Taken from my “Favorites” folder!

This may be completely assembled then refrigerated until ready to serve, make the bacon in advance and warm in the microwave when ready to add to the dip

Servings 10

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese softened

1-1/3 cups sour cream

5 green onions, chopped

4 medium plum tomatoes, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 (16 ounce) jar medium or spicy picante sauce OR taco sauce

2 cups shredded Mexi blend cheese OR shredded cheddar cheese

pickled jalapenos (use as much as you like)

canned sliced black olives, drained (use as much as you like)

bacon, cooked and crumbled (use as much as you like)

tortilla or nacho tortilla chips

To save time cook the ground beef and chop the lettuce and green onions a day in advance, amounts listed are only a guideline you may adjust to taste

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground beef, cooked

1 (12-1/2 ounce) package nacho tortilla chips

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup shredded lettuce

2 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup sliced ripe olives, optional

1/4 cup pickled jalapeno rings

For Beef Mexi Rice mix in 1 pound cooked/browned ground beef

Ground beef option will increase servings to four

Servings 2

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8.8 ounce) pouch Rice-A-Roni Express Heat & Serve Mexican Rice.

1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4 ounce)  can chopped green chiles

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

toppings —  chopped green onions, sour cream, salsa, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:—————————————————-

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 (22 ounce) package frozen mashed potatoes (such as Ore-Ida)

1 (6.5 ounce) container Alouette brand garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (or similar brand)

1/2 cup light cream

4 cooked bacon slices, crumbled (can use more)

1 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste

1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese,

chopped green onions, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:————————————————

This is not for anyone with a plain palette, if you like Mediterranean style food then you will love this!

Amounts are only a guideline you may adjust to taste

INGREDIENTS:

4 large red ripe plum tomatoes, chopped

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

10 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon drained capers, or use as much as you like

salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

crumbled feta cheese (optional, use as much as you like)

INSTRUCTIONS:—————————————

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 pound uncooked penne or ziti  pasta

2-1/2 pounds red ripe plum tomatoes, chopped chopped plum tomatoes

1-1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1-1/2 cups diced fresh mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon capers

1 teaspoon salt

1 large garlic clove, minced

freshly grated Parmesan (use as much as desired)

INSTRUCTIONS:————————————-

Plan ahead the burgers must chill for at least 8 hours before cooking

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

3 green onions, chopped

1-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

1-1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon each salt and fresh ground black pepper

2 teaspoons crushed chili flakes, or adjust to heat level (can use hot chili sauce)

1-1/2 pounds ground beef

6 hamburger buns, sliced then toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:—————————————