Tag Archives: appetizers

Warm Cream Cheese and Bacon Spread

This has become one of our favorite cream cheese spreads.

Full of flavor, it is a tasty and quick party or anytime appetizer!


Warm Cream Cheese and Bacon Spread

2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

8 slices crisp bacon, crumbled

3 green onions, diced

1 T ranch dip mix

  • Heat and soften the cream cheese in the microwave on 70% power.  Mix softened cream cheese and mayo together with electric mixer.
  • Add all other ingredients and mix by hand.
  • Shape into 1 large or 2 small cheese balls and refrigerate for about 3-4 hours or serve warm with your favorite crackers, chips, or veggies.
  • One Saturday my girls had a friend over and we had an appetizer lunch.

    It felt like we were having a party!

    We had Pizza Rolls, Party Meatballs, Warm Cream Cheese and Bacon Spread, and fresh fruit.  It was delicious and hit the spot!

    . . .

    For low carbers…serve the cheese spread with Almond Thins.

    I’m joining the parties over at


     

    Bacon-Wrapped Lil’ Smokies

    Yum, yum!  When I saw these on 2 different sites, I just had to make me some!  Anything wrapped in bacon…can it get any better?!

    When these came out of the oven, I had to share!  So I quickly snapped a shot with my cell phone and uploaded it even quicker!

    Make these and soon.

    I made them like my friend, Grace, but since I didn’t have the Sugar Twin Brown Sugar (she’s right! it is very hard to find!), I used Splenda and added some spices…like garlic powder, bbq seasoning, and some Cajun seasoning I had on hand.

    These would be great for a Super Bowl Party! or have them for breakfast with a low carb biscuit and cuppa Joe, like me.

    Happy Sunday to you all!

    . . .



    Super Bowl Party Time!

    If you’re planning a Super Bowl Party, here’s some great recipes to get you started.

    Whether it’s burgers, wings, chips and dip, cake, brownies…lots of great recipes can be found online.

    Below are some of my favorites places:

    The Pioneer Woman Cooking

    Tasty Kitchen

    About’s Super Bowl recipes and Party Tips

    Deep South Dish

    Taste of Home Super Bowl Recipes

    No matter what you make, enjoy the game, family and friends and may the best team win!!!



     

    Cheesy Sausage Balls

    The high carb version of this recipe has been a family favorite for years now.

    Usually we get together the night before Thanksgiving or Christmas to cook for the holiday family dinner.  While we’re putting Mom’s Potato Salad together and making her fabulous Coconut Cream Pie, we stick a pan of Sausage Balls in the oven to snack on.  It’s become a family tradition.

     

    Having a little extra sausage on hand, I attempted a low carb version of this easy recipe.

     

    They turned out fairly tasty, tho I think I can back off the onion powder next time or leave it out all together.

     

    All you need is sausage, grated cheese, and something to bind it all together.  I’ve read where some use eggs and others use crushed pork skins.  I used a bit of Carbquik (similar to Bisquik and can be purchased at Netrition) and some parmesan cheese to make up the dry ingredients. 

     

    It worked and they were quite tasty, although they didn’t have the traditional sausage ball taste, because of the added spices, I think.  So in the future, I think I’ll skip the spices and hope for that famous sausage ball flavor.

    Other tasty low carb snacks and appetizers:

    Deep Fried Cauliflower

    Aussie Squash Fries

    Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    sausgballs

    Cheesy Sausage Balls

    1 lb. sausage
    12 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
    1 cup of your choice low carb baking mix, such as Carbquik and parmesan cheese

    Preheat the oven to 375 º F.  Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.   Mix well with your fingers. The mixture may very crumbly.  Form into 1 inch balls, squeezing the mixture so it holds together, then rolling it between the palms of your hands to form balls.  Place the balls on the baking sheet.  Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.  To prevent sticking, move the balls with a spatula halfway through cooking or use parchment paper to line your pan.  Remove from oven and serve warm.

    Jalapeño Poppers

    Cooking is one thing I enjoy doing. Now, only if I could eat it and be as small as Rachel Ray! That girl loves food and loves to eat and look at how small she is!

    The holiday season is just around the corner and hopefully I’ll be able to try some new recipes and take some pictures to share with you.

    This Popper recipe is not nearly as hot as you might expect when you remove the seeds. Try them for a party or just a cold night that you feel like staying indoors and having a snack. :)

    Poppers

    Jalepenos peppers ( cut open and clean all seeds and white pith out)
    8 oz cream cheese
    1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    seasoning such as Soul Seasoning or Seasoning Salt
    Bacon strips cut in half

    Mix the cheeses.  Fill the peppers with the cheeses and seasonings.  Wrap in bacon strips.  Bake in a 375º oven for about 20-25 minutes.  Enjoy!