Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa

1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped into small pieces

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped 

1 1/2 pounds of peaches, peeled and diced

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. lime zest

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. Trader Joes Everyday Seasoning

Mix all ingredients together and let sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let the flavors mix well before serving.

This is great with tortilla chips or my favorite, served on top of grilled Halibut.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

An easy and flavorful chicken recipe.  Prepare the Rosemary and Garlic Rub first.

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons fresh chopped Rosemary

2 Tablespoons – Greek plain yogurt

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme

3 garlic cloves, pressed

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

This recipe will coat 4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

Rub the Rosemary and Garlic Rub evenly over the chicken meat.  Grille for about 25 minutes until cooked through.

I serve this with wild rice and and roasted summer vegetables.

ENJOY!

Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients

1 1/2  pounds lean ground beef

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups chunky salsa

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce

1 can (4 ounces) chopped mild green chilies

1 package taco seasoning mix

6 flour tortillas (10 inches)

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

Sliced black olives, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onion, fresh cilantro and sour cream 

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and saute the garlic and onion. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until no longer pink.  Stir in the salsa, beans, enchilada sauce, chilies, taco seasoning and salt pepper; heat through.

 Spread 1 cup meat mixture in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Layer with two tortillas, a third of the remaining meat mixture and 1 1/2  cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture.

 Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese 

 Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 

Add toppings of choice and serve.

ENJOY!

Mixed Berry Muffins

Mixed Berry Muffins

In my latest blog post I talk about sharing your story. This recipe was given to me by a neighbor when I lived in Indiana. She brought them to my house as a ” welcome to the neighborhood ” gift. They were delicious and just what I needed to feel like I could begin a new chapter of life. For two years we shared stories and recipes. Kathy is no longer with us but her stories and generosity live on. I hope you enjoy this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups  all-purpose flour

 1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 stick butter, softened

2 eggs

1 cup milk ( can substitute with soy or almond milk)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups mixed berries ( blueberries, strawberries and raspberries )

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 1/2 tablespoons sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 12 -18  muffin cups with paper liners ( depending on if you want small or large muffins)

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add the softened butter and mix with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix well. Gently fold in the berries.

In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar until smooth. 

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add a small amount of cream cheese (about a teaspoon)  – Top cream cheese with another spoonful of batter. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or pink colored sugar if desired.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Easy Holiday Punch

Easy Holiday Punch

2 Qt Cranberry/Mango Juice

2 Qt. Pulp Free Orange Juice

2 Liter 7 Up

For Garnish

2 Mandarin Oranges

2 Limes

1/2 c. Pomegranate seeds

1/2 c. Fresh Cranberries

Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

In large punch bowl combine juices and 7 Up.  Add ice

Then slice oranges and limes.  Add sliced fruit, pomegranate seeds, cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish.

  • This can easily be turned into a Holiday Rum Punch by adding Blue Chair Coconut Rum *

Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Salad

Dissolve :  1 Large box of orange jello in 1/2 c. boiling water

Add:  1/2 c. orange juice – pulp free

Let cool

Then add:

1 lb. of cranberries, finely chopped ( use a blender or food processor)

1 1/2 c. pineapple tidbits , drained

1c. chopped apple

1c. chopped walnuts

1/2 c. chopped celery

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

3/4 c. sugar

orange zest of 1 small orange

Mix well and chill overnight.

Enjoy!