Recipes

[ChiliPepper]

7 LAYER TACO DIP
Author: Stephanie @ Plain Chicken
Yield: 10 people
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins

7 Layer Taco Dip in Flag Shape - such a fun and patriotic no-bake dip for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day! Can just layer the dip ingredients if not serving for a patriotic holiday. Refried beans, diced green chiles, guacamole, taco seasoning, sour cream, corn, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and olives. Can add ground beef, chicken, lettuce, onions, bell peppers - whatever you like! Make in advance and refrigerate for later.

Equipment:
9x13-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients:
1 (15-oz) can refried beans
1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
1 (16-oz) container fresh guacamole
1 (16-oz) container sour cream
1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
1 (8-oz) package finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 bunch green onions
1 (pint) grape tomatoes
1 (2.2-oz) can sliced olives, drained
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine refried beans and diced green chiles. Spread in bottom of a 9x13-inch pan.
Gently spread fresh guacamole on top of refried beans.
In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and taco seasoning. Spread over guacamole.
Sprinkle drained corn kernels over sour cream.
Spread shredded cheese over corn.
Chop green onions and arrange in a rectangle in the top left corner of the pan.
Top green onions with olive slices.
Chop the tomatoes and arrange in rows on over the cheese to form the stripes of the flag.

Notes:
Can make a few days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Can add ground beef, chicken, onions, green bell peppers, salsa, lettuce, rice, black beans - anything you wish.

Can just layer ingredients in order listed without making flag design on top.

***edited to remove links

[ChiliPepper]

RED PEPPER STARS!!!

WHITE CHEDDAR STARS!!!

I gotta dig my star cookie cutter out tonight!!!

These would look great on top of a salad or whatever!!!

[ChiliPepper]

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@ChiliPepper wrote:

OMG! How cute (& EASY) is this for the 4th?!!!

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I have these bowls (below).

Close enough huh???!!!

LOVE them!!!

[ChiliPepper]

Another easy one. Add a balsamic glaze or not.

This looks like feta, I might try cheddar with my small star cookie cutter.

YUMMY & EASY!!!!

[ChiliPepper]

CHEESECAKE STUFFED STRAWBERRIES

prep time: 15 MINUTES

 

chill time: 1 HOUR

 

total time: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES

YIELD: 24 STRAWBERRIES

Try these easy red, white, and blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries for a healthier patriotic dessert!  A super easy to make, no-bake dessert that is light, fruity and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

 

• 24 + large fresh strawberries (1 1/2 to 2 lbs, depends on how much you fill them)
• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, room temperature or softened slightly
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the stems from the strawberries, so the strawberries can sit cut-side down.
2. Cut a deep "X" from the tip down, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl with a hand mixer until nice and fluffy.
4. Gently open up each strawberry and pipe the filling inside using a pastry bag or zip-top bag with a star piping tip. Don't have a pastry bag or piping tip? Just cut off the corner of a zip-top bag and squeeze the cheesecake filling inside the strawberries that way.
5. Top each filled strawberry with a blueberry. These are best served after the strawberries have been chilled for at least an hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days depending on how firm/soft the strawberries are.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1 strawberry
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 21Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

[ChiliPepper]

Here's another easy one:

[ChiliPepper]

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@ChiliPepper wrote:

***edited to remove links

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@Barbara-QVC 

Thank you Barbara!

Sorry, I did not see the link!

[ChiliPepper]

@Writer with Flair

Hi Writer! I miss seeing you here! I'm trying to stop in at least once a day now, more if I can.

I hope things are well with you & Mr. Writer!!!

[ChiliPepper]

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@Writer with Flair 

Praying you & Mr. Writer are healthy.

I'm trying to find some fun, EASY recipes for the 4th.

Right now I am all over anything salad & watermelon!!!

[ChiliPepper]

YIELD: 4

Blueberry Tomato Caprese

A fun twist on caprese salad made with blueberries, cherry tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella cheese, perfect for the 4th of July!

PREP TIME30 minutes

TOTAL TIME30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pint blueberries
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• fresh basil
• balsamic vinegar
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• firm buffalo mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Wash blueberries and cherry tomatoes and drain well in a colander. Half cherry tomatoes and toss in a serving bowl with blueberries, set aside.
2. Slice mozzarella cheese into 1/4 or 1/2" slices and then cut into small stars with a cookie cutter.
3. Top the tomatoes and blueberries with the star cheese.
4. Tear fresh basil over-top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

How to Cut Mozzarella into Stars

Cutting buffalo mozzarella into stars might sound a bit time consuming, and it is, but it's worth the extra effort to bring that patriotic flair! 

1. Start by slicing firm buffalo mozarella into 1/4 inch slices. 
2. Use a small metal star cookie cutter to gently cut out cheese. 
3. Place stars throughout your caprese salad for a star spangled finish. 

Nutrition Information:

 

YIELD:

 4 

SERVING SIZE:

 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 152TOTAL FAT: 8gSATURATED FAT: 3gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 4gCHOLESTEROL: 13mgSODIUM: 173mgCARBOHYDRATES: 18gFIBER: 4gSUGAR: 12gPROTEIN: 5g