Jalopeno Poppers

Jared and I found the jalapeño poppers recipe in our Taste of Home Cookbook and decided to try them out with friends. We went to buy one pound of peppers, but they did not have enough for one pound, so we make as many as we could with the tiny jalapeños that we purchased! Our friends loved them!!!

Ingredients:
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 pound fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
sour cream, onion dip, or ranch dressing

Directions:
1) In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, bacon, and seasonings. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs.
2) Place in a greased pan. Bake uncovered at 300 degrees for 20 minutes for spicy flavor, 30 minutes for medium flavor, and 40 minutes for mild. Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing.

Husband Rating: A
Jared loved the poppers! They had just enough spice -- we went for the medium flavor!

Wife Rating: A
These were so good! Tiny, but good!!!

We're making these again...definitely!

Italian Calzones

I purchased pizza dough last week and ever since, Jared has been thinking about a calzone stuffed with pepperoni, salami, and cheese. So, we decide that this afternoon was a perfect day to make them since we had a few hours to let the dough rise, as well as time to prepare and enjoy them. This time we did not have wheat dough, but they still turned out great!

Ingredients:
1 pizza dough (we made 2 calzones with 1 dough)
Sliced pepperoni
Sliced salami
Shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
Flour
Olive oil
Marina sauce for dipping

Directions:
1) Roll out dough on a floured surface. Once desired thickness and size have been reached, place dough on lightly greased cookie sheet.
2) Fill one half of the dough with pepperoni, salami, cheese, and ricotta cheese. Fold over dough and seal with fork. Drizzle olive oil over the dough for crispiness.
3) Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Husband Rating: A+
Jared wants to serve these calzones to guests! He really enjoyed the flavor of the meats and the ricotta cheese filling.

Wife Rating: A+
Think of your favorite calzone from a restaurant....well, this calzone tastes better! :)

We'll continue to make calzones and try a different filling each time!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Jared wanted a hot dish to share with his coworkers at their Christmas Party yesterday, so he made Spinach and Artichoke dip. I cannot remember where I got this recipe from, so please let me know if it belongs to you so I can give credit to you. It was so easy....and so delicious. I did not want him to take it all to work, but he did. :( I am planning on making this again -- soon!

Ingredients:
1 block of cream cheese
1/2 cup mayo
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
12 oz. jar of artichokes (drained)
1 pkg chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed

Directions:
1) Mix ingredients and bake 20 minutes at 375 degrees.
2) Serve with tostitos or bread.

Husband Rating: A+
A perfect party appetizer! Use more garlic for more kick.

Wife Rating: A+
I loved this recipe -- and enjoyed a few bites before he took it away. :( Spinach and artichoke dip is one of my favorite appetizers.

I am going to make this again -- maybe for New Year's!!!