Good Combinations

I can't say enough about Trader Joes.  They  have so many unique items that you can't get from your local grocery store.  My friend Anne told me about this delightful food pairing:  Buffalo Wheat Thins which you can find at your local grocer and Trader Joe's Blue Cheese Roasted Pecan Dip.  I'm warning you it's very addictive and the nice part is you don't have to cook anything.   Pay no attention to the nutritional content and it will taste even better.

Ceviche Tostadas

Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas

This is a great recipe my friend Anne made for us when we were at their lake house this summer.  It  requires minimal oven time and is easy for those perpetual hot summer days.  She got the original recipe via www.kraftfoods.com and just tweaked it a bit by using store bought guacamole instead of a cream cheese avocado mixture.  I have tried some other recipes from their site and they have all been good and easy.  I'm not a very patient cook so I like fast and easy.  No pun intended for those whose mind went to the gutter.  Enjoy!

Ceviche Tostadas

1 lb. small shrimp, peeled, cleaned and cooked
1/2 c fresh lime juice
1/4 c Kraft Zesty Italian dressing
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 c thinly sliced red onions
guacamole
6 tostada shells
shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese

Toss shrimp, lime juice, dressing, tomatoes, cilantro and onions in glass bowl.  Refrigerate 20 min. or more to marinate.  Warm tostada shells.  I usually warm them at 300 degrees for 10 min. Spread guacamole on tostada shell.  Drain shrimp mixture, spoon on top of tostada and sprinkle with cheese. 

Red Beet Eggs

When I was a kid, my Mom used to make red beet eggs.  I particularly remember her making them for camping trips in our pop-up camper.  Most kids probably associate foods like smores or hot dogs with camping, but I remember red beet eggs.  My family thinks I'm weird and no one else seems to like them, but me.  If you are feeling a little adventurous and you like the flavor of beets I suggest you try them.  Here is the recipe:

Adobe Eggs or Red Beet Eggs

6 hard cooked eggs, shelled
1 can beets
1 cup cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 bay leaf
1/4 tsp ground all spice
1 tsp salt

Put eggs in a quart jar.  Combine remaining ingredients pour over eggs.  Cover, cool and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.  

Clinton Kelly's Sandwich

 

I like to watch the show The Chew every now and then while I'm eating lunch.  I really like the mix of hosts Mario Batali, Clinton Kelly, Michael Symon, Daphne Oz and Carla Hall.  They each bring something different to the table.  Clinton Kelly shared one of his favorite sandwiches that he likes to pack for a picnic lunch.   I decided to try it out on my family last weekend and everyone loved it.  

The ingredients are: a good loaf of baguette bread, roast beef (I love Boars Head.  It's pricey, but worth it.), cheddar cheese and mango chutney.  Pair it with a dill pickle from the deli and pretend your in Napa Valley overlooking vineyards.  The perfect lunch!  What is one of your favorite sandwiches? 

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie

For years I have avoided green smoothies.   Smoothies containing a green vegetable mixed with milk have just never sounded too appetizing to me.  That is until the green monster came along.  The website pinterest is my newest obsession.  I discovered this smoothie on pinterest which originated from the blog www.iowagirleats.com .  Iowa girl Kristin just added a new green smoothie which is her healthier version of McDonald's Shamrock Shake.  I haven't tried that one yet, but the green monster smoothie is a favorite.  I love that I'm getting a serving or two of vegetables at breakfast or as a snack. It tastes like a peanut butter and banana smoothie. You don't even taste the spinach!  I like the taste of spinach just not in a smoothie.  Trust me you'll love it and it's healthy.

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie (serves 1)

• 1 frozen sliced banana (I use an unfrozen one and it turns out fine, you can add a few ice cubes)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt, or other greek yogurt
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze or other kind of milk
• 4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Combine all ingredients in a a blender and blend until smooth.
approx 350 calories, 10g fiber, 21 g protein