GUACAMOLE

This is one of those recipes where I dump a little of this, sprinkle a little of that, and then cross my fingers that it turned out as good as the last time! It would be pretty hard to mess this up, so just go for it!

FIESTA GUACAMOLE

2 -4 ripe avocados

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 of a medium onion finely diced

1/4 of an anaheim) pepper (family friendly)or spice it up with Jalepeno

1-2 fresh limes, juiced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, stems removed

2 tsp. garlic powder or garlic salt

1 roma tomato, finely diced

salt and pepper to taste

Crush the avocados with a potato smasher, tart pusher, fork or whatever you have around. Some small chunks are desirable. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir until well blended. Taste to see if you need more lime or salt. Enjoy!

Our favorite chips are Jaunita's

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is like an old friend. I snuggle up next the fire in the morning while everyone else is asleep and enjoy a cup. I don't like how much sugar (and other inert ingredients, what is that stuff?) they put in store bought mix, and gourmet mix is too fattening (I enjoyed an entire canister of a specialty store's gourmet cocoa in one month. 5 lbs later, trust me I know). So, I came up with my own recipe.

HEAVENLY HOT COCOA

In a pint jar mix equal parts: (I started with equal parts, but now I cut back on the sugar a bit)

cocoa powder -Baker's is my favorite

sugar- I like to use evaporated cane sugar but white sugar is fine too

pinch of salt

Stir ingredients thoroughly with a fork to blend. Store in a cool dark place.

Heat milk in a mug. (99 seconds in my microwave) Add one gently heaping spoonful and stir. It is much stronger than store bought so take it easy until you figure out how much you like. I figure there are less than 50 calories per serving, plus your milk. That's what I call guilt free!

Mom's BBQ MeatBalls

When I say 'Mom's BBQ Meatballs' I literally mean my own Mother's meatballs. This was put in our church cookbook waaaaay back in the 70's I think. The first few pages of my much loved cookbook are missing, so I'm not positive. But it must be older than me. ;) This is a family favorite. Not only the family I came from, but my kids absolutely love these meatballs.

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner, healthier option)

3/4 C. oatmeal

1 C. milk

1/4 of an onion, minced

2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1 tsp pepper (or to taste)

3 tsp. olive oil for pan

Combine all ingredients except for oil and form into 1- 2" balls. Brown in olive oil. Add sauce and simmer for approx. 30 minutes.

Sauce:

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 C. Ketchup

1/2 cup water

5 Tbsp vinegar

6 Tbsp freshly minced onion

YUM!

Mahi Mahi

I'm working on a recipe for my favorite Fish: Mahi Mahi. So mild in flavor and so, so good for you. I'll post it and a picture after we taste test it tonight, and its worthy of a post! Happy St. Patty's everyone!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Here's a rice recipe to go with all of the chicken recipes from the other day. I tried out several, and this was the best!

CILANTRO LIME RICE

1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cup rice of your choice
3 cups chicken broth
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
zest from one lime
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. salt

Add the oil to a large sauce pan and heat on low. Add the garlic and rice to the oil and saute for 2 minutes on medium heat stirring frequently.

Add the chicken broth, salt, lime juice and bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes or according to directions on the rice package

When the rice is done, add lime zest and chopped cilantro and stir to mix in. Serve immediately.

If you are using regular long grain rice, follow the cooking directions on the box regarding the amount of liquid to use and the cooking time.

Tip Of The Day

Sink not smelling too pretty? Cut a lemon up into small pieces (As the wife of a plumber, it's not a good idea to put a giant chunk of anything down your disposal.) Run cold water while you let the disposal run.

Pina Colada Slush

• PINA COLADA SLUSH
• 
  
• 2 (14 ounce) cans cream of coconut
• 3 (6 ounce) cans frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 (46 fluid ounce) can unsweetened pineapple juice
• 2 Fresca or lemon lime soda

1. In a large plastic container combine cream of coconut, lemonade concentrate, and pineapple juice. Mix well and store overnight in the freezer.
2. To serve, place 2 scoops in a glass, then fill the glass with lemon-lime soda. Or place frozen mixture in a punch bowl and cover with soda.