Charleston Cheese Dip

Now this is a recipe that I can't take credit for.  I found this recipe in "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood" and tweaked it just a bit.  I knew with all that cheese and bacon, it had to be good....and boy was I right!  This will definitely be my new "go-to dip" from now on.  It's quick, easy and absolutely delish!    

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 8oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey jack cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 tablespoon red pepper flakes (or more if you'd like a bit more kick)
• 8 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 8 bacon slices, cooked & crumbled

Directions

1. Mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, green onions and red pepper flakes. 
2. Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish.
3. Top mixture with cracker crumbs.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 or until heated through. 
5. Remove from the oven and top with the bacon. 
6. Serve immediately with crackers.

Until next time...

XOXO

~Suzanne

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

I wanted to create a stuffed pepper recipe that would be "somewhat" healthy, yet still quite tasty and easy!  For starters, I didn't want to use any canned sauces in my recipe, due to the increased sodium those tend to bring.  So, to make this a "healthy" recipe, just make sure you use the 93% lean ground beef, low fat mozzarella cheese and brown rice.  You could also do without the butter.  However, I unfortunately have subscribed to the Paula Dean ways of the world - and everything is better with just a little bit of butter!  

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (or more if you love cheese)
• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Basil
• 1-2 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tbs butter

Directions

1. Cook rice as directed on the package and set aside.
2. Chop onion, tomatoes and garlic cloves.
3. Slice the tops off of the bell peppers.  Chop the edible part of the tops and set aside.  Remove the pulp and seeds from the inside of the peppers. 
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the bell peppers and boil for 7 minutes. Remove the peppers from the water, and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Saute the chopped green pepper (from tops), chopped onion and chopped garlic for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables are starting to become tender. 
6. Add ground beef, oregano and basil and cook until browned.
7. Add chopped tomatoes, cooked rice and salt and pepper to taste.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. Stuff the mixture into the peppers.  Place the peppers in a casserole dish so they are standing upright.  Cover with foil and bake on 400 for approximately 30 minutes. 
9. Once the peppers are done, remove the foil, top each with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese is melted (approx. 5 min).

The photos below highlight the major steps.  

Until next time...


XOXO


~Suzanne

London Calling....

I just got back from my 5th trip to London in almost 4 years....and I must say....it never gets old!  There is just something about throwing back a pint or two with the Brits that makes me happy!

My first stop after arriving in London is always to The Victoria, for a steak and ale pie and a pint.  This historic pub is just a 5 minute walk from Paddington Station and is a place where locals flock for their superb atmosphere, fantastic home cooked food and first class beer.  Check out the shots below from inside The Victoria.

No trip to London is complete without a stroll past some of their iconic landmarks through town.  Below are a few of my favorite shots.   I have also provided a link under my "fab photos" page with the remaining photos taken during my trip.

Now that I am back in the states, I think it's time for me to try my hand at cooking up some of that fabulous London cuisine right here in good ole' Shallotte.  Be on the look-out, my next recipe just might be a savory chicken pie or some home-made fish and chips!  

Until next time....

XOXO

Suzanne