Bacon Wrapped Mushrooms

Blog #20

I got this recipe from my good friend, Lace Buckley, back in 2007.  These things disappear with a quickness and again, so easy to make.  Lace told me that they are part of the Atkins Diet as well (if anyone is doing that).  These are a great appetizer for any occasion. 

INGREDIENTS

1-2 pkg. whole button mushrooms
1 container Onion & Chive cream cheese
1-2 pkg. uncooked bacon

DIRECTIONS

1.  Preheat oven to 350 F.  Take out mushroom stem and fill with a spoonful of cream cheese.
2.  Wrap bacon around the mushroom.  Cut bacon in half if mushrooms are small.
3.  Place bacon wrapped mushrooms into a baking dish or on a baking sheet with top of mushroom facing upward.
4.  Cook for 1 hour.  Turn oven to broil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Serve hot!

Spicy Edamami (Soybeans)

Blog #19

I got the idea for these soybeans from Dixie Grill in Hawai'i.  Since moving from there, I've tried to duplicate them.  Dixie Grill no longer sells them on their menu (so sad). And I've got me a fantastic recipe with a little bit of a twist from your regular boiled and seasoned with salt soybeans.

I make them when I have people over.  They taste delicious and they disappear quick (which is a good thing because it backs up my story about them being delicious).  They are easy to make and all the flavors bounce around in your mouth with a little kick at the end.  They are great as an appetizer or a side dish.

INGREDIENTS

1 (16 oz.) bag soybeans/edamami, frozen
2 tbsp. sesame seed oil
1/2 sweet onion, sliced
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 garlic gloves, minced
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
sprinkle of black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1.  Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or frying pan over medium heat. 
2.  Cook for 15-20 minutes or until heat through and soy sauce has dissolved to about 1/4 cup.  Serve hot!

*Can add more or less of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes depending on the amount of heat you would like.