Starters

Winter Champagne Cocktail

What cocktail to serve New Year’s Eve?? Champagne is the traditional drink to serve and it just happens to be my favorite drink! I could drink champagne every day of the year and most days I do:) This past summer we went on a trip to St. Barths with some very dear friends and luckily my friend Amanda loves champagne as much as I do! And with St. Barths being French they had every imaginable champagne everywhere (grocery stores, gas stations, airport…) and we drank enough champagne to sink a boat-it was SO fun!

I digress, back to New Year’s Eve and trying to find a drink that everyone will like or at least most will like. This cocktail is so light an refreshing and not sweet. I see all the time these signature drinks served at parties and the men walk right past them and head to the bar to get the typical Jack and Coke, whiskey on the rocks, vodka tonic or beer. Men don’t like sweet drinks, at least that is my experience down here in Texas. But…, […]

Stefani Hood2020-01-03T19:31:15+00:00December 30th, 2017|Starters, Wine|1 Comment

Smokey Little Sausages

We are in the home stretch of this 2017 year and I can’t believe how fast it has gone. I feel like it was just Halloween and I was scrambling to find candy to pass out and now we are planning New Years Eve? It goes by in a blink doesn’t it?

Well if you are hosting a New years Eve party or lucky enough to be invited to someone’s party you are probably looking things to serve or bring. Please remember if you are hosting to have PLENTY of food on this night! There is a lot alcohol consumed and people need food to snack on ALL night. If your party starts at 7pm then be sure and serve dinner and then plan on serving a second dinner or heavy appetizer round about 11pm. First, you don’t want you guests getting so drunk they ruin the party and second, people will leave if they are hungry and there is no food.

Below is a recipe for THE EASIEST appetizer in the world, I promise! Seriously, a monkey could make this! It goes […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-17T00:53:17+00:00December 29th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Frozen Eggnog Cocktail

Eggnog is one of those things you either love or hate. I love it and my husband hates it which is kinda funny because I really don’t like nutmeg. Have you ever heard a chef say “just grate a little bit of nutmeg on a green vegetable to give it a unique flavor?” Ick! I think that flavor is awful!:) But I love nutmeg in sweet things and eggnog is the most classic of all nutmeg sweets.

During the holidays of course you can serve the typical eggnog drink, but why not kick it up a notch and make it an adult milkshake? This cocktail is super easy and delicious! You can serve it during appetizers, but it is filling so I recommend serving it with dessert or as the dessert. You can make a pitcher of it and keep it in the freezer until ready to serve.

I use Bourbon, but you can use Brandy, Rum, Whiskey…. whatever you prefer, but I do suggest not using your best liquor since it is going to be blended up with ice cream and eggnog. […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:34:23+00:00December 22nd, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Candied Pecans

When the holidays roll around and you realize the enormous list of people you have to buy for it becomes daunting to think about buying “little” gifts for neighbors, teachers, tutors…. And when you realize this not only are you out of energy, but you are out of money! These pecans are the perfect “little gift” for all those people on your list that you need to give something to, but not much.

They take about 10 minutes to make and you can whip up a huge batch to cross of a lot of people on your list! You can put them in plastic bags with a bow or in a small gift box with parchment paper or in a mason jar. They are delicious and all your friends will appreciate a homemade gift.

Or if you don’t have any friends and just want to make a batch of these for yourself they are delicious:) They will keep for about two weeks in the fridge.

Enjoy and remember to take a few minutes to look around and soak in the beautiful holiday season!

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Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:11+00:00December 5th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Queso Fundido

It the party season and it seems that every night of the week there is a party of some sort to attend. It is so much fun to see friends and catch up over a cocktail and yummy food and remember that calories don’t count during the month of December:)

This is an amazing dip that everyone will love. I would not suggest serving it a formal dinner or party, but for a casual get together with your book club to celebrate the holidays it is perfect! I also would not suggest taking this to a party if you are asked to bring a dip. You can if you know the host really well, but the host asked you to bring something to help them, not to give them one more task like heating the oven for your or finding a serving bowl or spoon. Just be considerate of the host and how crazed they are when throwing a party.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and send me any questions or thoughts!

8-10 oz Chorizo

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon pickled […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:34:34+00:00December 5th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Spiced Whiskey Cocktail

We all need a cocktail recipe in our back pocket for holiday get-togethers and this one is delicious! It tastes like a grown up fall apple cider and it goes down very easy:) You can make a large pitcher of this and just pour over ice when your guests begin to arrive. I will be serving this before Thanksgiving dinner!

This cocktail does not require a lot of random ingredients that only bartenders have on hand. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in your grocery store. And, obviously you can serve this all year round, but right now during the fall months you can find the most amazing apple ciders in the stores and they just make this drink event that much better. I found a Honeycrisp Apple Cider-AMAZING on its own and even more amazing with whiskey in it:)

Enjoy and send me your thoughts and questions!

Makes 1 cocktail

4 oz. apple cider

1 oz. carmel syrup (the kind you put in coffee)

1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 oz. whiskey

Pour all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:34:45+00:00November 15th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Ok, so now that you have Thanksgiving dinner covered and breakfast covered you need snacks for guests. Or you might be asked to bring an appetizer to Thanksgiving dinner or a party. These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are DELICIOUS! And they are easy to make, especially if you use a melon baller to help scoop them into perfect balls.

One piece of advice is to not over cook these! Chicken is very lean and if you over cook them they will be tough. In my oven they take about 13 minutes and they are perfect!

Enjoy! Send thoughts and questions!

Makes about 2 dozen

1 1/2lb. ground chicken or turkey

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 large egg, beaten

1 stick celery, finely minced

2 green onions, green part only, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce-divided

1/4 cup Ranch dressing

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

Preheat oven to 400Â°

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, celery, green onions, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and 2 Tablespoons Franks […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:11+00:00November 15th, 2017|Starters|1 Comment

Hummus

Hummus is one of those things we always have in the fridge at my house because it is a great snack with raw veggies or crackers. I typically buy the pre-made hummus at the grocery store, but it always has this metal taste or mass produced taste that just kinda bugs me. SO…I started messing around with recipes to see if I could make my own and I came up with a perfect, quick, EASY recipe for homemade hummus.

As I have said before, I am not one of those moms that makes everything from scratch because it is better for my precious babies. NO, I make stuff from scratch because it tastes better-forget the kids! 🙂 BUT, I am not going to raise my own chickens to have fresh eggs or make my own yogurt. I draw the line at ease. It must be easy for me to make it from scratch. Very rarely do I tackle a complicated recipe so you can rest assure that this hummus recipe is easy and will take you about 4 minutes to make and it tastes […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:11+00:00October 29th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

White Beans with Rosemary and Garlic

It has been a long week and its only Thursday! We have not been home one night for a family dinner so I am excited to have everyone around the table tonight to talk about their day and week and of course answer trivia questions:) Yes, my family plays trivia every night at the table. It helps the conversation and keeps them at the table longer because once dinner is over everyone goes to their rooms to do homework or more importantly answer snapchats! So the longer I can keep them the longer we can hang out with them without them really thinking we are having family time.

This is a recipe that I make all year round, but it is so comforting especially in the fall and winter. It is easy to make and it reheats beautifully, although it does not freeze well. I think that white beans turn gritty when they are frozen and thawed. This is obviously a side dish, but you can take this to a party and serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:12+00:00October 12th, 2017|Starters, Sides|0 Comments

Herbed Ricotta Crostini with Radishes

I was about to type that I think spring is my favorite time of year for food, but then I realized that I love all the seasons for different reasons. When every season arrives I am ready for the change of flavors. And right now with spring in full swing I am loving all that it has to offer. I love the herbs, the vegetables, the colors, the fruit…. Its all so happy and bright and delicious!

I could never be one of those people that eats to just put fuel in their bodies. I love the textures, colors, smells, and even the memories that food brings to life. I cannot live on protein bars and egg whites. I just can’t do it. And I guess the means that I will always be 10 pounds over weight:) Oh well!

I do try and eat as healthy as possible, but I am not going to deprive myself of good food, especially if I am at a fabulous restaurant. But, one of the benefits of cooking at home is that you get to see […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:13+00:00May 4th, 2017|Starters, Sides|0 Comments

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

You always need to have a cocktail at a brunch, especially if there is family there! The typical drink is a Bloody Mary, but I thought I would try something new this year. A Rosemary Greyhound is so springy and light and is perfect for an Easter brunch.

The only thing that takes a bit of time is making the rosemary simple syrup. It only takes about 5 minutes to make, but you need to let it cool for about an hour. If you know me then you know I look for shortcuts and I would typically say buy the premade simple syrup-you can find it in any grocery store or liquor store, but, with this recipe the simple syrup IS the recipe so take the time to make it. If you are running late in preparations then make the syrup and put it in a jar and place the jar in an ice bath to cool quickly.

This is a great thing to make the day before that way it is cooled and ready […]

Stefani Hood2022-04-15T17:16:52+00:00April 10th, 2017|Starters, Breakfast & Brunch|0 Comments

Boiled Shrimp with Spicy Cocktail Sauce

I don’t think I have been to one buffet where they don’t have boiled shrimp or crab claws and now I know why. I have never really thought about until I began putting this menu together. If you are cooking a large menu you need to have items that are easy and simple and don’t take up a lot of brain power. Boiled shrimp is it! Everyone loves it and it looks fancy and it takes about 4 minutes to prepare-I swear!!!

I buy the tail on, easy peel, raw, frozen shrimp 21-25. Which means that when you buy 1 pound of shrimp you should get anywhere between 21-25 shrimp in that pound. So, obviously the bigger the number the smaller the shrimps. When you are serving boiled shrimp as a dish alone you want the largest shrimp you can find or afford. And buying frozen means that you can buy in advance and thaw when you are ready.

You can peel the shells off if you want or you can boil the shrimp with the shells on and let your […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:14+00:00April 10th, 2017|Starters, Meats & Fish, Breakfast & Brunch|0 Comments

Buffalo Chicken Dip

I have been waiting all year to make this dip. It truly is one of the best dips on the planet! Ask anyone that has ever tried it and they will say “it’s addicting”. There are absolutely no redeeming qualities about it-it is calorie laden, cholesterol laden and I am certain one day they will find that buffalo sauce causes some form of cancer. But, it is soooo good!

On Super Bowl Sunday there will be 1.33 BILLION wings eaten. I have to say that I love the flavor, spice and blue cheese of buffalo wings, but I really, really hate eating the wing. I don’t love the fatty skin or eating around the bones. I seem to be in the minority of this discussion, but I know there are others out there that feel the way I do??? Well, if you are like me then this is the buffalo wing for you! It tastes just like a pile of wings, but is much easier to eat.

There really are no measurements to this recipe-just as much or as little as you like. […]

Stefani Hood2022-07-26T19:51:55+00:00February 4th, 2017|Starters|2 Comments

Beer Cheese Dip

It’s here! The day we have all been waiting for since Thanksgiving. Yes, it’s Super Bowl Sunday! The second most fattening day of the year. I have been told that calories don’t count on Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday. Man, I hope they are right!

Just to give you an idea of the food consumption on the big day-Dominos Pizza sells approximately 11 million slices of pizza, 100 million pounds of guacamole will be consumed and $1.2 billion will be spent on BEER. That is a crap ton of beer! If you are like me and you prefer wine then us wine drinkers will only spend about $590 million on wine. Mere chump change:)

So, if you are attending a party or throwing one you are probably looking for some things to bring or serve. The following recipe is really easy and everyone loves it. I suggest putting it on the buffet table in a crock pot so that it stays warm and you don’t have to keep re-heating it.

And… by making this dip you are contributing to the $1.2 billion in […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:15+00:00February 4th, 2017|Starters|0 Comments

Arugula Salad

I love arugula! Not everyone does because it has a very strong flavor, but hey its not stronger than the it’s hip kale counterpart. You can put arugula in everything! Wilt it in a soup, serve it raw with lemon and olive oil, put it on a sandwich. It’s just so good! It’s peppery and kinda lemony. Give it a try.

I don’t know about you, but if I get the main course cooked I feel like I won a prize! I can barely think about sides and salads, especially if they take any brain power. This salad is an awesome no brainer salad. It literally takes about 4 minutes. And, you can make it while you are preparing the main course and yelling at your kids to help set the table or feed the dog or do their homework, is that only my house? Anyway, you can put this salad together and because the arugula is so hearty it can sit with the dressing on it for 20-30 minutes and it won’t affect the taste. I have to do things […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:17+00:00January 9th, 2017|Starters, Soups & Salads, Sides|0 Comments

Citrus Salad with Honey Lime Drizzle

During the winter I crave fruit, especially citrus fruit. We go through a lot of oranges, grapefruits and tangerines and I peel every one! Because my precious offspring just cannot do it. They can whip a lacrosse ball 75 miles an hour into a goal, but they cannot peel an orange. Go figure! But, I guess that is why they keep me around:)

This is a great salad to serve with dinner or for a snack after school. My kids love it! It’s tangy and sweet and so refreshing.

When making this salad you are going to peel the fruit with a paring knife. Make sure your knife is sharp and cut off the ends off first. Set the orange on the cutting board with the flat cut off end on the board. Using your knife cut the peel and pith (the white layer between the fruit and the peel) off in strips. Once all the peel is off, cut the orange into rings. Do not worry about it looking perfect. Just do your best to get off all the white parts […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:17+00:00January 9th, 2017|Starters, Sides|0 Comments

Rosemary and Olive No Knead Bread

Bread Rosemary

Happy New Year! The holidays are over and everyone is on their gym/juicing resolution. How long do your resolutions last? I personally am not into the detox, juicing, fasting thing. Many, many of my friends are and more power to them, but, I just can’t. The other day I went and bought $50 worth of cold-presssed, fresh juice. I tried, I promise I tried, but I just couldn’t do it. They are SO gross! I would rather have 5-10 pounds to loose than drink that stuff. But, to each his own! In the Hood house we try to strike a balance of healthy and bad-80% good and 20% bad. I don’t want my kids to worry about food/calories their whole lives. I want them to enjoy food sitting around the table and forming relationships over a fabulous long dinner. I feel like if they exercise and eat reasonably well then thats all I can ask for. Life is way too short to not eat the dessert or the steak.

Now, with all that being said… I do […]

Stefani Hood2022-06-16T17:46:12+00:00January 9th, 2017|Starters, Breakfast & Brunch|0 Comments

Eggnog Martini

It’s Saturday and it’s almost Christmas so that means parties and more parties. If you are hosting one of these festive occasions this is a great drink to get your guests in the holiday spirit. Now, I know a lot of people don’t like eggnog, mostly because of the texture. But, if you mix store-bought eggnog (I mean who in the world has time to make their own eggnog??) with vodka and a few other yummy ingredients then you get the hint of eggnog without the thick calorie laden drink you are thinking of.

This recipe is not some new innovative drink I created-it has been around for many, many years, but I do tweak the traditional recipes, because why not? I add Frangelico instead of Amaretto, but if you prefer almond flavor over hazelnut then by all means use Amaretto. Also, I like to garnish the rims with sugar and cinnamon, but you can also garnish with sugar and nutmeg or nutmeg and cinnamon….

This drink is easy to make in large batches and just leave in a carafe in an ice bowl during […]

Stefani Hood2020-10-27T15:53:53+00:00December 17th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Southwest Spicy Chicken Bites

I promise I will post something about everyday weeknight meals, but it is the holiday season and that means small bites. People ask me all the time what they can serve that is easy to eat, not messy and not sweet. This is one of my go to recipes. You can put it out on a buffet or you can pass them on a tray easily. I am not sure when I came up with this recipe or where the inspiration came from, but this is not some crazy, out of the blue appetizer. I am sure many, many people have very similar recipes in their back pocket.

So here is my yummy, go-to party appetizer. Be sure and make a lot because they do go fast since they are easy to pop in your mouth and hold on to your very important cocktail.

Southwest Spicy Chicken Bites

Small little bites that will tide people over until dinner is ready.

1 large chicken breast, cut into bite sized cubes
1/2 lb. Thin cut […]

Stefani Hood2020-12-17T16:28:02+00:00December 11th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Hot Crawfish Dip

A very dear friend of mine, Rebecca, introduced me to this amazing dip! She served it at her annual Christmas party several years ago and I remember about 4 of us stood around the food table and devoured this dip. It was SO good! It is rich, creamy, spicy and just YUM.

I asked her for the recipe and I have made it a million times since then. Every time I serve it or take it to a happy hour people rave over it.

If you cannot find crawfish (I normally find it in the frozen section near the frozen shrimp) then you can use shrimp or even lobster. You only need about 2 small lobster tails and I see them all the time in the fish department for about $8 a tail.

It is best to serve this dip in a chafing dish, but if you do not have one then just remember to re-heat the dip every now an then throughout the party, if it lasts that long.

1 (16oz) package frozen crawfish tails (thawed, rinsed and […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:35:26+00:00December 11th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Thanksgiving Stove Top Potpourri

The week has finally arrived-Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday as I have mentioned before. No gifts to worry about, no tree to decorate, no holiday work parties… just food, drink and family.

If you are hosting people this week and your house is a disaster, like mine, do not fear. I swear our gremlin, Bill, comes in the middle of the night and messes everything up just to screw with me! Yes, we do have a gremlin. We named him Bill-I have no idea why. But, he comes in the middle of the night and moves my youngest son’s shoes so he cannot find them in the morning which causes extreme stress, yelling, crying….and Bill always gets blamed-never my son, go figure! Anyway, I digress. If you are hosting people and you are trying to get your house to look like a pinterest photo, good luck, but here is a quick way to welcome your guests. Just put on a pot of stove top potpourri and your house will smell like the holidays instantly. Hand your guests a stiff drink the minute […]

Stefani Hood2021-11-18T15:31:43+00:00November 21st, 2016|Starters|2 Comments

Blue Cheese and Pear Tart

So, I was at Costco (the greatest place on earth) and they had PEARS! My family loves pears. I promptly bought two boxes, yes that is 24 pears. Seems like a lot, right? Nope-they are almost all gone. We use them in smoothes in the morning, snacks after school, in yogurt… They are such a great fruit and very Fallish.

The other day I was thinking about Fall and how I wish it would get here! I mean it is the end of October and it is 90 degrees. I am not sure that we are ever going to see Fall. I am hot and cranky and I need some cool weather-now! But since I can’t make it turn cooler I have been thinking about how I could make some cool weather dishes. Specifically how I could use some of the pears I bought in an appetizer that could be served at a party since party season is right around the corner. But, I wanted to come up with an dish that the pears did not turn brown while sitting […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:19+00:00October 20th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Grilled Artichokes

Ah artichokes! I love them and thankfully so does my entire family. If I see fresh artichokes in the grocery store I immediately buy a few. They have a short season of March to May with normally a bumper crop in October. Well…its October!!!

I was at Costco (one of my favorite places on earth) and they had a bag of 4 artichokes that looked beautiful so of course I bought them. Side note, be sure and buy the ones that are green, firm and heavy. They need to look fresh, not brown on the tips and starting to flower out.

Once you get home with your fresh artichokes try and cook them within a couple days. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to use. When that time comes, snip off the thorns on the tips of the leaves with kitchen shears and cut off the end of the stem, but not all of it-it is edible.

This vegetable looks daunting, but it is one of the easiest side dishes or appetizers to make. And, they are fun to eat […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:19+00:00October 17th, 2016|Starters, Sides|0 Comments

Apple Cider Cocktail

It’s Fall and that means Homecoming! The football games are in full swing and the parties and tailgates are in even more full swing. Let’s face it that the reason we have Homecoming is so that we have an excuse to get together and have a party!

When you think of Homecoming you think of crisp evenings and falling leaves. That is unless you live in the South. We do not get our Fall until about October so the September tailgates and parties are still a bit warm. But, we want it to be Fall so bad! So, how do we make it feel like Fall when it is 93 degrees outside? We put the pumpkins out and we serve “fallish” dishes. Here is a cocktail that is perfect for those warm Fall nights, or days:) It is not served hot and it still has a bit of a refreshing hint to it. Plus, it is a great way to use up all the basil that you have planted, before it dies.

Makes 1 drink

2 oz. Vodka (or 4 […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:20+00:00September 17th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Apricot Bacon Bites

Sweet and Salty is the perfect flavor combination. Who does not like it? It’s seems like it shouldn’t work, but we just can’t get enough of it. It’s addictive! Think of salted caramels, chocolate covered pretzels or kettle corn. YUM!

I have learned that if I give my kids fruit (sweet) along with pretzels (salty) they will eat more fruit. See I am a good mom I get nutrients in them without them even knowing:) I just hope a study doesn’t come out saying that those gummy vitamins cause them to go blind.

This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It takes a bit more time, but it is not hard. Be sure and make a lot of these because they will be gone in a flash. I made these for a party this summer and they were the first appetizer gone!

Makes 30 Pieces

4oz. goat cheese, let come to room temperature

1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

30 apricots

10 slices thin cut bacon, cut into thirds

toothpicks

Preheat oven to 350Â°

In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese and […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:20+00:00September 5th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Now that summer is officially over and you have to put away the linen, even though it is still 112 degrees outside, the “party” season begins. Not the holiday season, but the tailgate, dinner club, football watching party season. I personally think Fall is the best time of the year. The weather cools off and football is on, ALL the time, and everyone is looking forward to the holidays and the food. It’s just an exciting time of year.

So, you get invited to a friend’s house for an event and you need to bring something so you don’t show up empty handed. But, you do not have much time because you have been sitting at precious elementary or middle school football games, lacrosse games or cheer competitions ALL day. What is a guest supposed to do?? You don’t want to bring onion dip in the plastic container from the grocery store, ick! Bring this dip! Everyone will love it and it takes about 5 minutes to put it together. And, if you want to make it in advance it only […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:21+00:00September 5th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

BBQ Stuffed Potato Skins

I love to cook, but I have become a permanent resident in the kitchen this summer. My 13 year old is eating EVERYTHING! The other day we met some friends for family happy hour at a restaurant near a park. All the kids were playing at the park throwing the football and having a blast. And, all the adults were having cocktails and ordering small snacks to nibble on, but my son ordered a 12oz. steak, instead of playing football. He ate the entire thing then ordered fried calamari! He was at the other end of the table from me so I had no idea this was going on. So, I apologize to the other guests who split the tab with us…I owe ya!

After we got home from happy hour my son asked me to make him a sandwich-can you say puberty!!! I am at the grocery store every day. I love the grocery store, but this is getting ridiculous. But, since we are still up in Colorado I have had some time to try some new recipes in between […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:21+00:00July 31st, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Jalapeno Poppers

They say that eating spicy foods during hot summer months helps cool you down. I am not sure about that, but it does explain why a lot of spicy foods comes from the Caribbean and Mexico. Regardless, I think the reason spicy food cools you down is because your normally guzzle an ice cold beer or cocktail after a spicy meal. I like a little bit of spice-not too much. I want to be able to taste the food I am eating, not just the heat.

This jalapeÃ±o appetizer is very easy, but looks and tastes complicated. Serve these fabulous little bites with a cold beer or a Berry Mojito. I put these out while I was finishing up the burgers I was making and they were gone in about 5 minutes. So be sure and make a lot!

Makes 24 pieces

12 small jalapeÃ±os

8oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

12 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 400Â°

Cut jalapeÃ±os in half and remove the seeds and veins.

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheese and garlic […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:22+00:00June 28th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Berry Mojito

Start the weekend off with a cool, light, refreshing cocktail. I promise even the guys will like this drink. It is not too sweet and not pink so most guys will be ok holding this in their hand at a party:)

This cocktail uses all the beautiful berries that are in season right now. It is not your traditional mojito because of the obvious addition of berries, but it also uses less mint, which I like. Plus, it is just so summery and goes down oh so easy!

Makes 1 Cocktail

1 Tablespoon Fresh Blueberries

2 Fresh Strawberries, diced

2 large mint leaves, torn into small pieces (save a few leaves for garnish)

1 Tablespoon lime juice (about 1/2 a lime)

1 teaspoon simple syrup

2 oz. white rum

Club Soda

Ice

In a cocktail glass muddle the berries and mint. Add simple syrup, lime juice and rum.

Fill the glass with ice and add club soda.

Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge.

Notes:

Simple syrup can be bought in the liquor store or grocery store. Or you can easily make your own- in a medium sauce pan bring to […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:28:22+00:00June 24th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

Perfect Iced Tea

In the South or in Texas-you know we are our own entity:) But anyway, in the summer in the South it is HOT and we drink a lot of iced tea. There is even a restaurant you can drive thru and pick up a large iced tea, in a styrofoam cup, of course, for $1.46!

I remember my grandmother would make a pot of regular iced tea and a pot of sweet iced tea every morning. When I would visit I would drink that entire pot of sweet tea. I say pot because she would make it in an old coffee pot. And, every night with dinner my mom would give us a large glass of iced tea. Looking back I am not sure how I went to sleep at night.

Even though my brother in law is from Philadelphia he drinks iced tea ALL day! When he comes to visit he goes through pitchers and pitchers of the stuff. And can you blame him? It is the perfect summer cool drink with a kick of caffeine. But, but… there is a trick or […]

Stefani Hood2018-02-15T21:36:03+00:00June 15th, 2016|Starters|0 Comments

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