Pineapple Cheese Ball

I visited Mom at Loyalton today and one of the nurses, Sharon had made this for the residents and staff back in the Memory Care Unit. It was delicious and Mom liked it too. I had to have the recipe! I love pineapple and love cheesecake so this was a no brainer for me. If you like cheesecake, you should like this too! Quick and easy!

Ingredients:
8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
1 large box of dry vanilla pudding
1 of the smallest cans of pineapple- DO NOT DRAIN!
Chopped pecans
Graham Crackers

Mix softened cream cheese, dry pudding mix and undrained pineapple thoroughly.
Form a ball and roll in chopped pecans.
Serve with graham crackers broken into the smallest size.

I might try it with more pineapple, but it was excellent as prepared above.

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I am not sure this a family favorite, but I have made it several times. Once I made two, one for that evening and the other to take somewhere the next day. I had friends over that evening and we ate both so this must be a keeper! It's quick and easy too! It is not the healthiest. : (
But it is pretty! : )

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 can (about 14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped.
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese or mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)

Toasted baguette slices. Slice baguette in 1/4 inch slices and toast lightly in oven. I like this a lot better than crackers, but assorted crackers will work.

Directions: Oven Temperature: 350 degrees
1. Mix mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir in artichokes, spinach and bell pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into a 1-quart casserole. (I found a large glass pie plate is perfect!)
4. Sprinkle with Monterrey Jack or mozzarella cheese
5. Cover and bake about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
6. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.

Mango and Black Bean Salsa

This is the best salsa ever! Try it once and you will agree. My friend Lisa Haden Bange was the first to make it, but it became a fast favorite among my girlfriends. It is way better than the Mango Salsa at Costco!!!

Mango and Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:
1 envelope of Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Mix (dry)
1 can (16 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
1 cup chopped fresh ripe mango ( canned papaya worked pretty good too!)
1/2 cup chopped red .pepper
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup lime juice

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate.

Serve with tortilla chips- especially the ones shaped like little bowls that hold more!
You can also serve with chicken and rice for a main-dish salad- at least that is what the recipe said- it never sticks around long enough to try that. : )

Hot Crab Crostini

Hot Crab Crostini *****
Ready in 30 minutes!

Ingredients:
1 French Baguette, cut into 1/4 inch slices (24 slices)
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 cans (6 ounces each or more!) crabmeat, well drained and flaked
1 jar (2 oz.) diced pinientos, well drained
2 ounces shredded Swiss cheese (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread (from 8 ounce container)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place bread slices on large ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops lightly with oil. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp and very light brown.

2. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients except chives in medium bowl. Spread 1 rounded tablespoonful crabmeat mixture on each bread slice.

3. Bake about 5 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chives.

This has been a family and friends favorite every time we serve it! If the baguette is small, you may need 30 slices. Try manchego or Asiago cheese instead of swiss for a change. Also you can make ahead! Bake the bread and store at room temperature covered. Prepare the mixture, cover and refrigerate. Assemble when are ready to eat! Yummy!!!!!