Summer means cook-outs, BBQ’s, and celebrations with family and friends. If you aren’t sure what to contribute to the meal, we have you covered. These are our favorite recipes to enjoy with friends and family this summer!

Jalapeno Poppers

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

4 oz. softened cream cheese

1 cup pepper jack cheese

1 lb. jalapenos, seeded and cut lengthwise

1 pkg. little smokies polish sausages

1lb bacon, cut in half

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl combine garlic powder, onion powder, cream cheese and pepper jack cheese, mix well.  Fill each jalapeno ½ with approximately ½ tsp of mixture, then place 1 sausage on top of the cheese mixture, then wrap with a slice of bacon and insert a toothpick to keep bacon in place.  Arrange on a baking sheet and cook for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and bacon is golden brown.

Puppy Chow

Large box of Cinnamon Chex Mix

1 bag of semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup of peanut butter

½ cup unsalted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

Melt peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter until smooth.  Once smooth add vanilla and stir again.  Then pour the mixture over the Cinnamon Chex Mix. Stir gently to evenly coat.  Pour the cereal into a large Ziploc bag, add powdered sugar and shake until cereal is well coated.  Spread on parchment or waxed paper.  Let it sit until cool and chocolate is set.

Fruit Pizza

Sugar cookie crust

1.5 cups flour

1.5 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter

¾ cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

8 oz cream cheese

3 tablespoon unsalted butter

1.25 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups of sliced fresh fruit (Blueberries, strawberries, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, apples, kiwi)

Make the crust by whisking flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt together. In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla and continue to beat. Add in the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. Cover the dough and let it cool in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or up to 1 day.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12-in pizza pan or any other pan you have. Press the dough into the pan until it is ⅓ in thick. Bake for 17-19 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool the crust before adding the topping.

Make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat for another minute. Spread a thick layer over the cooled crust and decorate with fruit! Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (or canned chicken)

8 oz. cream cheese

½ cup hot sauce (we use Frank’s Red Hot)

½ cup ranch dressing

½ cup cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and set on high heat for 2-3 hours or low heat for 4-5 hours. Enjoy with tortilla chips or veggies.