Happy New Year everyone!!! Matt and I spent the weekend in Houston with family and friends and it’s been a wonderful trip. For New Year’s Eve we had an amazing dinner at Smith and Wollensky then drinks and dancing with friends afterwards.

Today we lounged around and ate at the most AMAZING Mexican food restaurant, El Tiempo. If you’re in the Houston area you have to check this place out and you must get the Parrilla platter!! To die for!

Tonight we had another small get together for Sunday Night Football and gorged ourselves one last time. My cousin and her friend made some seriously sinful dips. They were so tasty I had to tell you guys about them. Try them out, their easy and delicious.

Taylor’s Black Eyed Pea Dip

Ingredients

• 1 Stick of Butter
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
• 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tsp Garlic Salt
• Small Can Diced Green Chilis
• 2 Cans Black Eyed Peas, Drained
• 2 Jars Kraft Old English Cheese

In a large saucepan over medium high heat melt the butter.

Sauté the onions until soft and season with the garlic powder and salt. If you like a lot of garlic, season to taste. Stir in the Chilis and peas. Put the cheese in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds.

Add the cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted and thoroughly combined.

Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos.

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Kim’s Hot Bean Dip

Ingredients

• 1 Block of Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
• 1 Cup of Light Sour Cream
• 2 Cans Old El Paso Fat Free Spicy Refried Beans
• Small Can Diced Green Chilis
• 1 Packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
• 2 Cups Four Cheese Mexican Blend, Divided
• 1-2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
• 1 Cup Green Onions, Chopped
• 2 Tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, Chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl mix together the cream cheese and sour cream. It’s very important for consistency reasons to mix them together until thoroughly combined.

Add the remaining ingredients, minus one cup of cheese, and mix together.

In a small casserole or square dish add the bean mixture. Top with the remaining cheese and a few jalapeño slices. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is completely melted on top.

Enjoy and cheers to a successful and fulfilling 2012!