On the Other Side of Sickness...party time?

And just like that I lost a week! Part of my absence I will blame on the bronchitis that would not die that was finally felled by 1600 mg of antibiotics a day. Part of it was my grad school class ramping up and part of it was I (GASP) lost my camera. The camera has since been found, I think I have school under control and now I can thankfully breathe through my noise AND complete a sentence without a coughing fit.

Now Valentine's Day is around the corner but also the time when I sort of ramp down with get togethers until the warm weather starts up again. Football is such an easy sport to build a party around and since the only one in my house and immediate friend circle with a college basketball obsession is my husband...don;t expect another big gathering until Spring!

That being said, I would be remiss to not share some highlights from our Super Bowl party...the two biggest being the blue cheese dip I made from Emerill's Potluck Cookbook (a gift from my mom this past Christmas) and the Nacho Normal Cheesecake made by my dear friend Ingrid. Below is the cheesecake:

Nacho Normal Cheesecake - recipe Food Network

I have mentioned my master baker friend Ingrid before and when I saw this featured in last month's issue of Food Network Magazine, I immediately passed it along to her and asked her to bring it as her contribution to the potluck. It looks like the magazine photo (actually IMHO it looks better, thanks Ingrid!)

Now about that blue cheese dip...

The recipe can be found here: Classic Blue Cheese Dip or buy a copy of Emeril's book: Emeril's Potluck (or if you are local I will happily loan it to you).

No matter where/how you get the recipe...make it...love it..and try not to eat an entire container of it yourself. This dip isn't exactly good for you except it has no sugar or artificial ingredients, so you low-carbers out there, enjoy!

It was a great football party, and maybe I am a little sad to see the fall and winter party season go, but there are more excuses out there to party I am sure!!!

Steals of the Week: FOOTBALL Food!

 This is the first year in a while my husband and I aren't having a party for that game that happens between the two teams that remain after the regular season and the playoffs (apparently any mention or allusion to said game is a huge no-no). He is naturally disappointed because there are a few appetizers  I make that he can't wait to eat. Personally, I am excited to let someone else do the planning and cooking this year. But in his honor, and for those of you interested in game day snacks, here are some oldies but goodies that have been "stolen" for generations. Credit is given where credit can be credited!

VELVEETA Spicy Sausage Dip recipe (follow link for recipe)

• I personally use 1 roll of Jimmy Dean Hot sausage for extra spice
• The can of diced green chiles and tomatoes is a simple way to make this recipe. I have also made it with fresh tomatoes and canned green chiles, which I find makes a thicker dip.
• This dip is great with multi-grain tortilla chips too!

7-Layer Dip 

There are THOUSANDS of versions of this recipe out there so attributing anyone to a version is hard. One of my go-to recipe sites AllRecipes.com has 7 different kinds just on the first page. I will share the recipe my mom gave me. This makes enough dip for a 9x13 dish!

2 cans of refried beans
1 package of taco seasoning
3 cups of guacamole (not the guacamole dip! I've made that mistake!)
3 cups of sour cream
2 large tomatoes diced
2 cans of diced green chiles drained
4 cups of shredded Mexican cheese
2 small cans of sliced black olives

Mix the taco seasoning into the beans and spread on the bottom of the pan. (A little hint that sometimes microwaving the beans for a bit can soften them to make them easier to spread.) layer the other ingredients in order listed being careful to spread the liquid ingredients thinly and evenly. The tomatoes, chiles and olives should be sprinkled to cover and the cheese should completely cover the dip. Serve immediately or chill no more than 2 hours.

Hot Sausage and Cheese Puffs 
(I am 99.9% sure this originated with Bisquick but the recipe on Bettycrocker.com is different! sausage-cheese-balls. My mom gave this recipe to me years ago.

1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, cooked, crumbled, drained and completely cooled
1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups biscuit mix
3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add sausage to a large bowl, then add cheese, biscuit mix and water. Mix with a fork just until blended. The mix will have a paste like consistency. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on large ungreased cookie sheets (I usually use parchment paper just to be safe). Bake 12-15 minutes or until puffed and browned. Remove and cool on wire racks. These can be prepared ahead and frozen or refrigerated and then warmed right before the party in a 350 oven.

Have a great party and enjoy the game!