What Did You Do?

How did you all ring in the new year? Did it look different from other years? Ours did, but we made it the best we could with what we had. We turned it into a game night with yummy food. Game nights are always fun because you really get to bond with those in your life.

You get to find out who the competitors are, and you will laugh so hard your stomach cramps, and tears come out of your eyes. It's all about having fun. Now, what can make a game night that much better? You guessed it, FOOD!

For our small get together we put together a baked potato bar, and finger foods. Baked potato bars are so easy and great for groups of people. You can do both sweet, and russet potatoes. Set out all the topping you could ever want: chili, sour cream, cheese, green onions, bacon, nacho cheese, jalapeno, marshmallows, butter, the options are endless. The fun thing about doing this, is it allows each person to make their food just the way they like it. It's perfect for the picky eaters and your more experimentive eaters.

I served a spinach dip inside a homemade bread bowl as an appetizer. It was a hit and was gone super fast! I put 3 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of dried crushed rosemary, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and roughly 2 cups of water. I put it all in my stand mixer until it was a sticky dough consistency. Then, I covered the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for 18 hours. When the 18 hours was up, I pre-heated the oven to 450°F. I warmed up the cast iron pot I cook my bread in for 45 minutes, while allowing the dough to rest on a floured counter top. After the pot is pre-heated, I spray the pot with oil and put the dough in the pot and cook for 30 minutes with the lid on. When the timer goes off, I baste my loaf with butter and cook with the lid off for another 15-25 minutes. You want it to be golden brown. When the loaf is done, allow it to fully cool before cutting into it, and putting you dip inside.

For the spinach dip, I just put a bag of frozen chopped spinach (drained), 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of real mayo, 2 chopped green onion stalks, and 1 package of spinach dip mix (I prefer the Knorr brand, but any will do). I like to mix ahead of time to allow all the flavors to combine and make for a great dip. My favorite food to serve with this is of course the bread bowl, sourdough bread, veggies, and even tortilla chips. It is always a crowd pleaser and so delicious.

We made a punch as well. We took two pints of lime sherbet and added 7up to it in a punch bowl. So easy and people love it.

Thank you to all my readers out there! I hope, and pray you all have a great year! Don't forget to have fun in the kitchen, it makes cooking for the family so much easier.