Low Fat Jalapeno Popper Spread Recipe

Try and say that three times...haha! But in the words of my husband, "this recipe is a masterpiece...perfect as is!"  I found the full fat recipe and decides to try my own low fat version.  It's a hit!  I made this tonight for our weekly "LOST" party.  I don't think it's going to last very long!  If you decide to make this, feel free to substitute and make the recipe your own.  It's pretty much fail...just the way we like it!  Enjoy!


Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages fat free cream cheese, softened

1 cup light mayonnaise


1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained

One 8oz jar jalapeno peppers, drained

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fat free cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees

1.Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in green chiles and jalapeno peppers. Pour mixture into a square baking dish, and sprinkle with Parmesan, then cheddar cheese.


2.  Bake uncovered for approximately 25 minutes or microwave on high until hot, about 3 minutes.
 
3.  Serve with crackers, nacho or pita chips. 

Make it a Gift:  Give this fantastic dip to the hostess in a travel friendly small square baking dish with lid.  The whole family will love it!

Low Fat Jalapeno Popper Spread Recipe

How to Stretch a Can of Chili

Don't ask me why, but today I was craving a nice hot bowl of chili.  Maybe it's the 12 inches of snow piling up outside, or I am just craving warmth, but when I get a craving, it's best to just go with it and get in the kitchen.  Since I was feeling a bit too lazy to head out to the grocery store (crazy nutty people are out in droves today stocking up for armegedon!) I searched my pantry and came up with one small can of chili.  Hmmm...hubby will be home in a few hours and will probably want some, too...what to do? 

Truth is, I love situations like this.  It gives me the opportunity to be creative and put my Food Network skills to the test.  You know...let's see if any of those hours of instructions by the best chef's in the world have sunken in.  Whoo hoo...it's go time! 

My first thought was to add a full can of water to double the liquid.  I did this and guess what?  You won't be too surprised...too watered down.  So now what?  I go to the fridge and find 1/2 of a jar of mild salsa.  Oh yeah...pour that in.  Stir it up, heat it up, give it a quick taste.  Pretty darn good! 

But what about those wilting veggies in my crisper?  OK...so I chopped up one lonely stalk of celery, a single hot pepper and what was left from a giant red pepper...oh, and remnants of a red onion.  All in all I added about a cup of freshly chopped veggies to the potion.  Stir it up, heat it up, give it a quick taste. Even better! I've decided to stop while I am ahead...LOL!

What do you think?  Do you have any tricks of your own? Do you have something that would be a nice addition, too?  Snowy days are perfect for experimenting in the kitchen aren't they?  Nothing like a little comfort food cuisine to heat up the kitchen! I hope everyone likes this idea as much as I do!  Please share your ideas in the comments below.  Can't wait to hear them!

How to Stretch a Can of Chili