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Fresh Tomato Salsa

Aug17
Fresh Tomato Salsa

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Savoring red ripe tomatoes is one of the simple pleasures of summer. And when they’re combined with a mixture of other fresh-from-the-garden ingredients and turned into salsa, they’re even better.

Perfect for pairing with tortilla chips, topping off burgers, or embellishing any hot-off-the-grill meat, this refreshing salsa is a delicious way to make use of a bountiful garden.

FRESH TOMATO SALSA

5 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 medium jalapeño chiles, seeded and minced
1/4 cup minced white onion
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes about 3 cups salsa.

If you enjoy easy seasonal recipes like Fresh Tomato Salsa then pre-order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons and get this refreshing summer recipe for Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa! Summer never tasted so good.

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

Herb Cheese Spread

Jul26
Herb Cheese Spread

Herb Cheese Spread

Easy recipes that can be prepared in a short amount of time are as welcome as a summer breeze. And when they make good use of seasonal ingredients, they’re even better.

By combining a package of cream cheese and a few other ingredients with garden-fresh herbs, a flavorful appetizer can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Just cover and refrigerate for an hour or up to three days, and spread over assorted crackers.

HERB CHEESE SPREAD

1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt to taste
Assorted crackers

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in chives, parsley, garlic, and salt to taste. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with assorted crackers. Makes 8 servings.

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Dec5

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Just in the nick of time for cocktail parties or holiday get-togethers, this recipe makes it easy to celebrate the Yuletide.

You can save time in the kitchen by using store-bought frozen meatballs that have been thawed instead of making your own, if desired.

Whichever way you choose, these tasty tidbits will be a joyful addition to any holiday gathering.

CRANBERRY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS

MEATBALLS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 small onion, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
 

SAUCE
3/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. For meatballs, in a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Shape into 1-inch balls; place in a 10×15-inch baking pan. Bake until browned and cooked through, 28 to 32 minutes. For sauce, in a large saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, barbecue sauce, water, and onion powder. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. Add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with wooden picks. Makes about 60 meatballs.

 

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Jun3

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Strawberry Fruit Dip

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Ideal for entertaining, this crowd-pleasing recipe takes just a few minutes to whip up. An excellent choice for a graduation party or any other summer get-together, it’s easy to prepare by simply combining a few packaged ingredients.

And it’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe. Serve with fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruits for a refreshing treat as welcome as a summer breeze.

STRAWBERRY FRUIT DIP

1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat strawberry yogurt
1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
Assorted fresh fruit, such as strawberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, for dipping
For dip, in a large bowl, combine strawberry and vanilla yogurt. Fold in whipped topping. Serve with assorted fresh fruit. Makes 24 servings.

Herbed Salmon Cakes

Mar27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, March 27, 2014

Herbed Salmon Cakes

Looking for easy and elegant appetizers for springtime celebrations? Then these flavorful hors d’oeuvres are for you.

Quick to prepare, these yummy starters make good use of canned salmon. And while they are a tasty prelude to dinner, the mixture can be shaped into four bigger patties and placed on buns for mouthwatering sandwiches that are perfect during the Lenten season.

Whichever way you choose to savor them, these flavorful cakes make it easy to get hooked on canned salmon. Happy Spring!

HERBED SALMON CAKES

1 egg
2 tablespoons regular or light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon heavy (or whipping) cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained, flaked, and skin and bones removed
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon wedges (optional)
Lemon Herb Sauce (optional)
In a medium bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, heavy cream, lemon juice, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add salmon and bread crumbs; mix well. Shape into eight patties. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet until hot; add patties. Cook over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Squeeze lemon wedges over patties and/or serve with Lemon Herb Sauce, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

LEMON HERB SAUCE

1/4 cup regular or light mayonnaise
1/4 cup regular or light sour cream
1 teaspoon minced fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Dash salt
Dash pepper
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes 4 servings.

Cajun Peanuts

Jan23

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cajun Peanuts

Cajun Peanuts

Cajun Peanuts

Whether it’s a Super Bowl party or any get-together, spicy nibblers are always welcome. Ideal for any game-day gathering, these crunchy tidbits are quick and easy to prepare.

You probably already have the ingredients on-hand to make your own Cajun seasoning. And by simply combining this seasoning with cocktail peanuts and heating on the stove, a zesty snack can be ready in no time.

Perfect for making ahead, just store, covered, at room temperature for up to two weeks. With this flavor-packed variety of spices coating crunchy peanuts, tackling what to prepare for the big game couldn’t be easier or tastier.

CAJUN PEANUTS

1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
24-ounces cocktail peanuts
For seasoning mix, in a small bowl, combine paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until hot; add seasoning mix. Cook 30 seconds, stirring continuously. Add peanuts; cook until completely coated, about 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Cool 10 minutes. Makes 16 servings.

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Sep10

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Make the most of apple season by whipping up a slightly sweetened peanut butter dip that pairs perfectly with just-picked apples.

By combining a few pantry staples, it’s easy to create a healthy dip that can be on the table in a matter of minutes. Simply slice a few apples and arrange them along with dip on a sturdy platter like this Chef’s Table Platter from Oneida.

Terrific for the back to school season and just right for little hands to dip into, this nourishing snack is a tasty way to enjoy the abundance of apples—and all the goodness of autumn.

APPLE SLICES WITH PEANUT BUTTER DIP

1/3 cup regular or reduced-fat peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple slices, for dipping
For dip, in a small bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir until smooth. Serve with apple slices. Makes 12 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing serveware

Ham and Boursin Roll Ups

Aug13

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, August 1, 2014

Ham and Boursin Roll Ups

Ham and Boursin Roll Ups

Looking for elegant appetizers that are easy to prepare? Then you will want to keep this recipe handy when it comes time to impress your guests.

Simply combine a couple of cheeses, spread over sliced ham, roll up, and cut into bite-size pieces. Secure with toothpicks, and you’ll be on your way to sharing tasty tidbits that everyone will love.

Whether entertaining indoors or outdoors, arrange the Ham and Boursin Roll Ups on serveware like this from Oneida.

Placing appetizers on a bed of ice ensures it will stay fresh and chilled—making this serveware the ultimate in functionality. Now this is something to celebrate.

Cheers!

HAM AND BOURSIN ROLL UPS

1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
8 slices regular or reduced-fat deli ham
In a medium bowl, mix together Boursin cheese and cream cheese using a fork. Spread on ham slices. Roll up ham slices lengthwise; transfer to a plate. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Trim ends, if desired, and cut each slice into 1-inch pieces. Secure each piece with a toothpick. Makes 40 pieces

Thanks to Oneida for providing serveware

Creamy Herb Dip

Jul16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Creamy Herb Dip

Creamy Herb Dip

Looking for a summertime snack featuring garden-fresh herbs? Then this easy to make recipe is for you.

Simply combine a couple of newly picked herbs along with a few pantry staples and you will have a fresh-tasting treat perfect for dipping into. This recipe calls for chives and parsley, but you may substitute your choice of herbs for these, if desired.

Prepare dip at least two hours in advance and store, covered, in the fridge until ready to serve. Arrange chips and dip in pretty serware like this Anchor Hocking Presence Chip and Dip set and treat your guests to a crowd-pleasing snack highlighting the flavors of the season.

The dishwasher-safe bowl and deep serving platter serve a multitude of purposes when not in use as a set for chips and dip—making it a great value. Now this is a refreshing way to savor summer or any time of year. Enjoy!

CREAMY HERB DIP

1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light sour cream
3/4 cup regular or light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Dash salt and pepper
Assorted vegetables, crackers, or chips
For dip, in a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve with assorted vegetables, crackers, or chips. Makes 15 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Mar26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, April 18, 2014

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

If you are planning on coloring eggs for Easter, why not cook a few extra and make deviled eggs. Quick and easy to prepare, deviled eggs are a delightful addition to any springtime menu.

While there are many ways to prepare them, this recipe makes good use of Ranch salad dressing. By combining the dressing with the yolk mixture, it’s easy to add zesty flavor to these classic snacks.

The recipe may easily be doubled for a crowd, and the deviled eggs may be prepared up to 12 hours in advance. For the ultimate in ease, place halves of eggs in a pretty dish likes this Anchor Hocking Deviled Egg Tray and either spoon or pipe egg yolk mixture into halves. Loosely cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve. Sprinkle with extra bacon bits and garnish with sliced fresh chives just before serving.

Whether they are for an Easter celebration or any occasion, this recipe makes it easy to add a tasty twist to a time-honored favorite. From my family to yours, Happy Easter.

(For a fun Easter treat both children and adults will enjoy, try the recipe for Spring Nests.)

BACON RANCH DEVILED EGGS

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
2 1/2 tablespoons regular or light mayonnaise
2 1/2 tablespoons regular or light Ranch salad dressing
2 tablespoons real bacon bits, plus more for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Sliced fresh chives (optional)
Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Remove egg yolks from whites. Place yolks in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, dressing, 2 tablespoons bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Mix well; spoon or pipe mixture into halves of eggs. Sprinkle with bacon bits and garnish with chives, if desired. Makes 12 deviled eggs.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware