Tag Archives: bacon

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

The ultimate easy dip — served cold with corn chips, crackers, crostini or pita wedges. You can lighten up the calories by using reduced fat cream cheese and reduced fat sour cream, but don’t go for the fat-free. The texture will be way off and you probably won’t enjoy it.

1 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (go for a thicker shred than the feather – it makes the dip have a better “mouth feel”)
1 packet powdered ranch dressing mix
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
5 or 6 sliced green onions
Optional garnishes: additional cooked crumbled bacon, sliced green onions

Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until completely smooth (1-2 minutes).
Add the sour cream and beat for 1 more minute until thoroughly combined with the cream cheese.
Stir in the cheese, ranch mix, bacon and green onions until well combined.
Serve chilled, topped with additional bacon and green onions if desired.

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Loaded Tot Appetizers

More recipes coming soon — I’ve discovered three dips that are beyond wonderful.

(Original recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods)

48 (about 1/2 of 32-oz. pkg.) frozen tater tots
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Sour Cream
4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
2 green onions, sliced

Heat oven to 450ºF.

Place 2 tater tots in each of 24 mini muffin pan cups sprayed with cooking spray; place on bottom oven rack. Bake 10 min.

Spray bottom of shot glass with cooking spray. Use (in twisting motion) to press tots in each muffin cup to make potato cup. Return to oven; bake additional 15 min. or until deep golden brown.

Add cheese to potato cups; bake 1 min. or until melted. Transfer to platter; fill with remaining ingredients.
Makes 24 appetizers

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Insalata Composta Degli Spinaci

Insalata Composta Degli Spinaci

1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large onion
1 tbsp honey
4 ounces turkey bacon, cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces
6 cups fresh spinach
Dijon Vinaigrette
4 large poached eggs
Kosher Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In pan, heat 1 tsp oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 4 minutes, until translucent but not browned. Add honey and continue to cook over medium-low heat until golden-brown (about 1 additional minute). Remove from the pan and transfer to a small bowl to cool.

Heat the same pan over high heat and add the turkey bacon pieces, frying until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towel (Turkey bacon, being more lean than regular pork bacon, will render off far less fat).

Place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Add onion, and dress with the 1/4 cup Dijon vinaigrette, toss, and distribute among 4 plates. Place a poached egg on top of each, and arrange bacon pieces around edge of each plate before serving. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and pepper.

Serves: 4

Dijon Vinaigrette

2 tbsp minced shallots
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

In bowl, whisk together the shallots, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Continue to whisk as you slowly add the oil. Mix well to incorporate. Keeps in refrigerator up to 2 days.

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