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!

Summer Produce-palooza: Roasted Red Pepper Dip

As Ferris Bueller says, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

One minute you're enjoying fresh strawberry country cake and setting off fireworks in the backyard and the next minute you're in an over air-conditioned Staples stocking up on 6 different colors of "sturdy homework folders".

And the first  high school football game of the season is tonight.

How the hell did that happen?

While I wish that the Summer Produce-palooza could go on for  many more weeks, I am sad to say it will be coming to a close soon. One of the farmers told me blueberries and blackberries only have another week or two to go. Kinda makes me want to cry...

Today, to cheer us both up,  I offer you a fan favorite...

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

2 large red bell peppers, roasted, seeded and peeled

(For instructions on how to roast a pepper, click here. You could also use roasted peppers from a jar. But the ones you roast yourself have a lot more flavor. Just saying.)

4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and patted dry

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

2 tsps. ground cumin

1-2 pickled jalapenos, roughly chopped (or more to taste)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1 bunch scallions, white part only, roughly chopped

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

salt and pepper to taste

When peppers  have cooled to room temperature, press them firmly between paper towels to remove excess liquid. Otherwise the dip will be too runny.

Place peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cumin, jalapeno, cilantro, scallions and cream cheese in a food processor. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Turn out into a serving bowl. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.