Monday, January 31, 2011

Snow, Snow and more snow--and more recipes!

School let out early today due to the snow and wind. We've got probably about 5-6 inches of the fluffy white "stuff". The wind is picking up and the wind chills are supposed to be in the -25 to -45 degree range...
For those of you trying to decide what to make for SuperBowl, here are more recipes.



Copycat Granite City Dip
"To die for dip served at Granite City with their special waffle fries. Would be a great dip for practically anything and it is an excellent condiment for burgers and chicken and...well...everything! **Warning: This does not turn out as tasty or similar to the real thing when it's made with low-fat, no-fat ingredients**"
Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon curry
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Combine all ingredients with a whisk and refrigerate until serving time.


Baked Rueben Dip
"If you are a lover of Reubens, then you will love this hot dip! --- serve with toasted cocktail pumpernickle or rye bread slices --- this may be made up to 24 hours in advance then baked."
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (very soft but not melted)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
cayenne pepper (optional or adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 cup kraft thousand island dressing ( or use another popular brand)
1 3/4 cups shredded swiss cheese, divided
4 ounces sliced pastrami, chopped ( or use Deli corned beef, chopped)
1/2-3/4 cup sauerkraut, well drained (hand-squeeze out any excess moisture)
toasted pumpernickel bread, slices (use cocktail size bread slices, 
can use cocktail size rye bread, toasted)
Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Grease a 9 or 10-inch glass pie plate.
In a bowl combine the soft cream cheese with garlic powder, cayenne pepper 
(if using) sour cream and Thousand Island dressing;
mix vigorously until very smooth.
Mix in 1-1/4 cups Swiss cheese and the chopped pastrami or corned beef.
Spread the mixture into the pie plate.
Top with the sauerkraut, then sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Swiss cheese on top.
At this point you may cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Bake (400 degrees F) for about 15-20 minutes or until edges are bubbly and the mixture is very hot in the middle, you may need a slightly longer baking time if the mixture was chilled.


Baked Onion-Parmesan Dip
"If you are an onion-lover you will love this, it takes very little time to make and may be made in advance covered and refrigerated until ready to bake, use mayonnaise only for this not salad dressing --- serve this dip with Ritz butter crackers --- servings are only estimated."
Ingredients
2 medium sweet onions, finely chopped (won't hurt to add in one more onion!)
1 cup mayonnaise (DO NOT use salad dressing, use Hellman's mayo for this)
1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste) (optional)
cayenne pepper (adjust to heat level) (optional)
Directions
Set oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
In a bowl combine the mayo, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and 
garlic together until well combined and smooth.
Mix inchopped onions until combined, then season with black pepper 
and cayenne (if using).
Transfer to the baking dish.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Serve with butter crackers.


Mozzarella Dip
"This looks like just an innocent vegetable dip, but the more you eat of it, the more you wonder why it is so much better than the typical dip. This is truly addictive!"
Ingredients
1 pint mayonnaise
4 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Accent seasoning
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
Directions
Mix all ingredients and chill.
Serve with vegetables, chips or crackers.


Ham Olive Spread
Makes a wonderful addition to an appetizer table. Olives add the zip to the ham spread. Add some diced cheddar cheese for a different taste. For sandwiches,  use toasted whole wheat or pumpernickel."
Ingredients
1 cup cooked ham, ground
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons celery, minced
2 tablespoons green onions, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons diced green olives, with pimentos
1/2 tablespoon parsley, minced
salt and fresh pepper
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)
Directions
Place cubed left-over ham in food processor; pulse to grind. 
(Careful, not too much).
Remove to mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients.
Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Serve with baquettes, crackers or sturdy tortilla chips.

Cheese Bites
"Ridiculously addictive appetizers. I brought them to a party and everyone attacked them like starving piranha on a cow. Make them ahead of time, keep in your freezer and bake what you need."
Ingredients
2 lbs sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Combine cheese, butter, flour, salt, and cayenne in a large bowl: 
knead into a dough.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Can bake them right now (see instructions below) or freeze for later.
Place in trays in freezer for 30 minutes.
Remove from freezer and place in freezer bags or container.
Seal and freeze.
Can bake them straight from freezer.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place cheese balls 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake 15-17 minutes if frozen, 13-15 minutes if thawed.

White Trash Puffballs
You can always make more or less by using more or less cream cheese and crescent rolls! Trust me, these are excellent!"
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package hormel sliced pepperoni (or any brand)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 (10 1/8 ounce) packages Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
Directions
Take out the crescent rolls, and seperate into the individual triangles.
Flatten each triangle and slice it so that it becomes three small triangles.
Dice or chop your pepperoni into tiny, tiny pieces.
Mix the pepperoni into the cream cheese, stir very well so all of the 
pepperoni pieces are mixed into the cream cheese.
Take a little spoonful of your cream cheese/pepperoni mixture 
(about a teaspoon) and put it in the middle of one of your crescent rolls 
triangles.
Pinch up all of the sides around the filling.
Repeat and place them all on a cookie sheet.
Bake for the amount of time stated on the crescent rolls (usually 11 minutes at
350°F).
Let cool for a few minutes before serving!

Tex-Mex Cheesecake
"Great to bring this cheese cake to parties because it's made the day before and can travel easily in the spring form pan to be plated at the party! Make copies of the recipe! ;) You'll be asked."
Ingredients
Crust
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
Filling
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese ( room temp.)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelopes taco seasoning
2 tablespoons adobo sauce
1/4 cup salsa
1 cup grated monterey jack pepper cheese
3 eggs
2 -4 chipotle chiles in adobo, diced and seeds removed for less heat
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
1/4 cup salsa ( homemade or prepared)
1/3 cup sliced scallions
1/3 cup sliced black olives
Directions
Butter spring form pan, coat with tortilla crumbs--set aside.
Beat cream cheese, ricotta and jack cheese adding seasoning mix and adobo 
sauce beating in with electric mixer or in a food processor.
Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
Separate batter in half--add salsa to one half and chipotles and scallions to the 
other half.
Layer in spring-form pan.
Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Spread sour cream sprinkle shredded cheese and bake 10 minutes.
Cool in pan.
Cover and wrap in plastic.
Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Slide knife around edge of pan and remove to serve. Place on platter and 
garnish with toppings.
Scoop with tortilla chips.

Snowy Monday

Woke up to about an inch of snow this morning and it is still snowing. It's supposed to continue through tomorrow! It isn't too bad out right now temperature-wise, but the temps are supposed to drop and the wind is supposed to really pick up--glad I don't have to be at any meetings tonight! A lot of schools are starting late or are closed today--so far we're still on time. 

Friday, January 28, 2011

January Thaw

We've had two nice days of our "January thaw"--temps have been in the upper 40's and almost 50! Shirtsleeve weather for us!! It's been nice to be able to go outside and not have to put on the down coat, gloves and insulated boots! Unfortunately, the thaw is only making room for more snow--temps are supposed to head into the basement tomorrow and we're supposed to get snow Sunday and Monday. Even if "Phil" doesn't see his shadow on Tuesday, we know here in South Dakota that we'll have at least 6 more weeks of winter.


Zane took advantage of the nice weather to clean out some of the snow that has gotten packed in by my back steps this afternoon. I think he just wanted an excuse to go outside in shorts and a t-shirt!!




Photos from Pierre Trip

Representative Frank Kloucek, me, my mom and Representative Ed Van Gerpen

Mom, Representative Kloucek and my daughter Becky

Me and Senator Jim Putnam

The Canadian geese at Capitol Lake

Korean War Memorial on the grounds of the Capitol

Me and Mom inside the Capitol

Looking up into the Capitol dome

Another photo of the Korean War Memorial statue 

US Navy's Seal at the WWII Memorial on the Capitol grounds

The Capitol dome -- Pierre, SD

Trip to Pierre

Went to Pierre, our state capitol, yesterday for Newspaper Day at the Legislature. Mom, Becky and I left at 6 a.m. and after stops in Parkston (coffee for mom and Becky and Casey's donuts), Oacoma (more coffee) and Vivian (more Diet Dew for me!), we made it to Pierre! The further west we went the less snow there was and the warmer it got! By the time we got to Pierre, we didn't even need coats!
It was a very interesting and informative day. Got to meet with our local legislators, Senator Jim Putnam and Representatives Ed Van Gerpen and Frank Kloucek, as well as Senator Jean Hunhoff from Yankton. Everyone we spoke to said it is a "different" session this year with the Governor's proposed budget cuts. After lunch (and a great visit with Denny and Mary from Armour, Scott from Parkston and Nachtigal's from Platte) and a speech by the Governor, we headed to the Capitol. We made it a short stop--sat in on a couple of votes in the Senate--the House was in recess when we were there. Becky did wander down to Capital Lake to take photos of the servicemen's memorials and the geese! The building is so beautiful--unbelievable the craftsmanship that went it to building it! The display of the First Ladies' inaugural gown replicas was very interesting! It's interesting to see how the gowns have changed from the 1800's to the present! I remember checking it out many years ago when we used to go out to Pierre to visit the Haseks.
We all had a great time and I think we all learned a lot about this legislative session! The trip home was pretty quiet--Becky crocheted most of the way home, mom read through the cookbook she gave me for Christmas and I drove! Made stops for ice cream for Becky and coffee for mom (Dairy Queen in Pierre), Presho (munchies and coffee for mom and Diet Dew for me), Oacoma (gas for the van!!) and got back to Tyndall about 6:15 last evening. One thing we did notice is that gas prices are really going up. The cheapest gas was here in Tyndall ($3.09) when we left yesterday morning--otherwise it was $3.19 a gallon for ethanol and regular was $3.22 a gallon or more! Will post photos when I get them off the camera later today.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Cold, cold Sunday

It was -15 at 6 this morning when I went out to start my truck--I haven't been able to warm up since! The sun is shining brightly and it looks so nice out--until you open the door and realize how freezing cold it is! The wind is supposed to come up this afternoon so I suppose the snow will start blowing again!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Super Bowl Recipes

Here are a few more recipes that I've made for our Super Bowl potlucks. Enjoy!!

Dill Pickle Dip
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 dill pickles, finely chopped (use the mini food chopper)
2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pickle juice (or more)
1 dash salt
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
Mix all ingredients well, and chill for at least one hour to allow all flavors to blend. This dip is phenomenal with ripple chips!

Blue Ribbon Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
1 bunch green onions, chopped (4-6 stalks)
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 bottle Hormel bacon bits (NOT Baco’s)
1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 oz. bottle beer (I use Pabst Blue Ribbon)
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese; add in beer and mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients (I use a hand mixer to make sure it's combined well).
Chill at least 4 hours or overnite to blend flavors.
Enjoy!!

Bacon Tomato Dip
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 lb bacon, cooked crisp, cooled and drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
black pepper, to taste
shredded lettuce ( to garnish) (optional)
In medium bowl, with mixer, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped onion and green pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Crumble bacon into small pieces and add to mixture.
Add chopped tomato and stir well.
Garnish with shredded lettuce just before serving, if desired.
Serve with Townhouse crackers or Wheat Thins.
Also good served in a bread bowl with bread cubes to dip.

Larry’s Favorite Crab Dip
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Beat together and spread on a large platter.
1 bottle of seafood cocktail sauce
Spread over top of cream cheese mixture. You may not need all of the sauce.
1 package imitation crab, finely chopped
1 package tiny salad shrimp, thawed and rinsed
½ - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Old Bay seasoning
Spread finely chopped imitation crab and the shrimp over top of sauce. Sprinkle on cheese and then sprinkle with a bit of Old Bay seasoning.
Refrigerate until serving time.

Larry’s Other Favorite Crab Dip
1 package imitation crab meat, finely chopped
1 package tiny salad shrimp, thawed and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 – 2 cups mayonnaise
1 (1 oz.) package Italian salad dressing mix
Mix chopped crab meat and shrimp with mayonnaise. Add just enough mayonnaise to make it spreadable but not “soupy”. Stir in cheddar cheese and dry Italian dressing. Refrigerate at least 4 hours to blend flavors.

Cowboy Beans
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. bacon, chopped
1 cup onions, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can red beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain grease. Remove ground beef and put in crockpot. In same skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine the beans and remaining ingredients; stir in bacon mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until heated through.

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
10 oz. bottle chunky blue cheese dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack blend cheese
3 cups finely chopped, cooked chicken
12 oz. bottle Louisiana hot sauce (NOT Tabasco sauce)
Melt cream cheese and blue cheese dressing in medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir in shredded cheese and chopped, cooked chicken. Add hot sauce to taste--I only use about half the bottle.
Pour into crockpot sprayed with non-stick spray or use a crockpot liner and heat on low about an hour then turn to keep warm setting. Serve with crackers or celery sticks.