baked corn dip

This dip is SO good! I've actually only made it one time, for a cookout, and it was a huge hit.

ingredients:

2 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 can rotel, drained (if you like spicy things, you can get "hot" rotel. it gives it a little "something".)

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cumin

directions:

1. in bowl combine corn, rotel, and spices.

2. but in greased casserole dish and top with cubed cream cheese.

3. bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

4. stir to blend, then smooth it out with a spatula.

5. serve with fritos or tortilla chips.

spinach artichoke dip

This is a classic dip to take to parties, showers, etc. I love spinach and artichokes, so mix it with cheese and what's not to like?! This particular recipe has pepper jack cheese, so there is a hint of spicyness (is that a word?). You can serve it when any kind of cracker or bread you want. I've used Triscuits, and it was delish.

ingredients:

1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach

2 cans artichoke hearts

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

directions:

1. preheat oven to 350. grease casserole dish. (i used a round dish.)

2. heat spinach in microwave for 5 minutes, then wrap in a towel and squeeze dry.

3. drain artichoke hearts and coarsely chop.

4. combine all ingredients except jack cheese in a large bowl. stir well.

5. pour into prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with jack cheese.

6. bake for 30 minutes.

wassail

If you want your house to smell like the holidays, you've GOT to try this recipe. Not only does it smell amazing, it tastes amazing as well. I love to make this when I'm entertaining during the holidays. Or, if you aren't entertaining, put on your comfortable pants, pour yourself a mug of this and curl up on the couch to watch a Hallmark movie. :)

ingredients:

2 quarts apple cider

2 cups pineapple juice

1 1/2 cups orange juice

3/4 cup lemon juice

1 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp whole cloves

directions:

1. boil all ingredients in a pot and serve hot. (so easy!)

crustless quiches

These little things are so good for breakfast or appetizers. They would also be great for a brunch or a shower. This is just a basic recipe for quiche, but you can add many different things to them such as ham, bacon, spinach, different cheeses, sausage, and anything else your heart desires. I love spinach quiches... and its a great way to get some green into your kids (or you) without eating spinach just plain.

ingredients:

3 tbsp butter, divided

1/4 cup chopped scallions

3 large eggs

2 tbsp milk

1/4 cup grated cheese (any kind you like)

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

directions:

1. preheat oven to 425.

2. grease one tray of 24 mini-muffin pan cups.

3. in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

4. add scallions and saute until soft.

5. remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.

6. in medium bowl, mix eggs, milk, cheese, and salt & pepper. stir in scallions.

7. spoon 1 tbsp of mixture into each muffin cup.

8. bake until centers are set and top is slightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.

9. let cool 1 minute and use knife to loosen from cups.