Recipes to delight your palate and books to feed your mind
To spice things up on Wednesdays between “Waiting On” posts, I am going to share a new feature;”Recipe and a Book Recommendation.” Look for this feature and other topics I am cooking up! Enjoy and let me know if you would like to see more posts like this featured at Caffeinated. Enjoy Death Dip & Zombies!
Below is a recipe perfect for parties or delicious fuel during a read-a-thon. I am sure it has many names, but my family has dubbed it “Death Dip” since it’s so good you feel like you have died and gone to heaven .:snort: Honestly, if I set this on the counter, my peeps and their friends swarm around it like locust. When they back away..the pan is scrapped so clean I swear one of them licked it.
Death Dip
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 can Hormel chili (without beans)
12 oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese
pretty pan
I make mine in an 11 x 7 rectangular Pyrex glass pan (because it nests in a pretty basket for serving) but you can use a small rectangular cake pan, pie plate or 9 x 9 square pan. Keep in mind you will serve it in the pan.
- Set oven to 375 degrees
- With back of spoon spread cream cheese evenly into bottom of pan.
- Pour and spread can of Hormel chili over cream cheese as evenly as possible. (you can use with beans if you prefer)
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- At this point you can add garnish or topping if you desire. (black olives, green onions, etc) I like to do this when serving at a party put kids prefer it plain.
- Place in oven on top rack and bake for 20 mins or until cheese is melted.
Serves with tortilla chips. I like to use Tostitos® Scoops
Book Recommendation
The Newsflesh Trilogy (Boxed Set)
by Mira Grant
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Zombies
Purchase: Amazon
“Alive or dead, the truth won’t rest. My name is Georgia Mason, and I am begging you. Rise up while you can.” The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED. NOW, twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives-the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them. The Newsflesh trilogy boxed set includes Feed, Deadline, and Blackout.
Mira Grant’s Newflesh Trilogy is one of my all time favorites. The series is action packed, with excellent world building and characters who quickly became my friends.
If you have never read a zombie book and are hesitant to do so I think Feed is the perfect book to try. While there is a zombie outbreak, the focus of this book is the Newsflesh team. They are a group of news bloggers dedicated to getting the truth out. The Newsflesh Trilogy offers a wicked plot guaranteed to keep readers engaged.
Still not sure? Read my reviews of the books in this set: Deadline and Blackout.
Have fun making Death Dip and I hope you decide to try the Newsflesh trilogy.
*All of these recommendations and books will be listed under “Features” in the menu, for future reference.
Red Iza
To associate zombies and food recipes is a great (original) idea ! I’m vegan so I won’t try it, but as my hands are full of chocolate right now… 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL Red, you can use vegan bean dip in place of the chili.
Kay
That dip looks delicious! Now I have to try it, whether or not people are coming over. :)I am just now starting to get into zombie books so I think I will give this series a try. Love this new feature.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you love the trilogy as much as I do Kay! Enjoy 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
An awesome new feature Kimba! I looove dips and this looks yum, we don’t have Hormel chili (without beans) here and I’m not sure what would be similar but it sounds delicious.
This series sounds great!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sharon, you can make your own chili and use that. I just gave the quick and easy version.
Dre
Definitely going to try this one out! Thanks for sharing this recipe 😀
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Dre, it is easy, but you can always add a little bam, but using homemade chili.
A Voracious Reader
I didn’t like Feed, so I’ll pass on the books, but that dip looks fab and easy! I hate to cook, so easy is always my measuring stick. lol
kimbacaffeinate
you are killin’ me Carol *grabs chest and staggers* but I still like you 🙂 and yes this is easy-peasy!
Stephanie
What a fun post! I love the pairing. I especially like that the Death Dip is so tasty- and looks very easy to make. 🙂 Thanks for sharing both of these with us!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Stephanie 🙂 It is easy and totally kid friendly 🙂
Michelle
That looks so good Kimba! I might have to go out and buy some cream cheese just so I can make some. I need to pick up this series as well
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle it is easy and tasty:)
fishgirl182
That looks so good. I wish I had some right now even though it’s only 8am.
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..death dip it’s whats for breakfast 🙂
Kelsey
Ooh this sounds really good, I definitely have to make it soon. I still have to read this book series, but I have heard good things about it. Maybe I would even serve this dip while watching zombie movies!
kimbacaffeinate
It is perfect with movies and friends 🙂
Melliane
what a nice idea! First of all I love Seanan Mcguire but I haven’t read this series, but I really should! And I love your recipe,I didn’t know this one at all and well it’s not something we usually eat here, so it’s really interesting. Should try that too. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I have really enjoyed all of the books she has published under Grant 🙂
Michele-A Belle's Tales
This is so awesome!! We’re definitely trying this dip! And it’s perfect timing because I’m actually reading Feed! Mckenzie has been ‘cooking up’ a foodie/book feature for our blog, too, so I am really looking forward to exchanging recipes with you, my friend!!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo…you are reading Feed!!! Enjoy and I look forward to swapping recipes
Angie
Yes to this post! I had been thinking about doing something like this for a long time now but am just too lazy to match up a book and food. I look forward to more of these posts!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angie, I wanted something I could do once or twice a month aside from WoW.
Andrea
What a fun post! My family makes a very similar dip, and everyone loves it. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I am glad you enjoy something like this, thanks Andrea 🙂
Angela Adams
Five Stars for that Recipe (I love anything that’s made with cheese!)
kimbacaffeinate
haha..me too Angela!
Ginny
Terrific post idea! I loved it! You know I am too much of a weenie to read those books but I could keep myself busy eating death dip while everyone else reads them. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sounds like a plan my friend. Really though this book isn’t gory and focuses more on the bloggers. Seriously you should try Feed.
Sophia
Death dip, eh? Interesting name, but I’m a terrible cook, XD. Mom doesn’t trust me in the kitchen. :p
kimbacaffeinate
LOL Sophia, maybe she will let you try this..
Sophia
Oh Kimba, you really don’t want to hear the REAL reason why I’m not kitchen trustworthy. It’s sort of funny (according to some people) :p
Amir
This is an awesome new feature and you got me hungry for your dip now! That pic is just delicious! I will definitely try this out for myself, thanks so much for the recipe!
I’ve always wanted to read The Newsflesh series, I love anything zombies and this is right up my alley! I’ll check out the box set, thanksbfor sharing Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Amir I hope you enjoy both and cannot wait to hop over and read your review of Written in Red..i loved the audio 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh love the pairing! 🙂 I have Feed on my tbr and still need to get to it. I can’t wait to dive into that zombie goodness. Will have to pass this recipe to my cousin who loves to cook things like this!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks so much Melissa and yes you need to read this trilogy!!
blodeuedd
Now I am hungry
kimbacaffeinate
sorry..lol
Katherine
I love this idea! The dip looks great. I’ll have to give it a try as I generally love anything that involves cream cheese.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Katherine and I would have to agree with you!
Franny
Ohhh, I love when features involve food and, although I don’t like spicy food, your recipe looks tasty!
And what do you know, I saw Feed today while I was wandering around my local bookstore! The cover looked kinda cool, but I didn’t stop to look at it. Lol, now I know why since I don’t like zombies!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha..I hope you pick up Feed and try the dip Franny!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Love this new post idea: a recipe + book rec – how fun! 🙂
Have had Feed on my radar a long time ago, not sure why I never got to it though. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Victoria and I hope you read them!
Lily B
Heh looks very interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks 🙂 Lily
Lindy
I love this new feature!!! You are so creative Kim! I am already looking forward to next Wednesday! I can’t wait to make this death dip!!! I love Zombie stories, so I’m off to check out, The Newsflesh Trilogy! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
kimbacaffeinate
*blushes* well no not really lots of peeps share recipes, I just decided to combine it with a book. Thanks I am really glad you like it.
Heidi
Fun post. I can’t believe I haven’t read this series yet, Maja keeps telling me. I plan on doing the audiobooks soon. I love this dip recipe. We used to make it all the time at my office. Just throw the cream cheese and chili in a crock pot and let it simmer all day. I haven’t tried it with cheese on it, might as well add a little more goodness.
kimbacaffeinate
You should listen to Maja! Oh the crock-pot version is good too Heidi.
ShootingStarsMag
How fun! I could always use a good party recipe idea. And i really do want to read these books.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren 🙂 I love things like this for parties 🙂
Rita
Lol, great post! I would love to see you do this once a week or whenever you get a chance. I love when book bloggers add a little bit of food on their blog too. Books + food= win/win!
I have never made this exact dip, but my kids used to like to eat chili cheese dogs (hot dogs, can chili, melted cheese). I haven’t had it in a long while(I am restricted in my food groups due to medical issue), but the taste would be similar for sure, so I’m guessing my kids would like this, maybe on Superbowl Sunday, etc.
Thanks for making your blog fun 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This is a staple for the Superbowl..lol Thanks for the feedback Rita!
Megan
Yum! I love dips and your Death Dip sounds super tasty!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Megan 🙂
Lauren
What a fun new feature! I have to make this death dip, it sounds YUM! I adore the Newsflesh series, it is probably my favorite zombie series ever. I love how it’s all about bloggers getting the truth out about the outbreak. It makes my blogger heart happy. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I love hearing someone feels the same way I do about a series..enjoy the dip!
Finley Jayne
Great new feature! I’m working on ideas for a couple of new ones too, but I’m liking your idea better than mine, lol. Feed is on my tbr list and I really want to get to it soon, glad you like this series!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you will be reading Feed and good luck with the ideas.
Candace
Yum, this sounds good! I’m vegetarian but I bet it would be pretty good with refried beans. This is kind of like the dip we make for parties but that’s with sour cream. Actually, this recipe would work as you have it but with my vegetarian chili (duh). Hmmmm… maybe I’ll make it tonight if I can get to the store today.
kimbacaffeinate
totally would work with re-fried beans! Oh I bet the veg chili would be even better..have fun experimenting.
Braine Talk Supe
Man, this dip recipe sounds delish. I’m sure every calorie is going to my thighs and hips but it sounds worth it LOL
kimbacaffeinate
No worries..make it when you have a crowd….you won’t get more than one or two dips if you are lucky!
tonyalee
What a fun feature!
That dip looks AMAZING. I am actually heading to the grocery store today so I just might grab the goodies to make it! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo enjoy Tonyalee!
Jenea
I like this idea! We make the cheese and chili, but I haven’t ever put the cream cheese in it, I bet it is really good with it. Chris will home for a 3 day weekend, something we don’t have a lot of. 🙂 So we will be trying it this weekend. I would like the read the series too, not sure if my library carries the entire series, but I will check.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy the dip and fingers-crossed you can pick up Feed 🙂 Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!
Debbie Haupt
Kimba LOVE the post, I’m copying the recipe but I’m not a fan of zombie fiction 😉
kimbacaffeinate
This focuses more on the bloggers and I adored them all. It is a great book to test the zombie waters
kindlemom1
What a fun idea but you are now making me hungry!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ali 🙂
Siiri
WHOAAA!! This looks awesome. Send me some 😀 yumm (this is such a fun meme, btw!) I haven’t read the trilogy yet, but I’ve seen these books a thousand times in my local bookstore so if they’re on sale one time I happen to be there, I’ll most definitely think about purchasing them 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Siiri and thank you 🙂
Jenny
Ummmm. I need to make that dip immediately. YUM KIM! I’m a dip kind of girl, I haven’t met too many I haven’t liked, and I pretty much just want to stick my face in this one and start eating:)
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenny and enjoy!
Jessica
I got Feed when it was a kindle daily awhile back, and I’ve been meaning to read it ever since. I love Seanan McGuire, so I have high hopes for her alter-ego as well.
ALSO–I am so hungry now. Congratulations. I’m going to binge on SO-good-but-SO-bad-me food now 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I actually prefer Grant books..LOL
Nick
This is fun! I’m such a foodie, so I’m going to love this meme of yours Kim. I don’t really like chilli (I know I know), but that looks really easy to make!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad you like it Nick and I have tons of desserts, side dishes, salads and well yum to share, not to mention great books 🙂
Mary
How can I pass up a post with “death dip” in the title? And that dip…YUM. Perfect for binging while binging on this series.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Mary and yes perfect fuel for a thon!
Jen (At Random)
Haha, great minds think alike. I just posted this recipe last week 😛 It’s so yummy! http://lratrandom.blogspot.com/2014/04/friday-foodie-affair-chili-dip-recipe.html
kimbacaffeinate
My peeps love it Jen, thanks for sharing your post and yes great minds think alike 🙂
Tash
All I saw was cheese in the reciepe lol. Can you tell I’m a cheese fan and now I wants some lol. I think I”m going to do a Marathon of the Zom-B books which will be perfect with this dip if I find the time .
kimbacaffeinate
I love cheese too Tash! Have fun this weekend 🙂
Aimee
Awesome new feature, Kim! I do love cheese, but the chili’s worrying me, haha! And I still have yet to read Feed, but it looks interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
you could substitute shredded chicken, unless you are a vegan..then I got nothing. lol
Jeann
YEESSS I have only read the 1st one but I have all 3 on my shelf and I absolutely LOVE this series! Mira Grant is such an amazing author!
kimbacaffeinate
I think book two is my favorite. I literally cried when the series ended.
Connie
The death dip is truly fabulous! ! The book is one I’ll have to try. I haven’t ventured into zombies yet. Great idea for a blog!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Connie!!!
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Oh love this meme! I haven’t read this series yet but there is so much praise for it.
Thanks for sharing! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Read it. That. Is. All. thanks Melliane 🙂
Tanja
Mhm I love your new feature and this sounds really tasty. I don’t like tortilla chips (yeah shocking) but still I’d love to try this. Also I want to read that Mira Grant series badly. Great post, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Tanja, this works on crackers, celery and my son likes to spoon some one chicken nuggets..lol
Jennifer Bielman
I want Death Dip now!!! I love anything cheesy.
I always wanted to pick up Feed. I should, I think I would love it.
Jennifer Bielman
Brains!!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..you crack me up woman..and yes you need to read Feed 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Read Feed and enjoy!
anna
Oh nice! Recipes are always fun to see 🙂 That one’s not one I can do being a veggie but have done some similar veggie friendly ones. Yums! Can’t go wrong with cheesy goodness.
kimbacaffeinate
I was going to say there is probably a veggie substitute that would work in place of chili..unless you don’t eat dairy..in which case *facepalm* I have no ideas.
Amanda
I still really want to read this series! not sure if I could stomach the dip though haha!
kimbacaffeinate
I love this series and hope you pick it up Amanda!
Chene Sterckx
Awesome new feature!! Strangely enough Chilli is not really popular here in RSA – I did enjoy it when I was in the USA (many years ago). I will check out Mira Grant’s books soon soon soon 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Chene!
Christy
What a great post, Kim! I’m sure this dip is great, but not something I’d eat. And I still need to read Feed!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Christy, I had fun with it and feedback has been positive.