And The Winner Is...

Who's excited for the Oscars? 

I am an avid movie watcher, and the Oscars is my time to see if I agree with the critics. I confess I am more of an at-home movie watcher, so yes, I admit there are many nominated pictures that I haven't seen ...yet. The Oscars help me decide which movies are worthy of my theater dollars, and my time. But there is so much more to the Academy Awards than the "awards." I get wrapped up in the clothes, and hair-styles, and  the who-is-with-whom. I enjoy the movie clips, the best song nominations, and the awkwardly polite camera shots of nominated actors when their category is announced and they didn't win!

Speaking of winners (great segue, huh?) I love this new hot dip recipe; a perfect treat for "the movie industries biggest night of the year" and only three ingredients!

Any Swiss cheese can be used, however the recipe calls for Jarlsberg for its sweet and nutty taste.

 Oscar-Worthy Cheese Dip

2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated

2 cups mayonnaise

2 cups grated onions

1. Mix altogether and place in a rectangular glass baking dish.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

3. Serve with crackers.

4. This recipe is even better when made a day ahead, refrigerated, and re-heated in the microwave or oven.

Best actor in a leading role goes to...Cheese!

Ole' Let's Celebrate!

It's National Tortilla Chip Day!

Let's Celebrate!

February 24th is a day set aside to honor this delicious snack food made from corn tortillas. Tortilla chips are a favorite snack at our house. Eaten alone, they are great... eaten with cheese, they are even better! Whether we dunk them in homemade salsa, drench them in melted cheese, or enjoy them with this Hot Corn Dip; it's hard to say no to this snack.

 

Hot Corn Dip

 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups corn kernels
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onion (green and white parts)
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (if desired)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2-1 cup mayonnaise
4 ounces monterey jack cheese or 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
tortilla chips, for dipping
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° degrees F.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the corn, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels turn deep golden brown, about  5 minutes.
5. Transfer to a bowl.
6. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet.
7. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until the onions are wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Add the green onions, jalapeno, and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
9. Transfer to the bowl with the corn.
10. Add the mayonnaise, 1/2 of the monterey jack and half of the cheddar, and the cayenne and mix well.
11. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
12. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
13. Serve hot with the chips.
14. NOTE: This recipe does NOT reheat well after freezing.

Thanks to Food.com for this recipe.

This may be a corny, cheesy holiday- 

but it's still worth celebrating!

Visit Dairy Makes Sense for more dairy recipes

A Super Bowl For Super Bowl

Part of the fun of Super Bowl Sunday is the food...and the commercials...and the half-time show...oh yeah, and the football game! Even non-football fans come together to share the day. I like to think it's the fellowship with friends and family, and yes, the food. I score BIG points when I serve this Pizza Dip recipe. I found it many years ago when I cut it out from a magazine, so I don't even know who to thank for it, but it is sure to be a touchdown with your football fans.

Pizza Dip

8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup light mayannaise

1 cup shredded mozarella cheese

5 ounces sliced pepperoni, chopped

2 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped

10 large, pitted black olives, chopped

4 crusty Italian rolls, cut into 1/2 inch pieces OR crackers

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, tomatoes and olives. Spoon into a 6 cup baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly. Serve with bread pieces or crackers.

While you are watching the 49ers and the Ravens, and enjoying your Pizza Dip, keep an eye out for the first-ever GOT MILK? commercial played during the Super Bowl!  

Go team, and Go Milk!