Guacamole

As Homer Simpson is to sub sandwiches, I am to the trinity of onions, cilantro, and tomatoes. Add some avocado and you've got quite the waterfall of saliva going for me. This guacamole is too delicious for words. I realize it might not fit your fancy, but it does mine! For the first time ever I made cheese and grilled chicken quesadillas for dinner on a casual night and topped them with this guacamole. It made a plain jane meal into a blue ribbon worthy feast.

3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. cayenne
1/2 med onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 T. chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Jalapeno Poppers

I forgot to take pictures of these before I took them to a party and they were eaten within 5 mins of our arrival so I never got to take a picture. The men especially loved them. With the holidays coming up, there will probably be a party where you'll need an appetizer. These were very easy and quick. Also, sorry I haven't been posting regularly these past several months. Life has been busy and since my husband is not home as often I haven't cooked very much.


18 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 pkg bacon, cut in half
toothpicks

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese. Wrap 1 bacon strip around each jalapeno half and secure with a toothpick. Arrange wrapped jalapenos on baking sheet.
Bake about 25 minutes in preheated oven, or until bacon strips are crisp. Serve warm.

Chicken Cups

We really liked these and they were fairly fast and simple, especially with the canned chicken. The boys really liked them too.

4oz cream cheese, softened
2 T. butter, softened
1 can chicken meat (the size from Costco)
2 T. minced onion

2 T. minced green pepper
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. ground black pepper
3. T. milk
2 (8 oz) pkg refrigerated crescent rolls
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 2 T. melted butter or margarine until smooth. Add the chicken, onion, green pepper, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix well.
Separate crescent dough to fit in mini muffin tin. Firmly press into cups. Spoon about 1 T.of the chicken mixture into the center of each cup. Pull corners of dough over top and pinch shut.
Brush tops of cups with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or margarine; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Veggie Pizza

I personally love this appetizer and think it's good enough for a meal. Jackson and Mitchell both ate it like crazy. I used my "vidalia chop wizard" to cut up the veggies because it would have taken forever by hand. I used the smallest grate. I bought generic crescent rolls this time and will never do it again--pillsbury only!

INGREDIENTS
2 (8 oz) pkgs refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c mayo
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 t dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
Desired veggies...the more the better: green onions, broccoli, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, etc.


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a jellyroll pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Pat crescent roll dough into a jellyroll pan. Let stand 5 minutes. Pierce with fork.

Bake for 10 minutes, let cool.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, dill weed, garlic salt and ranch dip mix. Spread this mixture on top of the cooled crust. Arrange the veggies on top of the creamed mixture. Cover and let chill. Once chilled, cut it into squares and serve.