Anybody here know Edie over at Life in Grace? Thanks to Issues, Etc., she’s a hardcore Lutheran of the awesome variety. She’s Southern. She’s homeschools her kids. She’s a stay-at-home mom. She likes colors and cooking and living life big.
Come to think of it, she’s kind of my hero.
And that’s not just because she’s also hosting an e-Christmas party filled with delicious recipes.
I promise.
Ok, maybe a little.
But let’s get real: what’s more Lutheran, Southern, and awesome than good food?
So here’s my addition: Fiesta Cheesecake, or its lesser known name, “Delicious Appetizer of Awesomeness.”
Fiesta Cheesecake
2 packages, 8 oz) light cream cheese, softened
1 package taco seasoning mix
3 eggs
2 cups shredded Marble Jack cheese
1 can (4 oz) green chilies
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup salsa
Place cream cheese and taco seasoning mix in mixer bowl. Beat 1 1/2 minutes or until fluffy. Scrap bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating about 15 seconds after each addition. Scrape bowl. Add cheese and green chilies. Mix 15 seconds.
Pour mixture into greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and spread with sour cream. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer. Cool 15 minutes. Refrigerate 3 to 8 hours. Before serving, remove outer ring and spread top of cheesecake with salsa. Serve with taco chips. 
letitstet.com 
Hmmm. . . that photo looks awfully familiar. That is the best appetizer ever. I get amazing reviews every time I make it!
Well, first of all, I’m so giddy that you came to the party and brought cheese awesomeness. I was a smidge afraid that my Lutheran sisters might reprimand me for hosting such a shindig during Advent. But then I read that you also have some elements of *home* Christmas whilst also having very proper *church* Advent. Cooking is my vocation and I’m happy to have help and inspiration anytime of year. Am I right? And then there’s was my total surprise when your appetizer did not have bacon. To make up for the loss, I placed three strips atop my roasted chicken tonight and called it good.
Most Affectionately Yours,
Miss Edie (proudly serving bacon-flavored delights since 1994)
P.S. You were all sorts of awesome on Issues. I profess my undying love for you and bacon and Issues and cowboy boots and Texas.
Great choice!
Yum!! And, I second Edie’s awesomeness.
Oh. My. Goodness! Running out to buy a spring form pan immediately (I can’t believe I don’t already have one. How did that happen?).