Marvelous Recipes

This rich and delicious, easy-to-make, dip is sure to be a winner at your next game-time or holiday get together!

2 (8 ounces each) packages cream cheese, cubed
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups diced fully cooked ham
Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables

1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a 3-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 40 minutes.

2. Stir in the ham; cover and cook an additional 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. Makes 7 cups.

Emily

Whether you are hosting a party, hanging out with friends, or watching a movie with your family, this dip is sure to be a favorite.

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 (8.8 ounce) package ready-to-serve Spanish rice*
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
16 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
Tortilla chip scoops

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender; drain. Transfer meat mixture to a 3 to 5-qt. slow cooker.

2. Heat the rice according to the package directions; stir into the meat mixture. Add the refried beans, enchilada sauce and cubed cheese; stir to blend. Cover and cook on Low for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the cheese is melted. Serve with the tortilla scoops.

* I did not have the ready-to-serve Spanish rice so I substituted a 5.6 ounce package of regular Spanish rice. I prepared it according to the package directions and stirred it into the meat mixture before adding the remaining ingredients.

Emily

I have been playing around with finding some low-carb recipes to meet the dieting needs of some of my family members. This one just sort of “came together” and turned out to be really good.

1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon basil
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup pizza sauce
2 ounces pepperoni, chopped

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, oregano, parsley and basil; blend well.

2. Spread mixture in bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the Mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese.

3. Spread with the pizza sauce. Top with the pepperoni and the remaining cheeses. Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes; serve hot. Makes about 8 servings each containing less than 2 net carbs.

Emily

Your family, friends and guests alike will enjoy this rich cheesy dip. Don’t be surprised by how quickly it disappears!

1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the cheese, onion, parsley and garlic powder until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch glass pie plate.

3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top and bake for 15 minutes. Makes 12 servings each with 2 grams of carbohydrates, a trace of fiber and 7 grams of protein.

Emily

Some of my family members have recently decided to try the low-carb diet* for weight loss. I am, of course, always trying to come up with new food ideas to help them reach their weight loss goals and also add some extra taste appeal to their diets. This recipe turned out to be a delicious success!

1 (13.5 ounces) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, crushed (can use 1 teaspoon jarred, chopped garlic)
Paprika

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Mix first 4 ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl until well blended.

3. Pour the mixture into a small, oven-proof casserole, sprinkle a little paprika over the top. Bake for 45 minutes. Serve hot with pepper strips, cucumber rounds, celery sticks, low-carb fiber crackers or pork rinds.

Makes 4 servings each with 3 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber for a total of 2 grams usable carbohydrates and 10 grams of protein. (This analysis does not include vegetables or crackers).

* You don’t have to be eating a low-carb diet to enjoy this wonderful dip! Try it with your favorite dipping vegetables, chips or crackers.

Emily

This is the perfect dip for warm weather enjoyment! Serve it at your next pool party or other summertime get together!

2 (8 ounce) packages strawberry flavored cream cheese, softened
2 (7 ounce) jars marshmallow cream
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip

In a large mixer bowl, cream the cream cheese; add marshmallow cream and blend well. Add the Cool Whip and mix until mixture is well blended and creamy. Serve with fresh strawberries.

Emily

Whether you’re having a party or spending time with family, this dip is the perfect snack!

1 (16 oz) loaf processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 (15 oz) can chili (no beans)
Chopped green onions, (optional)
Tortilla chips

In a 2 quart microwaveable bowl, combine cheese and chili. Cook on High for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until cheese is melted and smooth. Sprinkle with onions, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Emily