Most Requested Hot Appetizers and Delicious Desserts

  I choose thoughtful, satisfying recipes that are good for steamed quick appetizers.

Top 3 Hot Appetizers

Number One Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Warm Chipotle Cheddar Dip

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1-8 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained (3/4 cup)
• 1-4 oz. can chopped green chili peppers, drained
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
• Vegetables, crackers or chips

  

I found this dip when I was on a low carb diet and was looking for a party appetizer that would work well with vegetables. Something with a robust flavor that would perk up the veggies.

Well this one definitely fit the bill. This appetizer has become a favorite among my friends. It's served multiple times throughout the year at various parties that I either host or attend.

You can make it as smokey and spicy as you want by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers (smoked jalepenos) but watch out. You can easily go from mildly spicy to blow-your-face-off hot by adding too much!

Steps to Make Cheddar Chipotle Dip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together cheeses, mayonnaise, corn, green chili peppers, chipotle chili peppers and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Spread mixture into a 1 quart, covered dish.

Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly. Top with tomato, green onion and cilantro. I like to make a pattern out of the toppings so I put the tomatoes all in the middle, make a ring around them with the green onion then sprinkle the cilantro over all.

Serve with vegetables, like red, green and yellow peppers. Tostido and Frito Scoops work well too.

Number Two Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Boneless Buffalo Wings

• 1 large bag of popcorn chicken, thawed (I buy mine at Sam's Club)
• 1 package dry Good Seasons italian dressing mix
• 1 bottle Frank's Red Hot Sauce (or to taste)
• 1 stick margarine (butter will separate)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Pinch dried basil

In a saucepan, combine dressing mix, hot sauce, margarine, lemon juice and basil and cook until margarine melts, stirring constantly.

Place chicken in a large bowl and pour sauce over it. Stir until well combined, then pour all into a Crock Pot. Cook on low 4 hours. Crack the lid to keep down the steam and prevent wings from getting soggy.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (do not use the reduced fat variety).

Number Three Most Requested Hot Appetizer--Warm Green Chili Dip

• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz. shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 small sweet onion, minced
• 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilis, drained
• 1-1/2 oz. chopped pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
• Tostidos or Fritos Scoops

In a shallow baking dish, combine the first five ingredients. Top mixture with the pepperoni and olives.
Bake at 325 degrees about 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with Scoops, crackers or assorted fresh vegetables.

Note: I do not recommend using reduced fat mayonnaise.

Speaking from personal experience, these three hot appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit at any get together.
WARNING: Get ready to hand out the recipes!

Top 3 Delicious Desserts

Number One Most Requested Delicious Dessert--Raspberry White Chocolate Dream Bars

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 sticks melted butter
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 12 oz. white chocolate chips

Combine cake mix, milk, butter and nuts. Makes a very gooey dough. Spray a 9 x 13 pan and spread half of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Melt the jam in the microwave (about a minute) and spread on top of hot crust. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over jam. Crumble remaining dough on top and bake an additional 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.