How to Create an Instagram-worthy Hummus & Veggie Board

Forget that boring store bought veggie tray! You can create an Instagram-worthy Hummus & Veggie Board in just 7 simple steps... 

This post was sponsored, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you ever been scrolling through your Instagram feed and just stopped & gawked when you saw a pic of a gorgeous veggie tray that someone had made for a summer party or backyard BBQ? Maybe you thought that person had to have a ton of extra time on their hands because most of us just pick up that pre-made (& not so Instagram-worthy) vegetable tray in the produce section of the grocery store. Maybe you even found yourself feeling a little bit intimidated and thought there was no way you would be able to pull something like that off yourself. 

But guess what? You can ditch that store bought veggie tray because putting together an Instagram-worthy veggie board is much easier than you may think! Especially when you have a little help from Sabra hummus and fresh, seasonal produce from your local Walmart! :)

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...

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... 

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...

Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Cheese Ball

This Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Cheese Ball is the perfect combination of sweet & spicy with its roasted, crunchy sriracha almonds, sweet dried apricots, and an added extra kick of heat from a little sriracha sauce...

My husband and I love to entertain all year round, but we really kick up our party and get-together hosting once the warmer weather arrives. Our side deck and fire pit become an extension of our kitchen and dining area making it easy for us to invite over and entertain even more family and friends. 

Most of our summer get-togethers are laid back with very little fuss. While I love cooking and creating in the kitchen, I would rather be spending more time chatting with our guests and enjoying the company so I try to make self-serve dishes and appetizers that I can easily prep while guests are arriving or that can be completely made ahead of time.

When Blue Diamond sent me some of their brand new Bold Sriracha Almonds to try, I instantly was inspired to create an easy-to-make cheese ball that would be perfect for summertime entertaining. These Bold Sriracha Almonds are addictive, my friends. 

After enjoying a few small handfuls of these crunchy and spicy almonds, I knew I wanted to pair them with a little sweetness for this cheese ball.  This Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Cheese Ball is the perfect combination of sweet & spicy with its roasted, crunchy sriracha almonds, sweet dried apricots, cooling cream cheese, and an added extra kick of heat from a little sriracha sauce... 

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. ;)