Spicy Sausage Queso

This recipe would be fantastic to serve on New Years Eve if you're planning on hosting a party!  It's also great if you're home all alone and don't want to share a drop ;-)  Either way, give this a shot!  The sausage REALLY makes this dip pop!

Ingredients:

- 1lb. hot ground sausage
- 1 box melting cheese (like Velveeta)
- 1 can Ro-tel Tomatoes, undrained
- 2 small cans of green chilis
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  In a large saucepan, begin browning your sausage and onion together until brown.

2.  Meanwhile, cut your cheese into large cubes so it will be ready to toss in.

3.  Once your sausage is cooked, put your cheese in and begin stirring it around.  You will want to adjust your heat on your stove as to not burn the cheese.

4.  Once your cheese is completely melted in, toss in your Ro-tel and your green chilis and stir in well, bringing everything up to temp.

Here's the final product.....

I served this with tortilla chips, but you could definitely do so much more with this dip!  We have a bit leftover so we are planning on scrambling up some eggs and doing a breakfast burrito type thing for brunch later.  Try this one out soon!  Enjoy! 

Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is a tradition around this time of the year!  Everyone enjoys it, it's perfect for gifts, and it's cheap and easy to make. 

Being that this year, I'm still recovering from my gallbladder disaster/surgery, it was something I could do that didn't require a lot of work, but it still made me feel good to be creating a treat for my little girls. 

If you've never tried puppy chow (otherwise known as muddy buddies, or people chow) I suggest you do so as soon as possible.  But, take it from me...it's ADDICTING so try it at your own risk ;-)

Ingredients:

- 9 cups Chex cereal (you will see that I used Quaker Life cereal, which is slightly similar to Chex.  I did this b/c, for one, I had it on hand, and two, it was an oops on my part, lol)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
- 3 cups (or so) powdered sugar

Directions:

1.  In a very large bowl, toss in your cereal.

2.  In a separate bowl, measure out your chocolate, peanut butter, and butter.  Melt this mixture until smooth and pourable.  After melting, add in your vanilla and stir.

3.  Once your vanilla is incorporated, pour your chocolate mixture over your cereal and stir well, making sure to coat all the dry cereal with the chocolate mixture.

4.  Once coated, transfer your cereal to a large plastic bag.  This may take more than one transfer depending on how large your plastic bags are.  It almost always takes two for me.  After transferring your cereal, pour in the cups of powdered sugar and toss well to coat the cereal

Here's the final product....

This batch was eaten by the next day.  I ended up having to make another which is almost gone as well.  Like I said....addicting! ;-)  Enjoy!  

Italian Fried Potatoes

This is a quick and easy side dish that can be whipped up in minutes!  It goes well with anything too!  Give it a shot soon!

Ingredients:

- 2 pkgs.  Italian dressing mix
- About 3-5 potatoes, washed and diced
- Vegetable or olive oil for frying

Directions:

1.  Put your oil into your pan and begin to heat it up.  Dump your diced potatoes into the pan and begin cooking them.

2.  Open your Italian dressing packets and pour both packets over your cooking potatoes.  Stir well and continue to cook your potatoes until they are soft and a bit crispy.

Here's the final product....

I served mine on the side of some BBQ chicken breasts and cous cous.  Very flavorful and delicious!  Enjoy!

JAZZ IT UP! Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

This is the perfect way to jazz up your every day pancake mix!  It's perfect for a quick, delicious breakfast on Saturday morning when you have a lot to get done.  Try this one out soon and you AND your kids will love it!

Ingredients:

- Pancake Mix (the "just add water kind")
- Two snack packs of Apple Sauce
-1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl, measure out your mix depending on how many pancakes you will need to make.  For example, my mix says I need 2 cups if I want to make 12-18 pancakes. 

2.  Add in your cinnamon.  You can add more or less than what's listed above.  Go based on your taste, really.

3.  Add the water to your dry mixture based on the box's instructions.  Again, for example, for the 2 cups of dry mix, my box says to add 1 1/3 cups water.  Whisk together until it resembles pancake batter.

4.  Now toss in your applesauce.  I believe this was cinnamon flavored apple sauce, but it doesn't matter either way.  Mix well.  If the mix is too runny, toss in a bit of the dry mix.  If it's too dry, add a touch more water.  You will have to eyeball this.

5.  Now warm your griddle pan or electric skillet.  Spray it well with non-stick spray.  Using a 1/4 cup, ladle out your pancakes and cook them until done. 

Here's the final product....

Perfect!  This pairs great with some maple sausage and a glass of orange juice, milk, or hot coffee!  Enjoy!! 

Just So You Know.....

Hey guys!

Just a note that I very recently had my gallbladder removed.  I am 6 days post op as of today.  Unfortunately for me, the surgery came with quite a bit of complications.  It will be a bit before I'm up and about and in the kitchen cooking out some new recipes to share with you all. 

I just wanted to say that no, I haven't forgotten my blog and I'll be back as soon as my body allows! 

Until then.....keep on enjoying the simple things in life and everyone have a happy holidays!

Bonnie :-)