Air Fryer Stuffed Potato Skins

I recently bought an air fryer from Kohls that was on sale with a 30% coupon.  It was normally $119.99 on sale for $59.99.  After the 30% coupon and free shipping  code, I only paid about $37 with tax.  I had been thinking of getting one for awhile, so at the price it was too good to pass up.  

Today while looking for something to make for dinner, I saw a bag of baking potatoes that we needed to use.  We also had cheese and bacon so I thought why not make some stuffed potato skins. I was a little nervous using the fryer for the first time but once I realized how easy it is, I was hooked.

I started with 6 washed medium potatoes, which would make 12 potato skins.  I baked them in the microwave, but you can bake them any way your prefer. 

I cut them in half lengthwise and scooped out the potato flesh. They were not the prettiest, but since I was not serving it for something special it did not have to look perfect. 

I split the potatoes into two batches. I placed each batch in the fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 390 degrees to crisp the skin just a bit before filling them.  

For the filling I used the scooped out potatoes, 6 pieces of bacon cut into pieces, and a large handful of cheese. I never measure cheese, I just put in what looks good to me. (our family loves cheese)  I also sprinkled on a little bit of salt and pepper.  What is great about a recipe like this is you can customize it and  add whatever ingredients you want it to the filling. 

I cooked the batches of stuffed potatoes for about 5 minutes each. I sprinkled on a little more cheese on top, and then turned the fryer on for one more minute to melt it. 

There was a little bit of filling leftover, it is going to be added to some eggs in the morning.  

There was a bag of BBQ chicken wings in the freezer, which made for an excellent companion to the stuffed potato skins.  This was such and easy and delicious meal to make, that I will definitely be making it again.  

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BBQ Sausage and Cheesy Bacon Potaoes

I had planned on making a different appetizer entirely today, but when I went to check the recipe, I realized that I was out of a very important ingredient.  

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Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer

I had planned on sharing a turkey craft today, but after errands, an almost forgotten Orthodontist appointment, dance and homework, I was unable to squeeze in some crafting time.  Tomorrow looks a bit hectic too with an IEP,  lunch with a friend, a parents meeting for the Robotics team, and another dance class. Hopefully though,  I will have a few spare hours to finish a fun new craft.  We did get a bit of good news today.  Kara gets her expander off her next appointment.  She is so HAPPY to hear that. Just six more weeks to go!  At Kohls, I was able to use a 30% coupon,  $10 in  Kohls cash, and a bonus $5 promo card all at the same time at Kohls today. ($55.76 off my total)  My long time best friend sent me a very generous birthday gift with instructions that I must use it on myself. With my coupons, I was able to get two sweaters and a purse!  I also picked up a few gifts a long the way, and earned another $10 Kohls cash too. :) 

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Mexican Sushi Bites

I guess you could say I am on a sushi kick this week!   When I saw this recipe on the Family Fun, I knew I wanted to share it.  If you are not into the real sushi, how about some Mexican Sushi?   No fish included.  The roll is made for tortilla and the filling is cream cheese, salsa, and veggies.  You can see how to make then on FamilyFun.com.

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Cold Crab Dip

I had to stop the family from eating this so I could take a picture. 

I made cold creamy crab dip that my family liked so much, I thought I would share it here.   It would be good to serve for guests this weekend and for next weekend's New Years Eve parties.  

To make this dip you only need a handful of ingredients:
a 8 oz block of cream cheese
about a cup of  sour cream
dried minced onion (or real onion if you prefer)
a package of crab or imitation crab.  (I used Louis Kemp from the seafood section, that I bought on sale from Meijer recently)

I opened the package of crab in a mixing bowl and cut the large pieces into much smaller pieces
I added about a half container of sour cream.  I did not measure it, just eyeballed it. 
I cut up the cream cheese into cubes and added it to the bowl.
I sprinkled in some onion.  I did not measure, again just added 3 or 4 shakes.
Stir the mixture together
I then added the mixture to my blender.  I have a bullet which is not that big, so I could not blend it all at once.
Place in a serving bowl and serve with your favorite bread or crackers. We ate it on a loaf of Italian bread. 

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Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms

I am enjoying leftover turkey pizza, as I write this post..  Yum! It was worth the anticipation.    I am so glad that I found this recipe last year, and I am sure it will become a  yearly tradtion.   I wanted to share another recipe I came across this year, that I am sure we will also want to eat year after year.  

On Wednesday, I bought a tub of Alouette spinach and artichoke cheese dip on sale at Meijer.   I had intitially intended to serve the cheese with crackers, and make a stuffed mushroom recipe that uses stuffing.  When I opened the package, I saw there was a cheesy stuffed recipe on the inside of the label.    It called for only 3 ingredients.    

mushroom caps
Alouette spinach and artichoke cheese
seasoned breadcrumbs

I filled each mushroom cap with a spoonful of the dip.   Once they were all filled I sprinkled the breadcrumbs on top of each one.  I used some Panko breadcrumbs that were white, so they are hard to see in the picture.  I believe almost any kind of breadcrumbs will work for this recipe.    Bake the mushrooms in a 375 degree over for 12-15 minutes.   The combination of the  mushrooms and spinach artichoke flavors was really good together. It was easy to eat several at a time, so you will want to make plenty if you are serving a crowd.  I already have requests to make these again, and since they are so quick and simple, I definitely will.

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