baked spinach dip mini bread bowls

That sure is a long name for these small delicious little things BUT I thought I would post because I made them tonight and they were oh so good!

This recipe is from Picky Palate, one of my new fave food websites... check it out!

Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls

13.3 oz roll of refrigerated french bread loaf, I used Simply Pillsbury
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
3 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup light sour cream
2 Tablespoons fresh shredded parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Ancho Chile Pepper
1/8 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Garlic Salt
1/8 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 10 muffin cups with non stick cooking spray. Unroll package of french bread loaf and slice into 10 equal size slices, about 1 inch thick. Press each slice into about a 3 inch round, I did this by pressing in between my hands. Press into the bottom and up sides of the muffin cup. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes then add garlic, cook and stir for another minute then turn heat off.

3. Place cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach and garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Ancho Chili Powder, garlic salt, salt and pepper into a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dip into each of the centers of bread bowls. Top evenly with shredded cheese and bake for 15-17 minutes until just turning brown on edges. Remove and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from oven.

10 mini spinach dip bread bowls

Beer Bread and Chinese Cheesecakes

For the Super Bowl we wanted to make some fun game day food. After seeing a few recipes online or TV we decided to embark on some new cooking experiences. Scott and I made Chinese Cheesecakes from Guy's Big Bite and Beer Bread from My Baking Addiction with spinach dip.

Chinese Cheesecake

Ingredients

Canola oil, for frying
8 tablespoons cream cheese
3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
2 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar (1 1/2 for mix, 1 tablespoon for garnish)
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
10 thick egg roll skins
1 cup raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, fresh preferred
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Heat 1-inch of canola oil in large saute pan, to 325 degrees F.

In a bowl mix the cream cheese, ricotta, and 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar with a whip, until thoroughly blended.

Beat egg and milk together. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheese mix in center back of egg roll skin and place 4
to 6 raspberries in the center of cheese mixture.

Brush egg wash around edges of skin, fold left and right sides of skin in 1/2-inch, and then roll from back to
front, insuring that the roll is sealed.

Place in oil and cook both sides until golden brown. Let drain on paper towels for 2 to 3 minutes.

Dust with cinnamon and sugar. Serve with whipped cream and raspberries, if desired.

Beer Bread

yields | 1 loaf

Ingredients
3 cups self-rising flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 ounces beer {I used Sam Adams Winter Lager}
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Butter an 8×4 inch loaf pan and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and beer; mix well. The mixture will be sticky. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes.
3. At the last three minutes of baking, remove from oven, brush the top of the loaf with the melted butter and return to oven for the final three minutes of baking.

Homemade Granola and Smart Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today when I woke up I decided that today was going to be a baking and cooking day. Maybe it's the random spurt of energy I have today and the great sleep I got last night. This might mean the baby is on his way...who knows!

Homemade Granola
4 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Method
In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds and coconut; set aside. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey, maple syrup and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat. Spread in a large shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool. Add raisins and dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.

**This is super yummy! Put it over yogurt or milk with some fresh blueberries.

Smart Chocolate Chip Cookies - a wholesome twist on a family classic!

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rolled oat
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

Makes 36 cookies (it really does make this much)

I also made a homemade Hearty Oat Loaf today. We haven't tried it yet so I will post the recipe once we do (just to make sure it tastes as good as it looks).

Love you all!

This Week

By request from Crystal...our meal plan this week. A warning that it's very boring this week...very kid friendly I guess:)

Tuesday - ham, mac and cheese, peas
Wednesday - chicken fajitas
Thursday - going to a wives' meeting:) (probably blueberry waffles for the kids, and the husband can just find something...haha)
Friday - pizza night
Saturday - dinner out/take-out
Sunday - no cooking night: sandwiches, apples, popcorn
Monday - chicken patty sandwiches, green beans

Quantico Cookie Exchange 2010

Hi ladies,
Here are the recipes from our Cookie Exchange we had last night. Everything was super yummy (well what I tried!). Miss you all.

Candy Cane Snowballs by Brandi Buerstatte

2 cups butter, softened

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

8 ounces white candy coating (or dipping chocolate)

½ cup crushed peppermint candy (candy canes work great!)

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add flour. Stir in pecans. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until easy to handle.

2. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.

3. In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip the top of each cookie in chocolate then in peppermint candy.

Oreo Mint Hot Chocolate by Brandi Buerstatte

10-15 oreos, coarsely chopped

3 cups milk

½ cup chocolate flavored syrup

½ tsp peppermint extract or crushed up candy canes

Whipped cream for topping

Candy canes or peppermint sticks for garnish

1. Blend chopped cookies, milk, syrup, and peppermint extract in blender until combined

2. Pour into 2 quart saucepan or slowcooker. Heat until hot.

3. Serve with desired garnish

Winter Sangria by Brandi Buerstatte

1 ½ cups black cherry juice (or red wine for adults)

½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds

1 orange, halved and sliced

1 granny smith apple, cored and thinly sliced

1 ½ tsp. pure maple syrup

3 cups seltzer, chilled

1 cup ginger ale, chilled (I used sprite)

Ice

1. In a large pitcher, combine the cherry juice, pomegrantate seeds, orange, apple and maple syrup; refrigerate for 1 hour or over night.

2. Stir in seltzer and ginger ale. Serve over ice.

Vanilla Thumbprints by Jenn Gerschutz

3/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
jam (cherry, seedless raspberry, or apricot)

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Add flour and mix until incorporated
Roll 2 tsp of dough into 1 inch ball. Space 2 inches apart.With thumb indent dough and fill with 1 tsp of jam. Bake for 10 -12 minutes.

Secret Spice Cookies by Kerri Sutcliffe

Ingredients

1	cup Oat flour*
1	cup All-purpose flour
2	teaspoons Baking Soda
2	teaspoons Ground ginger
1	teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/2	teaspoon Ground allspice
1/2	teaspoon Salt
1	cup Granulated sugar
1/3	cup Heinz® Tomato Ketchup
1/3	cup Canola oil
1	Large egg
1/4	cup Molasses
1	teaspoon Vanilla extract
	Additional sugar for coating, as needed

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Combine oat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a medium-size bowl; whisk to combine, and set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, Ketchup, and oil. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

5. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla and continue to beat just until mixture is combined.

6. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture until thoroughly combined.

7. Using a small scoop (approximately 1-1/2 tablespoons), form dough into balls then roll in sugar to coat.

8. Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

9. Bake at 350 F until cookies are golden brown around the edges and cracked on top, about 10 to 12 minutes.

10. Let cool 2 minutes on sheet tray. Transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Note: *Grind quick oats in blender or food processor until they become flour-like in consistency. (Approximately 1-1/4 cups of quick oats will be needed – measure oat flour after processing.)

Mississippi Mud Cookies by Steffany Hudson

Prep: 25 min Bake: 12 min per batch Yield: about 3 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup chopped pecans

½ cup milk chocolate morsels

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp miniature marshmallows

Directions:

Microwave semisweet chocolate morsels in a small microwave-safe glass bowl at HIGH 1 minute or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chopped pecans and ½ cup milk chocolate morsels.

Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Press 3 marshmallows into each portion of dough.

Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks.

Tip: Dough containing sticky ingredients, such as marshmallows and toffee bits, are best baked on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Chocolate Coconut Bars by Alison Raper

Ingredients

Makes 20.

• 3 cups finely ground cookies (12 ounces), such as graham crackers or chocolate wafers, or a combination
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup pecan pieces
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly splash a 15-by-10-inch rimmed baking sheet evenly with water, then line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter until combined. Evenly press onto bottom and up sides of prepared baking sheet. Bake, rotating halfway through, until firm, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool, about 20 minutes.

3. Sprinkle cooled crust evenly with pecans and chocolate. Pour condensed milk over the top, spreading to cover completely (do not let it drip over the edges). Sprinkle with coconut.

4. Bake until coconut is toasted, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely. Trim edges, if desired, and cut into equal-size bars.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies by Lisa Fleischaker

Cream together:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup peanut butter

Add

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 ½ cups flour

Also

1 20 oz. bag mini Reese’s peanut butter cups

Preheat oven to 350. Unwrap peanut butter cups before beginning baking. Can freeze peanut butter cups while dough bakes to make it easier to press into cookies without melting. Divide dough and roll into 72 equally sized balls. Drop these into ungreased mini muffin pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and immediately press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Let cool before removing from pan.

Makes about 6 dozen.

Easy Oreo Truffles

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream cheese, softened

1 pkg. OREO cookies, finely crushed (about 4 ¼ cups), divided

2 pkg. (8 squares each) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

Mix cream cheese and 3 cups cookie crumbs until well blended.

Shape into 48 (1 inch) balls. Dip into melted chocolate; place on wax paper covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate one hour or until firm. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Chocolate Marshmallow Pillows

Cookies:

1 pouch Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp. water

1 egg

2/3 cup chopped pecans

12 large marshmallows, cut in half

Frosting:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup whipping cream

1 tsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

½ cup powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350. In a large bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water, egg, and pecans until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheets, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart.

Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven; immediately press marshmallow half lightly, cut side down, on top of cookie. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or just until marshmallows begin to soften. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, in 1 quart saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Add whipping cream, butter and vanilla; blend well. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth.

Spread frosting over each cooled cookie, covering marshmallow. Let stand until frosting sets.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

¼ to ½ tsp. mint extract

6 to 8 drops green food color

1 egg

1 cup crème de menthe baking chips

1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Heat oven to 350. In a large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color, and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in crème de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.

Using small cookie scoop or tsp., drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely.

O'Henry’s by Briana Stepp

1 c. light karo syrup
1 c. sugar
1 c. peanut butter
6-8 c. Special K cereal
12 oz. chocolate chips
12 oz. buterscotch chips

Measure Special K into a large bowl, set aside. In a saucepan, bring karo syrup and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Pour over Special K and mix well.

Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 dish.

Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips in the microwave for one minute and stir. Continue microwaving the chips in 30 second intervals (to prevent burning!), stirring each time, until completely melted and smooth. Spread over the top of the Special K mixture. Refrigerate or allow to harden before serving.

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 (10 oz) block extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
8 oz package elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Microwave milk at HIGH for 1½ minutes.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until
smooth.
- Cook whisking constantly, 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until
thickened.
- Whisk in salt, black pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheese until smooth.
- Stir in pasta.
- Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt baking dish; top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.


Note: I normally double the recipe and bake it in a glass 13x9 pan. Cracker barrel makes one of the only 10 oz blocks of cheese but I often use already shredded cheese.

Banana Bread

This is my Mother In Laws recipe and it is really good.

1/2 cup corn oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs well beaten
1/4 tap salt
1 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup buttermilk or sour cream
3 very ripe bananas mashed
1 cup walnuts or pecans

-Preheat oven to 350.
-Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.
-Cream sugar and oil.
-Add eggs and salt, mix well.
-Add baking soda and sifted flour.
-Combine with buttermilk or sour cream.
-Add bananas.
-Fold in nuts.
-Bake for 45 minutes at 350.

I usuall add about a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of nuts instead of a full cup of nuts.