Cherry Pie Filling

Cherry Pie Filling:

6 cups pitted cherries-I like to use Evans Cherries

1 1/2 cups sugar-Divided

3 cups water

1/2 cup cooking clear jel

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp almond extract

3 tbsp lemon juice

Cherry Jello powder, to taste

Bring to boil: 2 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar and lemon juice. Add cherries. Turn heat down to a simmer.  Mix the clear jel with 1 cup sugar and gradually add the rest of the water into the clear gel stirring in between to make and keep it smooth. Gradually add the clear jel mixture into the simmering cherries; stirring constantly. Remove from heat Add salt, almond extract and enough cherry jello powder to give it a good color and taste. I usually do about 2 tbsp or so. Works well to can or to freeze.

To can: Fill jars; leaving at least half an inch room at the top. Put lids on and place jars of cherry pie filling into a hot water bath for about 30 minutes. Remove from water and allow to cool and seal on a towel on your kitchen counter.

To freeze: Filling freezer container with cherry pie filling; leaving at least half an inch room at the top. Cool at room temperature before freezing. To serve: Thaw and stir well. I like to bring it back to a boil to give it a nice texture.

Cheesecake Dip

Cheesecake Dip:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

4 cups cool whip

1/4 -1/2 cup icing sugar

1 tsp almond extract

2 cups pie filling of your choice-I like to use my homemade Evans Cherry Pie Filling

Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add icing sugar and almond extract. Mix well. Add cool whip, 1 cup at a time and mixing well in between. Spread into a serving platter/dish. Pour pie filling over top. Serve with Homemade Cinnamon Chips, Sugar/ Shortbread Cookies, Graham Crackers or Chocolate wafers. My favorite is the Homemade cinnamon chips. Recipe is as follows:

Homemade Cinnamon Chips:

8 large tortilla shells

melted butter/margarine

1 cup sugar mixed with 2 tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Brush melted butter on the top of each tortilla shell. Sprinkle tortillas with desired amount of cinnamon sugar.Cut into wedges and arrange on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake 8-10 minutes, being careful not to over-bake. Allow to cool. Serve with Cheesecake dip OR Fruit Salsa( you can find that delicious recipe in my blog as well!)

Salsa Chicken

Salsa Chicken:

4-5 chicken breasts, cut into 2-3 pieces each

1/2 cup Roasted Red Pepper & Parmesan OR Sun Dried Tomato & Oregano Dressing

2 cups Salsa

Shredded Marble Cheese

Place Chicken Breasts into a baking dish. Drizzle salad dressing over top. Bake about 20 minutes @ 350. Drain juices from pan. Pour Salsa on top of chicken. Bake another 20 minutes or so until chicken is cooked. Sprinkle with desired amount of cheese. return to oven and bake just until cheese is melted. SO easy to make and so good. Serve with rice, potatoes or pasta of your choice.

Leftover chicken is good sliced and used in a wrap or on top of a salad.

Hot Chicken Dip

Hot Chicken Dip:

2 chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch cubes

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup ranch dressing 

1/4 -1/2 cup BBQ sauce OR Hot sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded marble cheese, separated

Cook chicken in a frying pan. Set chicken aside. Wipe the frying pan clean and then put the Cream Cheese, Ranch Dressing and BBQ or Hot Sauce into the frying pan. Start with 1/4 cup BBQ or Hot Sauce. Turn burner on low-medium heat. Stir cream cheese mixture until softened and ingredients are combined evenly. Do a taste test to see if you want more BBQ or Hot sauce added. Add up to another 1/4 cup according to your taste. Add chicken and 1 cup cheese. Mix together. Pour into a baking dish- I like to use a pie plate. Sprinkle with additional 1/2 cup cheese. Bake @ 350 for about 10 minutes, just until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve with Tortilla chips or crackers. So Yummy!!!

The original recipe calls for Hot Sauce. I am not a fan of Hot Sauce but I love it in this recipe. I made this for my nieces the other day and I didn't have Hot Sauce at home so we used BBQ Sauce instead which was really good too! Next time I make it I will try adding Bacon and/or green onions.