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Prone to Wander

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Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites

June 28, 2018 by Abby

A creamy, cheesy, spicy Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites recipe that is just as pleasing to regular eaters as it is to low carb folks. It’s simple to make and gluten-free, too!

A creamy, cheesy, spicy Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites recipe that is just as pleasing to regular eaters as it is to low carb folks. It's simple to make and gluten-free, too!

One night in March of 2010, I was feeling off. I was tired and a little crampy, but I was always pretty “regular,” so I figured I knew what was up. I stopped by the grocery store after work to grab frozen jalapeño poppers, tampons and, on a whim, a pregnancy test. Once home, I tossed the poppers in the oven and headed to the bathroom to take the test.

It was positive! Nine months later, G was born. So basically, for me, jalapeño poppers are more than just crunchy, cheesy, creamy bites of spicy goodness. They’re a fun reminder of those few minutes I jumped up and down the hall of the first home we bought together, our giant black lab bounding along behind me.

While these Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites didn’t accompany a positive pregnancy test (or a negative one), they are certainly memorable.

A creamy, cheesy, spicy Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites recipe that is just as pleasing to regular eaters as it is to low carb folks. It's simple to make and gluten-free, too!

My main goal in creating low carb recipes is that each one doesn’t seem diet-y at all. I want them to be just as appealing to my non-low carb eating friends and family as they are to those who are eating like I am. This recipe totally delivers. They’re wonderfully creamy and smooth on the inside, with a delightfully flavorful crunch on the outside.

No one who eats these Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites will feel deprived in any way. There are no wacky substitutions here, just bite after bite of spicy and cheesy goodness.

A creamy, cheesy, spicy Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Bites recipe that is just as pleasing to regular eaters as it is to low carb folks. It's simple to make and gluten-free, too!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, Gluten-Free, in the kitchen, low carb, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, cheddar, cream cheese, jalapenos, low carb, mozzarella, pork rinds, recipe, recipes, snack

Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers

June 7, 2018 by Abby

Looking for a snack that’s satisfying to low carb eaters and non-low carb eaters alike? These spicy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy Low Carb Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers will have everyone coming back for more.

Looking for a snack that's satisfying to low carb eaters and non-low carb eaters alike? These spicy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy Low Carb Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers will have everyone coming back for more.

I took my oldest child and my only son, G, grocery shopping with me the other day. He doesn’t usually care to go, but this time he was eager. He was so helpful during the whole trip. G insisted on carrying the list, reading me the items, and checking them off when we put them in the cart.

I kept marveling at home sweet he was being and how much I was enjoying our time together. Until . . . We passed by the clothing section, and I stopped to admire a really cute top. I asked if he thought it was cute and, without hesitation, he replied, “I think it’s halfway to being cute.”

At least he’s tactful? I got a good laugh from his comment, and then we continued on to get the rest of the items on our list. Those items included everything necessary to make these Low Carb Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers. Y’all, these things are so good. I originally saw the recipe shared in a low carb Facebook group I’ve in, and I knew right away I had to make them, with my own spin, of course.

Low Carb Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers are the perfect example of a recipe that doesn’t feel like a “diet” recipe. How could it when it’s packed with cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, and sausage? These little bites are wonderful as an appetizer or a snack, and I think they’d be great as a side for dinner, too.

Looking for a snack that's satisfying to low carb eaters and non-low carb eaters alike? These spicy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy Low Carb Sausage-Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers will have everyone coming back for more.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, Gluten-Free, Health, in the kitchen, low carb, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, cheese, low carb, peppers, recipe, recipes, sausage, snack

Fried Pepper Rings with Spicy Dipping Sauce

February 5, 2018 by Abby

Wrapped in a crispy breading and served with a spicy dipping sauce, Fried Pepper Rings are the perfect crunchy side dish or appetizer.

Wrapped in a crispy breading and served with a spicy dipping sauce, Fried Pepper Rings are the perfect crunchy side dish or appetizer.

I spend approximately 73 percent of my time dreaming of new ways to cook with peppers. In addition to my poblano obsession, I’m a big fan of jalapenos and cubanelles. I bought a couple cubanelles at the grocery store a while back without any real plans for using them. They sat in the fridge for a few days, I brainstormed ideas, and then I had a light bulb moment.

Why had I never made fried pepper rings before? I’m talking onion rings, but with peppers. Genius, right? I’d had fried jalapeno slices, but I’d never seen it done with milder peppers. Once the idea came to me, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I had no choice to but to make them.

I chose to use mild peppers, but I still wanted a little kick of heat. I whipped up a spicy dipping sauce and, I’ve got to say, please don’t make this recipe without the sauce. Fried Pepper Rings were made for so much more than boring ketchup; let them swim in the spicy sauce they deserve.

Wrapped in a crispy breading and served with a spicy dipping sauce, Fried Pepper Rings are the perfect crunchy side dish or appetizer.

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Filed Under: dinner, food, in the kitchen, recipes, snack, supper — Tagged With: appetizer, cubanelles, fried, pepper, peppers, poblanos, recipe, recipes, sauce, side dish, snack, spicy

Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Dip

January 29, 2018 by Abby

Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Dip is a unique, sophisticated twist on a classic. You’ll find the bold flavors and creamy texture irresistible.

Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Dip is a unique, sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. You'll find the bold flavors and creamy texture irresistible.

I first made this dip years ago, back when we still lived in Oregon. I don’t even remember now what I made it for, but I remember it was the first time I’d ever made caramelized onions. It was the first time I’d roasted my own garlic, too, and I felt like quite the successful cook afterward.

I went several years before making this Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Dip again, but, in true foodie fashion, I thought longingly about it quite a few times. As a proud lover of both garlic and onions, I dream about this stuff. Don’t worry, though, if not all the people in your life are as fond of those ingredients as I am; the process of caramelizing the onions and roasting the garlic develops the flavors into sweeter, smoother, toned-down versions of themselves.

You can rest easy making this recipe for just about anyone.

Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Dip is a unique, sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. You'll find the bold flavors and creamy texture irresistible.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, Gluten-Free, in the kitchen, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, caramelized onions, dip, five ingredients or less, onion, onions, recipe, recipes, snack

Southern Sausage Balls

January 11, 2018 by Abby

Loaded with hearty sausage and plenty of golden, melted cheese, Southern Sausage Balls make the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food.

Loaded with hearty sausage and plenty of golden, melted cheese, Southern Sausage Balls make the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food.

I’m not saying sausage balls are an exclusively southern dish. I’m just saying that, while the only ones I ever had while growing up in Oregon were made by southern relatives, they’re a staple at nearly every wedding and baby shower in The South. And because most people are huge fans of anything that combines cheese, pork, and some of form of bread, Southern Sausage Balls are always a hit.

I ate them for years and loved them; I even made them myself. Then one day my mother-in-law made a batch (actually, I’m sure it was at least a double batch) with a new secret ingredient. That secret ingredient was cream cheese and, y’all, it revolutionized the sausage ball eating experience. If you think that’s an exaggeration, you’ve clearly never eaten Southern Sausage Balls with cream cheese.

The addition of the cream cheese ups the moistness of the recipe and leaves all other versions tasting dry and boring. Even if regular sausage balls are already in your repertoire, I implore you to add cream cheese. It’s a total game-changer. If you’ve never made Southern Sausage Balls at all, what are you waiting for? Make them for game-day, for a party, or just for breakfast or a snack at home.

Loaded with hearty sausage and plenty of golden, melted cheese, Southern Sausage Balls make the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: breakfast, food, in the kitchen, recipes, snack, supper — Tagged With: appetizer, breakfast, cheddar, cheddar cheese, cheese, cream cheese, dinner, five ingredients or less, recipe, recipes, sausage, snack, supper

20+ Irresistible Game Day Dip Recipes

December 18, 2017 by Abby

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one – or a bunch – of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Maybe it’s the fat kid in me, but there are few things I find more comforting than relaxing with family on a Saturday, watching college football and munching all day on dips. Granted, the whole experience is much more relaxing when our team actually wins, but it’s not a bad time either way.

With college bowl season and then NFL playoffs upon us, this is the perfect time to showcase a roundup of some of the most irresistible game day dip recipes to be had on the interwebs. You can’t go wrong making a recipe, or seven, from the list here. If you try of them, be sure to leave a comment letting the blogger know what you thought!

Irresistible Game Day Dip Recipes

Cheesy Goodness

Cheesy dips are always a hit, and these recipes are no exception.

Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Green Chile White Queso Dip

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Copycat Torchy’s Tacos Queso Dip

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Southern Pimento Cheese

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Creamy Cheese & Bacon Dip

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

Game Day Queso

Kick back with friends and family, put the big game on TV, and enjoy one - or a bunch - of these irresistible game day dip recipes.

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, Gluten-Free, in the kitchen, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, dip, dips, game day, recipe, recipes, snack

Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

December 14, 2017 by Abby

Skip the bland and boring store-bought options and make this rich, decadent and perfectly sweet Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip instead.

Skip the bland and boring store-bought options and make this rich, decadent and perfectly sweet Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip instead.

I hosted some family at our house several weeks ago and, as I’m sure is typical with most foodies, I spent an inordinate amount of time determining the menu. It was an early afternoon event, so I put together a small menu of appetizers and finger foods. It took some finagling to get what I considered to be the perfect balance of sweet and savory, light and heavy, but every dish was a hit, including this Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip.

Skip the bland and boring store-bought options and make this rich, decadent and perfectly sweet Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip instead.

Fruit dips, in my opinion, tend to have a bad reputation. A lot of people think of the sickeningly sweet store-bought version. You know the kind I’m talking about: the little tub that’s nearly grainy in texture? There’s nothing wrong with choosing that option in a pinch, but it can’t begin to compare to my Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip. This stuff is rich — duh, it’s got cream cheese and heavy cream in it — but the unsweetened cocoa powder provides a hint of bitterness that is offset by the sweet fruit. This recipe is perfect for making in advance to lighten your day-of load.

Skip the bland and boring store-bought options and make this rich, decadent and perfectly sweet Chocolate Cream Cheese Fruit Dip instead.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, in the kitchen, recipes, snack, sweets — Tagged With: appetizer, chocolate, cream cheese, dessert, dip, fruit, recipe, recipes, snack, sweets

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Baguette

December 11, 2017 by Abby

When it comes to cheesy, spicy, crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly appetizers, it doesn’t get more perfect than this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Baguette.

When it comes to cheesy, spicy, crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly appetizers, it doesn't get more perfect than this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Baguette.

Y’all, this is bread stuffed with cheese and bacon and jalapeños and more cheese. It’s the ultimate in mouthwatering appetizers. Okay, fine, full disclosure: I might have baked up a section of this stuff for myself for lunch the other day. But to be far, I needed to get some photos of it, and then I couldn’t just not eat it.

If you watch many of those addictive food videos on Facebook, you’ve likely seen a few that feature stuffed bread-related recipes. A lot of those involve carving out the top of a loaf, though, like a boat, and I couldn’t picture that method being conducive to appetizer- or snack-size portions. So instead I hollowed out the center of a baguette, stuffed it with a jalapeño popper-inspired filling, and cut it into party ready rounds. I took this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Baguette to two different get-togethers in the last month and it was a hit both times.

When it comes to cheesy, spicy, crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly appetizers, it doesn't get more perfect than this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Baguette.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, in the kitchen, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, bacon, bread, cheese, cream cheese, jalapenos, recipe, recipes, snack

Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip

October 16, 2017 by Abby

Loaded with three cheeses, shredded chicken, and pops of roasted poblano peppers, Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any get-together.

Loaded with three cheeses, shredded chicken, and pops of roasted poblano peppers, Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any get-together.

My love affair with poblano peppers continues. It began with Roasted and Poblano and Onion Quesadillas, and then it heightened with Pasta in Roasted Poblano Cheddar Cream Sauce. Now things are really ramping up with this Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip. Let’s be real here: you just cannot go wrong with a good dip recipe, especially as college football season heats up. But when that dip comes packed with three kinds of cheese, hearty shredded chicken, and the mild flavor of roasted poblanos? Then it becomes irresistible.

The dip is baked, which results in a dish of creamy, melty goodness. Once the dip is warmed through, you fire up the broiler to get the cheese on top especially gooey and golden. It’s awesome served warm immediately after baking, but you can also refrigerate it, either before or after baking. Whether you’re preparing it in advance or baking immediately, this Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip will be the recipe your friends and family can’t get enough of.

Loaded with three cheeses, shredded chicken, and pops of roasted poblano peppers, Cheesy Chicken Poblano Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any get-together.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: food, Gluten-Free, in the kitchen, low carb, recipes, snack — Tagged With: appetizer, baked, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, low carb, pepper jack cheese, peppers, poblanos, recipe, recipes, snack

Roasted Poblano and Onion Quesadillas

August 14, 2017 by Abby

They be simple to make and require only five ingredients, but these Roasted Poblano and Onion Quesadillas are full of mellow vegetables and just the right amount of melted cheese.

They be simple to make and require only five ingredients, but these Roasted Poblano and Onion Quesadillas are full of mellow vegetables and just the right amount of melted cheese.

My local grocery stores don’t always have a large variety of peppers to choose from so, when I saw the crate of poblanos the other day, I grabbed a few without giving any thought to what I’d make with them.

I immediately roasted most of the peppers because I knew I’d want them that way for pretty much anything I would make. I ate some in a potatoes-and-eggs breakfast bowl and added a little more to a sandwich.

And then I made Roasted Poblano and Onion Quesadillas. The idea wasn’t original, since I make fajita quesadillas all the time. I decided to keep these a little simpler, though, to let the veggies shine. Now I’ve made them three times in the last week. Okay, fine. Four times.

I just.can’t.resist. Poblanos aren’t spicy; sometimes they carry a little heat, but mostly they’re just full of flavor. In addition, onions are probably one of my favorite vegetables. Add in a little cheese, plus the crispiness of the corn tortilla, and I could eat these things all day long.

They be simple to make and require only five ingredients, but these Roasted Poblano and Onion Quesadillas are full of mellow vegetables and just the right amount of melted cheese.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: dinner, food, in the kitchen, recipes, snack, supper — Tagged With: appetizer, cheese, corn tortillas, dinner, gluten free, lunch, onions, peppers, poblanos, quesadilla, snack, tortillas

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