Salsa

2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
1 large can (7 oz) green chilies
3 cloves garlic
4 green onions
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp dried cilantro (optional)


Place all in food processor and pulse to desired consistency. Chill.

I use this salsa on just about EVERYTHING! It is great on tortilla chips, of course. But also use it to top baked potatoes, brown rice, tacos, fajitas, eggs, breakfast burritos, and so much more!
Play around with the amounts of spices on this, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the mix, add some jalapeno slices. SO many ways to customize this and make it new every time.

Sour Cream and Chive Pasta

1 box of pasta noodles
1 cup fat free evaporated milk
2/3 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta per package instructions. Once pasta is drained stir in the evaporated milk, sour cream, butter, chives, and garlic. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes stirring frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Optional 2nd recipe

After making the above recipe place the pasta in the refrigerator and chill. After pasta is cooled stir in 3 strips of cooked bacon (crumbled), 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded), and 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed) and chill.
Serve cold.
Ham can be substituted for the bacon.

Sandwich Wraps with Chipotle Pepper spread

My mother taught me how to make these a long time ago, and we still make them for almost every picnic. Super easy and OOooooo Soooooo Flavorful!

flour tortillas
ham or turkey lunch meat, shaved
Swiss cheese, sliced thinly
bib lettuce
1 block cream cheese (fat free works just fine), softened
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

After bringing your cream cheese to room temperature place it in the food processor and pulse a few times to loosen the block. Next add 1 to 2 peppers from the can, and a tbsp or so of the sauce and pulse a few times. Taste the mixture when it appears the peppers are completely incorporated into the cream cheese. If you want it hotter, add more sauce and/or peppers. This is very much a "to taste" recipe.

On a tortilla spread a thin even coat of the pepper spread, followed by lettuce, lunch meat and cheese. Roll in to a wrap and set aside. Repeat as needed. Chill.

I think these taste even better the second day, they keep well in the refrigerator for several days and are a great after school snack.

As with most of my recipes, play with the ingredients. There are many options here, try your favorite meats and cheeses, I bet you love it!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

This is a super fast, super easy throw together dessert that is perfect for potlucks, BBQ, and picnics.

1 prepared angel food cake
2 pints strawberries; rinsed, stemmed, and sliced
2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 tubs whipped topping
1 tsp vanilla (I highly recommend Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla)
1 trifle dish

In a bowl mix the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest. Set aside and let the juices develop.
Cut or rip the angel food cake apart into bite size pieces.
In a separate bowl fold the vanilla into the whipped topping.
In bottom of trifle dish put a thin layer of the berries, followed by a layer of cake, top the cake layer with a layer of whipped topping and repeat this process to the top of the trifle dish. Chill.
Can be topped with toasted, sliced almonds.

This is another family fave passed down by my mother and adjusted slightly. Enjoy!