Our Fabulous Bites

INGREDIENTS Tomato Layer: 4   large   tomatoes ,  cored, seeded, and chopped fine 1   jalapeno ,  minced 3   tablespoons  chopped cilantro 2   green onions ,  minced 2   tablespoons   lime juice ,  from about 2 limes ⅛   teaspoon   salt Guacamole Layer: 2   green onions ,  sliced thin, green and white parts separated 1   jalapeno ,  chopped 1   small   garlic clove ,  minced 2   tablespoons   lime juice ,  from about 2 limes 3   avocados ,  pitted, peeled and roughly chopped 3   tablespoons   chopped fresh cilantro Salt to taste Black Bean Layer: 1 (15-ounce)   can   black beans ,  drained but not rinsed 2   garlic cloves ,  minced 2   teaspoons   fresh lime juice ,  from about 1 lime ¾   teaspoon   chili powder ¼   teaspoon   salt Sour Cream Layer: 1 ½   cups   sour cream 1.25 ...

 Jeff was gifted a lot of pistachios, a lot.  So I decided to look for ways to use them, besides just snacking on them.  I found a recipe for cheese dip and made a couple of changes and it was a hit at our house. Ingredients 1 cup shelled pistachios, not salted is better 12 ounces softened cream cheese 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated, room temperature 1/2 cup mayonaise 1/2 cup whole milk 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley 1.5 tsp white vinegar 1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 - 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper, black or white 1/4 tsp dry dill weed Crackers or pita chips for serving Directioins: 1. Roast the shelled pistachios in the over on 350 for 5-10 minutes.  Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. 2.Once the nuts have cooled, chop them well. 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and milk until smooth.  Add the parlsey, vinegar, garlic and onion powders, pe...

 I was surprised when most of the kids really enjoyed this.  I was afraid of the awesome sauce, but when I tried it with the squash, I thought it paired well.  By itself, I thought the sauce strange.  Isla loved the sauce, with or without the squash.  I like that you don't have to peel this squash, the skin was tender enough to eat.  I did peel off some of the bumps.   Ingredients : 3-4 medium delicata squash (2 pounds) 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper For the awesome sauce / dip 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche 2 tablespoons hot sauce (we used a Mexican hot sauce) 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1/4 garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon dried dill Instructions: Preheat the oven to 450. Wash the squash.  Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.  Slice into half-moons, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.  Place slices in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake squash on a baking sheet ...

A few weeks ago Costco had these people seeling their homemade Peirogi's, for just a limited time, I guess. I had never had one, so I was excited to sample...the main reason we go to Costco. Anyways, we loved them, and I figured they were something we could make ourselves and Abigail reminded me daily that we needed to. So we finally made them yesterday, and they were a hit! Fun to make, especially if you have mini chefs, or as Abigail likes to call herself, "sous-chef" :) Pierogi's are basically a dumpling, that you boil and fry up. And they are generally filled with a mashed potato mixture, that you can really put whatever your heart desires. You can also make dessert pierogi's, which I fully intend on doing, as we have a plethora of dough left over. Savory Pierogies Dough: 3 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 c Plain Greek Yogurt (or sour cream, but I love the tanginess of the yogurt) 1 egg 3/4 c water Mix the flour and salt in a bowl. In a separ...

Abigail and I just made these and they truly did taste like Wheat Thins! Probably better, though it's been a long time since I've had a boxed Wheat Thin. I only wish I made them thinner, because a few came out softer from being too think. Next time! They are really quick, and super easy. Fun to make with the little ones. Oh, and none of the extra added junk! All real ingredients! Wheat Thins 1 1/4 c whole wheat flour 1 1/2 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp paprika 4 tbsp butter, softened 1/4 c water 1/4 tsp vanilla additional salt for topping (optional) Combine flour, sugar, salt and paprika in a medium bowl, or food processor. Cut the butter into small pieces and mix it in thoroughly, you could use your hands as well. Combine water and vanilla, then add to flour mixture, mixing until smooth. It's really an easy dough to work with! Preheat oven to 400. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Roll dough out on a floured sur...

This is one of those recipes that I make over and over again.  I often make it when we have guests over for dinner.  I love that not only is it easy and quick, you can make it in advance.  I also appreciate that it is a yummy dip that doesn't require cream cheese or mayo or sour cream, which I love those ingredients but they always come with a side of guilt. Don't be afraid of the beans!  Many non-bean fans have enjoyed the dip so give it a try. Note: depending on how strong your garlic is, how powerful your lemon juice, how fresh your parsley, the flavor of this dip can vary.  Sometimes the parsley will be so vibrant and other times the lemon juice shines...as you try this recipe you'll discover what you prefer and you can adjust by adding more or less of certain ingredients.  Or if you are like us, you'll like it every time, no matter how the flavors balance out. White Bean Dip 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans or white navy beans, drained and...