Pico de Gallo

Finally a Pico de gallo/salsa fresca that's post worthy. I've tried so many different salsas, and finally, this is what i've been searching for. Especially with garden white/green onions and garden romas. garden tomatoes makes the difference, I swear. Also, I didn't add anything more than a drip or two of garlic juice from the costco bottle and I thought i'd miss garlic (like other recipes include) but i didn't miss it and think i'd prefer it out. The onions give me bad enough breath :) I used this to dip chips in and my kids really liked it. I also added the costco mix of quinoa/brown rice, 1/2 can of black beans, and some of this salsa to a bowl and used it for quesadillas. (remember to put cheese on the bottom and after you put filling so that the tortillas stick together)

 

Salsa Fresca

Such a wonderful recipe to make in the summertime when tomatoes are fresh and flavorful, this recipe is best when made several hours ahead and is given time to marinate.

Ingredients:

3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded (ribs removed too) and finely chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
sea salt to taste

Directions:

In large glass bowl, combine all ingredients and season to taste with salt. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Tips:

*This is great to prepare the evening before your event and let it marinate and chill overnight.
*Try adding corn or black beans to your salsa for a different twist.
*This salsa will keep for several days (covered) and kept refrigerated.

Alfredo Sauce

http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/22831/alfredo-sauce/
Mark really wanted me to save this because it was so easy and creamy. I will make again.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream --Beth used evaporated milk
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley--Beth used 4  tsp dried

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cheese and whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley and serve.

Asian Salmon

http://damndelicious.net/2014/12/19/asian-salmon-foil/?m&m

This was a refreshing change and best of all, it was easy and quick. I cooked mine on parchment paper instead of foil. Since it wasn't surrounded by foil though I spooned some of the juice back on while cooking. 

Chicken Pot Pie Baked Potato

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/chicken-pot-pie-baked-potato/

These were good. It just made sense to put a baked potato with a chicken pot pie. I liked that I didn't have to make the crust too. 

Slow Cooker Beef Enchildas

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/slow-cooker-mexican-shredded-beef-for-enchiladas/

I don't usually like burritos that are mostly meat but these were different. We loved these! They tasted like a really good restaurant and they were easy because all the meat cooking was done in the crockpot.  I had a lot of meat and sauce leftover after making a big pan so I froze it for later. It was nice it made so much.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/cheesy-spinach-stuffed-pasta-shells/

I think these are going to replace my manicotti recipe because they were so much easier. I didn't make her sauce but just opened a store bought bottle to make it easier. My favorite part was that I didn't have to stuff those tight manicotti shells.

Chocolate Banana Creamy Smoothie

This is kind of like the recipe that came from Mom but more creamy and sweet because it has sweetened condensed milk in it. 

3 drops of vanilla 

1/3 c sweetened condensed milk

2 T of cocoa

1 banana 

1 1/2 c milk

12 ice cubes