Winstead Wandering

Prone to Wander

Tomato Black Bean Avocado Dip

by

Tomato black bean avocado dip is an easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as perfect for an afternoon snack as it is for your next party.

Tomato black bean avocado dip is an easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing recipe that's as perfect for an afternoon snack as it is for your next party.

My mom made this tomato black bean avocado dip, among other things, for my little sister’s high school graduation party last June. There’ some sort of magic that goes into this recipe because, I have to confess, I don’t even care much for tomatoes, avocados, or black beans. Despite that, I could.not.stop. eating this stuff. If that isn’t the sign of a great recipe, I don’t know what is.

There was plenty of other killer food there that day, including cinnamon roll bars with cream cheese frosting and a few other as-yet-unblogged recipes, but I kept coming back to this tomato black bean avocado dip. I enjoyed it with tortilla strips, but I can imagine how great it would be on pita, nachos, or tacos. Basically, it’s a dip and a condiment in one. I won’t even judge you for going after it with just a fork. It’s healthy enough you can do that guilt-free.

Tomato black bean avocado dip is an easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing recipe that's as perfect for an afternoon snack as it is for your next party.

[Read more…]

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Egg Rolls with Spicy Cranberry Dipping Sauce

by

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HonestSimpleTurkey #CollectiveBias

Got holiday leftovers? Don’t settle for boring sandwiches or soup. Spice things up with leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

Got holiday leftovers? Don't settle for boring sandwiches or soup. Spice things up with leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

One of my most cherished holiday memories is of my mom’s constant quest to use every last scrap of leftover turkey. She seems to consider it her personal mission to make sure it all gets used, and not just in boring recipes like sandwiches and soup. No, my mom makes outside-the-box delights like these leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

Most of my best memories center- like a lot of people’s, I’m sure- around food. I guess that’s part of why I enjoy sharing recipes, both cherished favorites and new possibilities, with the people I love. I have so many memories of my mom bustling around the kitchen on holidays. I hope to create those same special moments with my own kids.

Got holiday leftovers? Don't settle for boring sandwiches or soup. Spice things up with leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

My favorite thing about these egg rolls- aside from how insanely tasty they are- is that they call for more leftovers than just turkey. You can use extra raw veggies, like carrots and celery, in the egg rolls themselves. The sauce is perfect for extra cranberry sauce- does anyone actually use the whole can?- and cream cheese leftover from pie-making.

These egg rolls are the perfect recipe for budget-conscious cooks who want to get their money’s worth out of their holiday meal, for those who can’t stand the thought of letting leftovers go to waste, or for anyone who needs an easy, mouthwatering recipe to make while enjoying the holiday weekend.

Got holiday leftovers? Don't settle for boring sandwiches or soup. Spice things up with leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

This recipe is best if you start with a delicious bird. For me, a turkey-cooking novice, that means using Honeysuckle Fresh Turkey. It comes already brined, so I all had to do to get a flavorful, crispy-skinned bird was add a little chicken stock to my makeshift roasting pan, bake the turkey at 350 degrees for about 13 minutes per pound, baste it a few times, and wait for the thermometer to pop up (your turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees). As intimidated as I was by the thought of cooking my own turkey, the process was super easy.

Whether you’re an old pro or an amateur like me, you can happy knowing you’re using an animal raised by an Independent Family Farmer who meets high standards. Now through November 21, Kroger has an in-store coupon that’ll save you $2.50 on a Fresh Honeysuckle White Whole Turkey. In certain areas, they also have a $2.00 off coupon running through the end of the year for the same product.

Got holiday leftovers? Don't settle for boring sandwiches or soup. Spice things up with leftover Thanksgiving turkey egg rolls with spicy cranberry dipping sauce.

[Read more…]

Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Sausages

by

These brown sugar bacon-wrapped sausages are seriously like crack. They’re sweet, savory, addictive, and perfect for any party you’re having.

These brown sugar bacon-wrapped sausages are seriously like crack. They're sweet, savory, addictive, and perfect for any party you're having.

There are some big changes afoot in the Winstead household. While I typically try to avoid vague statements (like the one I just made) without further explanation, I’m too excited about what’s happening to not say something. I’m excited, nervous, hopeful, and anxious all at once, and I’ll be sharing more details in coming weeks.

In a season of life when there are still so many unknowns, it occurs to me that I have so much to be thankful for. In addition to the obvious, like the health of my family and a beautiful home to live in, I’m so thankful for answered prayers and peace of mind amidst uncertain circumstances. During a time when so much of the future is up in the air, I’m thankful for confidence that God’s timing is perfect.

Things might be looking different around the Winstead house soon, but some things never change. One thing that will always remain the same is my love for cute little bite-size appetizers, particularly those that include bacon-wrapped anything. These brown sugar bacon sausages are a recipe my mother-in-law has made for a few years. They’re a huge hit with anyone who tries them, and with good reason.

The sausages themselves aren’t anything special. They’re the kind often served smothered with barbecue sauce at parties. The bacon is where the beauty begins. The strips are the same width as the length of the sausages, making them a perfect pairing. When the dish bakes, the brown sugar on top gets sticky and caramel-y. The result is a perfectly sweet and savory bite that’ll be a hit at any holiday or game day event.

[Read more…]

Homemade Pizza Pockets

by

No cooking sleeve required: these homemade pizza pockets are nothing but fresh, seasoned dough, filled with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. And they’re freezer-friendly!

No cooking sleeve required: these homemade pizza pockets are nothing but fresh, seasoned dough, filled with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. And they're freezer-friendly!

Me and pizza. We have a deep love for one another. Actually, it’s pretty one-sided, but I have love enough for us both.

One thing I don’t love, though, is store bought pizza pockets. They were a pretty big deal when I was in junior high; twice a week my parents would give me cash to buy one, along with a can of Snapple, from the student store. The endless wait to use one of two microwaves was always worth it because of the pouch of hot, melted cheese waiting for me at the end.

Now? Now, I have a hard time remembering what I saw in them. I’ll get a craving for one a couple times a year, but each time I break down and buy a box, I always tell myself, “See? They’re not good. At all. Don’t do this again.”

With this recipe, I don’t have to. I can make my own homemade pizza pockets and I get to know exactly what goes in to them. The batch in these pictures was an afterthought, thrown together with the same quick dough I use for grilled pizza. I stuffed them with pepperoni and mozzarella and called it good- and they were, so good.

When I plan ahead, I love to fill my dough with onions, peppers, or leftover marinated chicken. They’d be divine with oven-fried chimichanga filling or even vegetables only. It doesn’t really matter what goes inside; anything wrapped in homemade dough, brushed with olive oil, and sprinkled with garlic salt is going to be a winner.

No cooking sleeve required: these homemade pizza pockets are nothing but fresh, seasoned dough, filled with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. And they're freezer-friendly!

[Read more…]

Avocado Tuna Salad

by

No mayo here. Hearty, healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt and sweet bell peppers will make this avocado tuna salad your new favorite lunch.

Canned tuna is a pretty love it or hate it food. Obviously, I fall in the love it category, even though I’m not a fan of eating it plain. In the past few years I’ve started to substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and sour cream in a lot recipes, so I decided to give it a shot here, too. I’m also on an avocado kick, so I tossed some of that in, too.

No mayo here. Hearty, healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt and sweet bell peppers will make this avocado tuna salad your new favorite lunch.

I love making my tuna more hearty by adding all kinds of diced vegetables. I just go with whatever I have on hand, which usually consists of diced jalapeño (from a jar), sweet bell pepper in any color, and red onion. Sometimes, if I have it, I’ll throw in celery and cucumbers, too. I love the crunch and the texture those vegetables add.

I don’t care for much for celery or sweet relish, which is why you won’t find either of those in this recipe. You can totally add those if that’s what you’re into, but I love it just the way it is. My favorite ways to eat avocado tuna salad are with pita bread or crackers, like the cracked pepper and olive oil Triscuits from the pictures.

No mayo here. Hearty, healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt and sweet bell peppers will make this avocado tuna salad your new favorite lunch.

[Read more…]

Green Chile White Queso Dip

by

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #GameTimeHosting  #CollectiveBias

It isn’t game day without a big bowl of this quick and easy, perfectly spicy, melted cheese goodness known as green chile white queso dip.

It isn't game day without a big bowl of this quick and easy, perfectly spicy, melted cheese goodness known as green chile white queso dip.

School is officially back in session for a lot of the country, including us Mississippians. As a teacher, there’s pretty much only one thing that makes me eager to leave behind lazy summer days in favor of going back to work: The allure of fall. It’s right around the corner and, were it not for the oppressive humidity that’s a mainstay in The South this time of year, I’d probably be able to feel it.

It isn't game day without a big bowl of this quick and easy, perfectly spicy, melted cheese goodness known as green chile white queso dip.

In addition to cooler fall temperatures, I’m looking forward to cozy sweatshirts, all things pumpkin, and, most of all, football season.

We’re just about as stereotypical as you might imagine football fans in The South to be. I can just about guarantee we’ll be cheering on our team in person if they’re playing at home, and we catch most every away game on TV. It isn’t just the game itself that’s important, though; it’s the whole ritual of gathering with family and grazing on favorite foods throughout the day.

It isn't game day without a big bowl of this quick and easy, perfectly spicy, melted cheese goodness known as green chile white queso dip.

Because you can’t really have a game day celebration without a dip or three, I made this green chile white queso dip. It’s quick to prepare and is basically a block of shredded white cheddar cheese with a few additional ingredients to make it a smooth, flavorful dip. This cheese dip is best enjoyed right after it’s made, so I love to pair it with some easy make-ahead options, like baked chicken taquitos, double chocolate brownies, or spinach and artichoke dip.

While I was at Family Dollar grabbing some game day staples, like Coca-Cola™, I found Wise Nacho Cheese Tortilla chips that ended up being so good dipped in this queso. Like, insanely good. [Read more…]

Crushed Oreo Triangles

by

Made with store bought crescent roll dough, crushed Oreo triangles are as rich and indulgent as they are quick and easy to make.

Made with store bought crescent roll dough, crushed Oreo triangles are as rich and indulgent as they are quick and easy to make.

I don’t buy Oreos. I don’t buy them because I love them and because I know my own limits. If they’re in the house, I tend to eat them, so I just make sure they aren’t in the house.

Except when I’m making Oreo cupcakes. In that case, I have to buy them and I have to watch them watching me, taunting me with their cream-filled goodness. So I made the cupcakes and the remaining Oreos sat, untouched, in the kitchen baking drawer for nearly a week. At that point, I knew I had two options: binge on them all and be done with it or use them in a recipe.

Clearly, I opted for door number two. Truthfully, these little triangles of deliciousness had been running through my mind for months. I’d stumbled across the recipe and wanted to make it, but I never had everything I needed (see above: can’t buy Oreos). But now I had Oreos, and I had crescent rolls, and I had an intense desire to bake something decadent.

These crushed Oreo triangles are unbelievably rich and delectable. The base- the triangles- is unassuming crescent roll dough. Really, it’s just the vessel for delivering the sinful mixture that is Oreo crumbs, butter, flour, and two kinds of sugar. And if that wasn’t enough indulgence, you drizzle a homemade glaze over the top of the finished product.

All told, this recipe took about 20 minutes to make. If these ingredients are ones you regularly keep on hand, I’d say you might be in trouble.

Made with store bought crescent roll dough, crushed Oreo triangles are as rich and indulgent as they are quick and easy to make.

[Read more…]

How to Make an Awesome Bagel Pizza

by

Bagels aren’t just for breakfast anymore. They’re the perfect way to re-purpose leftovers and they please even the pickiest eaters. Here’s how to make an awesome bagel pizza.

Bagels aren't just for breakfast anymore. They're the perfect way to re-purpose leftovers and they please even the pickiest eaters. Here's how to make an awesome bagel pizza.

Hold up. Before you double check to make sure you didn’t inadvertently land at fratguyfood.com, let me explain.

Bagels are a perfectly legitimate thing to eat for dinner. They’re carbs, which will keep you fuller longer, and they come in a huge variety of flavors: whole wheat, onion, everything, blueberry. Not to mention they’re pretty much universally liked, so even the pickiest eaters in your life will find a kind to enjoy.

Even so, this isn’t your average bagel pizza. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to take these babies to the next level. First, I brush the outside of each half with olive oil and sprinkle it with garlic salt. It creates the perfect crunchy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bite. Second, I turn the broiler on for the last minute or so of the baking process to really melt the cheese and meld the flavors.

The bagel pizza I made for these photos is a quick take on my jalapeño popper pizza. It’s one of my favorite ways to pizza-up a bagel, but it’s certainly not the only way to do it. I also enjoy a classic pepperoni version with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Really, though, the bagel can just be a vehicle for whatever you want to put on it. Any sauce, no sauce, any cheese, no cheese. It’s the perfect way to remix your leftovers; I’m envisioning fajita fixings piled high and sprinkled with cheese, or last night’s sauteed veggies.

However you plan to rock your bagel pizza, make sure to follow the instructions below for maximum awesomeness.

[Read more…]

Easy Game Day Recipes

by

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they’re quick and simple to prepare.

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Y’all, the Super Bowl is in just a few days! While I’m a pretty big football fan, I’m most excited about what everyone is most excited about come Super Bowl Sunday: the commercials and the food. I can snack with the best of them, and I’ve posted plenty of recipes to prove that. Today, for the benefit of you and the guests at your Super Bowl party, I’m sharing my favorites in one mouthwatering post.

Easy Game Day Recipes

Baked Onion Rings

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

You’d never guess these crispy, crunchy onion rings aren’t fried.

Quick & Easy Fresh Salsa

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Step up your chips and dip game with this super simple fresh salsa.

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

If you’re one of those party hosts- the ones that serve veggies- you owe it to your guests to serve this ranch, too.

Potato Nachos

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Potato rounds topped with cheese, bacon, and the toppings of your choice.

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

This mouthwatering twist on a tired classic will be a hit with your party-goers.

Mexican Cornbread

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Does your game day menu include chili? This cornbread is the perfect complement.

Southern Pimento Cheese

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

This classic dip is made with freshly-grated sharp cheddar cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and more. It’s great as a dip for chips or vegetables, but it’s also phenomenal served in:

Twice-Baked Pimento Cheese Potatoes

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Potato skins are so 2009. These adorable twice-baked potato cups are sophisticated yet easy.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

You’re bound to have a few health nuts around for game day, or at least a few people who just love the taste of hummus and enjoy pretending they’re all about its healthfulness.

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Roll-Ups

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

These little rolls combine the convenience of bite-size food with the protein of a full meal. Bonus: you can make them ahead and freeze them.

Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

When it comes to easy desserts, it doesn’t get much easier than anything in bar form. When it comes to delicious, it doesn’t get much better than these.

Monster Cookies

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

You can’t go wrong with cookies, and you really can’t go wrong with cookies stuffed with M&Ms, oatmeal, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

A no-bake recipe that will have party-goers licking their fingers and begging for the recipe.

Double Chocolate Brownies

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Why make regular brownies when you can make this double chocolate version?

Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

These cookies scream sophistication. How easy they really are will be our little secret.

Lemon Dream Bars

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Convert chocoholics with these rich and creamy lemon dream bars.

Better For You Triple Chocolate Banana Bread

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Great-tasting and better-for-you are not mutually exclusive terms when it comes to dessert. This banana bread is exhibit A.

Mud Hen Bars

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Don’t let the brown sugar meringue fool you: mud hen bars are ready faster than you can whip up a batch of cookies.

Maple-Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Your guests will be too wowed by the unexpectedly delightful maple frosting to think about how easy these bars were to make.

What are your favorite easy game day recipes?

Like what you see? Follow Winstead Wandering on Facebook so don’t miss more like it!

These easy game day recipes are diverse enough to please any palate, but they all have on thing in common: they're quick and simple to prepare.

Potato Nachos

by

Potato nachos are just as awesome as they sound: thinly-sliced potatoes are cooked until tender, topped with bacon and cheese, and baked until hot and melted. Perfect game day or any day.

Potato nachos are just as awesome as they sound: thinly-sliced potatoes are cooked until tender, topped with bacon and cheese, and baked until hot and melted.

 

This recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. You start with large baking potatoes and slice them pretty thinly. You boil them, to allow them to cook through quickly. You know, so you can get to the good stuff.

After boiling, draining, and drying your potato slices, it’s just a matter of adding whatever toppings your heart desires- I usually do cheese, bacon, and jalapeños- and sticking the whole affair in the oven to get cozy.

Potato nachos are a pretty dangerous dish, in my opinion. Back in the day, I was a stay-at-home mom. It was a small block of time, sandwiched between my days as a banker and my current career as a teacher. During that time, I wasn’t limited to a 25 minute lunch break the way I am now. I had all of nap time to dream up and prepare recipes.

We almost always have potatoes around, and I love them in any form. I especially love a good oven-baked potato with crispy skin and plenty of butter and salt. Waiting an hour or more for a potato to bake in the oven didn’t interest me, though, so I made a couple of changes to speed things up and this recipe was born.

I used to make it for lunch, but it would be a perfect game day snack or appetizer, or a side for just about any dinner you make. Potato nachos are easy, they come together quickly, and they’re easily changed to fit the preferences of several different people. It would be no problem at all to allow your family members or your guests to customize their own portions. Include toppings like shredded chicken, onions, or fresh salsa and you can call it a meal.

Potato nachos are just as awesome as they sound: thinly-sliced potatoes are cooked until tender, topped with bacon and cheese, and baked until hot and melted. Perfect game day or any day.

 

[Read more…]