*Sparkliest of New Year Wishes to All!*
While it is easy to fall prey to feelings of blueness at this time of year, when the festivities of the holidays wrap up and finding our way back to the routine of life takes over, I actually like this period of new beginnings. New Year's Day is doubly special in our home, as it is not only the exciting start of the new calendar year, but also the wedding anniversary for my husband and me. It is always fun to ring in the New Year with a bubbly champagne toast, as well as take some time to reflect upon and celebrate our life together. I came across a couple of fabulous recipes towards the end of the holiday season, and they are just too yummy not to share! Perfect for a New Year's party, they lend themselves beautifully to some upcoming soiree-worthy events as well. Although more of a college football fan myself {go Notre Dame!}, I am well aware of a little football game coming in February that tends to motivate gatherings where scrumptious appetizers are just the ticket! In addition, January kicks off one of my most anticipated times of the year, Hollywood awards season! From the SAGS, to the Critics' Choice Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards, People's Choice Awards, the Golden Globes and of course, the highlight of the season, The Academy Awards; I watch them all, complete with Red Carpet pre-shows and arrivals. {*Stay tuned for upcoming blogs with Awards Show details and updates coming soon.} While I realize the frivolousness with which these self-gratifying shows can be viewed, I thoroughly enjoy celebrity gazing and witnessing the stars at their most glamorous. I am always inspired to conduct my own life with a little more elegance and enchantment after seeing all of the hair/makeup artistry, gorgeous jewelry and fashion splendor! A great time to get together with some friends for some fashion policing, friendly wagering on who the Oscar will go to and noshing on some enticing treats! Both of the dishes I present today would be the perfect touch, whether you are hosting a Superbowl shindig or a glittery awards season inspired gala! May your New Year be filled with deep joy, good health, the beauty of simplicity and the appearance of little surprises that make for life's unexpected sparkle!
Buon Appetito ~ Sarah
Hot Cheesy Artichoke Dip
This dip is TO. DIE. FOR. and is so versatile! I have a husband who does not like artichokes, and he was devouring this concoction like it was going out of style. It is perfectly fabulous all on its own, but would be delicious with additions like fresh crab, spinach, broccoli, chicken, the list goes on and on! Another idea would be to hollow out a loaf of french bread and place the dip inside for a ready-made bruschetta. As always, feel free to get creative and design according to your own tastes! Pairs wonderfully with some crostini, tortilla chips or veggies. Recipe is easily doubled to accommodate more people.
INGREDIENTS
1 {14 oz} can artichoke hearts, chopped {reserve liquid}
1 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
1 cup freshly shredded parmesan
2 Tablespoons chopped green chilies {feel free to be generous}
2 Tablespoons fresh minced onion
1 clove of fresh garlic, minced
½ Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
Olive oil to drizzle
Garnish options: crushed red pepper flakes, dried Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, fresh scallions, bread crumbs
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400F. Prepare baking dish by pouring a dab of olive oil into your dish and using a paper towel to very lightly coat the bottom and sides of the dish.
Combine first nine ingredients {through the black pepper}. Taste for seasoning. Add artichoke juice to the consistency you want {approximately 1/4 cup or so}. Transfer into prepared baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned around the edges.
Top with tomato, a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Additional garnish as desired.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sweet Heat Meatball Poppers
I found this amaze{meat}balls medley during one of my recent recipe hunting expeditions. It is wonderful, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any event. Moooove over boring old toothpicks...for this delicacy encourage folks to get the savory nuggets from dish to mouth by serving with pretzel sticks for a crispy, salty & whimsical-filled dose of yumminess.
INGREDIENTS
1-2 lbs of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs
1 cup Molasses
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Chile Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
Cayenne Pepper to taste
1/2 cup Water
DIRECTIONS
In a large pot or crock pot, add the water, molasses, brown sugar, cayenne, chile powder, garlic powder and ginger and simmer just until all of the ingredients are blended.
Add in the meatballs, making sure that they are evenly coated in the sauce. Let them simmer until they’re heated/cooked through. They’ll take on the most beautiful, rich, deep color and flavor! Make sure to stir them often, so they’re evenly coated and so the sauce thickens up without burning. Tip: when stirring, make sure to do so gently so that the meatballs do not fall apart as they get tender.
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