Chocolate Covered Apricots & Cashews

Okay, I found myself standing at the pantry snacking on chocolate chips.  I know it's not a healthy habit, but sometimes you just need chocolate. I've had one of those days.  Being practical, I figured if I made a snack that had fruit and chocolate, it would be a little more healthful.

I put a small bowl over a pot of simmering water and poured 1 cup of chocolate chips in the bowl.  Over a medium low heat melt the chocolate.  Then I took dried apricots and dipped half  and lay them on wax paper to cool.  After dipping the apricots, I still had some chocolate left.  I poured a handful of cashews into the chocolate and stirred. Next, using a spoon, scoop the nut mixture into mini muffin cups.  Allow to cool until chocolate is hardened.

In the past, I have given these sweet treats as holiday gifts.  They would also be nice as a quick dessert after a meal.  Sometimes you just want a bit of sweetness, and not a whole dessert.  Personally, they will be an indulgence over the next week or so, when I want something chocolate. 

You can dip any dried fruit or nuts you choose.  Adam loves chocolate covered cranberries. Also chocolate covered Spanish peanuts are wonderful.  Let your imagination run wild with this one!

Linking to these parties.

Easy Chicken Wing Dip

It's Sunday and at our house, if the husband is off of work, normally it's a day of football watching.  Well today, his plans are being hijacked, as we have a Halloween Party to go to.  I am working at the party, so Jay is on kid patrol.  To make up for it, I made him chicken wing dip.

As a native Buffalonian, I have had many different prepartations of chicken wing dip. I have made them with bleu cheese or ranch dressing, but my absolute favorite is the one I enjoyed at my sister-in-law's house.  I asked her for the recipe and have been making it ever since.  I may have made a few changes to the original recipe, but the same flavor is there.

What I like about this recipe is the creamy texture of the cheese and the spicy nature of the hot sauce.  Mind you this recipe verges on the med to hot side, so if you like it a bit milder, use only 1/2 cup of hot sauce. I always make a full or double batch, and freeze it in smaller containers.

recipe

2 8oz packages of softened cream cheese
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of hot sauce (I use Frank's)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken ( I use canned chicken breast)
1 tsp season salt

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy with a mixer.

Then add hot sauce and season salt, mix until creamy.  It will look like frosting.

Then with a spatula, fold in chicken and cheddar cheese. Sprinle top of dip with a little more cheddar cheese. Transfer to an oven safe baking dish. (At this point,  I make smaller portions to freeze.)

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.  Enjoy with chips, crackers, or celery sticks.

Wholesome Wednesday (Strawberry Nutella Snack)

About two years ago I discovered Nutella. I have always seen it in the grocery store, and have heard people talk about it. Then one day I was watching Food Network and one of the chefs was raving about it. I took the plunge and bought a small jar. I loved it and so did the boys. Now we buy the big economy size jar.

One of our favorite snacks is so simple and tastes so delightful.  I take graham crackers (low fat honey) and spread a thin amount of Nutella on them. Then all I do is top the crackers with sliced strawberries. It's light, and is a great end to a meal. It's my way of indulging in dessert without feeling too guilty.