hot taco dip

Happy New Year’s Eve Eve!

I must say, NYE has never been my favorite holiday. There’s always so much hype and planning that goes into it, and somehow it never ends up being as fun or exciting as you expect.

Probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever done for New Year’s was the Full Moon Party in Thailand in 2011. Massive stretch of beach, thousands of young travelers, body paint, and Avicii “Good Feeling” playing every 3rd song. Unfortunately I was pretty terrified the entire time that I was going to get drugged/raped/abducted. No cell phone. Jet lagged. Alcohol. It was a valid concern. I think I nursed one 24 ouce Thai beer that I bought at a 711 for most of the night.

The year before was the polar opposite. My dad and I stayed in and watched ‘The Town’ and ‘Taken,’ and I was in bed before midnight.

It’s possible that my viewing of these films contributed to the above mentioned fears of drugs/rape/abduction.

This year we’re heading out to camp for some NYE fun. This is good because I know exactly what to expect: far too much food, a never ending list of family fun games, and just enough alcohol. The GS will be coming, as well as my sisters and their respective gentleman suitors. Plus some of my favorite and most eccentric family members. Bring on the whiskey sours.

If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing appetizer for your NYE festivities, you should bring this taco dip. I’m not bringing it to our party because I think between my mom and I we’ve made it three times in the last 5 days, but that goes to show that it’s a hit.

Hot Taco Dip

8 oz cream cheese

1 lb ground beef

4 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 packet of Chili seasoning

jarred, sliced jalapenos

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brown the beef in a skillet. Remove from heat and drain as much of the fat as you can get out- no need for excess grease. Stir in the tomato sauce and chili seasoning.

Spread the cream cheese at the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with the meat.