Jalapeno Popper Dip

 

1 (4 oz.) jar of jalapenos, diced
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup real bacon bits
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Mix sour cream and cream cheese together until smooth. Stir in bacon, shredded cheddar, jalapenos, and bread crumbs until well combined. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Best served with Ritz crackers.

My brother came into town this past Monday to spend the night with us while he was on vacation. Per usual, I knew that I would have some good snacky foods on hand to partake in while he was here. I was going to make the Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip, and then realized that we haven't tried a new recipe in FOREVER! So I scrolled through the thousands of recipes that I have pinned, and came across this one. I will be honest, I didn't measure the cheese, bacon, or jalapenos. I stuck with the cream cheese and sour cream measurements, and then added from there. We love things spicy in this house, so on top of the jalapenos, I added some jalapeno powder to the mix. Deeeeeelicous!!!! I made the dip again when my in-laws came over the other night, and it was a huge hit. My other brother came into town today and as soon as he tasted it he asked for the recipe. So, that being said, you need to try this dip! It is absolutely wonderful! Definitely a good one to make during football season!

Chess Pie

For the crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg

Mix by hand until it forms a dough, then press into a 9x13-inch pan.

For the pie:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 box powdered sugar (reserving 3 Tbsp. for later)
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together with a mixer. Pour evenly on top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Once coo, sprinkle with reserved powdered sugar.

Several of the recipes that we love so much in our family have come from people that my Mom used to work with. This being one of them, it is truly a rich and delicious dessert, and it almost resembles (to me) Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This is a perfect dish to take to a pot luck or luncheon, because even though it is SO incredible, it's kind of hard to finish on your own! Serve this warm with some homemade vanilla ice cream, and you will have yourself the perfect dessert!

Momma's Lasagna

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 Tbsp. basil

1 (16 oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
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10 oz. lasagna noodles
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 cups cottage cheese
2 Tbsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. mozzarella cheese, sliced very thin

Brown meat slowly, spoon off excess fat. Add next five ingredients. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook noodles according to package directions. In separate bowl, combine parmesan cheese, eggs, pepper, cottage cheese, parsley, and salt. Place half of the cooked noodles on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish; spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, putting mozzarella on top about 10-15 minutes before done. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

There is something about lasagna that is so comforting. What I love about the dish is that it is truly so easy to make it into your own creation, and there are so many different versions! I have tried several, but I have to say that my favorite is just the good ol' classic. This recipe has been in my family since before I came along, and it is, to this day, one of the most requested recipes my Mom makes when we all go to Tennessee to visit. To me, this is the best lasagna I've ever had. It may be because I've eaten it for YEARS, but nonetheless, it is delicious! I suggest leaving the crushed tomatoes chunky, instead of mashing them to a pulp, or even getting a can of whole tomatoes and crushing them yourself. Trust me, it's amazing!

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

1 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts (glazed)

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

Butter-Rum Icing:

1 oz. rum flavoring (you can use real rum if you would like)

1/4 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

Cube doughnuts and place in large bowl. Pour sweetened condensed milk over doughnuts, stirring slowly until each piece is lightly coated. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over doughnut chunks; stir until evenly distributed and set aside. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow coating to be absorbed. Bake in oven safe dish at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until slightly crisp on top. While pudding is baking, make icing by melting butter in microwave-safe bowl; add rum and stir well. Slowly whisk in powdered sugar, working out any lumps. Pour over hot bread pudding and serve.

So it's been a while since we've posted, but we are so happy to be back! Vann saw this recipe posted on Facebook one day, and he decided to Google it and save it. Turns out, they got a dozen free doughnuts at his work the other day, and it was the perfect time to make it. Holy. Moly. This stuff is delicious! He whipped it up in no time, and the whole house smelled wonderful while it baked (I love the smell of cinnamon!). Be prepared to have a HUGE glass of milk (or your favorite dessert beverage) at the ready, because you are definitely going to need it!