I Ain't Grillin Empty Handed!

I'm not a nervous person. Having fun, enjoying life, and helping others is a much better way to experience life than being uptight, constantly on edge, and looking like you were weaned on a dill pickle. My pastor used to say;  'If you worry, why pray? But if you pray, why worry?' Well, it makes sense to me, so I ain't worrying if I can help it.  In fact, the only time I really get nervous is when I hear; 'You've just been served', 'We need to talk!' or, 'My Sexy Luver Duver, can I have the checkbook?'

Despite not being a "Nervous Person", however,  I AM what some would classify as a nervous eater. If food is on the table, I'm eating it. If appetizers are ready, I'm diggin in! Two of my biggest culinary pet peeves are people who stand around and ignore hors d'œuvre's at parties (assuming they're tasty) and folks who cook you dinner and NOTHING is ready at the same time. Food has only one purpose, to be eaten, not stared at. And, if steak should be medium rare and pasta should be al dente`, then they should be medium rare and al dente` at the SAME time on your plate.

I know, I know, what's all this got to do with grillin? Lots! You see, the other night I was grillin a pork tenderloin (I know it's grilling, but Southerner's say grillin and trying to talk like a yankee makes me nervous) and the sound and smell of it was making me really antsy to stick some food in my mouth. I was fine during the searing process as it doesn't take long and requires vigilance to not overdo. However, once that beautiful crust was developed and the heat was turned down, my senses were deluged with an onslaught of sizzling pork fat that I was unable to resist.  I knew immediately that making it through the torturous grilling process would require an appetizer!

I thought getting a tasty fix to end the gruelling cries from my impatient stomach would be quick and easy, but I was wrong. Instead, it was like the perfect storm of snacking.  All the crucial elements of a snacking nightmare had converged on me at once and without warning.  No cheese, no crackers, no leftovers, the olive jar was empty, the 'emergency baguette' had been thrown out during 'freezer cleanse'. In short, there was nothing in the house worthy of snacking on. NOTHING, NADA!! I was nervous! It was then I vowed never to be caught having to grill empty handed again.

If you like snackin while grillin too, then you'll love this great dip/spread I'm about to share.  I whipped some up to make sure there'd be no storm during tonight's grillin.

Olive&Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
1 8oz package cream cheese (softened)
1 TBSP Mayo
1/3 cup olives finely chopped
1    jalapeno finely chopped
1    slice onion finely chopped
1    clove fresh garlic finely chopped
salt to taste
paprika to garnish

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly to combine.
If desired, add salt to taste and mix again.

Transfer to small serving dish, sprinkle with paprika and serve with chips, crackers, or crostini.

This recipe was adapted from an old family recipe. It's a staple during football season and is always a favorite among party guests.  And ladies, if you get a hanckerin to go shopping, just put a bowl of this in your hubby's lap and say; "My Sexy Luver Duver, Can I have The Checkbook?" I promise he'll say YES!