Superbowl Spicy Chicken Dip

Last summer I was visiting my fiance at the time and the day before I was set to go back home, he told me that he was in charge of bringing the snacks for his friend's bachelor weekend.  So guess who made the snacks?!  Yep... Me!  I made a variety of cookies and brownies, and got a bunch of bags of chips and pretzels.  Then, he told me that he would like some kind of dip.  Uhhh... ok.  Any suggestions?! He told me he wanted some kind of chicken dip.  Well this is what I came up with!  I figured Superbowl week would be the best time to share it with you!

Spicy Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1- 8 oz. package of cream cheese
• 1/2- 3/4 cup red hot sauce (depending on how hot you like it!)
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 1 cup cheddar or colby jack cheese, shredded or cut into small pieces

Directions:

1. In a large, deep saute pan brown the chicken.  
2. Shred the chicken into 1 inch pieces.  **I did not use a non stick pan for this recipe.  I shred the chicken right in the pan using a fork and knife.  If you are using a non stick pan, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred, then add back to pan. 
3. Add the cream cheese and break it up so it starts to melt into the chicken. 
4. Add the hot sauce and stir until combined.  *Don't stand right over the pan when you add this.  You will burn your nose!  Trust me... 
5. Add the ranch dressing and cheese, reserving a bit of cheese for on top.  
6. Once cheese has melted, transfer to a small serving dish that is oven safe. 
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pop under the broiler until the cheese is all melted.
8. Serve while hot with various dippers, such as tortilla chips, chips, crackers and veggies.  

*** If your hot sauce starts to separate from the rest of the dip, don't worry.  No matter how much you mix everything together, it will do this.  I don't know why but it's ok.  This dip is delicious!  

Are you planning a Superbowl party, going to a bar to watch the game or just watching it at home with the family?!  

And what does everyone think about Madonna singing at Halftime?!  

I don't really like Madonna and I could think of a ton of better people to sing at Halftime.  But, it seems they have been picking older singers the past few years.  I want to see a country singer do Halftime.  Maybe Kenny Chesney?!?!  Now THAT would be amazing!!!  

As for who I want to win, I have to be honest that I don't really care.  But being a Steelers fan, I don't think I could want the Patriots to win, so I am rooting for the Giants!  

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

Well, a lot has been going on for me since last time!  I now am a married woman!  Last Friday night, I married my college sweetheart after meeting more than 6 years ago.  I have been a very lucky girl in the past couple of months.  After the summer, I came up to Canada to see my fiance and went to his friend's wedding in Toronto, then we went to Minnesota for his best friend from college's wedding.  A few days later I was off for a week in Hawaii with 2 of my friends from high school.  Then, back to Canada, then Pittsburgh and back to Canada to get married!  Phew...  I feel like I have been living out of my suitcase!  But my favorite trip comes in a little more than a week.  We leave for our honeymoon in the Caribbean!  This will be our first "big" trip together, so I am super excited!!!

Us on our wedding day!

ANYWAYS, back to the desserts!

Fall is probably my favorite season!  I love being able to wear jeans and a sweater after shorts and tank tops in the summer heat.  I especially love all things pumpkin.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cupcakes, and pumpkin dip!  And apples... I love all kinds, but McIntosh and Granny Smith are probably my favorite.  

I am not really sure where this recipe came from, but my mom found it years ago and we have been making it ever since.  So many great flavors: pumpkin, cream cheese, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and more!  

 Make sure you pull the cream cheese out of the fridge a few hours before you start so it has time to soften.  This will make it so much easier to mix, and you will get a nice, smooth and creamy dip.  

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

1- 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1- 15oz. can pure pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. cloves

1 tbsp. orange juice OR 1 tsp. orange extract

With an electric mixer or food processor, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Scrap down the bowl.  Add pumpkin and remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly.  

Chill for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.  

Serve with gingersnaps, apples and/or pears.  Slice the apples and pears into 1/2 inch slices.  *Toss the fruit with a little lemon juice mixed with water to prevent browning.  

Mmm... it's like pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake with a touch of orange in a bowl.  Of course, you can dip the apples, pears and gingersnaps in the dip, but I sometimes like to eat it with a spoon.  It's that good!  Another thing that is good to know is that this freezes very well!  Just put it in an airtight container and you can freeze it for at least a month or two!  

Since we will be on our honeymoon for Halloween, I am working on some Halloween treats this week to enjoy a week early!  I will post about them later this week.