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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Taco Dip


This is a recipe that I made up based on having other peoples' taco dips. I never had the ingredient list, so I just experimented until I got it to taste the way I like. I could totally eat the whole pan of dip myself, but, I only make this when I know I will be able to share so I don't have to worry about it. Leftovers are NEVER a problem!!
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Ingredients Needed:
2 8 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 pkg. taco seasoning(any brand)
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheddar cheese
Black olives
Tortilla Chips/Doritos

1. Mix first four ingredients in a bowl by hand or with beater(or in a Kitchenaid mixer). May need to add more milk to make the dip creamy enough to scoop.
2. Spread in 9x13 cake pan.
3. Top off with other ingredients to your liking.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or Doritos.
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Variations:
You can use reduced fat or fat free cream cheese.
Same with the sour cream.
I prefer cheddar cheese, but you can use colby or monterey jack or mix it up. You can also use reduced fat or fat free cheeses, but my personal preference is for all the fat in the cheese!
As for the chips, you can use whatever you like. I prefer Tostitos bite sized or cheese Doritos, but you can use any flavor or brand.
Any milk is fine, although once again, I haven't tested this with soy, so if you do that, let me know how it came out.
And finally, you can have onions or beans in it as well, though I really prefer not to.

ENJOY!!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Dream Cake

This is a combination family/church recipe that has been around for a long time. It is probably my most favorite dessert right next to DQ ice cream cake!!
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Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients needed:
1 stick margarine or butter
1 cup flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 boxes chocolate pudding
2 boxes vanilla pudding
4 cups milk
16 ounces Cool Whip
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
sprinkles

Crust
1. Melt 1 stick of margarine, add to it 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup finely chopped walnuts.
2. Mix together and press into greased 9x13 cake pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

1st Layer
1. Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 8 ounces of cool whip.
2. Mix all together and spread over cooled crust, Refrigerate for ½ hour.

2nd Layer
1. Mix 2 boxes chocolate pudding with 2 cups milk.
2. Spread over 1st layer. Refrigerate ½ hour.

3rd Layer
1. Mix 2 boxes vanilla pudding with 2 cups milk.
2. Spread over 2nd layer. Refrigerate ½ hour.

4th Layer
1. Spread remaining 8 ounces cool whip over top.
2. Sprinkle with your favorite candies, sprinkles or shaved chocolate.

Serve chilled and keep refrigerated until gone.
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Variations:
You could use any flavor pudding you would like, I like to do chocolate and banana cream together for instance, so be creative and choose puddings you like.
Also, for those who are diabetic, you can buy the sugar free puddings or cool whip and it turns out just fine. Do not however, substitute the powdered sugar for anything that is reduced calorie or fake sugar related(eg. Splenda), it does not turn out.
Cream cheese can be reduced fat or fat free as well if you want to lower the calorie content.
You could also use pecans for the crust if that is your preferred nut.
You can use any kind of milk. Have not tested a soy version, so if you experiment sometime, let me know how it comes out.

ENJOY!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Start

Ok, so the site is up, I'll try to post a recipe each week rotating between main dishes, side dishes, appetizers, soups and desserts.

If there is something in particular you happen to be wanting, but don't see posted, please just send me a note and I'll work it into the rotation.

Happy Eating!!