Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

I remember the first time I made this... it was for a baby shower for one of my favorite friends!  I made a lot and we ate... a lot!  Its so tasty, quite easy to make, but a favorite for sure.  You can really use whatever fruit you feel like using or that you have on hand, but this is my favorite combo I've tried.

Fruit Salsa

2 apples
4 kiwi
1 lb strawberries
6-8 oz raspberries
2 spoonfuls orange marmalade
2 tsp lemon juice

Chop the strawberries and kiwi, the raspberries just need to be kind of smushed and mixed in with the fruit mixture.  While chopping my apples I add about 1 tsp lemon juice with each apple to prevent browning.  Mix all the fruit together with the preserves and enjoy with cinnamon chips!

Cinnamon Chips

10 (8") flour tortillas
Cooking spray, butter flavor works well
Cinnamon sugar mixture~ I think we usually do about 3/4 cup sugar with 1 Tbsp cinnamon.

Heat oven to 350.  Spray one side of a tortilla with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  Cut into 10 wedges (or whatever size you prefer).  Place the wedges sugar side down on cookie sheet.  Once the sheet is full, spray all the wedges with cooking spray again then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  Bake for 8-10 minutes.  Serve with fruit salsa and let the compliments pour in.

Cheese Ball

Do you ever have to take an appetizer to a holiday party?  Do you want it to look impressive, but not take a ton of work?  No? I'm the only one... ha!  You're not fooling me.  Well, this cheese ball is awesome.  My mom created its awesomeness, so I can say that without being conceited. She uses cashews as the nuts around it, but due to allergies we use almonds.  Seriously, make it, but make it for a crowd its big and addicting.

Cheese Ball

1 package cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheese (I usually use medium cheddar, but pepper jack would be yummy)
1 can green chiles, diced
1/2 (14 oz) can olives, chopped
salt
pepper
Sliced almonds

Mix the cream cheese, cheese, chiles, and olives.  Form into a ball.  I like to put it in plastic wrap to form its shape.  Smash the almonds into the sides of the ball.  Wrap it up tight in plastic wrap until you're ready to serve.  Serve with crackers.  So yummy!

Pizza Dip

Back in the good ol' days of grad school, I met a lot of really great people.  One of those lovely people shared this delicious recipe with me and I have loved it every time I've made it.  Those I've made it for have loved it too.  That dear friend has since passed away and I wish that I could go back and enjoy our time together with a little more perspective.  Isn't it amazing how, so often, we bond over food.  This one is for you Catherine!

Pizza Dip

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 cups spaghetti sauce
Baguette slices or French Bread

Combine cream cheese and seasoning, spread onto the bottom of a 9" pie plate.  Mix mozzarella and parmesan, sprinkle about half of it over the cream cheese.  Top with spaghetti sauce.  Sprinkle remaining mozzarella/parmesan over top. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350.  Or microwave on high in 2 minute intervals until cheese is melted through and sauce is bubbly.  Serve with 2-3" pieces of bread.  So yummy!!!

Chicken Fingers

My kids love these chicken fingers, but be careful if you over cook them they will dry out.

Chicken Fingers
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 pounds chicken breast cut crosswise into 1 1/2" strips

Melt butter in cookie sheet while oven heat to 425.  Meanwhile, mix flour and spices in a medium bowl.  Dredge chicken in flour mixture.  Toss chicken pieces in butter in pan.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Turn strips and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer.

We like to serve with BBQ fry sauce.  To make it, just mix ketchup, BBQ sauce and mayo until its a nice light pink color or to your taste.