Sometimes all you want for dinner is a big bowl of guacamole. Let’s be honest — we’ve all had meals much worse than that. Avocados and pineapple are two of my favorite ingredients, so it only seemed natural to put them together to create one of my other favorite foods — guacamole. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the not-so-subtle jolt of heat from the jalapeño. I must admit, I came across this idea at a local restaurant that had a variation of a pineapple, bacon guac on the appetizers menu. I’m not much of a bacon fan, but if that’s you, feel free to crumble up some slices and sprinkle on top. Otherwise, this recipe is vegan and will only take you about 10 minutes Scoop this sweet and spicy combination onto a blue corn tortilla chip for a picture perfect bite. Pineapple Guacamole Recipe Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1…
Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
I whipped up another hummus recipe this weekend — roasted red pepper hummus. This one is probably my favorite yet. The roasted red peppers and cayenne pepper give this dip a smooth and creamy texture with a delicious sweet heat. It’s bursting with fresh flavors. If you’ve only ever had store-bought hummus, you’re missing out. It’s so simple to make and easily customizable, you can have complete control over snack time no matter your diet. I roasted my own red peppers because it only takes about 20 minutes and keeps the salt content down. But you can use jarred red peppers from the grocery store if you’re in a hurry. ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS Ingredients 2 medium red bell peppers (about one 10 oz. jar) 1 can of chickpeas (about 15 oz.) 1 lemon, halved 1/4 cup tahini 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup water 1 tsp salt 1/4 cayenne pepper Directions Preheat oven to 450ºF. Cut…
Artichoke dip stuffed bread appetizer perfect for fall football games
The part I enjoy most about fall football season is the food — no shocker there. Most specifically, the appetizers — we can get burgers anytime. With the NFL regular season kicking off, I thought I’d share this unusual take on the classic artichoke dip and pitas. It’s fun and easy to eat, and more importantly, incredibly delicious. When you bring this to the tailgate or table, it’s sure to win big. I first saw this recipe at a tailgate. A crafty friend of mine made and stuffed the loaves ahead of time, wrapped them in foil, and popped them on the grill alongside the burgers and dogs. Try is both ways and see which you prefer. They’ll never be leftovers — guaranteed. Artichoke DIP stuffed bread Serves 4-5 Ingredients 1 fresh french loaf 8 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 6 oz. package of cream cheese 1/2 cup mozzarella 1/2 cup soup cream…
Caprese garlic bread, a can’t miss
Garlic bread and sauce can be a meal in my house. But what do you do to give an upgrade to this basic bread staple? Add melty mozzarella, fresh sliced tomatoes and green basil, of course. Serve as a side with pasta, or eat all on its own. Caprese Garlic Bread Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 loaf Italian bread, halved 1 stick butter, softened 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 1/4 cup balsamic reduction 6-8 fresh basil leaves, sliced Himalayan cooking and table salt Directions Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, add butter, garlic and salt. Mash together until soft and blended. Spread mixture on both halves of bread. Place bread halves on a baking sheet, and bake about 15 minutes or until bread is lightly toasted and just barely brown. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella over both halves of the loaf. Top with tomato slices, and bake…
Watermelon salad perfect for summer
It’s unlikely that you’ll make it through the next five months without finishing a meal with watermelon juice running down your arm. Nothing says ‘warm weather is here’ quite like a thick slice of this quintessential summer fruit. You’re likely very familiar with watermelons sliced or in slushies, but chances are you’ve never had one in a salad. While it won’t go running down your sleeve, this sweet and savory, salty and spicy salad will definitely make it on your menu rotation this summer. It would also be a great dish to take to any summer get together. Watermelon is about 92 percent water and six percent sugars, but you benefit so much more than those figures let on. Adding more melon to your diet means a lots of vitamin C and A and betacarotene. Watermelons are second only to tomatoes for lycopene content — an antioxidant effective in preventing some types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The thick-rinded fruit is also low…
Baked Crab Rangoons with spicy apricot dipping sauce
If you’ve never had a crab rangoon, or if you’ve only had them fried, prepare for your next great obsession. Rangoon’s, or crab puffs, are typically made up of crab meat, cream cheese, and onions with any number of additions such as carrots, garlic or Worcestershire sauce. They are common appetizers nowadays, appearing on most Thai and Chinese food menus in the U.S. While their history is unclear, cream cheese is essentially nonexistent throughout Southeast Asia, so they are likely neither Thai nor Chinese in origin, and yet just another delicious deep-fried, cheesy American invention. When crab rangoons are on a menu, I’m blindsided. I no longer feel the pangs of culinary adventure. I couldn’t care less about the special entrees or appetizers on the menu that evening. My focus is set on those warm, cheesy, crab bites and what surprise sauce the restaurant might be serving with them. I decided if…