The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has teamed up with football great Shannon Sharpe to share his favorite guacamole recipe with fans. Sharpe’s 14-year career in the National Football League (NFL) included eight Pro Bowl appearances and three Super Bowl championships.
This recipe is perfect for a get together. You can easily multiply the ingredients to suit the number of guests at your Super Bowl party.
Shannon Sharpe’s Smokin’ Hot Guacamole
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients

4 ripe, fresh Hass avocados, seeded, peeled and
cut in half
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup …read more

These hot appetizers are perfect for your Super Bowl party, or anytime you are having a get together in your home.
Servings: Makes 36 appetizers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated OR frozen fully-cooked ground beef crumbles
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
2 tablespoons apple juice
1 1/4 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 (15-ounce) packages refrigerated prepared pie crusts (3 crusts)
1 large egg beaten wtih 1 teaspoon water

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. If using frozen beef crumbles, defrost according to package directions. Combine beef, cheese, cranberries, juice, cumin and …read more

Have you ever checked out the online video series, Budget Health Nut with chef Joe Dias? The basic premise is that he shows you how to make a meal for 2-8 people for under $25. The cuisine is unique, looks delicious and it’s healthy.
I love the videos because they are clear and easy-to-follow.
My favorite is for the Garlic Parmesan & Honey Mustard Wings, Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms, and Roma Tomato Topped Bruschetta Bread. Mmmm… delicious. Gourmet taste without the gourmet budget.

Also check out his healthy take on Eggplant Parmesan:

Check out more from Budget Health Net and other cool video …read more

Oftentimes at parties, you find the same boring appetizers. For that reason, I love it when I find an appetizer recipe that is unique and tasty. So when the people from Quaker Maid Meats emailed me with this recipe for Asian meatballs, I was thrilled.
Ingredients

1 (10-oz) jar sweet & sour sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons Thai-style chili sauce
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 (25.6-oz) pkg. Mama Lucia Homestyle Meatballs (thawed)
1/4 each of a red, green and yellow bell pepper (chopped)

Directions

Reserve 1 tbsp of chopped bell peppers.
In a large skillet combine sauces and orange juice.
Add meatballs and chopped bell peppers.
Heat over …read more

With college football bowl season upon us, many people are having friends and family over to watch the games. If you are looking for a fabulous recipe for chicken wings, check out this recipe provided by Diane Morgan, entertaining expert and award-winning cookbook author. I tried this recipe last year during bowl season and these wings are fantastic!

Half-Time Nibblin’ Dijon-Ranch Chicken Wings
Expert’s Note: Drench the chicken wings in a Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix and Dijon mustard paste, then oven roast them until bronzed and crispy. Serve with celery and carrot sticks and Hidden Valley Original …read more

As we continue our stroll through National Honey month, here’s a fun, tasty, and healthy recipe for those fall football parties. Serve it with vegetables and low-salt pretzels (of course). You can also use it for skewers of baked shrimp or boiled shrimp.
Hot ‘n Honey Dip
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Directions:
Beat together honey and remaining ingredients. Makes four servings.
(image and recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board)

Yesterday Sandy shared some wonderful things you can do with all those tomatoes ripening in your garden. Here’s a great recipe for ratatouille from Carr’s® Crackers to help you use up more of your garden bounty.
It makes a wonderful healthy appetizer when you have a party, or just a few friends over to visit.
Eggplant and Tomato Ratatouille Recipe
Prep Time: 2 hoursTime to Table: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Ingredients3    cloves garlic, divided1    medium eggplant (about 1 1/4 lb.)1/2    teaspoon salt, divided1/4    teaspoon pepper, divided2    tablespoons olive oil, divided1    medium fennel bulb3    medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups …read more