Ladies night

We have a monthly get together that we used to call Bunco or as the husbands call it....Drunko. I think we might have to change the name of our group though since we don't actually play very much.  I get to host once a year and have tons of fun trying new recipes on my friends.

We had the Costco Kirkland Margarita (Courtesy of the DC Costco that sells liquor) and lots of wine.  I am going to need to go visit Costco in DC again soon to pick up some more margaritas.  They were refreshing and delicious.

I tried three new recipes this year.  Potato skins, Goat cheese with blackberry and honey and Zucchini pizza bites.  All delicious in my opinion.  Hope you enjoy trying them.


Goat Cheese with Blackberry and Honey
Adapted from: Foodie with Family

Ingredients



1 small artisan loaf
Goat cheese
fresh blackberries
mild honey

Directions
1.  Slice the bread thinly.  I tried for 1/4 inch.  Crisp in the oven for 3-4 min each side in the oven at 350 degrees.
2. Arrange the bread in a single layer on a plate.  Place a slice of goat cheese on each round.  Top with a blackberry and drizzle with some honey. I tried 3 types of goat cheese - plain, herb crusted and sweet cranberries.

Easy Potato Skins
From: Iheartnaptime

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes (washed)
3 TB butter, melted
2 teaspoons of kosher salt
1 1/2- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
7 slices bacon -cooked and crumbled

Directions
1.  Pre-heat oven to 400°. Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2.  Wash potatoes and then cut the ends of the potatoes off and discard. Next cut the rest of the potatoes into approximately 1/3 inch slices.
3.  Brush both sides and edges of the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with salt. Place on the foil covered pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned. Turn potatoes onto the opposite side after about 15 minutes, to brown the other side.
4.  When potatoes are done, top with cheese, bacon and green onions. Continue baking for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese in

Zucchini Pizza Bites
From: thecomfortofcooking

Ingredients
2 large zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Nonstick cooking spray
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
1/4 cup mini pepperoni pieces, optional
Italian seasoning, for sprinkling

Directions
1.  Spray cookie sheet, then spray both sides of zucchini rounds lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil or grill the zucchini rounds (I used a grill pan set to medium-high) for 2 minutes on each side.
2.  Place cooked zucchini rounds on a large lined baking sheet. Top with small amounts of sauce, cheese and pepperoni pieces, if desired. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted, careful not to burn. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and serve warm.

King Ranch Mac and Cheese

I think King Ranch is a common casserole in everyone's house that you must have tried at least once.  I know I have.  This dish is a great adaptation that combines two yummy dishes.  This is a great cheesy recipe that makes my life easier because almost everything is in one dish.  I love when I don't have to think about making sides.  My oldest daughter thought this was the bomb, but she also thinks Mac and Cheese is a food group.  I didn't add the extra 1.5 cups of more cheddar on top.  I thought the dish was cheesy enough. Use this dish as a make ahead dish when you know you are pinched with time or bring it to a potluck!

Adapted from: Southern Living

1/2 (16-oz.) package cellentani pasta

2 tablespoons butter 

1 medium onion, diced 

1 green bell pepper, diced 

1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles

1 (8-oz.) package pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed

3 cups chopped cooked chicken 

1 (10 3/4-oz.) can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream 

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased baking dish I used a 9x9

3. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Cheese Fondue

For the post-Valentine's day party feast I tried to think of what was a fun romantic like dessert.  Fondue came to mind.  I have had fondue at the Melting Pot restaurant. I wanted to offer a variety of dipping items that were out of the ordinary.  I read an article in the Food Network magazine and it did give me a great idea to add polenta.  I have never used the polenta in a tube.  I sliced it into 1/2 inch slices and threw it on the grill with the kielbasa sausage.  It turned out great.  Enjoy!

Adapted from: Epicurious
1 garlic clove, halved crosswise
1 1/2 cups dry white wine (preferably Swiss, such as Fendant)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 lb Swiss cheese, coarsely grated (2 cups)
1/2 lb Gruyère , coarsely grated (2 cups)

What to dip?
Cubes of bread
Grilled polenta
Sliced Kielbasa
Sliced apples
Blanched veggies - broccoli
Baby Carrots
Fingerling Potatoes
Pretzel Rods

Special Equipment:  a fondue pot & long skewers

1.  Rub inside of the fondue pot with cut sides of garlic, then toss the garlic in the fondue pot.. Add wine to pot and bring just to a simmer over moderate heat.
2.  Add the cornstarch and the cheese.  Stir the cheese mixture and simmer 5-8 minutes and serve.