Hot Crockin' Corn Dip

I've seen a lot of variations on this dip, Cowboy Dip, Dixie Caviar and just plain Cheesy Corn Dip but I think they are all pretty close to the same thing.  I'll warn you this.....this tastes better than it looks.  I'll be honest and give the photo credit to Pinterest as I'm not making this until tomorrow and I wanted to share the recipe with you today so that you can make it too! I'm down to my last jar of corn salsa and a lady just has to "make do" sometimes!

You'll Need:

1 pint Spicy Corn Relish
2 bars of Cream Cheese
2 cups of Shredded Cheese (Coly, Jack or a blend of both)
1 can of Rotel (mild or spicy)

Brace yourself, here's where this gets hard!  Mix everything together in your crock pot and turn it on!  When everything melts, Serve with Fritos or Tortilla chips!  Voila!

Now if you are crock pot challenged (how can that be?) or if you don't have one (bless your heart!) you could bake this in a casserole dish at 350* for 25 - 30 minutes.  Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't over cook.  You want it golden on top but not crispy.

This is seriously one of the yummiest things I've had in a long time.  I got my corn relish at a local gourmet shop - it's Stone Wall Kitchen Spicy Corn Relish. Target has some good brands of Corn Relish too and I'm sure your grocer has some options. I found this as a sample item on Shop Local Saturday and I kept circling back around the goodie table to this tasty  treat. 

I have absolutely zero interest in this year's Superbowl game but I can't wait to throw the party!  Ya'll enjoy, I gotta get this house decorated! 

Creamy Tortellini Soup

It's about zero degrees outside.  Not one single degree came to Kentucky this morning.  We sure invited them but they were a total no show.  So in the complete absence of an outdoor temperature, I am forced to make something warm and delicious while holding up inside the house.  I am grateful for the warmth of my home and hubby, now we just need something warm in our tummies! 

This took me a grand total of 30 minutes from the first mince to serving it.  TOTALLY worth it and an easy after work comfort meal.  Cooks in one pot too!

You'll Need:

1 stick of  butter

1 small yellow onion, minced

2  garlic cloves, minced

1 10 ounce package shredded carrots

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

6 cups vegetable broth (chicken broth would be fine too)

1 package (12-ounces) frozen tortellini

1 bag (5-ounces) fresh baby spinach

1 1/2 cup cream OR milk OR half and half
Parmesan Cheese for Garnish

Optional - 1 pound protein of your choice - I picked Sausage.  Shrimp, Chicken or Italian Sausage would be excellent too!

Melt your butter in a large soup pot add 1/3 cup vegetable broth.  Add your minced onion, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Cook over medium-low heat for 6 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

 

Whisk in flour; whisk until crumbly. It won't look pretty but it will come together soon. Slowly add broth and continue to vigorously whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps.

Bring soup to a boil.

 

Add frozen tortellini and spinach and your protein (if you choose to add one).  Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and heated through.  Stir in cream or milk; bring back to a steady boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until smooth and thickened.

 

Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.  Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese and serve with a slice of crusty garlic baguette!  Yummmmmm!

 

 This will easily serve a family of 4 hearty eaters.  Very economical and easy clean up too!  What more could a busy lady want!  Ya'll Enjoy!