Chili Dip

Chili Dip
Difficulty 1

1 can Hormel Chili
1 pkg cream cheese
1 pkg shredded cheddar cheese
1 can jalapenos

Spread softened cream cheese in bottom of a microwave-safe dish. Spread chili on top of cream cheese. Spread jalapenos on top of chili. Top with shredded cheese. Cook in microwave on high for 5 mins. Serve with Tortilla chips.

Tweaks:
1. Omit jalapenos.

2. Add 8oz Velveeta cheese.

3. Mix all ingredients together. Put in a small crock pot on low.

4. Substitute crusty bread in place of chips.

Easy Taco Salad

Easy Taco Salad
Difficulty 1

1 lb hamburg, browned
Add 1 pkg Taco seasoning according to directions on pkg

In a large bowl mix together the following:
1 bag crushed nacho cheese flavored Doritos
1 head of lettuce, chopped
2 cans Kidney beans, drained
2 c Mexican cheese

Add seasoned hamburg. Top with 1-1 1/2 bottles of Catalina salad dressing. Mix well.

Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c chopped tomatoes

2. Substitute ground turkey in place of beef

3. Add 1 c onion or scallions

4. Add 1 can jalapenos, drained

Stuffed Veggies

Stuffed Veggies
Difficulty 1

4 small green, yellow, or red peppers, halved, seeds removed
4 medium or hot peppers, halved, seeds removed
6 cherry tomatoes, tops removed and cored

Filling:
4-6 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1/4 lb shrimp, steamed and peeled
1/4 tsp dill
Splash of Worcestershire sauce

Place veggies on foil-lined baking pan. Fill veggies with filling. Broil for 3-5 mins.

Tweaks:
1. Omit shrimp.

2. Grill in vegetable basket instead of broiling.

3. Put filling in potatoes (baked, halved, and middle scooped out) broil or grill until cheese is melted.

4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of filled veggies before broiling or grilling.

Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Kabobs
Difficulty 1

2 skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into large cubes
1/2 bottle Robust Italian dressing

1 red, green, or yellow pepper, cut into large chunks
1 small onion, cut into large chunks
1/2 bottle Robust Italian dressing

Marinate chicken in dressing for 6-24 hours

Marinate peppers and onions in dressing for 3-12 hours

Layer on skewers. Grill until chicken is no longer pink in center. (about 5-7 mins)


Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c mushrooms to veggies.

2. Substitute steak in place of chicken.

3. Add 1 c cherry tomatoes to veggies.

4. Substitute Teriyaki marinade in place of Italian dressing.

5. Substitute garlic-infused oil in place of Italian dressing.

6. Rather than grill, saute meat in hot skillet, add veggies. Cook until meat is no longer pink.

7. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

8. Omit meat for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Cheese Broccoli Soup

Cheese Broccoli Soup
Difficulty 2

1 1/2-2 heads of broccoli, steamed half-way
2 c water
2 c chicken broth

Heat water and broth on stove. Add broccoli.

Saute 1 small onion in 4 tbsp butter
Add to broccoli, water, and broth.

Melt 2 tbsp oleo. Add 5 tbsp flour, 2 c milk, and 1 tsp salt and pepper. Heat until thickened.
Add 1/2 lb Cooper cheese.

Add to broccoli mixture. Simmer for 1 hr.


Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c chopped carrots. Steam with broccoli.

2. Add 1/2 head cauliflower. Steam with broccoli.

3. Substitute your favorite cheese in place of Cooper. Mozzarella becomes very stringy.

4. Add potatoes, boiled, peeled, and chopped.

5. Add 2 c cooked, crumbled bacon.

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadillas

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadillas
Difficulty 1

2 large flour tortillas
1/2 c Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Place tortillas on rimmed baking sheet
Sprinkle each with 1/4 c cheese

Bake at 475 for 3 mins

1/4 lb cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
1/2 tsp oil
1/8 tsp chili powder
1 tsp scallions

Mix together and put on top of tortillas. Bake an additional 4 mins.
Sprinkle with cilantro.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute grilled chicken in place of shrimp.

2. Substitute Mexican cheese in place of Colby Jack.

3. Substitute 1/8 tsp Old Bay Seasoning in place of chili powder.

4. Add 1/2 tsp cocktail sauce to topping mixture.

5. Top with shredded lettuce.

Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad
Difficulty 1

1 bag frozen tortellini, thawed
1 red or green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 1/2 c Italian dressing

Cook tortellini according to pkg. Let cool.
Mix everything together. Add dressing.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute balsamic vinaigrette in place of Italian dressing.

2. Add 1 c cherry tomatoes.

3. Serve on skewers in stead of as a pasta salad.

4. Add 1 c ham, chopped or pepperoni.