{toasted cinnamon & sugar pumpkin seeds}

What a yummy fall treat this is! A few years ago we decided to try a sweet version of our favorite pumpkin seed recipe, and this is waht we came up with. They are sweet, crunchy, and delicious!

TOASTED CINNAMON & SUGAR PUMPKIN SEEDS

2 c. pumpkin seeds
2-3 T. butter, melted
cinnamon & sugar

Wash seeds well. Boil seeds in a small amount of water in a medium saucepan for 10 minutes. Spread out evenly on aluminum foil and dry well. Toss the dry seeds in the butter, then coat with cinnamon & sugar. Spread out on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 225 degrees for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until toasted brown.

TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

2 c. pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. butter, melted
1 1/4 tsp. seasoning salt (or table salt, if preferred)

Follow same directions as above.

ENJOY!!

{fruit dip and apple dip}

I love summertime because of all the yummy fruit, and these dips make a great side for parties, picnics, and BBQs. The apple dip is also perfect in the fall--school parties, Halloween parties, and any other time!

APPLE DIP

1 package cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
half of a bag of Skor or Heath bits

Beat the first 4 ingredients welll; stir in toffee bits.

FRUIT DIP

1 package cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
16 oz. strawberry flavored Cool Whip

Whip condensed milk and softened cream cheese together until smooth, then fold in Cool Whip. Serve with fresh fruit.

Mexican 7-Layer Dip

This is one of my most favorite things ever! I love love love to eat this with really yummy tortilla chips, and it's perfect to eat at home or take to a get-together.

MEXICAN 7-LAYER DIP

1 can traditional refried beans
1 pint fresh salsa or pico de gallo
1 pint guacamole (not guacamole dip--homemade works well too)
1 pint sour cream
green onions, chopped
tomatoes, chopped
Cheddar cheese, grated

Mix the beans and salsa together in your serving dish, then spread evenly across the bottom. Layer the guacamole on top of the bean mixture, followed by the sour cream, cheese, onions, and tomatoes. Easy peasy!

Dill Dip

This is delicious for every veggie, and is really yummy with artichokes. It's also great with crackers and chips.

DILL DIP

1-8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1-8 oz. carton sour cream
2 T. finely chopped green onion
2-4 T. freshly snipped dill, or 3-4 tsp. dried dillweed (or to taste...I like a lot!)
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
Milk (optional, if necessary)

In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, dill, green onions, and seasoned salt with an electric mixer on low speend until fluffy. Cover and chill 1-24hours. If dip thickens after chilling, you can stir in 1-2 T. milk if you'd like. Serve with vegetables, crackers, or chips.