Stuffed Manicotti

Photo by Katie Kay

I used to make this recipe in jumbo shells until I realized how much prettier it is in manicotti.  It looks like so much more effort! (but it's not!)  These manicotti shells are stuffed with a delicious meat, spices, and cheeses mixture and topped with a chunky tomato sauce.  

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Photo by Katie Kay

This picture doesn't do this dip justice.  This Jalapeno Popper Dip is cheesy, spicy, and super freaking awesome.  I adjusted the original recipe slightly to make it more spicy, and I think it has achieved perfection.  I've made this many times for parties, and it's always plenty of dip to serve everyone.  If you're worried about not having enough, you can double the recipe in the same size pan.

Apple Tarts

Photo by Katie Kay

I'm totally infatuated with Puff Pastry sheets.  I think you could put anything in them at all, slather them in butter and egg, and they'd be super yummy.  As far as my favorite desserts go, it's a tie between anything chocolate or apple.  Apple dumplings, apple crisp, apple pie, apple cheesecake, apple kabobs, apple creole, apple gumbo...

Pimm's Cup Cocktail

photo by Katie Kay

I went to a party several years ago and a guest brought this delicious drink.  I desperately wanted the recipe, but she said it was a classic English mixed drink and this liqueur couldn't be purchased in the United States.  To my delight, I found it almost a year later at Spec's Liquor store in Houston!  

Dijon Chicken with Mushrooms and Toasted Almonds

I took this picture before I added the toasted almonds, oops!

I am a Dijon super-fan.  My favorite stuffed mushroom recipe has Dijon mustard, I love it on my lunchmeat sandwiches, and I love it on my chicken.  Oooh--my favorite Cheddar's menu item is Dijon Chicken & Mushrooms.  To. Die. For.