Tuesday, April 30, 2013

My Favorite Veggie Dip

I made this veggie dip for a family football party, and it was so good. I can't remember where I found the recipe, but it knocks ranch dressing way out of the running. Such awesome flavor, and I used low-fat mayo and sour cream. You could also sub 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/2 cup sour cream to cut down even more on fat.

It also is really good to dip pita, potato, or tortilla chips.

Veggie Dip

1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all ingredients, chill overnight. Dip your favorite veggies or chips!


Balsamic Chicken Sausage Sandwiches

So, I found a recipe that I made a few times and LOVED. This was back before I knew what Pinterest was, so I emailed the recipe to myself...and then it got lost in my 1000+ inbox. I kept making it, but could never find the recipe, so it got modified over the last year. Then, while cleaning out my very full box, I found it! Hooray!

It's such a great meal on a summer day. You can grill the sausages, or use a George Foreman and grill them inside, which I did many times this winter. The onions and cheese sit in the marinade and have this delicious balsamic flavor, and I usually marinade them all day. Then, when they are broiled, the cheese melts and gets all bubbly and delish. I use Johnsonville chicken sausage (chipotle and cheese) and usually try to get fresh rolls from my bakery. Then we usually eat it with a salad or cut up veggies, and potato chips.

Balsamic Chicken Sausage Sandwiches

1 onion, thinly sliced
4 oz shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
1 tablespoon steak sauce
1 teaspoon minced chives
1 teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (5 links) chicken sausage, any flavor (I prefer the chipotle)
5 hoagie rolls

Combine onion, cheese, vinaigrette, steak sauce, chives, parsley, garlic, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least two hours (I usually do it overnight). Turn oven on to broil. Slice the sausages in half lengthwise and grill, then place in a roll and on a baking sheet. Spoon marinade over the sandwiches, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.