Fresh Salsa

This is another one of my husband's favorite summer dishes and one he created on his own! He's quite the chef if I haven't mentioned this already.  I would confidently say chips and salsa are one of his favorite foods combos.  This recipe makes a great big bowl for hours of snacking enjoyment!  It takes a little longer to prepare than simply opening a jar of store bought salsa, but you won't regret the time it takes after tasting it!  The one word to describe this salsa is "fresh."  Feel free to enjoy it with any type of chips you like.  I like to go the baked chip route, while my husband generally wants the "full fat" version.  Try making this next time you have company over and serve with a variety of chips to suit all guests.

Fresh Salsa

2 large Beefsteak Tomatoes, diced
1 medium Onion, diced
1 Green Pepper, diced
2 Jalapeno Peppers, diced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp Kosher Salt, to taste
large handful of Cilantro, chopped

Dice all vegetables and throw in a large bowl.  Then add the lime juice, salt and cilantro. Toss to combine and enjoy! 

xoxo Melissa

Favorite Fruit Dip

I've been making this fruit dip for years and it's always a guest favorite.  It comes from Kraft Foods. It can even be made lower in fat and calories by using low or no fat cream cheese and light or fat free cool whip.  I started making this dip in college when the dining halls served this amazing fruit dip and I started a quest to find my own favorite fruit dip!  This isn't anything like the one from college, but it's my go-to fruit dip recipe these days.  Instead of just serving a fruit salad at your next gathering, try this fruit dip with grapes, strawberries or apple slices.  I don't think your guests will be disappointed!

Favorite Fruit Dip
Makes: 2 cups

4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup cranberry sauce
4 oz. cool whip (1/2 of a small tub)

Mix together the cream cheese and cranberry sauce with a mixer (standing or hand held) until blended thoroughly.  Don't worry if it looks lumpy at first, after a few minutes it will come together.  It's okay if there are a few lumps left in it.  Making sure the cream cheese is room temperature before mixing helps ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Once blended, fold in the cool whip.  Voila!  Serve with any type of fresh fruit. Enjoy!

xoxo Melissa