Hot Pizza Dip

Think of this as a pizza without the dough!  Combine all your favorite pizza ingredients in a hot dip and serve with taco chips, crackers or breadsticks. It is easy to prepare in advance and keep refrigerated.  And with New Year's Eve coming up...this may be just the recipe you need. 

• 8oz / 250g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce (your favorite...but we like it 'hot'!)
• pepperoni, small pieces
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green or yellow or a combination of colours)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1. Blend cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings.
2. Spread in a 9" pie plate or quiche pan.
3. Spread pizza sauce over base.
4. Top with pepperoni pieces and chopped peppers.
5. Spread cheese over top.
6. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden. 

Salted Toffee Pretzel Bark

It's Flashback Friday and I'm bringing back a quick and simple holiday treat that is a favorite over here. If you like a toffee and chocolate combination with a touch of salt...this is for you. It's not too late to add this to your Christmas baking list.  Truth is...if you make it today you may need to make another batch by Christmas!
 

• 1 bag mini pretzels (you will need 4 or 5 cups)
• 1 cup butter (the real thing)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 340 gr / 12 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
• Sea salt (optional)

1. Line 11 x 17 inch bar pan with parchment paper.
2. Cover the bottom with a layer of pretzels.
3. Combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a full boil while stirring.
4. Pour carefully over the pretzels.
5. Place in a 350° F oven for 8 minutes, or until bubbly all over.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips.
7. Let sit for a minute to melt the chocolate. 
8. Then smooth surface with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
10. Cool to room temperature.
11. Place in freezer for 10-15 minutes to harden chocolate topping.
12. Remove from the pan and break into bite sized portions.  

* These can easily be cut into bars as well.  Lift the hardened confection onto a cutting board and cut into bars using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.