Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze

If you think you’re making enough of these little guys for your guests…think again. Make more. They go quick! 

(Serves 10)

• 1 pound of bacon (I use maple flavored bacon)
• 1 (16 ounce) package little smokies sausages (I prefer beef smokies over pork)
• 1 cup of dark brown sugar, or more if you like!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap 1/3 of bacon around each little smokie. Stick a toothpick through the center of the smokie to secure the bacon. Arrange the smokies on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with dark brown sugar. Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar has bathed every little smokie, about 45 minutes. Watch these disappear!

Chess Bars

Nothing says ”Welcome” like a platter of freshly baked sweets setting out in your kitchen!! These chess bars are great to have out for your family and guests. No need to refrigerate. Just set em’ out and watch em’ disappear! These are at favorite at The Lodge.

(Serves 16)

For the Crust

• 1 (18 ¼ ounces) box yellow cake mix
• 1 egg

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted

For The Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• ½ vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
• 1 (16 ounce) box powdered sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. For the crust, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until everything is combine. Pat into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan and set aside. Don’t be afraid to use your hands!

In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, extracts, melted butter and powdered sugar. Beat until everything is well combined and creamy. Spread over your prepared crust. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the sides are set up and golden brown, but the center is still a little “gooey”. Let this cool a bit. I like to even stick it in the refrigerator before cutting into squares!

  These chess bars freeze great! Make too much and stick in the freezer for a fast and easy homemade dessert next time!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! There are so many ways to switch this up for a little something different! Use chocolate cake mix in the crust to make Chocolate Chess Bars. Or add a little peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture. Lemon extract added in makes delicious Lemon Chess Bars. Or simply put everthing into a pie plate and you’ll have Chess Pie!

Florentine Artichoke Dip

(Serves 8-10)

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies, drained
• ¼ cup chopped jalapeno peppers (canned are great too!)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (12 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 10 oz fresh or frozen spinach (if frozen, thaw and drain)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients and spoon the mixture into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and slightly browned on the top, about 25 minutes.

Serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips, crackers, pita wedges, or veggies!

Leftover Genius: Use leftover dip as a stuffing for chicken breasts or pork tenderloin!