Tomato Pie

One of my favorite things in the summer is the fresh garden tomatoes.  I love them plain with salt and pepper, with basil in a salad, on a bacon sandwich, the list goes on and on.  But one of my absolute favorite things to make with fresh, summer tomatoes is Tomato Pie.

I’ve taken this Tomato Pie to a lot of picnics and cookouts and I always get a request for the recipe.  I think I have taken it every year to our church picnic.  It pairs well with grilled burgers, chicken, fish and steak.  But it also is delicious with comfort food as well.

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Cowboy Corn Dip

Are you ready for the 4th of July?  I know I am!  I keep thinking….maybe this will be like New Year’s Eve and then on July 5th we will fast forward to 2021!  I’m keeping my fingers crossed!  The one thing I do know for sure is that I will be making this Cowboy Corn Dip for the 4th!

I had this dip several years ago at a pool party and it’s been my go-to ever since.  This dip is super easy to prepare, can be thrown together in no time and always a hit.  That is the trifecta of all party foods!

This corn dip does have a little kick but is not what I would consider spicy.  If you don’t really do heat at all, then you can get the Mild Rotel and use half of a jalapeno.  In my opinion it is just right as is.  It doesn’t burn your mouth off.

When I make this dip I usually use Mexican Blend shredded cheese but you could certainly do cheddar if you like that better.  I’ve even thought I might try shredded pepper jack sometime to give it even more of a kick.

Pick up the stuff to make Cowboy Corn Dip for your 4th of July party.  I can assure you it will be a hit and people will be asking for the recipe!

Happy 4th of July!

Cowboy Corn Dip

This addictive corn dip is the perfect appetizer to take to any summertime party. It comes together in no time and everyone loves it!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 3 cans corn, drained
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
  • 5 green onions, sliced
  • 1 c sour cream
  • 1 c mayonnaise
  • 2 c shredded cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together.

  2. Let chill for 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Dale’s Burgers

There is not much that says summer more than grilled burgers!  They are usually on our menu once a week during grilling season.  We are simple burger people but if I’m feeling extra we make Dale’s Burgers!

These burgers are super simple with only two ingredients.  All you are going to need is ground chuck and Dale’s Steak Seasoning.  I find this in the aisle with ketchup and steak sauce.  It is a liquid, soy-based marinade.

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Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is one of my favorite desserts…..ever!  It doesn’t have to be summer for me to eat Key Lime Pie.  I can eat it any time of the year.  Today, I’m sharing a version that I’ve been making for a while.  This is more of a quick version than a truly authentic Key Lime Pie.

My version of Key Lime Pie starts with a cookie crust instead of the typical graham cracker crust.  I use Golden Oreos for this crust, but any vanilla sandwich cookie will work.  I also add toasted coconut, which really works well with this pie.

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Cucumber Dip

Our temps last weekend really made me realize summer weather is here.  When it is this hot you need nice and cool things to snack on.  This Cucumber Dip is just right for your afternoon snack after being in the heat.

Let me start by saying that I am not a pickle fan, but I loved this dip! I did add dried dill but did not a ton.  The flavors of the green onion and Worcestershire with a little dill are a great combination and do not taste like a pickle at all in my opinion.

This cucumber dip is so quick and easy. You throw everything in the food processor and it’s done! The recipe says to let it refrigerate overnight, but you could easily make it in the morning and serve it later in the afternoon.  It just needs a little time for all the ingredients to chill and the flavors to blend together.

I serve this dip with a combination of cucumber slices and pita chips.  Any veggie, chip or cracker would be good.  I think it’s a perfect snack for a pool or boat day!  So refreshing!

Cucumber Dip

This cool and creamy cucumber dip is so addictive! Try it with cucumbers or pita chips for the perfect summer snack!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours

Ingredients

  • 6 green onions
  • 1 cucumber
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • dry dill weed, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut green onions in thirds. Peel and chunk up cucumber. Blend in the food processor

  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until creamy.

  3. Refrigerate overnight.

  4. Serve with cucumber slices or crackers.

 

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Fettuccine Alfredo

Today I’m sharing one of our family’s absolute favorite recipes!  This one is rich and sinful.  Once you’ve tried this easy homemade version, you will never want to used the stuff in a jar again!

Every time we go to an Italian restaurant, someone in our family orders some form of Alfredo pasta.  We don’t have an abundance of what I consider authentic Italian restaurants in So Ill so I figured I should figure out how to make it.  After a few times of trial and error, we decided we like this combination the best.

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Garlic Shrimp

I don’t know about you, but now that we are home for dinner EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT I am running out of ideas.  The one thing that I have found to help me is revisiting old favorites that somehow slipped my mind.  Garlic shrimp was the first one I revisited!

This garlic shrimp recipe used to be a special occasion meal.  I think we usually had it on Christmas, but then I realized it’s really easy and delicious.  So why limit it to holidays?  We don’t anymore!

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Million Dollar Dip

I can’t believe this weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer.  With the Covid-19 pandemic and being quarantined since March, I feel like time has been standing still.  On the off chance that you are getting together with friends or family this Memorial Day weekend, this Million Dollar Dip makes a great appetizer.

This dip is so easy to throw together.  You probably already have all of the ingredients you need on hand.  All you need is some mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds and bacon.  Just whip this up and let it chill for a few hours in the refrigerator.

I like to serve this Million Dollar Dip with Ritz or Club crackers.  Feel free to use your favorite chip or cracker.  You can’t go wrong with this quick and easy appetizer!

Happy Memorial Day!

Million Dollar Dip

This five ingredient dip will be a hit at your next party! Easy & delicious!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c mayonnaise
  • 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 c. real bacon bits or chopped cooked bacon
  • 1/2 c. sliced almonds
  • 5 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.

  2. Chill 2 hours and serve with Ritz Crackers.

 

 

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Oreo Ice Cream Pie

How is everyone surviving quarantine?  I’ll tell you how I’m surviving…..by cooking!  That is the one thing that helps calm my mind during this wild time we’re living.

Today I am bringing you a recipe for Oreo Ice Cream Pie.  I hate to even call it a recipe because it’s so easy!  You only need 4 ingredients!  I have made this 3 times over quarantine and my family is not tired of it yet.

I originally came up with this recipe for my youngest son’s birthday a few years ago.  He saw something like this and told me that’s what he wanted.  We LOVE ice cream at our house, so it was an instant hit!

To make this Oreo ice cream pie all you have to do is make a cookie crust, spread some ice cream over the crust, top it with cool whip and cookie crumbs.  The hardest part is waiting while it sets up in the freezer!

I think an important thing to note is that I always use Private Selection Ice Cream for this.  We’ve tried a lot of ice cream and have found that none really compare to the Private Selection brand.  If you can’t find that brand in your area, just make sure that you use a good quality ice cream.  I think that really makes a difference.

This would be great to take for a Memorial Day cookout (is that even allowed right now???) or just as a cool, creamy treat any day of the week!

Oreo Ice Cream Pie

This delicious ice cream pie is loaded with Oreos and the perfect cool treat!

Course Dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 20 Oreos (divided)
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 48 oz Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
  • 8 oz whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Crush 16 Oreos and mix with melted butter.

  2. Pat Oreos and melted butter in pie plate. Place in freezer and let it set.

  3. While crust is setting up. Remove ice cream from freezer and let it soften.

  4. Once crust is set, spread softened ice cream and top with whipped topping

  5. Take the remaining four oreos and place one in the center of the pie. Crush the other three and sprinkle over the top of the pie.

  6. Return the pie to the freezer to completely set up.

  7. About 10 minutes before you want to serve the pie, remove it from the freezer. Slice and serve.

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Jambalaya

Lent begins next week so you know that Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are upon us.  I love celebrating Fat Tuesday with some cajun food.  This year we are having Jambalaya.

Several years ago we hosted a Mardi Gras themed party.  It was so much fun.  I searched all over for authentic recipes.  This one came from a member of an online message board group I was part of at the time.  She assured me this was authentic.  I have to say, it’s just as good as what I’ve had when I have visited New Orleans or even better!

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