Colorful Veggie & Beef Dinner Nachos

Colorful Veggie & Beef Dinner Nachos

When it comes to meal time, I’m lucky enough to have a family that has a wide range of likes, & very few things they dislike.  For this dinner, I wanted to use up some of the rescued produce I had on hand, including some gorgeous red, orange & yellow bell peppers.  Now my husband isn’t crazy about bell peppers, but he’s a good sport.  So I thought, everything is a series of compromises – he’s not big on bell peppers, but (if you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you already know) he’s a big fan of cheese!  Give a little, take a little – and we’re both happy!  Families with kids are usually trying to sneak in some healthy vegetables whenever possible,  & this is a creative way to do just that, while still enjoying a “fun” family dinner!

Jill’s Cucumber Cups

Jill’s Cucumber Cups

This photo & idea came from my sister Jill, who made these for her Scrabble group a few months ago.  She said,  “These cucumbers were cut into about 1-1/2” chunks  (peeled pretty) and the centers were scooped out with a melon baller.  I then made a cream cheese mixture with fresh herbs (any kind you like), added spices (dill & garlic, salt & pepper) and beat to the desired consistency and piped into the cukes!  There are a bazillion recipes for this online (Pinterest)  So pretty and delicious!”

What a fun appetizer that I can’t wait to try!  I can come up with several filling ideas, what about you?

Imitation “Pay Day” Halloween Snack Mix

Imitation Pay Day Snack Mix

Here’s another idea from my sister Jan, who in turn received this from our sister, Joy!  Gotta appreciate great sisters!  Anyway, Jan sent me this photo of her Pay Day Mix on her desk at work.  She says,

Easy Hummus

Easy Hummus

Recipe by:  Designs by Jeanne R

I’ll admit it…I’m a convert to Greek food.  Up until a few years ago, I had only tasted a few bites here and there.  But one glorious day, my brother & sisters had the idea of taking Mom to a Greek restaurant for her birthday.

Thai Chicken Bites

Thai Chicken Bites

Doesn’t everyone love appetizers?  They’re like a little party all by themselves!  This recipe was inspired by a recipe called Thai Chicken Skewers,

Ranch Flavored Oyster Crackers

Ranch Flavored Oyster Crackers

Recipe by:  Designs by Jeanne R

Remember these cute little oyster crackers that your Mom used to put in your soup?  Well guess what?  You can use them to make snackin’ crackers that you will absolutely love!  …and lucky for you, if you’ve made up a batch of my Ranch Seasoning Mix, it works perfectly for this recipe!

Ranch Seasoning Mix

Ranch Seasoning Mix

Recipe by:  Designs by Jeanne R

If you’re like most people, bottled dressing doesn’t compare with the ranch dressing made from the Hidden Valley Ranch mix packages.  The problem is that I never seem to have them on hand when I need them, and they’re kind of pricey!  A few years back, I was on a search for a recipe I could make myself.  I found one that I really liked, but it needed some adjusting.  I played with it a bit, and the addition of dill weed was just what it needed!  For years now, I’ve kept a batch of this dried mix made at all times.

Oven Baked Seasoned Plantains

Oven Baked Seasoned Plantains

About one and a half weeks ago, my husband came home from the store with two greenish-yellow, firm plantains.  Neither of us had tasted them much less cooked them!  I think I understand from reading about plantains, that if you want to fry. you’d want to use them when they are firm, but also more difficult to peel.  To peel them at this stage, you’d need to score them lengthwise, then slice into several pieces, then peel along the score line.  I’ve also learned that soaking them for a half hour or so aids in peeling. You would also want to use a mandolin to make uniform slicing easier.

Game Day Buttered O’s

Game Day Buttered O’s

Recipe by:  Designs by Jeanne R

I love this time of year, American football season brings an air of excitement of good things to come.  Having a son who plays High School football, we look forward to those Friday Night Lights…and the excitement in the air!  The boys work so hard all year long, keeping fit, lifting weights, eating right.  They have such discipline, commitment & drive.  We’re so proud of our son as well as all of his teammates.  They have admirable qualities & leadership characteristics that are something to behold both on and off the field.

Buttered O’s are a snack food that I’ve come to associate with football.  Whether you’re watching the game on TV or tailgating, this is a tasty addition to game food!

Kicked Up Bruschetta

Kicked Up Bruschetta

My family loves bruschetta, and I love that it’s so versatile! I mean come on, this baby can be the bread that accompanies your meal, an appetizer, or a pretty healthy snack. Not to mention that you can vary the ingredients to fit whatever your theme is for any given occasion, and what could be more simple?  You really don’t need to measure, just use this as a guide. So here’s my kicked up version…