Winstead Wandering

Prone to Wander

Tips for a Fun Technology-Free Road Trip

by

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

Are you ready to give your kids the same old-fashioned road trip you enjoyed as a child? Check out these easy, creative tips for a fun technology-free road trip!

Are you ready to give your kids the same old-fashioned road trip you enjoyed as a child? Check out these easy, creative tips for a fun technology-free road trip!

Road trips were a huge part of my life when I was younger. My siblings and I lived in New Hampshire with my mom and my dad lived in Mississippi. Semiannual drives south (and then back again) meant we were well-versed in all things road trip. All that time spent in the car took place long before smartphones and tablets and DVD players (although I do think my older brother got an old-school GameBoy at one point).

With all the technology-related entertainment options available to us now, it can be tempting to hand the kids a music player or a video game and let them zone out for hours on end. That makes for a pretty easy trip and, trust me, I’ve done it a time or two. But if you long to leave the gadgets at home, keep reading for tips for a fun technology-free road trip.

[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…]

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.