Spooky 7 Layer Dip

An easy treat for any Halloween party. The seven layers include:


Refried Beans
Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
Guacamole or Avocados mixed w/ taco seasoning
Salsa
Cheese (shredded)
Olives (finely chopped or diced)
Sour cream


Layer the first 6 ingredients and then draw on the "web" with sour cream in a piping bag (or snip the corner of a ziploc bag). Add plastic spiders for extra spooky effect.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

It's starting to be that time of year when I warm bowl of soup really hits the spot. I tried a new soup last night. Spicy Chicken Tortilla, emphasis on the spicy. I looked at a few recipes and then picked out the things I liked to create my own twist. Here's the recipe:

In a food processor, combine: 3 jalapenos*, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 yellow onion. Saute the puree in olive oil. Puree 3 large tomatoes (or 1 large can stewed tomatoes) and a can of tomato paste. Add to sauted mixture and continue cooking for 5 mins. Add 6 cups of chicken stock to mixture and simmer for 10 mins. Add 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded) to soup mixture. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika. Continue cooking 30 mins.

Serve with fresh cilantro, cheese, and tortilla strips. To make tortilla strips, slice corn tortillas in strips, coat with oil & salt and bake for 10 mins in oven.

*I used 2.5 habaneros and 1 jalapeno, it was a 10 on the spicy level. This recipe might be more conducive to eating. :)

Topsy Turvy Disaster

Well it didn't work. The tomato plant is almost dead. I just don't get it. It seemed like a logical idea. I did plant another one, right side up, and it's doing great, full of flowers.

The garden is growing

After studying the topsy turvy tomato plant I finally created my own version. Dan Iverson was so kind to drill a hole in the planter for me. I planted a cherry tomato plant in the base and basil and cilantro on the top. No flowers yet, but it's looking healthy I hope to see some buds in the next few weeks.

Also, the bell pepper plants are starting to produce fruit. Two of plants are getting big and strong, but other four aren't maturing as I had hoped. I picked up some miracle grow plant food.

TGIF - Apricots!

I made my favorite summer time snack for my co-workers this morning. Apricots with mascarpone cheese! Not only are they pretty, but they can be consumed at any time of the day.

Here's the recipe:
Apricots
Mascarpone cheese
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Nutmeg
Pecans

Directions: Mix the cheeses together and either spoon into sliced apricots or place in a piping bag for added design. Sprinkle with nutmeg and pecans.

Pretty simple and soooo delicious!

Potted Garden

It's finally warming up here and I've moved into my new apartment. It has nice afternoon sun on the deck and I'm hoping for a good crop this year. Last year, my most productive plant was the habanero. It produced around 100 tiny (but very flavorful) peppers. This year I'm expanding my selection and trying to produce a salad garden: tomatoes, lettuces, bell peppers and snap peas. I also planted two habanero plants and some rosemary. I read about making a classier version of the topsy turvy tomatoe planter, utilizing a 12" hanging basket, drilling a 2" hole in the bottom for the tomato plant and planting basil and other herbs on the top. I'll post pictures one I get that assembled.

I planted these guys this morning so you are seeing them on Day 1.

Habanero Plants (left)

Peas and salad mix (below)

Rosemary (left)

Bell Peppers (left)

Cheesecakes

So I've had an inkling for cheesecake lately, but didn't want to tempt myself with a whole one. Thanks to my recent trip back home I acquired this mini springform pan. The picture is of a citrus cheesecake, with chocolate crust and fresh berries on top. It looks better than it tasted.

I tried another recipe over the weekend for chocolate cheesecake. It was amazing. I shared with my co-workers and they loved it. Here's the link to the recipe, though I altered the candy cane for mini chocolate chips. Definately worth the time! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-cheesecake-candy-cane-bars-recipe2/index.html

Work Birthday Party

I've become the unofficial cake baker for the company birthday party celebrations. I love it. Get to try new recipes without being stuck with a whole cake to eat! The next party is Monday, April 5th. We're celebrating 5 birthdays - too many to write on the cake. So I made little "decorations" to stick in the cake. Everyone gets a party hat! Take a look.

Banana Bread

Woke up early this morning to bake banana bread. I make this quick bread so often that I can practically make it in my sleep! To me, it should be more of a dessert - so I add mini chocolate chips, cinnamon and chopped walnuts. My co-workers appreciate it and my house smells wonderful. It was still warm when I got to work!

Welcome

To all my friends and family,
Many of you have followed me on my journeys around the world. Now I'm inviting you into my home, and more specifically, my kitchen. I have a love for cooking and entertaining that I can assure you was passed down to me by my mother (the best cook I know). Growing up in the agricultural and produce capital I was spoiled with a year round supply of colorful, fresh foods. Living in the bread basket region presents a few challenges but I'm learning to combine my love for colorful foods with the warmth and comfort of the great Minnesota hot dish (among other things). I hope you'll follow along as I create new meals and attempt my second year of gardening. I welcome all comments and suggestions and hope we can share a meal together soon!