Party Munchies ~ Perfect for New Year's Eve

For my last post of 2013, I've decided to go back and search the blog for some of my favorite appetizers from years past, some tasty goodies that would be right at home at a New Year's Eve party spread.  I just love a get-together with good munchies, especially when some of them are lower in fat, but still full of flavor.  Don't you?  ~~  Happy New Year 2014!!  ~~

1960's Cocktail Party Food ~ Look what's hot in the 60's world of Mad Men!  I made these for my Mad Men Cocktail Party post from back in 2012.  Check out all the hip recipes over on the AMC Mad Men site.

Sausage Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers ~ by baking the poppers & using low fat ingredients, these little gems can be enjoyed anytime!

Fabulous Fat-Free Green Chili Dip ~ gotta love a full flavored  & fat free dip!

Low Fat Cheesy Chili Bean Dip ~ pumpkin puree helps to give this tasty dip an extra boost of veggies, as well as standing in for some of the cheese.

 

Baked Jalapeno Poppers ~ filled with low or fat free cream cheese, wrapped in thin sliced ham, then baked.  They're perfect diet friendly party nibbles.  :)

Carrot Hummus ~ a lower calorie, veggie packed spin on the classic hummus.

Low Carb Bell Pepper 'Mock' Potato Skins & Pizza Bites ~ This is one of my most popular posts, sharing all the goodies I've made from one of the Hungry Girl cookbooks. 

Wishing Everyone a Happy 2014!

How To ~ Get a Stout or Ale taste out of a Pale Lager Beer ~ great for use in cooking or for drinking!

SPOILER ALERT!! This post is for my readers that are 21 years old and over!!!  If you're under 21, come back on your 21st birthday.

Short on funds, but wanting a more rich and toasting tasting premium Stout or Ale tasting brew?  Need some Stout or Ale for a recipe, but, only have a Lager in the fridge?  Just like to try copycat recipes?  Just feel like watching the beer create a lot of creamy foam head?  Then maybe this beer copycat trick might be right up your alley.  I've been using this little cheat for years ~ it not only works for my cooking, but, it's also an easy way to doctor up a less expensive Lager and make it taste like it has some extra sass.   Happy Cooking or Party On! ~ Cheers!

My How-To on transforming a Lager into a Stout or Ale taste...

For Instant Mock Stout ~ Get an Imperial pint glass and... Dissolve 2 teaspoons instant decaf coffee in a little hot water. Pour one 12oz bottle of Miller MGD beer into the now liquid decaf coffee. It will foam up when they combine ~ so use a steady hand and pour it into a tilted Imperial pint glass (they're 20oz vs a 16oz American pint glass ~ that way the foam has a place to go) or a large similar glass.  It will produce a rich and creamy head, similar in taste/look to what you might get with a Guinness draft pour, but with a bit more tan color in the creamy foam head.

For Instant Mock Ale ~ Get an Imperial pint glass and... Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant decaf coffee in a little hot water.  Pour one 12oz bottle of Miller MGD beer into the now liquid decaf coffee.  It will foam up when they combine ~ so use a steady hand and pour it into a tilted Imperial pint glass (they're 20oz vs a 16oz American pint glass ~ that way the foam has a place to go) or a large similar glass. It will produce a rich and creamy head, similar in taste/look to what you might get with a deep golden Samuel Adams Ale draft pour, but with a bit more tan color in the creamy foam head.

Vegetarian Low Fat Cheesy Chili Bean Dip ~ Meatless Monday

I always crave warm, chunky Chili Cheese Dip when I'm watching football games.  Since the Superbowl is fast approaching, I decided to see if I could come up with a lower fat option of my old favorite.  I was looking for a satisfying dip that was vegetarian so it could do double duty as a Meatless Monday side dish, too.

While tinkering in the kitchen, I came up with the following recipe ~ Vegetarian Low Fat Cheesy Chili Bean Dip.  Pumpkin puree helps to replace some of the cheese sauce, keeping the dish low fat and also upping the fiber.  Using chili beans in sauce instead of a can of beef chili keeps it vegetarian and mashing them slightly gives it a nice texture.  Serve the dip with your favorite chips or along side a cheese quesadilla as a quick and super tasty snack.  Enjoy!

Vegetarian Low Fat Cheesy Chili Bean Dip
makes a bowlful

Ingredients

• 1 can chili beans in sauce, slightly smashed
• 1/2 can Campbell's Condensed Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa
• 1 Tbsp taco seasoning (or more, to taste)
• optional toppings for garnishing ~ shredded cheese, fat free Greek yogurt/sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, etc.

Directions
In a pan, over medium heat, add first 5 ingredients together and stir well.  Continue to heat until warmed throughout, stirring occasionally.  Taste and adjust seasoning in needed. Serve dip warm, with optional toppings if desired.  Try it with your favorite chips or as a topping for cheese quesadillas.

Sharing Soup with Friends ~ TWIGS 6th Annual Stock Your Freezer Soup Night

Last night I was invited to attend the TWIGS 6th Annual ~ Stock Your Freezer Soup Night.  What a fabulous event!  I had such a wonderful time and met a houseful of beautiful and charming ladies.  The night was full of good food and drink, interesting conversations, the sharing of foodie recipes and a true feeling of kindred spirits, kinship and love.  I'm so thrilled to have been invited to share in their annual event.  Here are some images from that delightful evening...

Wintertime at the lake...

It started with wandering around the lovely home of the hostess, Debbie...

Enjoying bubbly conversation, fine wine and tempting appetizers...

Then it was time to head into the kitchen for the soup tasting, sharing of recipes and then the hardest part...

...deciding which soup to choose for your dinner!  There were so many of us, that it took two very large and beautifully decorated tables to accommodate us all.  The conversations were lively and everyone had a smile on their faces.

After we all had our fill of soup, we then descended on the sweets table.   It was a presentation worthy of the finest French bakery.  I am in awe of those ladies who are such talented bakers.  Thank you so much, it was delightful!

I had a hard time choosing my favorite soup, but in the end, Inge's secret recipe for her famous ~ Goulash ~ won my heart.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Sweet Potato Biscuits and Shaker Lemon Pie that Debbie made.  I had many (!) of the incredible Gourmet Cookies that Kathleen created ~ they were AMAZING!  Sorry to say, but, I was too full to try Carol's homemade apple pie (made from her own backyard apples), but I heard it's the best around.  After everyone was finished with dining, they then filled containers with their favorite soups to take with them for the journey home.  What an easy and clever way to add variety to your meals and to ~ Stock Your Freezer!

By the end of the night, I was totally stuffed.  This foodie was so very happy to have been invited to share in this fun-filled evening.  A big Thank You to everyone ~ it was so nice to meet you all! :)


Here's the menu and all of the cooks who made this super soup extravaganza possible.  I've also compiled a slideshow of the evenings festivities for your viewing pleasure ~ click here ~ for the show!  (changing the slideshow time to 5 seconds seems to be the best way to view it ~ 3 seconds is just too short)  Enjoy!
 
~ Soups du Jour ~ Appetizers ~ Desserts ~

Myrna ~ Cheeseburger Soup

Lisa ~ 13 Bean Soup

Anita ~ Swiss Chard Bean Soup

Lynell ~ Mediterranean Vegetable

Barbara ~ Tomato Soup with Brown Butter Croutons

Janet ~ Potato Leek Soup

Inge ~ Goulash

Madeleine ~ Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fazool) Soup

Kay ~ "Cooker Restaurant" Soup

Carole L. ~ Chicken Leek Soup

Kathleen ~ Lemon Chicken Spinach Orzo Soup ~ 3-Tier Assortment of Homemade Gourmet Cookies (dessert) ~ Cheese Ball (appetizer)

Carol D. ~ Homemade Apple Pie, from her backyard apple tree (dessert)

Debbie ~ Sweet Potato Biscuits & Cornbread ~ Shaker Lemon Pie (dessert)

Betty ~ Cheese and Crackers (appetizer)

Super Nachos ~ perfect for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

I am a HUGE fan of Mexican food.  I grew up in Southern California, where Mexican culture & Mexican food is part of the very fabric of the state.  I admit it, I enjoy eating Mexican food ~ so much so, that I consider it my go-to comfort food.  What a great way to showcase the biggest Mexican celebration day in the US,  Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) ~ by sharing my love of Mexican food.  Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, so, I thought I would do a few posts about the Mexican food I enjoy cooking & eating.  Oh, this is going to be fun!  ((to find out about celebrating Cinco de Mayo ~ go here))

When I get the munchies for something Mexican, for a dish that is easy to make & perfect anytime ~ day or night, I turn to Nachos.  That, to me, is a taste of home.  I've been making this plentiful pile of crunchy chips, melting cheeses & various other bits of taste heaven, for as long as I can remember.  As I've said before ~ You can take the girl out of California, but you can't take the California out of the girl.  :)

I don't have a traditional recipe for Nachos, per say, I just add what I want based on what I have in the fridge & pantry.  Here is a list of things I might add to my Nachos, combining them to suit my pantry, my mood or dietary preferences of my guests.  So, to make a plate of      Super Nachos, like in my picture, then...

Spread on the bottom of the ovenproof pan...
tortilla chips ~ regular, flavored, colored or baked

...top the chips with as many of these as you'd like...

taco meat
vegetarian taco meat (made with TVP)
chili beans ~ spread around the chips
refried beans ~  drop on the chips (or spread on the chips if you have the patience ~ I don't)
pourable nacho cheese ~ jarred
Campbell's Condensed Nacho Cheese Soup  ~ do not add water, use as is
shredded Mexican Cheese Blend ~ prebagged (super easy)
block cheese ~ cheddar, pepper jack, monterey jack, colby etc. ~ grated (almost as easy)
onion ~ chopped

~ preheat oven to 400 degrees

~ bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the nachos are
    heated through,  about 8 to 10  minutes. 

...garnish with some of these goodies...

green onions ~ sliced
black olives ~ sliced
pickled jalapenos ~ sliced
tomatoes ~ chopped
cilantro ~ chopped
sour cream
salsa


what to do if you have leftovers...

One night I couldn't finish all the Nachos I made.  Yeah, I know, how did that happen?  Well, the next morning I turned the leftovers into a Nachos Frittata.  Man, was it good.  Now, I don't know if I'll ever have leftover Nachos again, but if I do, better believe I'll be making this dish again!  :)

Quick Nachos Frittata

serves 2-4

leftover nachos
6  eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
sour cream, olives, cilantro, salsa ~ for garnish
salt & pepper ~ to taste
cooking spray


1)    preheat oven to 400 degrees

2)    spray a glass pie plate with cooking spray

3)    mix the beaten eggs & milk until well blended, pour 1/2 of mixture into the
        pie plate

4)    break up the leftover nachos & place them in the pie plate & then
       pour the remaining egg mixture over the nachos ~ let sit for 10 minutes

5)    bake frittata about 25-30 minutes ~ or until golden & puffy
       and the center feels firm & springy

6)     garnish with salsa, sour cream, olives & cilantro ~ salt & pepper to taste

Enjoy!

Mad Men Cocktail Party ~ Celebrating the 60's

March 25th is the day Season 5 of ~  Mad Men ~ finally arrives.  AMC has created a Mad Men ~ Online Party Planner for celebrating the start of the new season, as well as all things 60's.  Just to help get everybody in the Swinging 60's mood, after all, it has been awhile...  Food, cocktails, invitations, menu ideas, party playlist, what to wear, party games, decorating tips...way cool!  I've checked out all the nifty ideas they have & what fun, they really have captured the 60's party mood.  I remember Grandma Bunni making many of the things they have on their party menu.  I was happy to see some of the items are ones I have already blogged about, or ones that I have already taken photos of, but haven't posted yet.  Guess I like cooking retro food & mixing retro drinks ~ even when there isn't a party planned. :)   

So, here are some of the things I like to make at my house.  They have that original 1960's vibe & are still fun to eat & drink, even today.  Let's get this mid-60's party started!!!



Cocktails

What can I get you to drink?

Seven & Seven ~ I hope Don doesn't mind me borrowing one of his cocktail glasses...  This is one of my favorite 60's cocktails.  When I was a kid, I used to steal a sip of Grandma Bunni's when she wasn't looking.  Check out the fab Sally Draper Cocktail Cheat Sheet for the recipe.

Dirty Martini ~ I'm sure Roger must switch it up from time to time & goes for olives instead of onions.  Sometimes you just need to get down & dirty...

Bloody Mary ~ I like mine made with Sake instead of Vodka ~ maybe Joan would too, when she is in the mood for something exotic...

Brandy Alexander ~ I bet Trudy likes these...

Pink Squirrel ~ I can just hear Betty ordering one of these in her flirty, naughty-girl voice...

  

Manhattan ~ The perfect drink for when Peggy is at a business lunch. A man's cocktail, but with a hint of sweetness...

Old Fashioned Lemonade ~ You need to always have some ready, just in case Sally or Bobby are still wake & get thirsty.  Of course, you could spike it with Vodka or Limoncello, for an adult version of Lemonade ~ or maybe, use it as part of an impromptu Whiskey Sour. You never know when or where the mood will strike...

Mad Men Online Party Menu ~ 

These recipes really are the tastes of the 60's. It's all here, they have gathered all the dishes that will allow you to have a successful 60's cocktail party or swanky 60's dinner party. I had a lot of fun making these drinks & dishes, and I'm sure you will, too...

Hors d'oeuvres, anyone?

Chicken Liver Pâté, Pimento Cheese Spread, Deviled Eggs

Dinner is served...

Waldorf Salad & Sirloin Tips en Brochette

How sweet it is...

Ambrosia

I hope all these photos, from my kitchen, will inspire you to check out the AMC Mad Men Party Guide & to try making some of these great vintage cocktails & recipes yourself.  And don't forget the retro party ideas that will make your gathering memorable ~ you'll be the talk of 1965/66.  OK ~ Let's get this party started!