Do you have a summer cookout that you are attending soon and do not have any idea on what to take? You need to check out the cheese ball mixes by Maggie & Mary’s! A cheese ball can be a cookout hit! I know with my family that is the first thing that we go for at a gathering. They are very easy to make and all that is needed to create one of the amazing cheese balls, is a quick trip to the grocery store for 8 oz of cream cheese and a hunt through your refrigerator for 4 tablespoons of butter! Make sure that you mix them together well, because the last time I made one, I was in a hurry because I could not wait to try it, that I got whole bites of butter on my cracker! Needless to say, I was very disappointed at myself. Take your time, make sure that it is well mixed and enjoy it at your next family gathering!

Don’t like cheese balls? Maggie’s and Mary’s cheese ball mix can also be  made into a spread or a dip!

I had a church outing with the entire college group. I watched it approach and procrastinated in deciding what I wanted to bring.  As days ticked off the items that needed to be brought were all taken.  I know as a single guy I was one of the least obligated to bring something but I like cooking and wanted to contribute something.  I looked online and found a Maggie & Mary's Bell Pepper & Garlic Cheeseball Mix that I could manage.  The recipe was very easy and turned out to be so wonderful.  I felt sheepish because the recipe turned out to be such a success while being very very easy to make.  I would suggest this recipe for anyone needing to contribute to a party as I know it will go over well.  I look forward to the next get to gather where I can get a change to bring another mix by Maggie and Mary’s.  

I was cleaning out my pantry this weekend and came across a box of Creamy Wild Rice Soup Mix by Maggie’s and Marry’s.  The first time I tried wild rice I cooked it with some tilapia I had in my freezer. I was expecting it to taste much like the white or Jasmin rice, the kind that takes a few mins to boil or comes in the instant packs.  The earthy taste of the wild rice was much different then what I was expecting and I was not a fan. I debated giving the mix away but the package claimed to be award winning and decided to give wild rice a round 2 and I am so glad I did. Veggies, creamy chicken and wild rice come together in a taste that I am sure will delight your pallet. If you cannot cook have no fear because this recipe is easy.

1) In a large kettle combine the soup base the 6 cups of hot water

2) Add the wild rice/veggie mix and stir

3) Let simmer for 45 mins stirring on occasion

Easy right?  This recipe certainly changed my mind on wild rice and certainly would be good for any sort of company. 

·         1 box Maggie & Mary’s Tomato Parmesan Soup4 oz. medium mushrooms, sliced

·         1/2 cup chopped green pepper1 medium onion, chopped coarsely

·         2 cloves garlic, minced3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

·         1/4 cup white wine (optional)Freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

1.       Prepare soup according to instructions on box. As soup starts to cook, saute’ onion, green pepper, and garlic for 2 minutes.

2.       Add mushrooms and chicken; saute’ until chicken turns white (about 5 minutes.)

3.       Add meat/vegetable mixture to soup and continue simmering per box instructions. At the time you add the pasta, add the wine if you wish.

4.       When soup is done, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Delicious with crusty garlic bread.

Hot Pizza Dip

·         1 box Kitchen Dancer Italiano Cheeseball Mix

·         8 oz. cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sour cream1/2 cup pizza sauce

·         1/2 cup chopped pepperoni

·         1/2 cup chopped green onion

·         1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

1. Mix cream cheese and sour cream together. Add contents of Pack A. Spread evenly in glass baking dish. Sprinkle some of Pack B on top.

2. Spread pizza sauce on cheese mixture. Sprinkle pepperoni and onions over pizza sauce.

3. Cover, microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes until cheese mixture is soft. Remove and sprinkle Mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Microwave again for 30 seconds or until Mozzarella cheese starts to melt.

If you have Labor Day plans and are in search of some ideas for what to make, we have some options for you. The Pasta Partners pasta salad mixes are such to be a hit with some bold flavors like southwestern and oriental. Think that there will be too many salads? Then you can take barbeque meatballs made from Pasta Partners meatball mix. They pack a bold spicy flavor paired with homemade barbeque sauce makes them irresistible.  You can also take a simple homemade cheeseball from one of the variety of Maggie and Marys cheeseball packs. With any of these options, you are sure to make your Labor Day weekend plans a hit.

1.       1 box Maggie & Mary’s Chill Chasin’ Chili

2.       1 lb. ground beef

3.       1/2 chopped onions

4.       12 oz. beer (1 can)

5.       1 can sliced mushrooms, drained

6.       1 can corn, well drained

7.       3 1/2 cups water

8.       Tabasco Sauce (optional)

v  Brown ground beef in large pot. As meat browns, add onion and mushrooms. Cook together until beef is done and onions are tender. Drain well and return meat mixture to pot.

v  Add the chili mix, the beer, and 3 1/2 cups water. Mix well. Add packet of red beans and corn. Blend well with whisk.

v  Add shot of Tabasco sauce if you like.

v  Simmer 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally.