Blanco Bean Dip

1 can of white beans, drained
5-6 slices jarred jalapenos
1 1/2 Tbsp brine from jalapenos
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 fresh jalapeno, sliced
1/2 c cheese, I used pepper jack and queso fresco

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor, except cheese. Save 1/2 of the fresh jalapeno for the topping. Place in an oven safe dish and top with cheeses and sliced jalapeno.

Bake until completely heated through, approx. 15-20 minutes.

I sprinkled with a little black pepper and hot sauce. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Bloody Mary Seasoning

Who doesn't love a Bloody Mary?  They make it acceptable to drink in the morning! But I've found it's difficult to make a quality one at home without using a store bought mix . This seasoning turns plain tomato juice into tasty homemade Bloody Mary mix.

Ingredients:
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp celery salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp tarragon
1/8 tsp oregano
1 tsp black pepper

-This makes enough seasoning for several drinks. Add 3/4 tsp to your favorite Bloody Mary recipe.

There are many ways to make a Bloody Mary and everyone has their own preferences on taste and spiciness. I played around with a few recipes and came up with this one; it has a ton of flavor, but you can tone it down a bit by adding less juices:

5.5 oz V8 juice
2.5 oz vodka
3/4 tsp bloody mary seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp lime juice
1 tsp pickle juice
1 tsp olive juice
few dashes of hot sauce
optional 1/2 tsp horseradish

Combine everything in a shaker with ice. Shake until well mixed, and pour into a pint glass over ice.
I used pickle, olive, and jalapeno slices for garnish.

I like them spicy!