Holiday Meatball Wreath Appetizer

This easy to make, yet elegant Holiday Meatball Wreath Appetizer is sure to steal the show at your next holiday party or get-together...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carando®. All opinions are entirely my own. 

One thing that I really love about the holidays is being able to host & entertain. I love to invite over a small group of family & friends for a little cookie baking party or maybe for hot cocoa & to watch Christmas movies. I always seem to host at least one cocktail or wine party before the start of the New Year. 








I prefer my holiday get-togethers to be casual, simple yet elegant, & as fuss-free as possible for me. I mean, what holiday hostess wants to be spending all her time in the kitchen & not mingling with her loved ones? (Not me! ;) )








That is why my new go-to for holiday appetizers this season is the tasty selection of Fresh Italian Style Carando® Meatballs that I can pick up in the refrigerated meat aisle at my local Food Lion. 

Not only are Carando meatballs easy & convenient (you only have to brown them in the oven for 20 minutes!), but they are also authentically crafted for the perfect texture & amazing flavor without you having to do any of the work...

Antipasto Bloody Mary

Inspired by a favorite Italian appetizer, this Antipasto Bloody Mary is a tasty twist on the classic brunch cocktail...

This post was created in partnership with Drizly as part of their Top Shelf Blogger program. All opinions expressed below are 100% my own.

When it comes to weekend brunches, I am a Bloody Mary gal all the way. Sure, I can sip on a mimosa or a screwdriver, but you put a Bloody Mary bar in front me and I am in heaven. I think that Bloody Mary bars have to be like the best ever addition to a brunch menu- am I right? 

While the bartender shakes up your Bloody Mary to your spice & heat preference, you can peruse all the delicious ways that you can top your cocktail. From the traditional olives & celery stalks, to thick cut bacon slices, pickles, cocktail onions, and more, you can create a cocktail and a snack all in one. And if you ask me those are the best Bloody Marys- the ones that come with a built-in snack. ;)

This Antipasto Bloody Mary recipe that I am sharing with you all today is inspired by my love for Bloody Mary bars and after one of my favorite Italian appetizers, an antipasto platter. 

Traditional antipasto platters are the Italian version of a charcuterie board. They are usually brimming with hard cured Italian meats like salami, pepperoni, & proscuitto, olives, various peppers, and fresh mozzarella. With this Antipasto Bloody Mary, you get the cocktail with a bonus personal sized antipasto snack skewered right on top.... 

Clams Casino Grilled Pizza

Inspired by a classic coastal appetizer, this tasty Clams Casino Grilled Pizza will quickly become your new go-to for backyard cookouts...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SeaPak. All opinions & text expressed below are 100% my own.

Let me introduce you all to new summertime obsession- grilled pizzas! Homemade pizza is usually on our meal plan rotation at least once or twice a month, but I usually pop them in the oven to bake. But with the temps (& humidity) rising more and more each day as we inch closer and closer to the official start of summer, I decided to try something new with our usual pizza night a couple of weeks ago. I left the oven off and cranked on the gas grill instead. I have to confess that I was totally nervous about grilling my first pizza. I was scared that I would burn it or that the dough would fall through the grill grates, or that I would scorch the outside of the pizza crust while the inside remained all doughy. But nope! It was crazy easy and just as quick if not quicker than traditional oven pizza baking. :)

This particular grilled pizza was inspired by a classic coastal appetizer that is said to have originated in 1917 at a casino (thus the name) in Rhode Island. Traditional Clams Casino consists of clams on the half shell that are topped with bread crumbs, butter, and bacon and then are baked or broiled. For this Clams Casino Grilled Pizza, I kept all of the traditional elements of the original recipe but threw it all on a pizza crust and added a homemade white pizza sauce and fresh bell peppers. Since the SeaPak Clam Strips come already breaded, there was no need to throw bread crumbs on top. I just love ingredients that can serve dual purposes in a recipe! :)

Mini Honey Roasted Almond Cheese Balls

These Mini Honey Roasted Almond Cheese Balls are a creamy mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, & cream cheese that are rolled in sweet & crunchy honey roasted almonds and served on a pretzel stick...

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds.

It is hard to believe that another year is almost done and over with. This has been such an incredible year for Frugal Foodie Mama, and I first and foremost want to thank all of you out there who come back day after day to read what I have to say, grab my recipes, pin them, share them, and just be a part of this little food blogging dream of mine. 

Without you all, this dream of mine wouldn't even be possible. So THANK YOU. :) 

I am determined to make 2016 another fabulous year for this little space of mine, so stay tuned. There is so much more good stuff coming your all's way very soon.

But let's talk New Year's Eve for a second, shall we? I have never been much for partying it up and painting the town for this big night. I have always loved staying at home with the ones that I love to ring in the new year. 

But we always try to make it a special night with lots of delicious finger foods, plenty of bubbly (sparkling grape juice for the kiddos), and watching the ball drop at midnight (for those of us who make it til then, lol.). ;) 

I have always been a sucker for all things sweet & savory, so when Blue Diamond sent me their new Honey Roasted Almonds to try out in a recipe I knew I wanted to make a little something for New Year's Eve. 

Cheese balls have always been a favorite with my family, so I decided to turn one of our favorite creamy appetizers into the perfect finger food- these Mini Honey Roasted Almond Cheese Balls! 

These mini cheese balls are a creamy mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, & cream cheese that are rolled in sweet & crunchy honey-roasted almonds and served on a pretzel stick...

Hoppin' John Dip

A big thank you to Hamilton Beach for providing me with their Stack and Snap™ 10 Cup Food Processor and helping me bring you all this delicious recipe for a Hoppin' John Dip perfect for serving at your New Year's Eve get-together...

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.

Anyone else just a little superstitious when it comes to what you eat on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day? Growing up, I remember my mother making pork chops and sauerkraut every New Year's Day (and she still does). 

I am not sure really when or why my mama started this tradition of pork and sauerkraut for New Year's dinner, but it originally started as a German & Pennsylvania Dutch custom. Eating both together brings good luck for the New Year. 

And even though I was not a fan of sauerkraut at all, I sucked it up and took ONE bite with my pork chops each year. I mean, I wasn't going to risk an entire year of bad luck over some silly sauerkraut. ;)

Looking for a more tasty and just as good fortune inducing dish to replace my mother's traditional pork chops and sauerkraut, I came across the classic southern dish of Hoppin' John. Hoppin' John is basically pork, greens, onions, and black-eyed peas all cooked together and then served over rice. 

The peas represent coins and wealth, & the greens represent paper money. It was thought that to eat "poor" on New Year's would be bring wealth the rest of the year. 

Hoppin' John is a dish that is usually served on New Year's Eve, not on New Year's Day. Since I typically only serve appetizers and nibbles for my New Year's Eve get-togethers, I decided to transform this delicious southern dish into a dip perfect for serving at a party or small gathering.

This Hoppin' John Dip starts out the same way as the traditional southern main dish, but then everything is put into a food processor and pureed together to make a tasty hummus-like dip...

Lox, Stox, & Triscuit

This easy to make Lox, Stox, & Triscuit is the perfect quick appetizer for a weekend brunch or an afternoon get-together... or just because. ;)

Sweet & Spicy Fruity Dipping Sauces {for Meatballs}

Serve this trio of Sweet & Spicy Fruity Dipping Sauces- Mango-Salsa, Cherry BBQ and Orange-Ginger- alongside your favorite meatballs for the perfect game day or party appetizer...

When it comes to hosting a get-together for the big game (or games), I often like to rely on easy recipes that can feed a crowd no matter what their taste preferences are and that also happen require very little prep on my part. I mean, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen the entire time and missing all the big plays? Not this game day hostess! I have a bracket to keep up with, you know. ;)

That is why I am loving this recipe for Sweet & Savory Fruity Dipping Sauces for meatballs. I like to use frozen and fully cooked meatballs, so all I need to do is heat up the meatballs (Easy, peasy, right?). While the meatballs are heating, I quickly whip up 3 different dipping sauces for these party-perfect meatballs: Mango-Salsa, Cherry BBQ and Orange-Ginger. Your guests are sure to find one or more of these sauces that they will love dipping these meatballs in, and you're going to love how much of the game you don't miss serving these up... 

Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings

Perfectly breaded & fried chicken nuggets are tossed in a flavorful & spicy sauce in these Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings...

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Persil Proclean 2in1. All opinions (& messy stains) expressed below are 100% my own.

If you happen to read my blog pretty regularly, you might have already noticed this by now- But when it comes to game day, I am in it only for the food, folks. Period.  

And with the biggest game of the year happening later on this week, I have been in full-on game day menu planning over here. 

Personally, I do not have a stake in this year's game. But no matter which team you may or may not be rooting for this coming Sunday, one thing is for sure- there is no reason in the world why your football party menu can't be the MVP of the day. ;)

One item that is always a must-make for game day in our house has to be something Buffalo sauced. Whether it be my Buffalo Parmesan Hummus, or this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad, or these flavorful Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings that I am sharing with you all today, my game day menu isn't complete without something spicy & saucy. 

And let me tell you all about these boneless wings for a sec- they are pretty much ah-mazing. Like lick your fingers clean amazing. And I am not saying that just because I made them, folks.

My son even went so far as to suggest that I patent this recipe & then sell the rights to a certain restaurant chain that is well known for their wings. ;) 

These boneless "wings" are perfectly breaded & fried until crispy & golden brown (I may or may not have posted a video of this golden frying goodness on my Instagram), and then they are tossed in a rich roasted garlic Buffalo sauce...

5 Simple Tips for Sticking to a Travel Dining Budget

Staying on a dining budget while traveling is easy with my 5 Simple Tips for Sticking to a Travel Dining Budget...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Visa Clear Prepaid program and 

the Green Dot® Reloadable Prepaid Visa® Card.

If you happen to travel at all- whether it be once a year for a family vacation or you take multiple road trips throughout the year- you probably already know that dining out while traveling can really eat up (pun intended ;) ) most of your travel budget pretty quickly. 

Being a foodie and food blogger, experiencing the local food scene in a new city ranks right up there in my top priorities when traveling. And because of that, the dining out expenses can really start adding up. Mainly because I want to try it all. 

Since my family and I love traveling, we have had to find ways to keep our dining budget in check because going over it one too many times means less trips throughout the year as our annual travel budget is depleted. Savvy savings and sticking to a budget with our travel dining = more trips as a family for the year! :)

So what are my best tips for staying on a travel dining budget? I am sharing my top five with you all below...

White Chocolate Peeps Cookiewiches

A Peeps marshmallow buttercream is sandwiched between two white chocolate pudding cookies in this perfect sweet treat for Easter or spring...

I told you all earlier this week when I posted my recipe for S'mores Bunny Graham Bars that I felt like I owed you all some serious Easter recipes this year since I pretty much slacked in that department last year.

I am making good on that promise with this recipe for White Chocolate Peeps Cookiewiches.

Seriously. What says Easter more than Peeps, my friends? ;)

You may be scanning the photo above wondering where in the heck are these Peeps I am talking about. Well folks, I melted them down and turned them into that pretty pink buttercream you see sandwiched between those soft, thick cookies there. Yep, the Peeps are in the frosting! :)

Apricot Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket

A childhood favorite gets a sweet & spicy makeover perfect for the adults in these Apricot Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket...

This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

Who else loved pigs in a blanket as a kid? I remember squirting out an equal dollop of ketchup and mustard side by side on a plate, and then dipping in each flaky crescent wrapped hot dog making sure to get the perfect ratio of ketchup to mustard with each bite. 







At almost 40 years old (I am cringing just a tad even typing that), I still love a good pig in a blanket. It is one of those childhood favorites you just never outgrow, but that's not saying that we can't give them a sweet & spicy makeover that even the most discerning of adults can enjoy. ;)

By adding just two simple ingredients- a little apricot preserves and a tad of spicy sriracha sauce, this childhood classic is magically transformed into a party-ready appetizer for the grown-ups. Okay, well maybe there really isn't any magic involved. However, some may argue that sriracha sauce is pretty damn magical in and of itself. ;) 







Whether you are hosting a cocktail party, a little back deck get-together, or a backyard barbecue, these Apricot Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and delicious way to start off your shindig...

The Simple Goodness of Homemade Apple Pie

Is there anything much better than a homemade apple pie?  I mean, come on. Is there?  There is not much else in my book.  Homemade apple pies remind of watching my mother as a child make pie crust from scratch.  She was a more lovely crust crimper than I though.  ;)  I like to call my pie style "rustic".  
My mother used to take whatever pie crust was left over after making an apple or blackberry pie, roll it out, sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon, and then slice it into strips.  She would then roll up the cinnamon scented strips like little cinnamon rolls and bake them up in a pie pan.  About 10 minutes later, we had a little appetizer before having a slice of pie.  (By the way, I do this with my left over pie crust too. ;) )

We got these beauties at the local farmers market last weekend.  They were just begging to be transformed into a beautiful pie.

I decided to try a new pie crust recipe that I had pinned weeks ago.  I mean it is called Never Fail Pie Crust.  You can't screw it up, right? ;) (Click here for the recipe from the Made blog.) I find something therapeutic in rolling the dough out.  

Baby girl even helped out in the pie making. :)

I kept the filling simple- about 7-8 medium sized apples, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a few dashes of nutmeg, a couple tablespoons of flour, and a few squeezes of lemon juice.  

The pie was simple, absolute homemade perfection.  

My husband said that we pretty much have to buy apples at the farmers market every weekend now just so we can have more pie.  ;) This pie didn't last us for very long.  In fact, half of it was gone in the first evening.  In all fairness, my mother came over for dinner and she had a slice, and I gave her two slices to take home to my dad and my sister.  

Another habit I inherited from my mother- pie for breakfast the next morning.  

Best. Breakfast. Ever.

What is a recipe that you make that always stirs up a little nostalgia for you? :)

Buffalo Fried Okra

A classic southern dish gets a spicy makeover perfect for game day in these Buffalo Fried Okra...

This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

Buffalo sauced foods are pretty much a staple in my house all year round, but even more so when football season rolls around. I mean, what is a game day menu without something Buffalo sauced? 

Wings and Buffalo flavored dips are my usual stand-by's for game day feasting, but I decided to take my Buffalo sauce game up a notch or two by giving a classic southern appetizer an unexpected spicy kick. 





I soaked fresh sliced okra in egg and then coated them in a traditional cornmeal breading, fried them up golden brown & crunchy, and then tossed them in a foolproof homemade Buffalo sauce- game day perfection, folks!

Up until a couple of months or so ago, okra was one of those vegetables that I hadn't cooked with much, and was I actually a little intimidated by it. It wasn't until my aunt started growing fresh okra in her garden that I realized just how easy and versatile this vegetable is. 





It grows like crazy, so you can easily freeze quite a few batches to use in gumbos, jambalaya, or to simply bread and fry throughout football season and well into the winter months. Which is a good thing because I have a feeling that these Buffalo Fried Okra are going to be requested quite often for game days this season. 

These crunchy, spicy nuggets of Southern goodness are perfectly poppable and absolutely irresistible! 

Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip

This bold & oh so cheesy Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip is served warm from the oven and is sure to become the star of your next holiday party or get-together...

This content was created in partnership with Kroger Family Stores using free products provided by Kroger.

This recipe post first appeared on the Kroger Inspired Gathering site.

We do a lot of entertaining around the holidays and New Year's, and we also attend quite a few holiday parties and get-togethers. I love having a handful of go-to appetizer recipes on hand that are easy to make and perfect for sharing. 








Although you can never go wrong with a classic platter of assorted cheeses, olives and crackers, what's a party without the dip? I always include a crowd-pleasing, tasty dip of some sort in just about every one of my holiday party menus -- the cheesier the better.








This Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip is a delicious twist on a classic spinach artichoke dip. The spinach is swapped out for tender shrimp, and the traditional, more mild Parmesan is replaced with flavorful and robust Asiago cheese. 

This bold, creamy and oh-so-cheesy dip is served warm from the oven and is sure to become the star of your next holiday party or get-together...

Exploring Willamette Valley, Oregon- The OXO Farm Tour

From a local farm cooperative to a true farm-to-table restaurant experience, explore the Willamette Valley and immerse yourself in the local foods scene of Portland and Oregon...

I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Indulge Conference in Portland, Oregon at the end of last month. If you happen to follow me on Instagram, you may have caught some of my photos and experiences from that trip. I promise to share all the details of the conference and my thoughts on exploring Portland's local food scene (can we say all the foodie fun?) with you all soon, but today I am going to give a little recap of Day #2 of the conference- the OXO Farm Tour. 

OXO happened to be one of the major sponsors of this year's Indulge Conference, and in partnership with Travel Oregon generously arranged for the food bloggers in attendance to experience one of two farm-to-table outings on the last day of the conference- Hood River or Willamette Valley. I opted for the Willamette Valley tour myself. If you happen to be into the whole farm to table experience, then you are definitely going to want grab a cup of coffee and sit back and read through today's post... And then start planning a trip to Oregon. ;)