Scary Guacamole and Chips

I actually got this idea from the Tostitos Halloween Tortilla Chips that were on sale in the store. The orange and black was perfect, so I decided to make some guacamole to go with them - my family absolutely LOVES guacamole!

Ingredients:

Tortilla Chips

3 medium avocados

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

juice from 1/2 a lime

1/2 to 3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

finely chopped jalapeño pepper (optional)

This is a classic Guacamole Recipe. Some people like their guac filled with all sorts of things (tomatoes, cilantro, cumin, etc.), but our family subscribes to the minimalist approach when it comes to guacamole - often the simplest recipe is the best!

So...here's what you need to do.

Take your ripe avocados and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seed and use a spoon to scoop the avocado into a bowl.

Once all your avocados have been added, use a fork to smash them up. You have to do this before you can add any of the ingredients.

Once your avocados are smashed add the onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. You can always add a little more salt or pepper, so start small and work your way up. My kids don't like the heat from the jalapeño, so we didn't add it.

Once you've added all the ingredients, mix it together and get ready to eat!

Did I mention that I loved these chips?

Whether you have this for Halloween or just a weeknight treat, you're going to love it!

Deviled Eye Balls

So...I realize that Halloween was a few days ago, but with my last minute trip out of town just before Halloween, I've been thrown off by a few days. I realize this is late, but maybe someone will want it for next year - and since I have pictures, I figured I would post it.

Ingredients:

Eggs

Mayo - the good kind (Best Foods/Hellmanns)

Salt

Pepper

Garnishes - pickles & ketchup or pimento filled olives

Boil your eggs. Once they are done (hard boiled), allow them to cool down - refrigerate if necessary.

Peel eggs and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolk and place in a bowl. Continue with all the eggs, placing the egg whites cut side up on a platter or plate.

Use a fork to smash all of the yolks and then add enough mayonnaise to make it creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. I can't really give you exact amounts, because it all just depends on how many eggs you're doing, and how you like your deviled eggs.

Once the yolk mixture is nice and creamy, spoon it back into the holes on the yolks. You can use a pastry bag and pipe it in if you want - or just throw it in a small plastic sandwich bag with a hole cut in the corner (homemade pastry bag).

Once the eggs are filled, you want to decorate them to look like eye balls. You can do this with olives that have a pimento in the center. Just cut the olive in half and place it on the egg. However, I didn't have olives, so I sliced up some baby dill pickles and set them on the egg. Then I placed a small dot of ketchup for the center of the eye.

Be sure to refrigerate until you serve - you want these nice and cold.

These Deviled Eye Balls were super easy and very fun to make - plus, my kids ate them all!

Texas Caviar

Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
12 oz shredded mozzarella
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion (finely chopped)
13 oz marinated artichoke hearts (drain well) chop
tortilla chips

Directions:
Combine first six ingredients and mash. Bake in an uncovered casserole dish for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until bubbly. Serve hot out of the oven and scoop up with tortilla chips.