2 parties and 2 recipes

It's taken me a while to get my act together here but I'm finally ready. It's been a busy couple of weeks and it's given me a chance to try out some new recipes. First off I'd like to say "Thank You Auntie!". She sent me 3 new recipes and all sound fantastic. To everyone else I'd like to say......."I'm Waiting!" Please still send your recipes to me so I will have a great little book to send everyone at the end of the year. I'd also like to hear of any stories or memories that might be attached to certain recipes. Why it's a family favorite or how you came across it. Anything and everything if you would like to share.

So the last two weekends in a row we've attend some parties. As a result I was able to try two recipes to share. First off was Tyler's 21st Birthday! We all had a great time and it was the perfect opportunity to try out Shawn's recipe for Jell-O shots. So here is his recipe.

Shawn's Jell-O with a Kick!

1 6oz package of your favorite flavor Jell-O (This is the 8 serving size)

2 cups HOT water

1 cup Malibu Rum

1 cup Vodka

Mix Jell-O and hot water in a medium sized bowl until Jell-O is well dissolved. Add the 1 cup Malibu and 1 cup Vodka. Mix well and pour into shot sized containers. Chill for a few hours and enjoy.

My Notes: I started with Berry Blue Jell-O and decided since it was raspberry and blueberry flavored why not try a mixed berry Vodka. I used Finlandia Wild Berry Vodka. I also used Bacardi Coconut Rum as it was on sale this time. It seemed to all work out pretty well and Shawn stated that they were quite "Kicky". They definately left a nice warm feeling in the center of your chest but much fun to make and eat!

This past weekend Mom and Dad had an appetizer potluck party with some neighbors and co-workers. So I thought it the perfect opportunity to try out Auntie Penny's taco dip. It was a complete hit and everyone wanted the recipe! Of course they can only have the recipe if they give one in return, LOL! Her recipe is as follows.......

Niagara Falls Taco Dip

1 8oz Package of Softened Cream Cheese

Bottled Taco Sauce

Diced Tomato

Finely Shredded Lettuce

Finely Grated Cheese

Spread cream cheese into a layer on a large round plate. Cover layer of cream cheese with some taco sauce. Like spreading sauce on a pizza. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, grated cheese and diced tomato on top of the sauce. Serve with tortilla chips. Can add olives, jalapenos or other favorites. Just use a tougher chip.

My Notes: I had a pretty large platter so I used 1 and a half packages of cream cheese. Eyeballed some taco sauce a little on the heavy side as I like the spice. I cheated and bought the pre-grated taco cheese mix. Along with the lettuce and tomatoes I added chopped green onions and sliced olives. I served with a restaurant style tortilla strip chip. It was extremely easy to make and oh so yummy!

Please keep sending the recipes so I have more to try and share the results. I plan on posting a favorite Easter appetizer I make every year within the next week, so keep an eye out for it. Any questions or comments are welcome!