Sometimes Simple, Sometimes Grand, Always Declicious
So picture this…. one day you’re sitting on your couch, rump firmly planted into the cushion, checking your blog email when out pops an invitation to create a recipe for an upcoming movie. And not just any movie mind you. We’re talking The Croods; a Dreamworks animation, 3D, “croodatiously” awesome kind of flick.
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A few months back I had the privilege of flying west to the great state of Washington and spending a couple whirlwind days with the amazing people at Tree Top apple juice. I have to say, I always enjoy these adventures when they’re presented to me. The generosity of the people sponsoring the event never fails to astound and the education you come away with is something you could only garner through viewing the process straight from the source. This trip was certainly no exception.
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I must admit, since creating the chicken wraps from the Sargento recipe site a couple weeks back, I’ve found myself surfing back there on occasion, looking for more quick and tasty dinner time ideas. Last night the return trip arose from a desire to use up some leftover cooked shrimp from a low country boil eaten the night before. I popped over to take a gander and right on the front page, staring straight at me as if to say, “eat me you sassy, hungry home cook you”, was a simple and straightforward recipe for chipotle shrimp quesadillas.
Bingo.
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If you know me at all, then you’ll know I like to be quick and efficient in the kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a slow and perfected weekend meal as much as the next mom chef, but during the week that’s just not always possible. What I’ve discovered, however, is that if I take the time to make a bit extra of whatever dish it is that I’m cooking up on a Sunday when the time allots, I’ll reap the rewards later in the week when eating is a much more rushed experience.
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Every time I put together a Mexican dish, I can’t help but think of my Aunt and Uncle living down in Baja Mexico doing exactly what they were meant to be doing.
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Football lovers rejoice! The Super Bowl is almost here. I don’t know about you, but I look forward to the big game. On top of the fact that its arrival ushers out the long, cold month of January (it’s only 31 days, but I swear it feels twice that long), I also find that it provides me with an excuse to create some seriously satiating appetizers.
I’ve been toying with the idea of a bean dip for some time now. While there’s always freedom to experiment with flavors, a couple of requirements were necessary for this endeavor straight out of the gate:
Well, get ready, because I achieved all three goals and scored a two-point conversion in the process with the bonus addition of protein-charged beans to the mix. The final result is flavorful football fare that will leave you and your guests filled and content.
Kick off your Super Bowl party right by cooking up a couple slices of fresh-cut bacon. When the bacon is crisp and hot, remove it from the pan and chop. Reserving a teaspoon or two of the grease, slide your heat dial to medium and drop in a bit of diced onion and fresh garlic.
Sear it up for a minute or two and then toss in a can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans.
Swirl around the pan for a couple moments allowing them the opportunity to heat up. Dial the heat back down to medium low and stir in a bit of sour cream (light is ok), mayo, and one of the two chopped bacon slices. Transfer the hot mixture to a food processor and spin until smooth.
Finally, drop in a few handfuls of pepper jack cheese, a pinch or two of Parmesan and a few choice flavor enhancers including oregano, Worcestershire and hot pepper (to taste). Add salt if needed and sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and a little green onion over the top.
Even if your team doesn’t make it to the big game this year, you can be assured that between the clever commercials and the over-abundance of pigskin-dedicated fare, you’ll finish the evening with a satiated appetite and, if you’re lucky, a coveted Super Bowl win.
And if not, there’s always next year.
This post is being shared over at MSN’s Kitchen Cookoff. Be sure to drop by and show a little love!
Yield: About 2 Cups of Dip
Total Time: 25 min
2 Slices Bacon
1/4 Onion Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 15 Oz. Cannellini Beans, Rinsed and Drained
1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
3/4 Cup Shredded Pepper Jack
3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp Worcestershire
1/4 tsp Oregano
A Few Drops Hot Pepper, to Taste
Optional Garnish: 1 Green Onion, Chopped
Cook up the two bacon slices until crisped and brown. Pull out and chop.
Reserve a teaspoon or two of the grease and on medium heat, brown up the onion and garlic.
Add in the beans and stir around for a minute or two to heat them up.
Turn the heat down to medium low and add in the broth, sour cream, mayo and one of the chopped bacon slices.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour back into the pan and add in the cheeses, Worcestershire, oregano and hot pepper. Add salt if needed.
Garnish with the remaining bacon and a chopped green onion. Serve with crudités and pita chips and/or a hunky loaf of fresh baked bread.