Game Day Dips and Chips

Sunday is a big day.
It's the New England Patriots versus Downton Abbey. There's a great tug-of-war going on in many households and lots of hoping and praying.
That the Patriots will have put away the Baltimore Ravens before 9 pm when Downton Abbey airs on PBS.
I'm wondering how many people are ardent fans of both dramas. I am!
I adore the British drama, with its glamourous costumes, posh accents and amusing class structure.
But I am also a huge fan of our beloved Patriots. Tom (don't hate me because I'm beautiful) Brady, Wes Welker, Vince Wilfork and my new hero, Stevan Ridley, all provide their own drama every season.

All hail the DVR, the best invention. Ever.

So whether you are parked in front of the tv for four hours of tackles and tight ends or one hour of stiff upper lips, you're going to want a snack. I've recently been going through ALL my old blog posts in effort to craft a real recipe index (coming soon!). I've rediscovered a lot of dips/appetizers that you might enjoy while viewing. Click on the highlights to take you to the original post.

Let's start with the classic - guacamole. I am known for my guacamole. In fact, I even had two college boys men ask me for a guacamole tutorial. Now it's their party trick.

This roasted red pepper dip is another popular dip because it's so full of flavor. Love it.

If you're trying to stick to those New Year's resolutions to eat more healthfully, you can't go wrong with hummus. Making your own means you can control the amount of oil. You can also add anything you like to it - lemon, jalapeños, cilantro, loads of garlic, basil. It's an excellent blank palette.

Want to try something out of the ordinary? This Hot Pepper Jelly Cheesecake is awesome. People will be saying "What is that flavor?" and you can be all smug and secretive while they beg for the recipe. Just say you got it on Mignardise. Thanks.

One more, just 'cause I LOVE this - Cranberry Salsa. So delicious, it's crazy.

Whatever you choose to watch, whatever you choose to eat, enjoy your Sunday.
And keep your eyes open for the new and improved Mignardise, coming very soon!

GO PATS!

Cranberry Salsa

I have a Halloween hangover.

What do they put in candy corn anyways? Crack?

Once you get started with it, it's nearly impossible to stop.

But the good news is, I have something for you that's also addictive, but MUCH better for you.

In fact, it's downright healthful.

Cranberries have anti-cancer properties, are high in antioxidants and loaded with vitamin C.

That's all just fine, but the bottom line here is the deliciousness of this salsa.

It's got that sweet-tart thing going on, with a little spiciness and lots of crunch. Eaten with a candy corn chip, you get just the right hit of salt too.

It was a a snap to make. And I'll be whipping up more at Thanksgiving. It'll be just right for snacking on in the afternoon, before turkey.

Now put down the candy corn and go make...

Cranberry Salsa

12 oz bag of cranberries

1/2 red bell pepper

1/2 onion

1 Granny Smith apple

1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar, depending on your taste

1-2 Tbsps. chopped jalapeno pepper, again depending on how spicy you like it

Zest of one lime

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice

Cut pepper and onion into large chunks. Place them in food processor along with the cranberries. Pulse several times until the mixture is chopped finely. It's ok if some larger pieces remain.

Remove from food processor and place in a medium bowl. Mix in sugar, jalapeno, lime zest, cilantro and cider. Combine well. 

Serve with tortilla chips.

Thanks David, for this recipe. Love it. Don't know why I waited so long!