseball mixture (sticky at this point). Roll around so the coconut and pecans coat the cheeseball mixture. When covered; fold plastic wrap around the cheeseball and refrigerate until time to serve.  


Recipe inspired by Shugary Sweets


Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday



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Saturday, December 1, 2018

The Leader Enterprise - Nov 28 2018 - Post-Thanksgiving Recipes




It's party time! December is known as the month when we spend money left and right. I'm here to help you with some easy and somewhat frugal menu ideas. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!


The secret to great entertaining? It doesn't have anything to do with the foods you prepare, the drinks you serve, or the music you play. It's all about being friendly and adding that spice of personalized imagination to each and every little piece of celebration. You should be happy and joyful when your guest come to the door. Don't stress about what you have to offer, stay within your budget and you will have the best party ever. Make your guests feel like they are part of something magical. It is the holiday season, of course.

These meatballs are a favorite holiday dish. Even folks who think they don't like sauerkraut end up loving this dish too. Recipe is easily doubled. 


CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS




1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce


(14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well
1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 (2#) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs

In 4-qt.slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen delicious meatballs!!

I know I've shared this pretzel recipe before, but it's too good to pass up when feeding a crowd.  Very simple recipe and can be made ahead. Addicting! It's perfect for gift giving also. 

RANCH PRETZELS     Simple Ranch Pretzels

2# mini pretzels (or 2-20 ozs. bags)
1 (12 ozs) bottle Orville Redenbacher butter-flavored oil
1 pkt. (1 oz) ranch dressing mix, dry

Place pretzels in large 2 gal. ziploc bag (I use a clean 13 gallon garbage bag) and pour oil over pretzels. (I place the bag in a pan to keep the oil from going through the bag onto the counter). Shake bag to cover pretzels evenly with oil - sprinkle dressing mix over and shake again until mixed well. Shake bag about every 2 hours for several hours.  Let set overnight - keep in a sealed container. They keep well for several weeks stored in sealed container or ziploc bag. 

PECAN PIE MINI MUFFINS 

1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. chopped pecans
2/3 c. butter (no substitutes), softened 
(not melted)
2 eggs  

Preheat oven to 325. Combine sugar, flour and pecans; set aside. In large bowl, combine butter and eggs; blend with mixer or whisk, until well blended. Stir both mixtures together until moistened. (I blend by hand). Fill greased and floured or paper-lined mini muffin cups 2/3 full.  Bake 16 - 18 minutes. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen 



CROCKPOT CANDY

1 (20 ozs) pkg. white almond bark
1 (4 ozs) box German chocolate baking squares
1 (12 ozs) bag semi sweet chocolate chips 
1 (16 ozs) jar dry roasted peanuts
1 (16 ozs) jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 

Turn crockpot on high.  Break almond bark into pieces and place in crockpot. Break German chocolate baking squares on top of almond bark, then add semi sweet chocolate chips.  Place lid on crockpot. (Tip: Place a paper towel under lid to catch moisture) DO NOT STIR FOR FIRST HOUR. Then, turn crockpot on low. Pour in the peanuts and stir. Place the lid on and stir candy every 15 minutes for the second hour.  Turn off crockpot.  Drop candy by tablespoonsful onto waxed paper and let cool until firm.  Store in airtight container.  Keeps well in refrigerator for weeks. Yield: about 30 - 40 pieces

MINI BROWNIE TREATS  
1 box (9" x 13" pan size) fudge brownie mix
48 striped chocolate (peppermint) candy kisses, unwrapped 
Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool about 30 seconds, then top each with a chocolate candy kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas" ~ Peg Bracken 

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