7 layer Greek Hummus Dip

There is a lot of excitement buzzing around the Bay Area because Super Bowl 50 is in town!
It is so fun that San Francisco is hosting the Super Bowl, right in our backyard.
I want to head to the city to check out some of the fun events going on, but I have heard it is SO crowded!

On my Bucket List was to attend a Super Bowl...preferably one that the 49ers were playing in.
I have been checking ticket prices....$4000 each!!! Ummmm, NO. Taking that off my bucket list. Ha!

Are you looking for a healthy appetizer to bring to a Super Bowl Party?

Even if you aren't going to a Super Bowl Party, this appetizer is a must make.

I make it year round because it is so refreshing & healthy for you! 

Here is what you need:

- Hummus (I original Hummus, the 20 oz container)

- Tomatoes

- Cucumber

- Red onion, diced

-Kalmata olives, sliced

- Feta cheese

-Balsamic Vinaigrette

- Pita Chips

 This dip is so easy to make. Spread the hummus into a dish:

Dice up your tomatoes:

 Add the diced red onion (I buy pre-diced because my eyes can't handle chopping onions!)

 Peel & dice the cucumber:

 Add the feta cheese:

 Add the sliced olives:

 Drizzle on some balsamic vinaigrette:

Keep chilled until you are ready to serve & then serve with Pita Chips!

SO easy & so full of flavor.

This is a big crowd pleaser...the dish is always scraped empty by the time the party is over.

YUM!

If you need other appetizer ideas, here are some of my other favorites:

Baked Chicken Nachos {Recipe HERE} 

7 layer Dip {Recipe HERE}

Corn Dip {Recipe HERE}

Perfect Potato Skins {Recipe HERE}

Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon {Recipe HERE}

Who are you rooting for in the Superbowl?
I am rooting for the Denver Broncos! 
As you might know, I went to the University of Colorado, so Colorado holds a special place in my heart. I have so many friends from college who are die-hard Broncos fans because they were born & raised in Colorado, so I am so happy for them!
If my SF 49ers aren't playing, then I root for the Broncos! And, Peyton Manning is a stand up guy, so you gotta root for the good guy! 

Or do you just watch for the commercials & to eat the food?

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Tis the Season for Holiday Parties.

I don't know about you, but we have several holiday parties that we are going to between now & Christmas.  

I always offer to bring something to parties we are invited to, and often times I bring either an appetizer or dessert. 

This is one of my go-to's!

Need a SUPER easy appetizer?

Look no further!

 You just need 2 ingredients!

 Bacon & Dates

I use Hormel Bacon (thick or thin)

I use pitted dates (so I don't have to cut the pit out!)

Cut your bacon slices in half:

 Wrap the 1/2 slice around the date & secure with a toothpick.

 Place on baking sheet:

 Bake at 400 for 10 minutes:

 After 10 minutes, take out of oven & turn over.

 Bake another 10 minutes.

 Place on a paper towel to soak up the bacon grease.

 Let cool for 5 minutes & they are ready to serve!

These are a perfect little appetizer to have a parties because they are so easy to make & eat...just pop them in your mouth & it's an explosion of flavor!

They take less than 5 minutes to prepare (and 20 minutes to bake) if you need a last minute appetizer, these Bacon Wrapped Dates are where it's at!
YUM!

They will be gone so fast...they are a real crowd pleaser.

What's not to like?

Bacon? Good.

Dates? Good.

Disclosure: This post was written as part of my participation in the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, the thoughts and statements in this post are my own.

Enjoy!

And, I am LOVING all your comments on my Regional Differences post {HERE}

I am working on my replies back to you.

I love how different & diverse our country is. 

Kevin and I are both born & raised in California, so we are having fun learning about different foods we have across the US that we have never heard of... Runza? Jello Salads? Whiz? 

Some of you mentioned Fried Pickles....I have never had them...but now I can't stop thinking about them...I need them!!!!! They sound amazing!

And, some asked about California stereo types...No...we don't all surf!

We do have some celebrities in our town (but they mostly live in Southern California.) We also have some famous Bay Area professional sports players live in our town.

Another fun thing about California that is unique is that because of our warmer climate, we have Farmers Markets year round. That means we can get fresh fruits & veggies all year long, which is something I take for granted! One of Kevin's co workers grew up in Boston and one of the things he loves most is all the fresh produce year round!

Have a great weekend!

Cheesy Pepperoni Dip

It's almost time for the Superbowl, which means yummy food & drinks!

I am all about easy & delicious appetizers when it comes to Superbowl Sunday (or parties in general)

Here is an easy to make dip that serves a big crowd!

Here is what you need for Chessy Pepperoni Dip:

• 3/4 cup HORMEL® Pepperoni minis
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pizza cheese blend
• 3/4 cups sliced olives
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions:

The main ingredient is these awesome HORMEL® Pepperoni minis (love that I don't have to dice up the pepperoni!) They also come in Turkey Pepperoni minis for a lower fat version!

Chop your green onions:

In a bowl, add all the ingredients:

Stir everything together:

Spread in baking dish (I used a pie dish)

 Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until bubbly and slightly browned on top.

Serve with Tortilla Chips (I use Scoops because those chips hold a lot of dip!)

  This is a perfect dip for watching football.

And, it serves a big crowd!

Disclosure: This post was written as part of my participation in the
Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. While Hormel Foods
provides me material and necessary resources to complete various
activities, the thoughts and statements in this post are my own.

What is your favorite appetizer to eat while watching the Superbowl?

I have a few more recipes coming up in the next week that I am looking forward to sharing with all of you!