artichoke dip

This artichoke dip (not to be confused with spinach artichoke dip) is amazing.  I got it from a past roommate who made it for a party.  When you read these ingredients, you might not think this recipe will taste good.  I assure you, it. is. so. good.  Perfect party dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or little bread slices, etc.  Enjoy.

Artichoke Dip

1 cup mayo

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

8 oz. cream cheese

1 can cut artichoke hearts (not marinated)

Blend all ingredients except artichoke hearts together.  Gently fold in artichoke hearts.  

Bake in glass pie pan for 45 mins at 325 degrees. 

cupcake tier cake

Ah, one of my favorite cakes to make. So cute, so easy!

I made this pink one for a Valentine's party I hosted last weekend {sorry the photo is a little blurry}, and the blue one was for Mother's Day of last year. It's always a hit!




How to:

1. Whip up 1 cake mix of your choice according to the directions on the box
2. Use half the batter for 12 cupcakes, and the other half for an 8" round
3. Bake according to directions and then cool completely in refrigerator
4. Frost with icing of your choice {I use a homemade cream cheese icing, the next Dish Delish post will feature that recipe}
5. Keep frosted cake and cupcakes separated and refrigerated until just before guests arrive
6. Tier cupcakes on top of 8" round as follows:

.one.

....four....
.......seven.......

6. Decorate with accessories of your choice {I usually use party beads and artificial flowers}
7. Voila! Enjoy your super cute, super yummy cake!

gourmet in a hurry- raspberry chipotle cream cheese dip

I throw a lot of parties - it's kind of a hobby I have that makes me happy. I have one such party coming up, and I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite appetizers that is so easy to put together, I hesitate to even call it a recipe.

There are three ingredients:

1. One 8oz block of cream cheese

2. Fischer & Wieser Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce {find it at Costco}
this stuff is GREAT because one bottle is good for FOUR parties!

3. Crackers or Pretzels {any type of your choice}

So to put it together, all you do is place the cream cheese on a small serving dish, and then pour about 1/4 of the bottle of sauce on top of the cream cheese. Once that is done, take that serving dish, and place it on a large serving platter. Place pretzels or crackers on the platter surrounding the dish with the raspberry chipotle cream cheese dip. Serve it to your guests!

I have served this appetizer several times at parties, and I always get comments on how "gourmet" it is. If they only knew that putting it together took about two minutes total! Also, the color is beautiful. I love colorful food. Enjoy!