Family Gatherings

Dave and I both come from pretty good sized families and are lucky that we get to live close by to the majority of them.  Anytime there is a holiday, birthday, or any other reason to gather, we all gather and eat.  Both families know how to cook and we always end up with way to much yummy food.  This Easter was no exception.  Since we were going to be going over to both sides of the family's gatherings, I decided to make a quick appetizer and dessert that I could bring to both houses. 

I saw a cute idea on Pinterest to dip strawberries in orange chocolate to make them look like carrots.  I used the Wilton Candy Melts (picked them up at Michaels) and dipped some big strawberries.  They turned out so cute!  

I also made a gluten-free carrot cake from a box mix and frosted it with a homemade cream cheese frosting.  It was pretty good, but the cake turned out really thin.  If I ever made it again, I would bake it in an 8x8 pan or use two mixes in one 9x13 pan.  Dave helped me decorate it.  Didn't he do a great job?  

As long as I can remember, every gathering I have ever been to has been graced with a taco dip (aka layered taco, walking taco, layered bean dip).  As much as I like those, they do get a little boring, so I was really excited to find a new take on the layered dip on Pinterest: A greek version!  Everyone loved it and I was requested to make this for every family gathering until the end of time!  It's that good!  We have been pretty busy the past week, so I cheated and had Costco help me out with some pre-made ingredients.  I really like that Costco has been getting more organic, natural products, free from the yucky ingredients you normally find in processed foods.  I love that this can be customized with all your favorite ingredients, or take out things you don't love.

Layered Greek Dip

2.5 cups of your favorite hummus

1.5 cups of your favorite tzatziki

1 jar of kalmata olives, roughly chopped

1 15 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped

1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half

1/2 peeled and seeded cucumber

1/2 large red onion diced

1/2 jar peperoncini slices, drained

1 cup feta cheese

Pita chips or Organic tortilla chips

In a large casserole dish or serving platter (I used a 9x13 covered baking dish) layer ingredients in order.  Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.  Serve with pita chips, or organic tortilla chips. 

http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Orange-Candy-Melts-12-Ounce/dp/B0061TXUJC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364848476&sr=8-2&keywords=wilton+candy+melts+orange