Hot Artichoke Dip

Not too spicy, but a little bit of kick, this dip is delicious!  I got the recipe from a friend at our church recipe swap, and after I heard everyone RAVE about it I had to make it.  You can't go wrong with artichoke dip.

1 14oz can artichoke hearts drained
1 c Parmesan cheese
1/2 c Mozzarella cheese
8oz cream cheese softened (I used 1/3 reduced fat with excellent results)
1/2 c mayo
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
Garlic, salt, and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.  Chop the artichoke hearts and then combine all ingredients.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.  Serve with chips or bread.  Mmmmmm!

Quick and Easy Chicken Salad

This recipe is especially great as a snack on wheat crackers, or if you are me you eat it with a piece of fruit and a cold glass of milk and call it lunch! (Although a glass of apple juice is REALLY good too if you are not a milk-aholic like I am.) Nothin' fancy about this one, just mix and go!

12.5 oz can of chicken
1/2 C. of mayo (I use the one with olive oil for less fat)
2 Tbs sweet relish

Drain the chicken then place in a bowl and shred with a fork. Mix in the mayo and sweet relish and enjoy! The sweet relish is not as strong the next day, so according to your taste you may want to add more. Please refrigerate leftovers!

Caramel Candies

I got this recipe from a girl who goes to school with Curtis. She gave us a sample of some that she had made for class, and everyone there begged her for the recipe. It is so easy, and absolutely the best caramel I have ever had!

1 cup butter
1 pound brown sugar (approx 2 1/4 cups packed)
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1. Butter a 9x13 pan
2. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine everything except the vanilla.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Heat to between 234 and 240 F. Cook for two min at that temperature.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
5. Pour cooked caramel into pan and let cool to room temperature.
6. Cut into squares and enjoy!