Pumpkin season is here!  My favorite time of year!  Stay tuned all season for new recipes added to the blog!  First up is my pumpkin pie dip recipe that is great to bring to a party!

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Ingredients

2 Packages of Cream Cheese

3 Slices of Cooked Bacon, Crumbled

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 TBSP. Worcestershire Sauce

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Bunch of Rosemary

Crackers of Choice

Directions

1.)  Cook Bacon, I like to place on baking sheet and cook in oven for 20 minutes at 350 Degrees.  Let cool and crumble

2.)  Mix together Cream Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Garlic Powder, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, and half of the Cheddar Cheese

3.)  Form Cheeseball into a Pumpkin and place on serving platter.  Cover with remaining Cheddar Cheese

4.)  Place Rosemary in the top of the Pumpkin cheese ball

5.)  Refrigerate until ready to serve

6.)  Serve with crackers of choice

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

1 15 oz. can of Pumpkin

1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 Eggs

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. ground Cloves

1 tsp. ground Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 pre made Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Directions

1.)  Whisk all ingredients together until smooth

2.)  Pour mixture into pie crust

3.)  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 25 minutes

Homemade Whipped Cream

Ingredients

1 cup of Whipping Cream

1 TBSP Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Directions

**Use a metal mixing bowl and metal beaters and place in freezer for 10 minutes to get cold

1.)  Once bowl and beaters are cold add Whipping Cream, Sugar, and Vanilla to bowl

2.)  Using a hand mixer beat ingredients until soft peaks form

3.)  Place in fridge until ready to serve

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Ingredients

1 Can Pumpkin

1 Box Vanilla Instant Pudding

1 Container of Cool Whip

1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon

Directions

1.)  Mix together Pumpkin, Vanilla Pudding, Cool Whip, and Pumpkin Pie Spice with a mixer

2.)  Place in fridge for at least 1 hour to chill

3.)  Sprinkle ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon on top

4.)  Serve with Nilla Wafers, Graham Crackers, or Apple Slices

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients

1 8 oz. package of Cream Cheese, softened

1 15 oz. can of Pumpkin

1 package of Cheesecake Instant Pudding

1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 container of Cool Whip

3 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 Cup of Graham Cracker Crumbs (you can buy the pre-crushed or crush your own with food processor)

4 Tablespoons Butter, melted

2 Tablespoons Sugar

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Directions

1.)  Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar together.  Place in the bottom of individual cups

2.)  Using a hand mixer beat cream cheese until creamy.  Add pumpkin, pudding, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetened condensed milk.  Beat with mixer until all ingredients are combined

3.)  Gently fold Cool Whip into pumpkin mixture with spatula.  Mix by hand until combined

4.)  Spoon pumpkin mixture into cups.  Set in refrigerator for at least an hour to set

5.)  Garnish top with additional Cool Whip and pumpkin pie spice.  Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp Recipe Courtesy of:  If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Ingredients

2 Cups of Fresh Basil

1/3 Cup of Pine Nuts

1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese

3 teaspoons of Garlic

1/2 Cup of Olive Oil

Juice of 1 Lemon

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

1 package of Pasta

Directions

1.)  Using a Food Processor or Blender add in Basil and Pine Nuts and pulse until finely chopped

2.)  Add in Garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Salt & Pepper and pulse again

3.)  Add in Lemon Juice and slowly drizzle in Olive Oil while blending until all ingredients are mixed together

4.)  Cook Pasta according to package

5.)  Once Pasta is cooked mix in Pesto with pasta and serve

I can’t think of a better dessert that screams summer than s’mores!  I have a few desserts that kick up the classic summer staple up a notch!!  These are perfect for all your fall bonfires too!

S’Mores Bars

S’mores Bars Recipe Courtesy of:  If You Give A Blonde A Kitchen

S’Mores Pie

Ingredients

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (You can also crumble graham crackers and place into bottom of pie dish)

1 Cup of Marshmallow Fluff

3 Chocolate Bars

2 Cups of Marshmallows

Directions

1.)  Spread Marshmallow Fluff on the bottom of the Graham Cracker Pie Crust (If you are not using a premade crust, crush the Graham Crackers and place on bottom of a greased pie pan

2.)  Break Chocolate Squares apart and line the bottom of the pie crust with chocolate

3.)  Top with Marshmallows and additional crumbled Graham Crackers

4.)  Place in oven and bake at 350 Degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown

***If you have a creme brulee torch you can also use that to toast the top

Cinco de Mayo is another fun excuse to throw a party and make some festive food and drinks!  Here are some of my favorite recipes that I make all summer long for parties!

Mango Salsa Recipe

Ingredients

2 Mangos

1 Red Pepper

1 Green Pepper

2 Jalapenos

1 Small Red Onion

1 Small Bunch of Cilantro

Juice of 1 Lime

Pinch of Salt

Directions

1.) Chop mangos, red pepper, green pepper, jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro

2.)  Mix all together in a medium bowl

3.)  Juice the lime over the salsa mixture and add salt

4.)  Mix and Enjoy

**You can eat right away but I always refrigerate for at least an hour before serving

Margarita Cheesecake Bites

No Bake Margarita Cheesecake Bites

Peplum Top

Leggings

You know I love a good party and a reason to entertain.  Just because we are at home in quarantine doesn’t mean you still can’t throw a little party at home.  In our house tonight we are having a video game party with homemade pizza and appetizers!  The kids love it!  I have been trying out new recipes lately and here are a few of my favorite party food recipes!

Plus a party at home especially in quarantine is not complete without a fun cocktail and dessert!  Check out my single serve Prosecco Pink Lemonade drink!  For dessert we are going to have an ice cream bar!  The kids love making their own sundaes!

Mexican Corn Salad

Ingredients

1 Bag of frozen Sweet Corn

1 Small Red Onion, diced

1 Red Pepper, diced

2-3 Jalapeno’s, diced

1 Bunch of Cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup of Queso Fresco Cheese, crumbled

2 TBSP. Olive Oil

Dressing

3 TBSP. Sour Cream

2 TBSP. Mayo

Juice of 1 Lime

1/2 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1/2 tsp. Chipotle Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

Directions

1.)  Heat Olive Oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add corn and cook until golden brown (you can also grill corn cobs) about 10 minutes

2.)  Chop Red Onion, Red Pepper, Jalapenos and Cilantro.  Add to a medium bowl and add Corn and Queso Fresco Cheese

3.)  In a separate bowl mix all dressing ingredients together.  Whisk until creamy

4.)  Pour dressing over corn mixture and mix all ingredients together

5.)  Top with additional crumbled Queso Fresco

6.)  Place in fridge until ready to serve (you can serve hot or cold)

**Serve as a side dish when you grill out or would be great served as corn salsa with chips

Prosecco Lemonade Punch

Ingredients

1 Can of Frozen Pink Lemonade

1  2 Liter Bottle of Sprite Zero

1-2 Bottles of Champagne (I used 2 Bottles of Prosecco)

1 Bag of Frozen Strawberries (they add flavor and act as ice)

**To make an individual glass of this punch follow this recipe

1/2 Can of Sprite

1/2 Cup of Pink Lemonade (Ready to serve juice)

1 Cup of Prosecco

Handful of strawberries

Arancini (Rice Balls)

Recipe from Joanna Gaines

Magnolia Table 2 Cookbook

I have been trying out some new side dish recipes that will go great with summer picnics and grilling!  I made this creamy sweet corn with pancetta that was inspired from a recipe in Giada De Laurentiis Giada’s Italy cookbook. (Here is a link for her cookbook, you will love it) This side dish was a huge hit in our house.  I changed a few ingredients.

Creamy Corn with Pancetta

Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis recipe from Giada’s Italy

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/4 pound Pancetta, diced

1 Onion, chopped

1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

1 Bag of Frozen Corn (I used golden and white corn mix)

1 Container of Mascarpone Cheese

1 Cup of Parmesan Cheese

Handful of Basil, Chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1.)  In a large skillet heat Olive Oil and then add Pancetta.  Stir and cook until crispy

2.)  Add in Onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes

3.)  Add in Corn, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt and Pepper, Mascarpone Cheese, and Parmesan Cheese.  Stir until creamy

4.)  Remove from heat and add in Basil

Greek Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 Cucumber, diced

1 Container Cherry Tomatoes

1/2 of a small Red Onion

1/4 Cup of Pine Nuts, toasted

1/2 Cup of Feta Cheese

Vinaigrette Dressing

1/2 Cup of Olive Oil

1/4 Cup of Red Wine Vinegar

1 TBSP. Oregano

1 Clove of Garlic, minced

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

1.)  Dice Cucumber, Tomatoes and Red Onion.  Place in a medium bowl

2.)  In a toaster oven toast Pine Nuts until golden brown

3.)  Mix all vinaigrette ingredients together and whisk until combined

4.)  Add Pine Nuts, Feta Cheese, and Vinaigrette to veggies and mix until combined

Chicken Piccata

Ingredients

4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 Cup of Flour

1 Stick of Butter

4 TBSP Olive Oil

1 Lemon

1 Cup Chicken Broth

1/4 Cup of Capers

Salt and Pepper

Directions

1.)  Flatten Chicken Breasts and cut in half.  Season with Salt and Pepper

2.)  In a flat dish add Flour, Salt, and Pepper

3.)  Dredge Chicken in Flour

4.)  In a medium skillet heat Butter and Olive Oil.  Once it starts to sizzle add Chicken

5.)  Cook Chicken on each side until golden brown

6.)  Remove Chicken to baking dish

7.)  In your skillet mix pan drippings with Chicken Broth, juice from Lemon, and Capers

8.)  Bring to a boil (you can add a TBSP of flour and whisk into sauce if you want to thicken it up)

9.)  Pour sauce over Chicken and Bake at 350 Degrees for 20 minutes

Lemon Artichoke Orzo 

Ingredients 

1 Package of Orzo Pasta

1 small Onion, diced

1 can of Artichokes, diced

1/4 Cup of Prosciutto, chopped (or you can use Pancetta or Bacon)

1 Cup of Spinach, Chopped

1 Garlic Clove, minced

1 Lemon, Zest and Juiced

4 TBSP Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/2 Cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese

Directions

1.)  Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook Orzo according to package (You can also cook in chicken broth for more flavor)

2.)  Chop Onion, Prosciutto, Artichokes, Spinach and Garlic

3.)  In a medium skillet heat Olive Oil and add Onions, cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes

4.)  Add in Garlic, Prosciutto, and Artichokes.  Cook another 2-3 minutes.  Add Spinach

5.)  Zest Lemon over skillet, and then add the juice of the lemon.

6.)  Mix in cooked Orzo, stir until all ingredients are combined.  Turn off heat

7.)  Place in serving bowl and sprinkle with Feta Cheese

**Can be served warm or cold

Chili Recipe

Ingredients

1 TBSP Olive Oil

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 Package of Ground Sausage

1 Onion, Chopped

2-3 Jalapeno’s, Chopped

1 Red Pepper, Chopped

1 Garlic Clove, Diced

1 20 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes

1 can Black Beans (Can also use Pinto or Kidney)

1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce

1 TBSP Cumin

1 TBSP Chili Powder

1 TBSP Chipotle Powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Toppings

Sour Cream

Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (or cheese of choice)

Jalapenos

Avocados

Directions

1.)  In a large pot over medium heat add the olive oil and onion, red pepper, garlic, and jalapenos.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally

2.)  Add ground beef and sausage.  Cook until browned

3.)  Stir in Cumin, Chili Powder, Chipotle Powder, Salt & Pepper, Diced Tomatoes, Beans, and Tomato Sauce.  Stir until all combined and bring to a low boil.  Cook uncovered 25-30 minutes.  Stirring Occasionally

4.)  Serve with cornbread and toppings of choice

Jalapeno Cornbread

Ingredients

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Cornmeal

2/3 Cup Sugar

1 Teaspoon Salt

3 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

3 Tablespoons Honey

1 Egg

1 Cup Milk

1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

3 Jalapenos (2 finely diced, and one sliced in rounds)

1 Small Onion, Diced

Directions

1.)  Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2.)  Dice 2 Jalapenos and Onion.  Slice 3rd Jalapeno into rounds

3.)  In a large bowl mix together Flour, Cornmeal, Sugar, Salt, and Baking Powder

4.)  Add in Egg, Milk, Honey, Vegetable Oil, Jalapenos, and Onions.  Mix until combined

5.)  Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and top with sliced Jalapenos

6.)  Bake at 400 Degrees for 20-25 minutes

**Once out of the oven I like to drizzle with additional Honey