We decided to do an appetizer night for dinner. Its a nice change of pace, and there is something just plain fun about just snacking for dinner. We had deviled eggs, potato skins, and fancy dip. Here is recipes for two out of the three! These are also super quick short cut recipes, so you can make them quickly after work and still have a reasonable supper time.
RECIPE: Fancy Bean Dip
Makes Many Servings
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Cutting Board
Knife
Pan
Food Processor
Serving Bowl
INGREDIENTS:
Olive Oil
Northern Beans or White Beans
Garlic Cloves
Half an Onion
Sage
Cayenne Pepper
Chili Powder
Paprika
DIRECTIONS:
1) Begin heating a heavy handed amount of olive oil in a cast iron pan.
2) Chop up half an onion and dice 3-4 cloves of garlic, and add to the olive oil.
3) When the onions are softened and the garlic flavor has infused the onion, add a can of beans.
4) Season with sage, a touch of cayenne, a good amount of paprika, and a dash of chili powder.
5) Transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree to a smooth dip consistency.
6) Serve warm or cold with sliced vegetables and either pieces of bread or crackers.
RECIPE: Quick Potato Skins
Makes Many Servings
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Hot Oven or Microwave
Knife
Bowl
Pan
Spoon
Cutting Board
INGREDIENTS:
Smallish Potatoes
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Butter
DIRECTIONS:
1) Bake potatoes in the oven, about 45 minutes at 400 degrees, or you can microwave them for an even faster short cut. I just baked them while I was preparing the bean dip and eggs.
2) When the potatoes are done, slice them in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
3) Lay the skins out on a pan or baking dish.
4) In the bowl, with the potato innards, add a scoop of butter and pour in some salsa. I love salsa as a cheat because it already has chopped vegetables and seasoning. Plus it gives the potatoes a nice color.
5) Stir everything together until well combined and butter is fully melted into the potatoes.
6) Scoop the mixture back into the potato skins.
7) Thinly slice the cheese and lay it over the potatoes. Place back in the hot oven until the cheese is melted, or you can broil it or microwave it again.
8) Serve hot!
