"Happy New Year"

Happy New Year one and all!!!  I am so excited as my children and I embark on "Round 2" of our blog project.  Our first year this past 2010 was a blessed experience all the way around!  Not only did my cooking improve, but the hearts of Sophia and Giovanni seemed to get larger--which I did not think was possible.  As I have written, much to the obnoxious extent I am sure, I feel so incredibly fortunate to be the mother of such gracious, and loving souls.  They truly amaze me with their natural care and concern for others.  Their kindness strikes me so often, and I feel the blessing to my very core!

For instance, tonight, while brushing her teeth, Sophia spontaneously blurts:  "Mommy!  I am going to change the world this year!"  I giggled and said, "I am sure that you will!  Tell me what you have in mind, other than our blog project, of course, " to which she quickly responded, "I have a few ideas that I am 'working' on."   I just pray that this passion for life and for helping others only permeates deeper with each passing day so that it will always be part of their character.

For this year's first recipe post, I thought it would be a good idea to share a wonderful appetizer as it is Superbowl time approaching and everyone always needs a good and EASY appetizer to bring along to the festivities.  My cousin gave me this one and it is NOT on the low-cal list, that is for certain.  But, we can all hopefully enjoy the sinful parts of eating every now and then...after all, life is too short not to!

I hope you all enjoy this!

1-Sourdough bread round, hollowed out with the lid kept for baking.
1-8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh salsa
2 cups cheddar cheese.


Mix all of the above together and place into hollowed Sourdough and place bread lid on top.  Wrap in foil and bake on a cookie sheet for 1 1/2 hours at 400 degrees farenheit.  Serve with fresh cut yellow and red peppers (there, now there's the healthy part).  For Christmas, I served it with red and green peppers.  :)

Enjoy each day and remember:  "Your life is an occasion -- rise to it!" (Dustin Hoffman from "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium")