This is for anyone out there who has a get-together coming up tonight or just has a MAD hankering for some super amazing cheesy dip that is different from the typical rotel dip (which is really good too!). Served best with toasted French baguettes cut into small portions.
Lasagna Dip
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 cup lasagna tomato sauce (see below)
1 cup low fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1. Cook the turkey, add the tomato sauce and simmer until it thickens a bit, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Spread the cottage or ricotta cheese over the bottom of a baking dish, followed by the sauce and finally the mozzarella.
3. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the top is a light golden brown and the sides are bubbling, about 15-20 minutes.
Lasagna Tomato Sauce
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed (optional)
1 (15oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp. tomato paste (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning or Oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp. basil, chopped (optional)
1. Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and fennel and cook until fragrant, about a minute. (this is where it gets to smelling AMAZING)
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, paprika, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes and then mix in basil and remove from heat.
In anticipation of the upcoming weekend, I'm providing those who may need an appetizer or dessert idea for a future get-together with a couple of my go-to faves! As always, easy and crowd pleasers!
Hormel Warm & Cheesy Bacon Dip
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 jar (3oz) Hormel real bacon bits
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Place in one quart baking dish. Cover and heat for 25-30 minutes or until hot. Great if served with crackers, chips or fresh vegetables!
Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Bites
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
24-36 peanut butter cup minis
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Stir flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.
3. Cream together butter and peanut butter. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Add in flour mixture and combine.
4. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Place in a mini muffin pan. Press 1 mini peanut butter cup in center and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool and drizzle with melted chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
