Easy Trail Mix

Trail Mix

My husband and I used to make a weekend trip as often as possible to the Adirondack State Park to  hike the High Peaks. There are some breathtaking views on the summit of these majestic mountains and I am always in awe at how beautiful it is.

As a family we still really enjoy hiking. One of our favorite places is still to venture a trail in the Adirondacks. One of our quick hikes is Mt. Jo. It is challenging enough for the kids and the view is really great, especially with the fall foliage.

One snack that is always a staple in our backpack is an easy trail mix that my husband and I have been making for years. It's great at any time- road trips, day trips even for school snacks. It really could not be any easier!

The Recipe:

One jar of your favorite dry-roasted peanuts.
One bag of plain M&M's (this time I used m&m minis)
1/2 Container of dark raisins.

In a zip-lock bag, dump peanuts, M&M's and raisins. Close bag and shake until well mixed. Enjoy!

Tip: I wash and keep the top of the peanut jar inside the bag to act as a scoop!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

I originally got this recipe from my sister-in-law and I made this for a neighborhood party about 4 years ago. Believe it or not, it has been on every party table since. It is easy, quick and so good! There are many versions of this out there, but this is how I put it together.

The recipe:

2 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves, sliced into thin cutlets.
1 (8oz.) pkg cream cheese softened.
1 bottle Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce
Cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Pour about 1 Tbsp olive oil into frying pan. Place thin sliced chicken into pan and salt and pepper each piece. Cook until golden brown. Turn and repeat with salt and pepper and until chicken is golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside. Repeat until all chicken is cooked. Cut into bite sized pieces ( or shred with two forks) and place into a dish or zip-lock bag. Cover with 1/2 bottle of Franks Wing sauce. Marinate at least 1 hour or over night. Spread softened cream cheese in bottom of 9x11" pan. Top with marinated chicken and top with shredded cheese. Bake in 350' oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with Tostitos Multigrain Tortilla Chips.

Marinated Cheese

This photo is from GKelly on All Recipe website

If you are looking for something different for holiday parties, this is your recipe! I had a version of this over the Thanksgiving holiday and it was so good I couldn't stop eating it! The combo is different, but everyone that has tried it has the same reaction "Oh, is that good! Mmmm!"

This recipe is from the website Allrecipes

The Recipe:

1/2 Cup Olive oil ( I use Filippo Berio)
1/2 Cup white wine vinegar
1 (2oz) jar diced pimento, drained
3 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
3 Tbsp green onions, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 (8oz) package Cheddar Cheese (I use yellow/sharp Heluva)
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, cold

In a jar with tight fitting lid (or plastic container), combine olive oil, vinegar, pimento, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, salt & pepper. Shake well to blend. Set aside.

Cut cheddar cheese in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise in 1/4 inch slices to form squares.  Repeat process with cream cheese.  Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge. You can arrange in a single long row or 2 parallel rows (I prefer 2 rows- it looks nicer). Pour marinade from container over the cheese slices.  Cover and refrigerate for at leasr 6 hours, or overnight.

To serve, remove slices to a servinq platter and spoon marindae over cheese.  I did not do this step. I used the dish I was going to serve the appetizer in (one less dish to clean!) and it worked just fine.