Appetizers – Page 5 – The Pajama Chef

It’s January! For many people, that means a [re]commitment to healthy eating. Sticking with a healthy diet can be hard. Since I am all for moderation of all things, instead of strict denial, I like to find healthier versions of my favorite treats. These potato skins are a prime example.

The regular version is loaded up with tons of cheese, sour cream, and bacon. This version, à la Ellie Krieger, features broccoli, Canadian bacon, avocado, and cheese. The perfect substitute! And perhaps, even better than the original?

While I love the usual loaded potato skins [and ate my fair share in college], this version with broccoli and avocado is just fabulous. They’re more filling and more of a meal-appetizer than an appetizer-appetizer. Make sense? I had forgotten just how good Canadian bacon was… salty and a little more gourmet than regular bacon. Gourmet may be a bit of an overstep, but I love its juicy, smoky sweetness. It pairs SO well with that avocado cream, which MIGHT be my new favorite thing! It’s like guac, but creamy and with just a hint of lime. The only change I might make to this dish would be to chop the broccoli up a little more after steaming it, but that’s just a minor thing.

This app is perfect for a football party, or just a casual night at home in your cozy slippers. 🙂 Enjoy!

two years ago: Perfect Black Beans
three years ago: Triple Chocolate Oat Cookies

Broccoli Stuffed Loaded Potato Skins with Avocado Cream [from Comfort Food Fix by Ellie Krieger]
click to print

Ingredients:

4 small russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and pepper
2 cups chopped broccoli florets [4 ounces]
2 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

for avocado cream

1 avocado
2 scallions, chopped [green and white parts separated]
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro
1 clove garlic
salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pierce potatoes with a fork 8-10 times each, then wrap in paper towels and microwave until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle, then cut in half lengthwise.

Scoop out all but an 1/8 inch of the potato flesh, reserving for another use. Brush the inside and outside of the potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down on a baking sheet and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, making the filling. Steam the broccoli until crisp-tender. Add the Canadian bacon to a skillet set over medium-high heat and saute until crisp, about 4 minutes. Divide the broccoli and cheese equally amongst the potatoes

Lower oven temperature to 400 degrees and return potatoes to oven, baking for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

To make the avocado cream, place all ingredients except green scallions in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, top potato skins with Canadian bacon, avocado cream, and green scallions.

Time: 45 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings.

Appetizers, Recipes

Skinny Southwest Chicken Dip

October 28, 2013October 27, 2013 Sarah

I love dip. I am made for dip. In my younger years, if I wasn’t ordering chicken fingers at a restaurant, it was some kind of dip. Instant high school/college dinner! Yes! While I don’t do that very often anymore, I do love me some dips for group appetizers. Snacky foods just bring people together because they’re always coming back for more! I made this Skinny Southwest Chicken Dip for the last big church event Ben and I went to in Bloomington, soon before moving to Nashville. This dip was a big hit with everyone, and I can see it being perfect for football parties this fall too!

When I told people the name of the dip, I intentionally didn’t emphasize the “skinny” bit. See, people tend to equate skinny with not flavorful, boring, or blah. This dip is anything BUT! The skinny bit comes from the dip’s greek yogurt base, replacing the usual suspects like mayo or sour cream. I love greek yogurt for what it is–yogurt. I could eat yogurt [greek or not] day in and day out without complaint. I love the stuff! But subbing greek yogurt for mayo or sour cream in dips and such really freaks me out. I love those other creamy things for their unique flavors and plain greek yogurt is NOT the same. But in some things, when there’s lots of other stuff going on… use the healthy, creamy, protein-packed alternative without fear. </rant> 🙂

The seasoning for this creamy chicken, bean, and veggie dip was originally a flavorful blend of chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. But since I was making this for a crowd–and using the church’s dollar–I didn’t want to buy three new jars of spices. So I just bought one–an amped up Southwest Mrs. Dash. Seasoning blends can get a bad rap, but for dishes like this they are a fabulous bargain. [P.S. I also like to add those blends to roasted potatoes, hot rice, or even a wrap/grilled cheese.] Taco seasoning would be an equally great alternative, or you could go back to the original recipe and use the suggested blend, plus some cayenne for a ‘lil kick. However you season this dip, the Southwest/Mexican seasonings pair amazingly well with the chicken, black beans, and veggies. Be sure to make this dip ahead of time so the flavors have time to marry in the fridge before being scooped up with a salty tortilla chip. I liked it best on day number 2! Enjoy!

Skinny Southwest Chicken Dip [adapted from Yellow Bliss Road]
click to print

Ingredients:

16 ounces plain Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning [or taco seasoning, or chili powder + garlic powder + onion powder + cayenne]
1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
15 ounce bag frozen corn
1 cup fresh sweet peppers, diced
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, Southwest Chipotle seasoning, chicken, corn, and peppers. Then slowly stir in black beans and tomatoes. Refrigerate for one hour or more [overnight is best] prior to serving with tortilla chips.

Time: 10 minutes.

Yield: 5-6 cups.

Appetizers, Recipes

Mediterranean Feta Dip

July 24, 2013July 24, 2013 Sarah

So, I used to post once a month on a blog called Today’s Housewife. Last fall, the group decided together to stop posting due the busyness of life and families and such. Though sad, I enjoyed being part of the group. As of early January, the blog was officially taken down. But I don’t want to lose my recipes, so periodically I will be reposting them on here. Enjoy!

from July 12, 2012… We haven’t gotten to 100 degrees yet this summer, but it’s been pretty darn close. This would be excellent right now!

Over the past few weeks of 100 degree days, pretty much the thing I’ve wanted to do the least is turn on the oven. I mean, it doesn’t need to be hotter inside than it already is outside, does it? But the thing is… food preparation still needs to be done. Dinner, get togethers, general happiness, the like. And sometimes, you just need gooey cheese. Or is that just me?

Well, if you are in any way like me, or if you just happen to like good food, then this dip is just the thing! Mediterranean Feta Dip combines a bunch of delicious Greek flavors like roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese in a cool, light dip that is perfect for the hot days of summer.

I made this dip for a church event recently and it was a huge hit. The flavors are simple yet classy, and it was a snap to throw together. Just be sure to allow time for chilling, as that really helps the flavors meld together. I know this will be an appetizer I make time and time again. Hope you enjoy!

Mediterranean Feta Dip [adapted from Closet Cooking]
click to print

Ingredients:

1/2 large onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 12 ounce jar roasted red peppers, undrained
4 ounces sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
8 ounces feta cheese
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
crackers or pita chips, for serving

Directions:

Pulse garlic and onion in food processor until finely chopped. Add roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, lemon zest and juice, and black pepper. Pulse until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for one hour before serving with crackers or pita chips. Keeps in refrigerator for up to one week.

Time: 15 minutes.

Yield: about 3 cups dip.

Linked up with: What’s Cookin’ Wednesday.

Appetizers, Main Dishes, Recipes, Sauces

Guacamole Salsa

April 15, 2013April 19, 2013 Sarah

I found the recipe for Guacamole Salsa through Pinterest a long time ago. And I don’t know why I waited so long to make it. Maybe it’s because regular guac is so phenomenal? Idk. But what I do know is that this salsa is pretty much the best thing that has ever happened to me. Well, maybe that’s a wee bit of an exaggeration–knowing Jesus and meeting/loving/marrying Ben rank a little higher up there… but this is a close third. It’s just. so. good!!!

It’s like guacamole meets salsa [duh] made with tart, bright tomatillos, avocado, and cilantro, as well as a bunch of other fresh veggies. It has the consistency of salsa with the creaminess of guacamole–the best of both worlds… am I right? It’s fresh, garlicky, and a bit spicy… but you can tone it up/down with the jalapeno as desired–so don’t shy away if spice isn’t your thing.

Basically… this salsa is the best thing ever. Once you make a batch, you’ll always keep a jar in the fridge. You’ll be pouring it on absolutely everything, from wraps to burrito bowls to eggs to salads… that is, if you don’t eat it all with a spoon!

And be sure to come back on Wednesday for the enchiladas I made with this salsa. OH my goodness, if those aren’t reason enough to make some of this salsa, I don’t know what is! Enjoy your day! 🙂

Guacamole Salsa [from Frosted Bake Shop]

click to print

Ingredients:

16 ounces tomatillos, husks removed and washed
1 jalapeno pepper, washed and deseeded [if desired]
1 avocado
1 thick slice of onion
2 garlic cloves
1/3 bunch cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
salt
crushed red pepper

Directions:

Place tomatillos in bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse to puree until smooth. Then add jalapeno, avocado, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. Pulse until smooth, then add salt and crushed red pepper to taste.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Time: 5 minutes.

Yield: 4 cups.

Linked up with Weekend Potluck.

Appetizers, Recipes

SRC: Herb, Tomato, and Cheese Crackers

April 8, 2013May 6, 2015 Sarah

Happy SRC Day! I love being part of the Secret Recipe Club and getting to explore a new blog every month. If you’ve missed my past SRC posts, the premise is this: you’re assigned a different member’s blog every month. You visit their blog, choose any recipe you want, then make it and share it on your blog… all while keeping your assignment a secret! Everyone else posts about their secret blog the same day. It’s fabulously fun to try out new blogs. If you have a blog, definitely check it out and consider joining! I highly recommend it.

This month I was assigned to Sawsan’s blog, Chef in Disguise. Sawsan writes this wonderful blog from Jordan–a country halfway around the world from my home in Indiana. It’s crazy how blogs and technology can make what is so geographically far so close. Chef in Disguise has tons of wonderful sounding recipes–like Peppermint Chocolate Almond Butter, Coconut Cake, and Fattoush (a Middle Eastern bread salad). Now that this recipe is posted and the secret is out, I can pin away yummy recipes without Sawsan’s suspicions aroused. 🙂

This month, I wanted to try to make a completely new type of recipe–something I’ve never made before: homemade crackers. For some reason I always thought they were complicated to make, but that’s ridiculously far from the truth. At least, that’s what Sawsan’s blog taught me. She has several homemade cracker recipes but I wanted to go with a classic cheese cracker. Now, these classic cheese crackers are fancied up with sundried tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Fannncy!

In a way, the flavor of these crackers reminded me of pizza–so if you’re not a cheesy tomato person, you might wanna check out the link and see some of Sawsan’s other cracker recipes. I can totally see dipping these in a creamy ranch dip or a spicy marinara sauce for a lovely appetizer. YUM!

And let me tell you–though these are fancy crackers with great flavor, they are incredibly simple to make. You just mix up the dough, roll it into a log, chill for an hour or so, take it out, and bake. Easy as that! Just like slice ‘n bake cookies. Except, slice ‘n bake crackers. 🙂 New business venture, anyone?!? Next time I make them, I’m going to roll it into a thinner, longer log to have smaller crackers. These crackers were thick and a bit chewy, and I’d like to try them thin and crispy. No matter how you slice them, these Herb, Tomato, and Cheese Crackers are amazing! Thanks for a great recipe, Sawsan!

Herb, Tomato, and Cheese Crackers [from Chef in Disguise]
click to print

Ingredients:

6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons sundried tomatoes [drained, if oil packed, soaked in water if dry]
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon dried sage
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

Combine cheese, butter, and tomatoes. Then, add flour, salt, and herbs/spices. Mixture will be somewhat crumbly. Roll the dough into a log and wrap with saran or foil.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. [Can also be frozen for several months.]

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.

Thinly slice log and place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time: 15 minutes, plus chill time.

Yield: 2-3 servings.

Note: can substitute 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence for all the 1/8 teaspoon herbs/spices above.

Be sure to check out the other SRC posts today here: