Crush Those Lugers

 

While it's been 3 years since I've actually gone to Dip-a-Palooza {I still like to think of myself as the reigning champ}, I still enjoy watching the Super Bowl at home, in part for the halftime show and commercials {along with the game if it's more exciting than this last one}.  Though there were some pretty good contenders for best commercial this year, my vote goes to GM and Will Ferrell, vowing to beat Norway in the electric vehicle race and his journey to Scandinavia.  Haven't seen it?  Watch until the end and I promise you'll be giggling to yourself just like I have been watching this over and over :)  

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Homemade Cheesy Chili Dip

So you're probably wondering what that winning dip was from DAP XIV and I have to admit I was selfish in making something that I knew I would really want to eat.  My coworker sent me several ideas {I like to get everyone involved} and after much deliberation on what looked delicious, I settled on Pinch of Yum's Homemade Cheesy Chili Dip.  It was super simple to put together {I didn't start making it until about noon} and the longer it sat and simmered, the more I couldn't stop eating it {I was afraid I wouldn't have anything left to bring to the party!}.  This dip is something you can graze on all day long as long as you keep it warm and with the votes declaring it the winner, you can be confident in whipping this up for your next get together - or for just a random Sunday afternoon snack! :)

Homemade Cheesy Chili Dip

Ingredients
1 lb ground pork sausage
1 heaping Tblsp taco seasoning
1/4 tsp cayenne
1- 14oz can black beans, rinsed
1 1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
2 Tblsp butter
3 Tblsp flour
1 3/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheese {I used Mexican blend}
fresh cilantro and green onion

Instructions
1. In large skillet, brown sausage until golden brown and crumbled into small pieces.  Drain off excess oil.  Add taco seasoning, cayenne, black beans, salsa, and water if it needs more liquid.  The consistency should be like a thick chili. 
2. In separate sauce pan over medium high heat, melt butter.  Add flour and stir to form a paste.  In little bits, pour in milk whisking after each addition.  The sauce will thicken up gradually - continue whisking and simmer until sauce is thick enough to stick to back of a spoon.  Stir in cheese until melted. 
3. Add cheese sauce to the chili in the skillet.  Mix until well combined.  Stir in green onions and cilantro, and top with more cilantro for presentation.
4.  Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Makes about 6 cups dip.

Adapted from pinch of yum

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza XIV

I WON DIP-A-PALOOZA!!!  Sorry, I just had to lead with the best news ever!  It's been a long 11 years of coming in 2nd and 3rd more times than I'd like to admit and this year was finally my year to get my name on the trophy.  When Aaron said I won I didn't believe him {see DAP 12 for why} but as the music continued playing and everyone was clapping and dancing, I realized it was true.  Holden got a few blurry pictures of me dancing around and celebrating, but I wish there was a good one of my surprised and unbelieving face as they announced I had finally won.  It was Christian's first year at DAP and though he didn't bring a dip {and therefore couldn't vote} I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to bring him every year now as my good luck charm.  It was a good crop of dips this year, and to come out on top was made all the more merrier as we watched Tom Brady lose to the Eagles :)  I'm still on cloud nine over here reliving my DAP victory - now I'm just wondering how I can top it next year!

 number one!

 my winning dip up front

 celebrate!

christian and linnea were too focused on coloring to watch the end of the game :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Bai Bai Bai

While there were some great Superbowl commercials this year, featuring everything from immigrants and beer to feminism and acceptance {that Audi one really got to me}, there's nothing like a funny commercial to make everyone stop and listen.  And the song?  I think it may just catch on ;)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Three Cheese Bacon Dip

I know you're just dying to find out what the 3rd place dip at DAP this year was, so here you go!  I made this Three Cheese Bacon dip, and if you're a bacon lover, this one's for you.  I found it on Lovely Little Kitchen, which is fast becoming a favorite site, and it was so quick and easy to throw together.  It's loaded with bacon and lots of cheese - how did this not win?!?!?  There definitely was not much left by the end of the game which is always a good sign, and if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to make for your next get together {why is football season so far away?!?!?} look no further than right here.

Three Cheese Bacon Dip

Ingredients
8oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 green onions, sliced thinly {reserve 1 tsp for garnish}
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch of pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled {reserve 1 Tblsp for garnish}
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus 1/4 cup more for topping

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, salt, pepper, garlic, bacon, and cheeses.
3. Put in oven save baking dish.  Top with remaining cheese and bake 30 minutes.  Top with remaining bacon and green onion and serve with crackers, potato chips, etc.

adapted from lovely little kitchen

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza 13

{most creative dip name - "i built a fence around this guac and i'm going to make you pay for it"}

This year's DAP was extra special, as it was my 10th year in attendance!  Time flies, eh?  We all met up at Holden & Lisa's new fancy digs with a quality selection of dips to sample.  Some were creative, some were generic, but all were delicious and this was one of my hardest voting years yet!  When I was called up on stage at halftime and announced as the 3rd place winner, I was pretty pleased with myself that I whipped up a top 3 finish with minimal effort :)  It was an all ladies top 4 this year, and Lisa took home the trophy with an amazing dessert dip reminiscent of Samoa Girl Scout cookies {seriously, it was delicious}. There were lots of little ones running around, and it was fun to have 2 TV's going with the game so people could walk around and have plenty of dips while not missing a bit of the action.  Like Aaron said, I've been in the top 3 or 4 for as long as we can remember, and fingers crossed that one of these years I will come out on top.  If not, at least I know I'll be well fed on Superbowl Sunday :)

my buddy for the day

a deserving win

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans

You're probably wondering what that amazing dip was that landed me a controversial second place at DAP.  Well, look no further than right here.  A few weeks ago I started researching dips for the party, and I kept coming back to this Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans from How Sweet Eats.  It had all the components of a winning dip {or so I thought} - cheese, meat, and a bit of a kick.  The spice is pretty mild, so don't shy away if you're not into spicy.  I promise if you bring it to your next get together, it'll be gone by the end of the night - it's that good.  Like, second place good. 

Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans

Ingredients
1/2 lb chorizo
1 large shallot, diced
1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tblsp olive oil
12oz bottle of your favorite beer
1 - 8oz block of cream cheese, softened
12 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
1 - 14.5 oz can black beans, drained
sliced green onions & cilantro for topping

Instructions
1. Heat large skillet over medium heat.  Remove any casings from chorizo and add to skillet, using wooden spoon to break apart the sausage until it crumbles.  Cook until fat is rendered and sausage appears to be cooked through.  Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towel to drain.  Clean skillet with paper towel.
2. Heat skillet to medium-low.  Add olive oil, red pepper, garlic, shallot, & jalapeno with a pinch of salt.  Stir well to coat.  Let cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Turn heat up to medium and add beer.  After a few minutes, add cream cheese and continue stirring until it's melted and creamy.  Add white cheddar, stirring until melted.  Reduce heat to low.  Stir in black beans and sausage.  Remove from heat and top with green onions and cilantro.  Keep warm for serving.

adapted from how sweet eats

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Super Bowl Babies

While the Super Bowl commercials this year were less than stellar, one stood out to me above all the rest.  Maybe it's the cute kids, or the fact that it features Seattle, or that awesome throwback Seal song, but Super Bowl Babies Choir was pretty clever and hilarious {and slightly awkward}.  Here's to Denver's new crop of kids in about 9 months! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza 12

This year's Dip-a-palooza had it's highs and it's lows.  The Broncos won!!  It was amazing how many people were loudly cheering for the Broncos at the 12th annual Dip extravaganza, and we were all incredibly excited to watch Peyton Manning and the Broncos take down the Panthers.  The dips were pretty tasty this year - lots of peanut butter, lots of cheese, and was that a black bean and bacon dip??  When halftime came and the trophy ceremony commenced, I was shocked to be called up to the front as one of the top two dips of the party.  When Aaron announced I was the winner, I was shocked!!!  I did a happy dance, jumped around, and excitedly accepted the trophy and flag from a proud-looking Holden.  But.....it wasn't meant to be.  I got Steve Harvey'd!!!  In a nod to the infamous Miss Universe snafu, Aaron took back my trophy and gave it to Sara & Walker, leaving me thoroughly embarrassed and disappointed.  I really thought I had it this time!  And to be crushed after totally getting my hopes up!  Most agreed Aaron took it a bit too far, but no worries - I will get my revenge next year.  As Justin said, Revenge is a dish best served cold {which I take to mean a cold dip?!?!}.  Watch your back, Aaron - I'm coming for you.

 my cutest date

 so excited!!

 i finally won after 9 years!!!

wait.....what?!?!?!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {Superbowl} Friday

Happy Superbowl Friday!  While it feels weird not having our annual Seahawks party at work today, it's a little less stressful, right?  This year I can concentrate on what's really important on Superbowl Sunday - the dips :)  But seriously, I'm rooting hardcore for Mr. Manning here.  I've been a fan since his rookie year and have loved him ever since.  I mean, how can you not root for Peyton??  He's a true class act.  

Hope you have a great weekend, and Go Broncos!!  Omaha!!!!! :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

For DAP this year, there really wasn't any question of what I was going to make.  Once I found this recipe for Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip, I was sold.  I mean, a dip made out of one of my favorite meals?? Count me in.  Unfortunately, the morning of the Superbowl the server went down for How Sweet Eats, so I had to kind of wing it with just throwing everything into a bowl, popping it in the oven, and hoping for the best.  Luckily, it turned out pretty great {3rd place!} and since I kept going back for more, I'm making this one for my next get together ASAP :)

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Ingredients
12 oz cream cheese, softened
16 oz shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz can diced green chiles
1/2 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded lettuce
chopped tomatoes
cilantro
4 green onions, sliced
Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400.  Spray baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In bowl, mix together cream cheese and cheese until creamy and combined.  Stir in chicken, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.  Once combined, stir in green chiles, garlic, and enchilada sauce until mixed.
3. Spread dip in baking dish, top with more cheese if desired, and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is gold and bubbly.
4. Remove dip from oven and cover with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.  Serve with tortilla chips.

adapted from How Sweet Eats

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Cutest

I dare you not to tear up watching this cutest Superbowl commercial from last weekend :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza XI

While everyone is still talking about that epic fail of a play on Sunday {seriously - I'm watching Fashion Police on E! right now and they're talking about it!}, it's time that we let it rest, move on, and focus on the real meaning of Superbowl Sunday - dips.   Dip-A-Palooza XI was a quality year for dips - lots of cheesy goodness, which is always a plus in my book.  While I managed to slide into third place for my 8th appearance at this prestigious event, it was Holden who went home with the title of DAP XI champ with a queso dip {not very original, but pretty tasty}.  When the play clock ended and the Patriots took home the trophy {gross}, I've never seen such disbelief and shock in this group - it was heartbreaking!  It was a quiet and sad ending to a really great day {and season!} but I know that we will be back next year stronger than ever and ready to win.  And with even better dips :)

 my date made me a seahawks crown :)

 dips

 the sweetest, softest puppy {just like sammy 2 years ago}

 the top two!

 and holden walks away with the victory yet again!

 while we were still smiling

 sydney tried to stretch out on as many laps as possible

wait......what just happened??

Until next year Hawks - we still love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Puppy Love

Here is my favorite commercial from the Superbowl this year - and I'm sure I'm not alone.  I mean, who can resist that little puppy?!?!?  I want one. :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza X

This year was the 10th Annual Dip-A-Palooza {and my 7th year in a row!}.  The quality of dips this year was pretty spectacular, but they were overshadowed by that amazing game {who won again? :)}.  I had some favorites {Erika's and Holden's were both top on my list, along with a newcomers 'Beast Feast' for creativity} but JJ's wife Liz ended up taking home the trophy this year with a dessert dip {how do these keep winning?!?!}.  It was befitting that the 10th Anniversary of DAP was celebrated not only with an extra long halftime presentation {including the top 10 people in DAP history} but with an epic Seahawks win at that.  Yes, I've been going to this for the past 7 years, but this is the first year I really cared about the outcome and focused more on the game than the eating.  With a comfy couch seat, a plate of dips, and a cold 12th Man brew in hand, it was an awesome DAP that I won't soon forget :)

 apparently it took hours to crush hundreds of skittles into these dips - impressive

 the winner!  {don't ask why aaron is in a banana suit.....}

 our awesome host and hostess

 watching the game with confidence

 superbowl champs!!

 sammy was so excited!  {ps - remember how little he was last year?}

 celebrating

 just like old times

the annual poster

See past years of DAP here

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Viva Young

While the selection this year for the best Super Bowl commercial seemed a bit dismal, there were a few standouts that had the whole room laughing.  My favorite?  Taco Bell's "Viva Young".  Apparently, I have a thing for kids, dogs, and old people.  Watch it - it's pretty funny :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Green Sauce

I went back and forth a hundred times trying to decide what to make for Dip-a-palooza this year, but nothing seemed good enough until I remembered one of the most delicious and addictive dips I've ever had - the Newsome "Green Sauce".  It's Matt's dad's recipe, and they bring it out at almost every function at their house.  It was easy to put together (and gave me an excuse to use my mini-food processor) and the comment I got the most at DAP was how "fresh" it tasted.  With yummy, fresh, and green ingredients, it was the perfect compliment to the heavy and cheesy dips on the table.  So much better than 4th place :)  Thanks Erin and Matt for sharing the recipe!!

Green Sauce

Ingredients
2 avocados
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (mine was huge, so I only used half)
1/2 cup plain Green yogurt
1 cup Salsa Verde
handful cilantro, chopped

Instructions
1.  Put all ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until smooth.  Refrigerate 1 hour.
2.  Serve with tortilla chips, veggies, or on tacos or burritos.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza 9

This year's DAP was a little sad since my ladies couldn't make it, but I powered through and made it to our annual SuperBowl extravaganza on my own (here's DAP 7 and here's DAP 8).  I tried a little harder this year, and ended up tied for 4th place with Phil (not too shabby).  I even had several people asking me for my recipe (to be shared later)!  Mr. Barrows took the top spot again (is this thing rigged?), but I can't complain too much, cuz with a baby on the way, he deserves the glory.  But, the highlight of the day (besides getting a coveted seat on the couch to watch "Blackout Bowl")?  Meeting Holden and Lisa's new puppy, Sammy.  Since I arrived a little early, I got to spend some extra quality time with this 10 week old cutie, and I'm pretty sure I'm in love.  I can't wait to join him for walks around the lake and have him give me a hand, errr, paw, at the next poker night :)

 announcing the winners

 another barrows' victory

 the winning dip

way too much excitement for sammy

xoxo,
stephanie marie