In the Kitchen: Texas Caviar (and more!)

So, last fall I invited myself to Gordon Family Giants Sunday. I donned by Buffalo Bills shirt (represent!) and hauled my metaphorical cookies to Brooklyn. And it was well worth the trek to Brooklyn, because upon arrival I was basically assaulted with some of the most delicious food I've ever had. I brought the makings for jalapeno cheddar dip (courtesy of my mom) and Puppy Chow (aka Muddy Buddies), Dangordit whipped up some killer chili and buffalo wings, Papa Gordon made ribs that melted off the bone - no joke, Pam must have made something that I wolfed down that I'm forgetting, Denise (aka Awesome sister #1) made stuffed mushrooms so delicious that I wish I'd bagged some up and put them in my purse and Laura (aka Awesome sister #2) forever changed my world by contributing Texas Caviar. I've been obsessed with it ever since. So simple, so delicious. So deceptively healthy? What? True dat, bitches. This dip, which I think can be a main dish also, has nothing in it that is "bad" for you - but it's still bite of delicious after bite of delicious.

I requested a Gordon Family Giants Sunday cookbook, but it hasn't materialized yet. Maybe they are saving it for 2009/2010? So, I searched this thing called the Internet and found this recipe of KraftFoods.com.

Texas Caviar

And for kicks - here are the recipes I contributed.

Puppy Chow

Jalapeno Dip - 1 bag/2cups cheddar cheese, 1 block monetary jack w/ peppers cubed, 1 block Swiss or Colby cubed, ½ cup chopped onion, 1 cup real mayo—mix all bake 20 min, stir bake 10 more at 375, can be microwaved if necessary

And Dangordit - I need my cheese dip pan back. Don't think I'm letting you off that easy!

Bipartisan Pumpkins

The good folks at MSNBC have provided pumpkin stencils for download for the presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as Hilary, Oprah, Letterman, Colbert, Stewart (Jon not Martha) and Michael Phelps. Enjoy!

In The Kitchen: 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

My mom and I received this recipe - the most dangerous recipe in the world - from an Army listserve that we belong to. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks promising.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) (Wait, optional? What? I don't think so...)
Small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!