Crispies

We are going to take a little trip to Mexico in this post!  When I was a kid, we would go with a bunch of  friends down to Rocky Point and stay for a few days.  I have some seriously fun memories there.  I remember saving all of my money so that I could go down there and shop! I loved sitting on the beach and watching all of the people walk by with their jewelry, sun glasses etc.  I have to admit, my all time favorite thing to buy was these Crispies. I know... only I would turn down jewelry, for food!  But they are so good!

Are you ready for this?  Its super hard...

Crispies

Small Flour Tortillas

Oil for frying

Sugar

Cinnamon (optional)

Heat oil in a pan on medium high heat. Fry each tortilla until crisp.  Drain on a paper towel and coat with sugar and cinnamon (optional).  I love these when they are just a little under done, so they are a little chewy. I also  pour about a 1/2 cup of sugar in a Ziploc bag, the put the crisped tortillas in there. Seal and shake to coat.

Ham and Asparagus

I forgot to post this recipe for those who are involved with our produce co-op.  Each time we purchase our baskets full of fruits and veggies, I try to get one thing that is a little out of the ordinary for people to try.  Then I will post a recipe using that item.  This past week we got asparagus. Here is an awesome recipe that my mom used to make for us all the time.  I've always loved asparagus because of this dish.  My husband who is not a fan of asparagus, ate 2nds!!!  My kids all loved it too!

Ham and Asparagus

1 bunch Asparagus

6-10 slices of ham (lunch meat)

1 small can Cream of Asparagus (Campbell's is the only one that carries this that I know of)

1/2 soup can of water

Steam asparagus for 8-10 minutes to soften it a little. After steaming, wrap 3 stalks of asparagus in 1-2 pieces of ham.  (I like to use two and over lap them a bit so It covers most of the stalk) Place in a 9x13 baking dish.  Keep doing this until all stalks are wrapped and laying in the dish.  In a small bowl combine soup and water.  Pour over the top.  (it doesn't need to be covered in it.) Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked to desired tenderness.

7 layer Bean Dip

This recipe is always a great party dip.  My mom has made this for as long as I can remember. I usually like mine as a 6 layer dip.  Not a fan of Guacamole.  The nice thing about this dip, is that you can customize it to your liking, without messing it up.  My husband prefers no green onions.  Others like it with tons of cheese.  So don't feel like you are messing it up if you want to add a little more this or that. 

7 layer Bean Dip

1 can Refried Beans 

1 cup Guacamole

1 (16 oz) Sour Cream

1 pkg Taco Seasoning

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1-2 cups Shredded Cheese

1/2 cup Black Olives sliced

1 cup Tomatoes (diced)

In a shallow baking dish, spread the beans evenly. Top with Guacamole.  Mix sour cream and taco seasoning in a small bowl. Add on top of the guacamole.  Top with cheese, olives, tomatoes and green onions.  Serve with Tortilla Chips.

Bacon Wrapped Lit'l Smokies

Whoever said bacon makes everything better, was a geneous! The first time I tried these, I was at a friends reception.  I was hooked.  Then when I heard how simple they were to make I got really excited.  They taste like something you would have to bay big money for at a restaurant, cause slaving away all day over a hot stove is out of the question.  Its just three simple ingredients.

Bacon Wrapped Lit'l Smokies

1 lb bacon (cut strips into fourths)

1 package Lit'l Smokies (I like the beef)

1/2 cup brown sugar

Wrap a piece of bacon around the sausage link.  Secure with a tooth pick (the bacon will shrink, so the toothpicks help it to shrink around it instead of come loose) Place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bacon is to desired doneness. (I like mine crispy) I like to rotate my half way through so that both sides soak up the delicious juices!

These can be done in a crock pot at well. 

Snickers Caramel Corn

Holy Popcorn Batman!!! We have a winner!! You know what bugs me?  I went to the store to get some snickers bars the other day, and the 8 pack of fun size are now a 6 pack.  Ugh! Remember when it used to be a 10 pack for a dollar?  And on sale, you could really get a smokin deal. Now we are getting 4 less candy bars and paying more money.  Whats this world coming to!

I found this recipe on my dear friend's blog. I've been so excited to try it.  I tell you what... you want to host the party of the year?  Serve this popcorn!  Just beware that it will go fast, so make sure to keep it comin'.

Snickers Caramel Corn

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 cups air-popped popcorn

12 fun size Snickers

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Slice candy bars in half lengthwise, then into thirds.

In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in sugar and corn syrup, whisking until dissolved, then let simmer (without mixing) until mixture begins to bubble – about 4 minutes. Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes more until caramel is amber in color, this time stirring every 30 seconds or so in order for the sugar to not burn.

Turn off heat and whisk in vanilla, salt and baking soda. In a large bowl, add popcorn.  Drizzle sauce all over and stir well, to coat. Fold in candy bars, then spread popcorn on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping every few minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool completely, if you dare.  

You can also top with more snickers pieces.  It was a little too much for me. I just enjoyed the popcorn by itself.

Variation:  I mindlessly added white sugar instead of brown. So I just also added 1 tsp of molasses to the pot to cook with the other ingredients.  It tasted great!

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Well its Super Bowl Week here at Mommy's Kitchen Creations! You are in for some serious fun this week.  Tonight we have Baked Jalapeno Poppers.  Much healthier than the deep fried ones, and they taste better too!

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

15 Large Jalapenos

2 cups finely shredded Cheddar Cheese

2.5 oz package Cooked Chopped Bacon (1/2 cup)

2 (8 oz) bricks Cream Cheese (at room temp)

1 1/2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Slice Jalapenos lengthwise.  Make sure to remove all stems, seeds and ribs.  Is a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, bacon and cheese.  Mix well.  Scoop mixture into jalapeno halves and roll in bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for about 30 min, or until skin starts to bubble a little bit.



My Apologies

I have been trying to earn a little extra cash to help cover some of my food costs, by having some advertisements on here.  There have been some that have been very inappropriate and offensive.  I tried getting in contact with the company to get them to take them off.  The truth is, I gave them too long of a chance to get it taken care of, in hopes they would take the offensive ones off and leave the coupons.  I should have just dropped them the second I saw them on there... I apologize for not doing that!  I am so sorry for those that have been offended by them.  I have removed them.  I do have two ads still on there from google.  I have not yet seen those be offensive, but confess that I don't look at them often, as I am not allowed to click on them.  So if you see anything offensive or inappropriate, please let me know!

Again I am so sorry.  I'll just have to find another way to make different recipes on a budget.  Thanks everyone for your comments and for viewing my blog.  I really enjoy doing it.  I've tried replying to your comments, I hope I have caught them all. So if you ask a question or anything, make sure to check back at the comments for my reply. 

Love to all and hope you have a fabulous day!!!