Superbowl Bean Dip in a Pinch

It's Superbowl Sunday, friends!

Who are you rooting for? Or are you there for all of the fabulous snacks? ;-)

Today I've got a super simple recipe for you to add to your go-to, fail proof recipe repertoire. You know those recipes that are just ridiculously easy to make and you keep going back to it over and over again because of it's simplicity? Well that's what I'm talking about today. I've got a crowd pleasing, ultra cheesy bean dip for you to throw together in a sinch for your party tonight! Seriously, it's that easy. It will take about 5 minutes of assembly and about 30 minutes to bake. Pop that sucker into the oven before your guests are set to arrive and right when that doorbell rings, you'll have the perfect dip to pull warm from the oven and serve up with some crunchy tortilla chips. I'm sure you've already got those on hand!

Listed I have all of the full fat/full calorie ingredients, but this is the perfect recipe to swap regular ingredients out for the reduced fat/fat free/low calorie options!

Give this recipe a try!

Superbowl Bean Dip
print the recipe here

1 can of refried beans (Our favorite is the Rosarita No Fat Traditional Refried Beans)
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1 can of chili with beans
1/4 t. cumin
1/4 t. chili powder
1.5 c. cheese blend such as cheddar and monterey jack or Mexican blend
Bag of tortilla chips
Optional toppings for serving

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, stir the refried beans and cream cheese until combined.
3. Spread the bean and cheese mixture onto the bottom of the casserole dish in a single layer.
4. Pour the can of chili beans on top of the bean and cheese mixture and spread into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the top with cumin and chili powder.
6. Top with cheese blend mixture.
7. Bake, uncovered for 25-35 minutes or until the sides are slightly bubbly and the cheese is golden.
8. Serve with additional optional toppings such as chopped jalapenos, cilantro and sour cream.
9. Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Apple Cheesecake Tart

We officially had snow last night! Now, I didn't actually get to see it, but apparently we had a few snow flurries in the wee hours of the morning. Can't say I am sad I missed it ;-).

Now that work has slowed down I am trying to get in the kitchen a lot more and whip up some new treats to share on the blog. This recipe came to me while I was working on the computer and all of a sudden it hit me and I had to make this recipe right that second! It turned out so perfect, too. It is light, but chewy and sweet from the baked apples. The melted sugar forms an amazing syrup that melts all through the tart. My favorite part is getting a bite of the creamy cheesecake base that is softened and melted into an ultra decadent and creamy layer between the apples and the flaky tart.

How To: Make Homemade Chicken Broth

North Carolina Weather ya'll, I swear! Today the high is supposed to be in the high 60's. Earlier this week...and yesterday we had the heat blasting and fire place rolling to keep the arctic temperatures from chilling our home. Mother Nature just loves to keep us on our toes that's for sure!

Whether the weather in your neck of the woods is chilly or on the warmer side, give this How To recipe a try to keep in your fridge or freezer for whenever you need some brothy flavor to boost your meal. We make this once every week or two and keep it storing in the freezer until needed. It is so simple to break out a jar of this and dump it into soups, rices, casseroles, sauces or whatever else you may need it for. Since it is pre-measured in 1, 2 or 3 cup containers you can simply dump what you need based on which jar you grab.

I promise, you'll notice a huge difference in your dishes. The broth is so much richer and more flavorful than the stuff in the box or can. Oh, and not only is this delicious, this is the most simple recipe you will ever encounter, all you need is time! Let the broth concentrate for many many hours and then chill in the fridge to remove the extra skin on the top. Minimal work is needed just a prep on some veggies and the rest is in the boil!

Try this recipe out, friends!

Penne & Meatball Marinara Bake

Good morning!

It is about 15 degrees here in North Carolina right now which is absolutely dreadful. These kinds of temperatures are the ones that keep me cooped up inside all day. The high is only expecting to be in the low 20's today, but at least the sun is out and it is not snowing!

If your neck of the woods is as cold as mine (likely, it is much colder from what I've seen on TV), I have a fabulous comfort dish for you to make for your family and friends all to enjoy when they return in from the blistering cold temperatures.

The Two Tools I Cannot Live Without

Happy New Year! I hope you had a fabulous welcoming into 2014 and enjoyed a prosperously enriched meal last night. We sure did!

Are you into making resolutions for the new year? I'll have to say it isn't something I like to partake in because it seems like an easy way to set yourself up for disappointment, but when asked I typically say "my resolution is to continue to lead a healthy and happy life." I truly am so lucky and blessed with everything and everyone in my life. I hope to continue to have a healthy family and continue to become a healthier me.

Any resolutions for you?

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Today I want to discuss two of my absolute favorite cooking tools I use on a regular basis. I could not imagine living without these tools now that I have them. Seriously, these tools are life savers in the kitchen. I use them every chance I get and especially love finding new uses for them!

Check them out :-)