Shrimp, Avocado & Orange Cocktail Salad

Ingredients

2 navel oranges (sectioned and juices reserved)

1.5 pounds of medium shrimp (shelled & deveined)

2 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic (pasted)

1 can hearts of palm, chopped into small segments

2 avocados

FOR THE SAUCE:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp cognac or brandy

Juice of 1/2 lime

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp honey

Zest of 1 orange

Directions

Zest an orange and set aside

Section 2 oranges into supremes by removing all the pith and skin

Cut orange segments from their membranes and squeeze the juice from them

Reserve the segments and the juice

In boiling salted water, poach the shrimp until pink and firm (about 2 minutes)

Drain the shrimp and while still warm, combine with garlic, oil, and 1 tbsp orange juice

Stir to combine and let the shrimp cool to room temperature

Combine all the sauce ingredients and add orange zest to mixture

Transfer the orange segments to the bowl with the shrimp

Add hearts of palm to shrimp

Add 1/2 sauce to the shrimp and orange mixture and coat to combine

Halve the avocados, slice and chop into small segments

Serve the shrimp with the avocado

Serve with the remaining sauce on top (if sauce too thick, can thin with remaining orange juice)

Pepperoni Pie

Ingredients

3 cups flour

4 beaten eggs

16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tsp salt

4 cups milk

12 oz thinly sliced pepperoni - cut into quarters

1/2 tsp of oregano

Pepper to taste

Directions

Mix everything together and spread onto a cookie sheet with a high lip/edge

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes

May need to absorb some oil using paper towels

Cheese Ball

Ingredients

8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)

1/2 of 8 oz can of crushed pineapple (drained)

1 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts

1/8 cup of finely chopped green pepper

1 tbsp finely chopped onion

1 1/2 tsp of seasoned salt

Directions

Mix together all of the ingredients with only 1/2 of the nuts

Shape into a ball and seal tightly with plastic wrap

Refrigerate overnight and then roll in the remaining nuts before serving

 

**Can be made and frozen ahead of time

Cheese & Crab Snacks

Ingredients

1 can crabmeat

1 stick of butter

5 oz bottle of Old English Cheddar

2 packages (6 each) of English muffins

8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)

1/2 tsp of garlic powder

1/2 tsp of salt

1/2 tsp of pepper

Directions

Mix crabmeat, butter, cheeses, and spices together

Cut each English muffin in half and then cut each side into quarters

Spread mixture on each quarter

Put in freezer until ready to heat up

Defrost for 15 minutes on counter

Put in a 375 degree oven for 20-30 minutes

 

Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts - drained & finely chopped

10 oz frozen carton of spinach - thawed & drained

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup 2% milk shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix all the ingredients together until well-blended

Spoon all the ingredients into 9 inch pie plate or quiche dish

Bake for 20 minutes

Serve with crackers, chips or vegetables

Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)

1 can (10.5 oz) chili with beans (regular or spicy)

1/2 cup of shredded cheese (preferred flavor)

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Directions

Spread the cream cheese on bottom of microwave-safe pie plate

Top with chili and cheese

Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds until cheese is melted

Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with nacho chips or crackers