Candy Cane Punch

This was also on the menu for Christmas Eve. I had seen it on Pinterest and wanted to try it because it just looks so darn cute! Not only was it cute... it was delicious! I can imagine that this recipe will be hanging around our holiday parties for a while! 

Candy Cane Punch

Recipe and Photo Courtesy of tasteofhome.com

Ingredients

1 (18 oz) jar strawberry jelly -NO SEEDS!

2 liters lemon-lime soda, divided

1.5 quarts peppermint stick ice cream

mini candy canes, optional


Directions
In a large saucepan, melt jelly with 2 cups soda. Chill the jelly mixture and remaining soda. Just before serving, place 6 cups ice cream in a punch bowl. Gently stir in jelly mixture. Add remaining soda. Add remaining ice cream by scoopfuls. Garnish with candy canes if desired. Enjoy!!!

Jalapeno Popper Dip

I made this for Lucas's families Christmas Eve party, and it was a huge hit!! Everyone LOVED it! I have made it before for my family also, and the reaction was exactly the same. I am pretty sure you can't go wrong with one! It is a crowd pleaser for sure!

*I haven't gotten a picture of this yet, but I am making it again for New Years Eve so I will try to snap one before it gets eaten! No guarantees though! :)

Jalapeno Popper Dip
Recipe Courtesy of americanfood.about.com


Ingredients:
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temp
1 C mayonnaise
1 C shredded Mexican blend cheese (half jack, half cheddar cheese)
1/2 C parmesan cheese
1 (4oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 (4oz.) can diced jalapenos
1/2 C parmesan cheese
1 C panko bread crumbs
1/2 stick butter, melted

Directions:
In a food processor, add first 6 ingredients and mix until smooth. Do not drain either of the cans of peppers. Spread the dip into a 2 qt casserole dish, or a 9x13 pan. In a bowl, mix panko, butter and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the dip. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Served with bite sized pieces of french bread or buttery crackers. Enjoy!!

Baked Potato Soup

We had this for dinner tonight and it was so delicious! Lucas said it is one of his favorite soups of all time. And the best part is that it was so easy to put together!

Baked Potato Soup

from  http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/

1 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded hash browns {I used Ore Ida}

3 14oz. cans of chicken broth

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

1/2 pkg. cream cheese {don’t use fat free.  It WON’T melt!!!} 

Combine everything in pot and bring to a boil. Add cream cheese and let melt. We added some bacon to ours, and you could also do cheese, sour cream, green onions, or whatever suits your fancy! Enjoy!!