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!

Flat Tires and A Healthy Snack

Yesterday I finally got my ass bike in gear and went for a ride.

Four miles in, my rear tire blew. Luckily I had the one tool I really needed to fix it.

My cell phone.
"Hello Bob. I'm on Sligo Road and I have a flat tire."
My husband to the rescue.

No matter how many times he tries to teach me to change a tire, my eyes just glaze over. I know I should be proficient at it, but frankly, I'm just not interested.
What I would be interested in is AAA for cyclists.

Bicycling is my exercise of choice. I took it up about five years ago when some friends asked if we'd like to join them on a bike trip through Tuscany.
Wouldn't you start cycling too?

And like my husband, I became addicted to it.
I spend many months pedaling in place on a Spin bike in a dark room, with loud music and an energetic instructor. But as soon as the weather warms up, I'm out on the road.

When I come home from my ride, I need a snack.
I can't undo all the good I just did for my body, so I need something that could qualify as healthy.
(No, these brownies won't do it.)
Hummus is a good choice, with vegetables, or crackers.

I never made my own until yesterday, and now that I know how easy it is, I doubt I'll buy it ever again.
If you can push the button on your food processor, you can make hummus. And the nice thing is, you can make it any way you like it.
I like it lemony and with lots of garlic.  I also threw in a handful of fresh parsley, which brightened the flavor by a lot. You could add cilantro too. Yum.
Roasted red peppers are a good addition. Or crushed hot peppers. Or cumin and chili powder.

(Not the most photogenic food)

I hesitate to even call this a recipe. Just put it all in your Cuisinart and start it up.
If you think the texture is a bit too thick, add a little more olive oil or even a tablespoon or two of water.
You can cook your own chickpeas, if you're that kind of person (which I am not) but canned ones are just fine.

Hummus


1 can chickpeas, rinsed

1/4 c. tahini

1/4 c. olive oil

juice of 2 lemons, and if you like it really lemony, add the zest of one lemon as well

2 cloves garlic

a handful of fresh flat leaf parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

And any other ingredients as suggested above.

Process together until smooth.