i just love the idea of sliders – they are perfect!  i am not a huge eater so i like the idea of something small and not feeling overwhelmed + full after eating is a huge plus.  i have made several different kinds of sliders; burgers, meatball sandwiches, french dip, chicken, etc.  but these are one of my favorite.  i think what makes these little things so amazing is the chipolte sauce!  it compliments the meat + swiss perfectly.  (my kids eat the sliders too – always a bonus!)

what you need:

okay, so these two things are a favorite in our house!  i can get the whole family to eat the meal, and the margaritas are a great compliment to the meal for the adults!  i have doubled the recipe and served the shells for a party too.  they are so good, i promise you wont be disappointed!  AND you can make them ahead of time and bake them when you are ready to serve them!

taco shells

what you need:

1 lb ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

1 4oz cream cheese

1 box of large pasta shells

1 cup salsa

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

tortilla chips

sour cream, pico, guacamole

directions:

brown the ground beef and drain excess liquid.  add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup of water, mixing well.   add cream cheese and simmer until cheese is melted.  set aside and allow to fully cool.  while meat is cooking/cooling, cook pasta shells, drain and toss well in butter.

pour salsa in the bottom of 9×13 baking dish.  stuff each shell with the meat mixture.  place the stuffed shells in the baking dish and drizzle the taco sauce over the shells.  cover and bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes.

after, uncover, and sprinkle shells with crushed up tortilla chips and shredded cheeses.  cook for 15 more minutes (uncovered).  i love to serve mine with pico, gauc and sour cream, but feel free to add whatever you think goes good with tacos – you will not be disappointed!!!

and since we are kinda doing a mexican theme, i added my favorite margaritas!!!!

blood orange margaritas

ok, so i will admit, one of my favorite drinks (especially in summer on a patio!) is margaritas!  this recipe is so simple, yet SO good!  and a nice change from the lime or strawberry margarita!  let me know what you think :)

what you need:

1 cup  freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 7-8 oranges)
1/3 cup  freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 cup sauza silver tequila
splash of cointreau
orange slices for garnish

combine first 4 ingredients in a shaker and shake well.  pour into chilled, salted rimmed glass with ice, garnish with orange.   aaaamazing!!!

cheers friends!

this is a simple recipe – perfect for a party, easy dinner or late night snack!  the melted garlic butter spread on the top, is to die for!

what you need:
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 cheese sticks, halved
1 (3.5 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
optional – marinara or ranch sauce for dipping

garlic butter glaze:
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 tsp italian seasonings
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

directions:
preheat oven to 350 degrees.

take each triangle of crecent roll dough and place about 4 pepperoni on the bottom of the triangle. place half of a cheese stick on top and roll up. place seam side down on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-14 minutes or until golden brown.

while rolls are cooking, combine the melted butter, italian seasonings, garlic powder and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

when rolls are done remove from the oven and brush with the garlic butter glaze. serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

enjoy!

this is such an awesome recipe – the sweet of the cranberries + salty of the cashews is so good!

you will not be disappointed!

what you need:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 c dried cranberries

1/3 c cooked bacon – crumbled

1/2 c cashews halves

1/3 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 c mayonnaise

1/2 c half + half cream

3 tbsp sugar

pinch of salt and pepper