Recipe: SW Party Ideas

You definitely need to make jalapeno poppers and maybe make fajitas on your grill. I would serve some dips or salsa. You could cut the top off of red bell peppers and use that as a container to hold dips. I don't know if any of the stores in your area are selling Christmas decorations yet but I would get some red chili peppers style lights and hang around the patio. Use bright SW colors like turquoise, terra cotta etc. Here's a few recipes to help you out.

Baked Cheesy Chili Dip
1 pound Velveeta process cheese spread, cubed
1 can ( 10 or 15 oz.) chili without beans
1 can ( 4 oz.) chopped green chilies
cup finely chopped onion
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients; spoon into 1 quart casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir before serving. Serve hot with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips. Makes 4 cups.
Microwave method: Mix all ingredients. Spoon into 1 quart microwavable casserole dish. Microwave on High for 8-10 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring every 4 minutes.

Ortega Hot Poppers
1 ( 3.5 oz.) can Ortega whole jalapenos, drained
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ( 4 oz.)
cup chopped cilantro or parsley
cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups cornflake crumbs
vegetable oil for frying
Ortega thick and chunky salsa
Sour cream
Split the jalapenos lengthwise in half and remove seeds; set aside. In bowl, blend cheeses and cilantro. Mound 1 tbsp cheese mixture in each jalapeno half; chill until firm, about 1 hour. Dip each stuffed jalapeno in flour, gently shaking off excess. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with cornflake crumbs. Chill at least 1 hour. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees Fry jalapenos in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with salsa or sour cream if desired.


Chili 'N Cheese Spirals
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 ( 4 oz. ) can Ortega diced green chilies
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
4 ( 6 inch) flour tortillas
Ortega garden style salsa, optional
In bowl, blend cheeses, chilies, green onions, and olives. Spread 1/2 cup cheese mixture on each tortilla. Roll up each tortilla jelly-roll fashion. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour. To serve, cut each roll into 6 ( 3/4 inch thick) slices. Serve with salsa if desired.
52 calories per serving. 4 g. total fat, 2 g sat. fat,
10 mg cholesterol, 88 mg sodium