An Ode to the Chili

I absolutely LOVE chili - eating them, growing them, cooking with them, decorating with them, you name it!  Whether you're just adding a pinch or really giving some heat to your dish, chili kicks it up a notch!  There are so many different varieties of chilies and nearly every country thinks their chilies are the best in the world.

A few of my favorite dishes featuring this beautifully spicy fruit:

• Grilled Tuna and Mango Salad
• Spiced Pumpkin Soup
• Chimichurri
• Pork Skewers with Thai Dipping Sauce
• Thai-style Grilled Whole Snapper
• Roasted Squash with Chili Citrus Sauce
• Tom Yum Goong
• Grilled Pineapple Skewers
• Gingered Apple-Squash Soup

 Must stop... my mouth is watering...

Find these and many more chili recipes on http://www.therecipediva.com/!

Every Party needs a Nut Bar!

A nut bar is great for entertaining around the holidays.  You can stock it with all different recipes and varieties of nuts according to your guests' tastes (as well as yours!)  Something salty, something sweet, and a lot of crunch!  Nuts make a great snack throughout the day before your big meal!

Try these favorites of mine!

• Spicy Lemon Pistachios
• Cinnamon Walnut Brittle
• Spiced Almonds
• Old Bay Peanuts
• Smoky Almond Brittle

Gingered Apple-Squash Soup

It seems to be snowing everywhere- I thought I'd be leaving the snowy, winter weather when I head to Virginia from Chicago tomorrow!  However, an early morning call from my mom informed me that there is already snow on the ground waiting for us.  AND we can expect quite a bit more this weekend! 

I'm definitely looking forward to a white Christmas this year so it better be delivered!!  I can, however, deal without the subartic temperatures in the midwest. 

In the meantime, I'll be holed up inside slurping this delicious soup.  The addition of chili is a MUST!! 

Gingered Apple-Squash Soup

This is a great soup to make in large batches.  I like to make a double match and keep some extra in the freezer as a quick and easy meal over the next couple of weeks.

Get the full recipe!

Everything is better dipped in Chocolate!!!

I don't think I'll have many arguments there...  this is a super quick and easy treat to have on hand during the holiday season.  It couldn't be any easier.  From such a simple process, you have a delicious and attractive bite-sized treat to put out when friends and family stop by.

You can usually find all of these ingredients in your pantry, throw this together ahead of time, and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Dipped Dried Fruit

Ingredients: Chocolate and fruit!  Seriously!  But here's a more detailed recipe.

A Dish to Impress!

An elegant crown roast of pork will make a stunning centerpiece for entertaining friends and family. The butcher does most of the work and your guests will be in awe of the gorgeous meal you have created.

I chose to make my stuffing outside of the crown roast to ensure even cooking of the pork, but many people swear by cooking it inside to absorb all of those delicious juices from the pork.  Either way, you can't go wrong!

Crown Roast with Apple Sausage Stuffing



You can easiliy switch out your favorite stuffing recipe, but I'd stick with one with fruit in it.  Pork pairs so well with fruit.  

Check out the full recipe on The Recipe Diva website!

Cinnamon Sugar Stars

These cookies are so easy to make but are still deliciously moist and flavorful.  Kids LOVE them!  I found the dough to be quite sticky so I decided to use a cookie press.  If you don't have a cookie press, you can try refrigerating the dough for a few hours before rolling it out.

Another benefit to the cookie press is that the cookies will all come out perfectly shaped and sized.  Check on the full recipe on The Recipe Diva website!  Happy baking!