Gorgonzola Pear Cheeseball / Dip

I was asked to make a cheeseball for an activity. I have many recipes that I like but I wanted something different. I had been to a cooking class where they had a Gorgonzola Pear Salad that we fell in love with. I had recently made it and had some left over ingredients so I go on line and found a recipe, made a few minor changes and this is now our new favorite cheeseball / dip.

1 firm pear, peeled, seeded and cubed
splash of olive oil
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c Gorgonzola cheese crumbles (you may also use blue cheese)
1 Tbsp grated onion
1/2 c craisins or dried cherries, chopped
toasted pecans or hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400 put pears in shallow baking dish. drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 10 - 15 minutes. Drain off juices and mash.
2. Cream together cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese. Add pears, onion and craisins. Mix until well blended.
3. Top with nuts.

You can make it without roasting the pear and omit the nuts if necessary.

Spinach Dip

I love to make spinach dip, besides it also tastes yummy. I could eat whole batch by myself. I frequently get asked for my recipe, the problem is I don't follow a recipe. I just dump and pour and do what feels right, proportions are really a matter of guessing. I will try my best though to create it on paper, but there will be lots just do what you want in it.

8 oz cream cheese, softened (I have made it with out and with low fat and non fat, it changed the make-up slightly and it just depends on who is coming over and what I have in the fridge)
1 c. (or several large spoonfuls) sour cream (regular or non fat, doesn't matter)
1 c. (or several large spoonfuls) mayonnaise (regular or non fat, doesn't matter, just don't use miracle whip or salad dressing)
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed out (I also use fresh and chop, don't worry about cooking, use as much as feels good
1 can water chestnuts, minced
1 + tbsp ranch dressing mix (use the whole pkg if you want a stronger flavor)
1 + tbsp chopped pimento, (optional, mostly for color, you could regular red pepper and get the same effect)

Whip the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise till creamy, add everything else.
Open a box of crackers and enjoy.

Cheese and Green Chili Dip

Several weeks ago we went playing in the snow with Syd's family. One of his nephews (John) brought this dip. It was a delicious change from the usual ones we make. Can hardly wait to have some folks over to play games so we'll have an excuse to make it.

1 pkg (8oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c Cheddar cheese , shredded
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tbsp onion, minced
1 can (4oz.) diced green chilies
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules

In a small bowl beat cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Stir in rest of ingredients. Chill before serving.
Serve with crackers or Frito's.

Mexican Pinwheels

This is a nice party dish than can be made ahead. Experiment with it. You might discover something more creative or tasty to add to it.

12 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 oz can diced green chilies
4 1/2 oz can chopped black olives
3 or 4 green onions chopped extra fine
5 tbsp walnuts, chopped (optional, especially is someone is allergic)
garlic powder to taste
Mix well together. Spread on flour tortillas. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Put in pan with Saran wrap, then foil. Chill overnight. slice into 1" slices, garnish with sliced rip olives and Parsley.