Walking Tacos

So once upon a time I saw this post from Picky Palate & knew right away that it would have star at one of my parties one day.  I fell in love with the concept of Walking tacos!  What's a Walking Taco you ask?  Simple, take a mini bag of Frito's with the top cut off (you may need to remove a little of the chips),  add a scoop of your favorite chili (a thicker, meatier chili works best), and top with your choice of toppings.  Dig in - all you need is a fork!  The only tough part was finding the mini bags of Frito's - hint gas station convenience store.

I decided to add these to the menu for Mr. B's birthday party last month and they were a hit!  They'd really be great for your game day party.  I prepped all the bags, had the chili in the Crock Pot and offered cheese, sour cream & jalapenos as toppings.  It's a fun way to enjoy simple food.  I can't wait to have them at another party.  Enjoy!

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Looking for a quick weeknight meal?  Well if you are lucky enough to have any of those really big zucchinis lingering in your garden, this is the perfect dish for you.  If not just grab a regular one and make mini pizza bites.  These can be changed up to include your favorite toppings, or whatever you happen to have on hand.  I happened to have some leftover caramelized onions and some sausage meatballs that I thought would be perfect.

Prep your topping and have on the side.  Slice your zucchini, drizzle or spray with a little olive oil & sprinkle some house seasoning (or your favorite seasonings).  Place on heated grill.  Flip once and add toppings.  I used a spoonful of marinara sauce for each, topped mine with caramelized onions and Mr. B's with cut up sausage meatballs, and a little grated mozzarella on each.  Close the lid on your grill and cook for a few minutes.  Your cooling time will vary based on the size of your zucchini.  I served with some penne pasta with marinara.

Quick, simple & delicious!  Enjoy!

Low Fat Pumpkin Pie Dip

It's fall, which means my obsession with pumpkin everything may take over this blog!  I can't help it, I go all summer anxiously waiting for acceptable pumpkin cooking & baking time.  I saw this recipe over at skinnytaste.com & new it was a must try.  I whipped it up in no time before heading over to a friend's house for a Monday Night Football & it was a BIG hit.  The best part, this lightened up version is low in fat & calories.  So you can dip away without feeling guilty!  If you are fan of pumpkin anything, give it a try.  Enjoy!

Low Fat Pumpkin Pie Dip

15 oz can pumpkin
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
6 oz fat free Greek yogurt
8 oz Cool Whip
Apples & Graham Crackers to Dip

Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip and chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Makes about 6 cups

Note:  You could of course use a regular serving bowl.  But how cute is the little pumpkin bowl?!?  it's a cute inexpensive way to add an extra little touch.  Just purchase a small round pumpkin, cut the top off, scrape out all the goo and seeds, rinse, dry and fill.

Mini Pizza Muffins

Ok, so there may be a trend forming here but I had to do it.  After the success of the mini corn dog muffins I had to try out Mr. B's favorite dinner, pepperoni pizza, in a mini muffin form.  I spotted this recipe over at Lick The Bowl Good and decided to give it a whirl.  They were tasty.  Next time I think I will add some chopped pepperoncini to the mix.  I served them on the side this time.  These would be great for your game day spread as well.  Give 'em a try.  Enjoy!
Pepperoni Pizza Mini Muffins
3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
pinch of salt
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 cup whole milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cubed pepperoni
1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes (if using) ; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.
Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through. Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce (and ranch dressing if you like) for dipping.

Low-Fat No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake in a Jar!

Quite a mouth full for such a simple little dessert!  But let me tell you, this is the easiest dessert ever and it's so tasty!  And putting it in the little jars is such a great added little touch!  I picked up a big package of the short canning jars at the grocery store and I know I will use these often!  Such a fun way to serve your dessert.  When I served them, everyone was thrilled to get handed their own personal mini jar.  For those who don't scrape the jar clean, you can just screw the top back on, stick it in the fridge and save it for later.  Do try this next time you are looking for a no fuss treat.  Enjoy!

Low-Fat No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake in a Jar
About 15 Reduced Fat Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
8 ounces Low-Fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces Low-Fat Cool Whip
About 8 4-ounce quilted jam jars
Coarsely chop the cookies and set them aside.
In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and set aside. Gently stir in the Cool Whip and 3/4′s of the chopped cookies.
Scoop even amounts of the mixture into the eight jars. Top each one with a little bit of the remaining chopped cookies. Screw the lids onto the jars and refrigerate them for at least four hours, or until firm.

Delish! Right out of the FREEZER!

Little ol' Lodi finally got a Costco last month!  So very exciting!  (now if only we could get a Trader Joe's!  I know, I know people of Tj's... "that's NEVER gonna happen... blah, blah, blah..."  The bad news about Costco's debut, is my pocket book is suffering, as I we've made no less that 5 trips there in the last month!  My dearest, he has this neeto ability to go somewhere to "Just look around."  What the heck is that????  He must be some kind of a machine right!  I have yet to venture in to that store and spend an average of less than $100.

Anyhoo, back to the POINT of this post!  I wanted to share with you one of our new favorite, dinner in a flash items that my friend Costco brought into my life.  MorningStar Farms® Chipotle Black Bean Burger are fantastic!  Even Mr. B is a BIG fan!  His quote, "This is a FANTASTIC burger babe!"  Yes, I slaved all day!  (wink, wink)  Unwrapped the plastic, tossed it in the oven, flipped it once & topped it with some cheese.  Let him add his desired condiments and wallah.  Not even any messy clean up, just a quick wash of the silpat. Enjoy!

Grilled Zucchini Spears

It's that time of year again...when the zucchini starts taking over gardens everywhere!  I don't have a veggie garden... I wish I did!  Zucchini is one of my favorite veggies!  Have you tried Southwest Stuffed Zucchini yet?  YUM!

This is another tasty way to use up that delicious stuff and the best part... No recipe needed!  Just cut them in to spears and toss with olive oil and sprinkle with House Seasoning.  Place on hot grill until just tender.  Remove and top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese while hot.  Enjoy!