Sunday, April 26, 2015

ADDICTIVE AT ITS BEST!

Today, I'm talking about Fruit n' Veggie Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Chips that are always a huge hit every time. It's easy to make, looks delicious and tastes even better.

 
FRUIT n' VEGGIE SALSA
 
                      1 large yellow pepper, diced
                      1 large red pepper, diced
                      2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
                      3 cloves of fresh garlic, diced.
                      1 large mango, diced
                      2 large peaches, diced
                      1 small red onion, diced
                      1 1/2 tbls olive oil
                      1 tsp salt
                      1-2  limes, juiced depending on your taste
                      2 tbls cilantro, finely diced.
 
You can use any combination of fruit, just make sure it's semi ripe.
 
This can be prepared the old fashioned way using a knife, but if you haven't used a Vegetable Chop and Measure yet, you don't know what you're missing. I was given this as a gift from a friend and am so hooked on this little gadget, I bought one for every member of our family. Here's a picture. You can find these in kitchen shops with pricing anywhere from $19.95 - $29.95, depending on the amount of grids included. The full-size cutter has four interchangeable cutters fitted with supersharp stainless-steel cutting grids; one grid makes slices and the three others produce 1/6", 1/4" dices or 1/2" chop. Now, I'm so hooked, I can't live without it. I use this thing for every recipe calling for chopped veggies.
 
We have such busy lives today, having this gadget frees up your time to do other things and still eat well. Do you see the cup measurements on the side of the container?  
 
 
 
 
Cut the tops of the peppers off, slice in strips and dice, which is 1/4 inch. Wash the tomatoes, cut in half and using your finger, push the seed outs and dice the outer skin. Dice and add remaining ingredients; mix thoroughly. Allow to macerate no less than an hour before serving.
 
 
 
CINNAMON SUGAR CHIPS
 
 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and set aside. NOTE: You must use the flour tortillas for this chip
 
 
                         10 (8") flour tortillas
                          6 ounces melted butter
                          1/3 cup sugar
                          1 tbsp. cinnamon 
                          
Place one tortilla down on a cutting board.  . Using a pizza cutter, slice the tortillas into equal slices in the shape of a Dorito chip:
 
 
Brush each slice with the butter and place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with a dusting of the cinnamon-sugar coating over top each chip and bake in the oven for approximately 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool to a nice crunchy chip.
 
Enjoy!
 


 


Saturday, April 11, 2015

UNDENIABLY DELICIOUS!

Last night I was exhausted from a busy day of cleaning for two house showings--we even vacuumed the driveway to get rid of the tree droppings, I hadn't defrosted anything for dinner so I was looking for a quick and easy way out.

I made garbage pizza out of the tortillas and even grilled them so I didn't have to dirty the oven. How's that for lazy?


THE GARBAGE PIZZA

4 lg tortillas
4 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts (sliced - hard leaves removed)
1/4 black olives (sliced)
1 small onion, thinly sliced and sautéed
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella, shredded

Preheat the BBQ grill.

Sauté the onions and mushrooms in separate or same pan, depending on preferences. Set aside. Slice the artichoke hearts. Set aside.

Place the four tortillas on a flat surface such as a large tray. Using a pastry brush, paint each tortilla with the olive oil. Spread equal amounts of tomato sauce around each tortilla and add the ingredients of your choice, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and top with mozzarella.

Place as many tortilla's on the grill as will fit and close the cover and allow to grill until cheese is melted. But don't walk away just yet. The cheese melts quickly so keep checking until you're satisfied. Plate and cut into four slices.

 Brace yourself because you're in for a real treat. Grilling them gives the tortilla a crisp, slightly smoky taste that's undeniably delicious! Bon Appetit!!!

Serves 2