Creamy Dreamy Dip
Posted: January 21, 2014 Filed under: Confessions, Entertaining, Food, Recipe | Tags: appetizer, blender, Cabot, cheddar cheese, cheese, cheese spread, Cream Cheese, Creamy Cheesy, easy recipe, organic valley, party food, recipe, spread Leave a commentHi Friends!
Happy Tuesday! I figured I’d stop in and share my latest obsession: Creamy Cheesy Dip/Spread (made in about 5 minutes with a blender). Seriously… I think I’ve made this dip about 5 times in the last month (3 times for social gatherings and 2 times just because I couldn’t stop thinking about it). I make it a little differently each time, but this way seems to be my favorite.
And if you have these ingredients… how can you go wrong, really?!
Three of my favorite things….
This is super easy to make and can be made with so many different flavor combinations… serve it with some sliced baguette, a good dip chip or some veggies… I’m also loving it as a spread on sandwiches.
Sorry for the lack of photos… but I didn’t think that blended cheese would photograph well.
Noelle’s Creamy Dreamy (cheesy) Dip:
*adapted from a cream cheese box–I can’t find it on the Organic Valley website or I would link it for you.*
- 1 package cream cheese, softened.
- 1 (8 oz) brick cheddar cheese (I am a big fan of Cabot Extra Sharp)
- 8 oz. Plain Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 tsp. onion powder or chives.
- 2-3 tsp. smoky paprika
- a pinch of sea salt
- a few good cranks of black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Grate your cheddar cheese.
Add all ingredients into food processor/blender–EXCEPT your cream cheese and lemon juice. Pulse until everything is chopped/well combined.
Add in remaining ingredients and pulse for a few more minutes until everything is incorporated.
Scrape into a bowl and cover. Refrigerate for an hour or so before serving–this allows the flavors to really come together.
Want to add in some veggies? Throw in some broccoli, spinach or kale.
This dip is real good. Please try it!
Roasted Chickpeas
Posted: May 17, 2012 Filed under: Entertaining, Food, Recipe, Uncategorized | Tags: baked chickpeas, chipotle olive oil, crushed red pepper, delicious snack, dinner, easy recipe, entertaining, Food, food obsession, fun food, garbanzo beans, garlic, healthy snacks, one bowl recipe, party food, quick snacks, real food, roasted chickpeas, smoked salt, Smoky Paprika, snacks, tsp garlic powder, vegan, vegetarian Leave a commentMy friends, we are onto another food obsession. Chickpeas. Garbanzos. Whatever you like to call them, they are delicious.
Now, don’t get me wrong, these tasty little beans have always held a special place in my heart. Hummus? I love you. Salads? Not the same without this little extra. Smashed up with fresh herbs and some spices? Instant sandwich. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I will just eat them plain, too.
But a couple of weeks ago, I decided to try something that has been on my cooking to-do list for a while. And I am so glad I did.
Sadly, I didn’t take any photos…because I was so gosh-darn hungry that I forgot…and because, well, I think everyone knows what a chickpea looks like.
I also may have forgotten to change the temperature on my oven and inadvertantly set off my smoke alarm… the world will never know.
Anyway, this is a super simple and quick recipe that can be adjusted according to your tastes. Per usual, experiment with your flavors! If you don’t like spicy, rosemary and garlic would be great, or how about curry?! Also, these aren’t exact measurements, so adjust accordingly. This is a super easy and delicious snack, especially if you’re having unexpected company or need another finger food!
Roasted Chickpeas: adapted from various recipes
2 (15 oz) Cans Chickpeas
About 2 tbsp. olive oil-I used a chipotle infused oil for a little extra flavor
A few good cranks of black pepper
A good sprinkling of sea salt (we have an awesome hickory smoked black salt that is to die for!)
2 or 3 tsp smoked paprika, obviously.
2 tsp. garlic powder
a good sprinkling of crushed red pepper
a good sprinkling of parsley
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch or two of chili powder
What to do:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse, drain and pat dry chickpeas.
Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl.
Toss in chickpeas until evenly coated.
Transfer to baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, tossing two or three times while baking.
When finished, chickpeas will be a golden brown and have a crispy outside-the inside will still be a bit soft.
Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Note: If your oven tends to run hot, as mine does, set at 350 and adjust cook time accordingly.
Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut!
Posted: March 8, 2012 Filed under: Entertaining, Food, Fun, Handmade, Health and Wellness, Life, Local Food, Random, Recipe | Tags: breakfast, chocolate, chocolate nut spread, easy recipe, entertaining, hazelnuts, morning, Nutella, party food, quick recipe, running, simple food, snacks, spring, vegan, vegetarian 2 CommentsWow! What a gorgeous day! It was 48 degrees when I got up to run this morning. 48 degrees! The sun was shining and there was a light breeze. Perfect running weather. Unfortunately, I only had time for a short run, but every little bit helps! That’s what I keep telling myself.
So in short, I am feeling pretty charged and pumped to take on the rest of the day!
Another awesome thing about this week; Chocolate Hazelnut Spread! Holy cow is it good. And soooooooooo easy to make! Seriously, if you can work a blender, you’ve got it in the bag. This would be a great spread for a fancy party or a brunch with your family and friends-the hit of the party. OR you can hide it in your fridge and eat it by the spoonful… whichever you prefer.
I used this recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Per usual, Deb did not disappoint. I’ll let you visit her post because she explains it so well.
A couple of notes:
I ended up using just under a cup of powdered sugar and 2 tbsp. of oil instead of 3. I also added a splash of vanilla… this is just personal preference on sweetness and texture. Tweak to your taste. It would still be amazing with more sugar and oil.
The SK recipe called for peanuts and peanut oil…I happened to have hazelnuts and walnut oil on hand, so that’s what I used. Still delish. You could probably also use Tahini if you don’t have some sort of nut oil.
It may seem that you are running your food processor forever… don’t worry, the nuts will liquefy. It takes patience and scraping down the sides of the processor. Just when I was about to give up, I had liquid! So just…keep blending. Also, don’t make this past 9 pm…unless you want to tick off your neighbors.
The finished product!
Spread lasts in a sealed container in the fridge for about a week. Makes about 1 3/4 cups. Serve on toast, with fruit, in oatmeal..or by the spoonful. The options are endless.
According to my ingredients, a serving (1 tbsp.) has the following: 92 calories, 7 g of fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 65.6 mg potassium, 6.2 g Carbohydrates, 4.7 g sugar and 2 g of protein.
Enjoy!
Noelle's Notebook 