Pistachio Cranberry and Goat Cheese Truffles

   This is not the post I planned on sharing today. These cheese truffles are good, I mean, can you go wrong with pistachio and cranberry? I don't think so. My original plan, was to post the smoothie I had for breakfast and lunch yesterday and for lunch at least twice a week for the past month. Unfortunately, when I tried to upload the images they weren't there. I have no clue what I did, but I'll try again when I'm not propping I'm eyes open with toothpicks to stay awake.

      These are a quick and easy appetizer to throw together for a party or dinner with friends. It would be so easy to make and customize them, the possibilities are endless. I made these and my mom made a cream cheese, cheddar and almond version for my Granny's birthday party. This would also be a great little recipe to whip up and stick in the fridge and pull out one with a couple of crackers for a quick afternoon snack.

Makes 18-24
Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Truffles

10 oz goat cheese
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

In a medium sized bowl , combine cheese and cranberries, mashing with a fork or spatula. Spread Pistachios out onto parchment paper and set aside. Using a teaspoon scoop a small amount out and roll in a ball. They should be about 1 to 1 1/2 inches across. Roll the truffle in chopped nuts and set aside. Continue with the remaining cheese mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Weeknight Nachos

Have you ever gotten obsessed with a meal? Oh, come on, I know I'm not the only one! Ok, so maybe I am. I have been hooked on nachos since my little brother's graduation this past May. It's a long story but I'm going to tell you anyway. My poor brother picked a restaurant for dinner after the ceremony and the place is packed and basically tells us to go away. Off we go to his second choice. where they lie and say they're closed even though the hours posted said they would be open a couple more hours but they were packed too. So, another two restaurants later we wound up at Denny's. I was all "wah wah wahhhhhh" but then I ordered their nachos. Y'all, I'm not going to lie, those were some stinkin good nachos. Since that night I've made so many different variations of nachos it's ridiculous. These are my favorite and one of the easiest too. 

Serves 4-6

tortilla chips

salsa (I used Pioneer Woman's restaurant salsa) 

sour cream

I have to have Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce

I usually add, but didn't have, spinach or lettuce  

avocado

For the meat:

1 pound ground turkey

2 tablespoons taco seasoning (My recipe)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/3 cup beef broth

Over medium high heat, start to brown your meat, stirring and mashing to break it up. Once the meat is just beginning to brown, add the taco seasoning. Continue to stir and mash. Once the meat is almost browned, add in the tomato paste and the broth. Cook until all the liquid has cooked away and meat is done. 

For cheese sauce:

1 8 oz block cream cheese

1/2-1 cup milk

1 8 oz block Monterrey Jack cheese , grated 

In a nonstick skillet, over medium heat, start to melt the cream cheese. Using a spatula, break it into large chunks and once it starts to melt, add 1/2 cup milk. Start stirring with a whisk to break up lumps. Once it's smooth stir in your grated cheese and whisk smooth. Add more milk if too thick. It should be a pour-able texture.

Layer your nachos the way you like and enjoy.