Spicy Skeleton Ribs

Name: Spicy Skeleton Ribs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2 loaves (14 slices each).
Cuisine: North America, Cajun
Ingredients: 4 cups diced cooked chicken breast; 1-1/4 cups water; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil; 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 bay leaf; 12 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon grated lime zest; 2 tubes (11 ounces each) refrigerated crusty French loaf; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling YIELD: 2 loaves (14 slices each).

These ribs are sure to add kick to the party thanks to the haunting combination of spices. This can be served as an appetizer or even a hearty sandwich, depending on the occasion. Let the kids fill up on this before trick-or-treating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

4 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
2 tubes (11 ounces each) refrigerated crusty French loaf
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the chicken, water, tomato paste, paprika, lime juice and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until liquid is evaporated, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf.
2. Combine cream cheese and lime zest. On a large piece of foil, roll one tube of bread dough into a 14x10-in. rectangle. Spread with half of cream cheese mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges; sprinkle with half of the chicken mixture and shredded cheese.
3. Starting with a long side and using foil, fold into thirds. Form a 14x4-in. loaf with a seam along one side. Pinch edges to seal. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat. Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Remove to wire racks. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 1-in. slices. Arrange on a large serving platter to resemble ribs with a plastic skull if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 163 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.