Cranberry Salsa

Recently I was looking for a yummy fall hors d'oeuvres and came across a recipe for cranberry salsa. The reviews were fabulous so I decided to give it a try and tweaked the recipe a bit. Do yourself a favor and make this recipe. You will blow your family's mind at Thanksgiving. Plus, it makes a delicious relish for leftover turkey sandwiches. Here is my version:

Cranberry Salsa:

1 bag of cranberries, rinsed

1 navel orange, (zest beforehand) and chopped

1 1/2 T. crystallized ginger (coarsely chopped)

2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped)

3/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/2-3/4 cup sugar to taste 

Chop (finely) the cranberries in the food processor. Remove to a bowl. Put all the other pre-chopped ingredients into the food processor with the sugar. Once blended mix all in the bowl. Chill for at least two hours. Enjoy with tortilla chips.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Do yourself a favor and make this salad for dinner. It's simple and so healthy. Plus it's gluten free (if you're into that ;)).  I served it with heirloom tomatoes. Yum!

Avocado Chicken Salad

2 c. chicken, cooked & chopped

2/3 avocados, medium

1/2 c. cilantro, fresh

1/4 green onion, finely sliced

2 T. lime juice, freshly squeezed

3/4 T. light mayo (to bind)

1 t. salt

Mix the chicken, avocado, cilantro, and green onion in a bowl. Mix the lime juice and mayo in the measuring cup. Pour over the chicken mixture and stir. Add salt to taste.

recipe first seen on Kalyn's Kitchen.

Today's Haul

Earlier I ventured out to my tomato garden. After being gone for a couple of weeks I was happy to see some real beauties. I think the retrieval was worth it after getting bitten through my clothes by mosquitoes! One of my favorite summer soups is on the menu. I will post the recipe and pictures soon. There is nothing finer than tomatoes from your own garden!

Beach Dinner

 I love cooking at the beach. You can get everything locally and fresh seafood is divine. Here is one of my favorite meals we had this week: fresh local sautéed shrimp, black eyed peas with cherry tomatoes, butter beans, and sliced tomatoes from my garden in Virginia.

The key to yummy beans is to cook them in chicken broth slowly. I think I may repeat this meal tonight!