Hot Ham and Cheese Dip

This recipe is three of my favorite things, easy to make, filling, and rather wonderful on a cold day. You could make this as an afternoon snack, pair it with a salad for lunch, or serve it as an appetizer.

Hot Ham and Cheese Dip

1 pkg of cream cheese

1 c of shredded cheese (I like sharp cheddar)

1/2 c of chopped ham (leftover from Christmas dinner is the best)
pinch of cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in an oven safe baking dish with a lid. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and remind husband, boyfriend, children, best friend that it is HOT so let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or on a toasted loaf of bread.

Keema loves the scraps of leftover ham after she has had a long cold day.

Holiday fun

One of my favorite childhood memories is going dog sledding with my family in Colorado. When we got home from the trip, my siblings and I decided it would be a great idea to hook the family corgis, beagle, and collie up to a sled and mush around the yard.

Although the snow has not come to NW Arkansas yet, there are plenty of winter activities that you can enjoy. The ice rink is open in downtown Bentonville, and fun for all ages! If you like nature and adrenaline, I would highly suggest bundling up and trying your hand at a the mountain biking trails. I love going to the Slaughter Pen; however, Compton Gardens and Crystal Bridges offer nice trails for a leisurely ride. If you prefer less of an adrenaline rush, the trails can be enjoyed on foot or with your canine companion. While you are out, you should stop by the Bentonville square to see the lights!

Sometimes, I find myself just not wanting to venture into the cold. I love to do hot yoga this time of the year, it warms you from the core out and its a great way to burn off that few extra pieces of holiday fudge. Bentonville Yoga Room and Yoga Story offer great classes on cold winter days. The Downtown Activity Center is also a great place to blast away some cookie calories!

Of course if you just hate winter and want to hibernate until it is over, take comfort in knowing that spring and summer will once again bring us wonderful fresh food. Do you have any suggestions for winter activities in Bentonville?