Tag Archives: bbq

The Super Bowl is approaching, and March Madness will be here before you know it.  Chips and dips will be covering our coffee tables as we feed the sports fanatics in our homes.  Using a large can of chopped chicken, such as the Hormel Chunk Chicken (a pantry staple in our home,) plus a few additional ingredients you can easy have a crowd pleaser, even if their favorite team is losing. Try adding it to a spinach artichoke dip or a Mexican Layer Dip. Delicious!

This spread is a sport fan favorite.  It was originally shared to me by my cousin, who had adapted it from another cousin.  Yes, it’s one of those that’s been around the block and keeps getting better! When I 1st had it at her home a few months ago, I was so excited to make it myself.  It was one of those dips that I want …

Hitting the grill this summer?  We love to grill!  Burger, dogs, chicken, pork…you name it!
Now through August 5th you can enter The Elevate The Everyday™ Summer Dining Sweepstakes by Hormel Foods to win one of 3 great prizes!

13 winners will be selected and you could be the Grand Prize winner, enjoying a $500 value outdoor grill for your backyard dining this summer!  Other prizes include,
First Prize: Two Grills ($200 value each)
Second Prize: Ten Summer Grilling Coupon Prize Packs ($45 value each)
To enter, head over to http://www.Facebook.com/HFRecipes and LIKE the page.  Click the Summer Dining tab and complete the entry form!  You can access the official rules from there!
Stick around Facebook.com/HFRecipes for loads of summertime recipes and more!
Disclosure: I am currently a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement in …

It’s the 1st day of summer!!! Woo Hoo!  Actually, summer means heat, ridiculous humidity and 100% chance of afternoon thunderstorms in South Florida!  That aside, there are summertime food treats that we all love 100 degree heat and all!  Popsicles, watermelon, sherbet, corn on the cob, burgers & dogs….Yes, I’m getting hungry.  As Ragú’s Mom’s the Word series continues, let’s keep up the conversation about dinnertime!  Although the dinnertime setting maybe different (more outdoor dining) the story is still the same…getting kids to eat a quality meal!
How are you incorporating some summertime foods with dinner?  Do your kids enjoy them?  Is it easier to conive your preschooler to eat salad with the ambiance of the outdoors and threats of no upcoming beach day if she doesn’t have a bite?  Remember the Mom’s the Word conversation with Kim Tracy Prince …

I have a new secret ingredient!  It’s what Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing to the United States in the late 1700s.  Vanilla!
I was recently provided with a bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to try.

Are you wondering exactly what is vanilla paste and how does it differ from extract?  Flavours Magazine (April 2009) describes it as “a concentrated vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds ,suspended in a gum paste, and may contain alcohol.  It gives foods the authentic appearance of vanilla seed.”
Reviewing the Nielson-Massey site (http://www.nielsenmassey.com) I came across a number delicious recipes but the Salmon with Vanilla Balsamic Marinade recipe quickly caught my eye.  I knew I had to try it!
Salmon with Vanilla Balsamic Marinade
Vanilla Balsamic Marinade
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, diced
1-1/2 teaspoons dried organic parsley
1-1/2 …

Sliced Summer Fruits with Mango Puree – For 4

1 mango
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
½ small papaya, slice into thin wedges
¼ cantaloupe or honeydew, sliced thin
8 strawberries, hulled
¾ cup cherries, pitted & halved (1/4 lb)
½ grapefruit, sliced & sectioned
1 peach, sliced & cut into wedges
2 plums, sliced
1/3 cup (1 oz) pecans
4 sprigs of fresh mint

Press mango through sieve and remove tough fibers.  Place in stainless steel pan and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and cayenne.  Chill.
Divide the puree among 4 large serving plates.  Arrange fruit on top and garnish with nuts and mint.

I’m starting to realize that this is becoming a bit of a theme…I’ve posted a recipe for 3 Fridays in a row!
This week I wanted to share a super yummy dip that I have shared a parties at home and brought to friend’s homes. It’s easy as can be to make and everyone always LOVES it!
BLT Dip1 cup sour cream1 cup mayo1 jar of Hormel Real Bacon Bits1 container of cherry tomatoes – finely dicedMix all ingredients and allow to chill for at least 3 hours. Stir well and serve with chips or veggies. How easy is that!!!
I’ve done this dip with low fat sour cream and mayo and it still tastes super!
Don’t forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame …