Spicy Bean Dip

You can, of course make this as spicy or mild as you like.  Being a Busy Diva, I like mine SPICY.  Hot stuff is what I'm about.  Make it healthier by using fat free ingredients, just watch the amount of sugar in those products.  Busy Divas don't want to become Diabetic Divas.

Spicy Bean Dip

1 can refrained beans

1/2 brick cream cheese

2 glops sour cream

Some chopped up jalapenos

hot sauce--I pour it on

smoked paprika

garlic powder

cumin

chili powder

oregano

1 handful shredded cheese (I like Monterey  Jack for this recipe)

Mix everything except the cheese together in a pretty bowl.
Transfer it all to a pretty baking dish.
Spread the cheese on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Serve with some nice tortilla chips or crackers.

Make it a meal:  Serve ahead of Chicken with Saucy Cranberry (see recipe) and green beans.

Wine:  Something red like a nice Cabernet Sauvignon

Chicken with Saucy Cranberry

The ingredients sound weird, but this easy recipe is tangy, sweet, and saucy.  This saucy diva also appreciates the nice presentation.  And did I say easy?  Serve it up with some mashed potatoes your man whipped up, and get the sauce all over. 

Chicken with Saucy Cranberry 

1 lb. chicken breast

1/2 can whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2 bottle (or a bit less) Thousand Island dressing

A pinch each of paprika, parsley, dried onion

Lightly grease a baking dish.
Place chicken in dish.
Salt & pepper if you wish.
Mix the rest of the ingredients in a pretty bowl.
Pour mixture atop chicken.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until chicken is done.

Make it a meal:  Serve with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Wine:  Tough call.  When in a pinch, go with Chardonnay, of course!

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

It's been rainy and icky lately.  I had some leftover chicken and needed a bit of spice in my life.  This easy casserole did the trick.  I does taste a lot like buffalo wings without the skin and fat.  If you're not worried about fat (which I should, but don't)  top with some nice crumbled blue cheese.  If you're REALLY not worried about fat, top with bacon.

 Buffalo Chicken Casserole

3 cups leftover chicken, diced

3 Tbsp. hot sauce (I used a combination of chipolte and habanero hot sauces)

1/2 package of whole wheat penne, cooked

1 stalk celery, diced

1/2 brick cream cheese

1/4 cup blue cheese salad dressing

1 cup cheddar cheese

Mix the chicken and hot sauce in a pretty bowl.
Add the pasta, celery, cream cheese, dressing, and 1/2 the cheddar.
Spoon mixture into greased casserole dish.
Top with remaining cheddar.
Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Make it a meal:  Serve with a nice side salad or green beans.

Wine:  A nice hearty red like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Malbec