Perfect Parmesan Ranch Potatoes

Potatoes were first discovered by the Spanish in 1536 and were brought to America by colonists in 1621. Since then, potatoes have become one of the world’s most popular vegetables, grown in all 50 American states and in about 125 countries throughout the world.

Few Americans — if any — are unfamiliar with the vegetable and the vast variety of products made from it, such as chips, fries, hashbrowns, and more.

As a lunch or dinner side, potatoes provide nearly endless possibilities for cooking. As a memorable hobbit in a popular film once said, “Po-ta-toes. Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew!” Or fry ‘em, roast ‘em, bake ‘em whole and serve with sour cream, bacon and chives.

However you choose to take your potatoes, try these Perfect Parmesan Ranch potatoes for a roasted potato delight!

Perfect Parmesan Ranch Potatoes

Ingredients

6 small potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 package Simply Savory Perfect Parmesan Ranch Dip Mix

Directions:

1. Place cubed potatoes in a sealable plastic bag.
2. Add the olive oil and shake until potatoes are coated.
3. Add dip mix to the bagged mixture and shake until potatoes are coated.
4. Place potatoes on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400° for 20-30 minutes.

Crab Rangoon

Photo Credit: Steven Depolo

Crab rangoon is a favorite Chinese dish for many and makes a yummy appetizer or meal. Best of all, it is easy to make and requires a small list of ingredients.

The delicious combination of cream cheese and crab, enhanced by the flavors in the Crazy Good Crab Dip, will make this a hit at any occasion.

You can put the rangoon together quickly, wait a bit for them to freeze, and then cook them in just a few minutes.

Serve with soy sauce, duck sauce, Sriracha — whatever strikes your fancy — or eat them plain! Either way, this will be a recipe you return to again and again.

Crab Rangoon

Ingredients

1 Beaten Egg

1 (12 oz.) package Wonton Wrappers

1 package Simply Savory Crazy Good Crab Dip Mix

1 (8 oz.) package Cream Cheese

4-6 oz. fresh or imitation crab meat

Directions:

1. Combine the Crazy Good Crab Dip mix and cream cheese before adding the crab meat. Microwave the mixture on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated.
2. Place a scant Tbsp. of hot mix in the center of each wonton wrapper.
3. Brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with the beaten egg.
4. Fold the wonton wrappers into a triangle and seal the edges.
5. Place filled wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze completely.
6. Deep-fry the filled wontons in oil heated to 375°. Fry until golden brown, turning once.

Feeling adventurous? Try using a fancy fold for your rangoon, as shown in this video:

What sauces do you use with your crab rangoon?

Sundried Tomato & Black Olive Pasta Salad

Photo courtesy of cooking dinner_9

Pasta salads are a great dish.

Easy to make and packed with flavor, pasta salad can be used for any occasion. Saturday picnics, evening get-togethers, lunch parties, quick dinners — you name it.

So, whether you need a dish for a potluck or your personal enjoyment, use our Sundried Tomato & Black Olive dip mix to make a delicious pasta salad that will please any crowd.

Sundried Tomato & Black Olive Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz.) package of tri-colored rotini pasta

1 pkg. Simply Savory Sundried Tomato & Black Olive Dip Mix

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

2 tbsp. milk

2 (2 oz.) cans sliced black olives

1 cup cubed summer sausage

½ cup chopped pepperoncino

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions, rinse under cold water, and drain. 
2. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Sundried Tomato & Black Olive dip mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside.  This will be your dressing for your pasta salad.
3. In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, black olives, summer sausage, and pepperoncino.
4. Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup. Let sit overnight in fridge. Stir before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.
5. If desired, top with parmesan cheese and crushed Ritz crackers.

What are your favorite pasta salad recipes?

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

It’s that time again.

Time for department store ads and loaded Target shopping carts. For new clothes, new haircuts, new backpacks and supplies.

Time for you to trust your kids to the caring hands of new teachers and old friends.

School is back and summer has come to its end.

As your schedule fills with homework, PTA, and extra-curricular activities, you might be struggling to find something quick, easy, and relatively nutritious to fill those bellies, either for lunch or for an after-school snack.

Sandwiches and school-bought lunches are great, but sometimes they just don’t cut it.

Instead, try these chicken bacon ranch wraps for a yummy alternative.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Ingredients

1/3 cup cooked chicken (deli rotisserie chicken is quick & easy)

1 Tbsp. shredded cheese (use your favorite kind)

2 Tbsp. prepared Simply Savory Bacon Ranch Dip Mix

1 Tortilla or wrap (use your favorite flavor)

Optional veggie additions:

Chopped celery, chopped red or green pepper, diced green onions, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, shredded lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, or sliced avocado.

Directions:

1. Mix the chicken, cheese and Bacon Ranch dip together.
2. Spread the mixture on the tortilla or wrap.
3. Top with your desired veggies, then roll the wrap.

Need help rolling your tortilla? Use this video for help:

Do you have any favorite back-to-school recipes? Share them below!