Texas Cowboy Salsa (aka Cowboy Caviar)

My mom shared this yummy recipe with me at a family reunion. It is another great summer recipe, although I also served it at a New Year's Eve party and it was a  total hit. It kind of reminds me of a bean salad with the marinade, but way better! My kids often ask me to make this because they like it so much. Be aware that this makes a large batch which is perfect for a group, it's delicious! 

Texas Cowboy Salsa

1 can each-drain and rinse

  Pinto beans

  Northern beans

  Black beans

  Black eyed peas

  Kidney beans

  White kidney beans

  Corn

Chop fine-

   1 c green pepper

   1 c celery

   1 onion

2 cans diced green chilies

Mix all together in a container with a tight lid.

I use a large flat one so it covers better to marinate.

Depending on the amount of beans used, you will need to make

½ more or double the marinate.

In a saucepan bring to a boil:

   1 cup oil

   1 cup sugar

   1 tsp water

    ¾ c white vinegar

    1 tsp salt

     ½ tsp pepper

Let marinade cool, and  then stir in with bean mixture. 

Let marinate for 24 hours before serving for best flavor. 

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Mango Salsa

My sister shared this recipe with me years ago while having chicken tacos at her house. It was so yummy and refreshing on the tacos! I usually put it on my pork tacos but it is great straight with tortilla chips too. If you like mangos, you'll love this fresh salsa!

Mango Salsa

2-3 mangos, peeled and cubed
2 avocados cubed
1 cucumber, cubed
2-3 Tbs lime juice
1 green onion diced
chopped cilantro
½ jalapeno diced (*roasted or raw- if raw, remove seeds)

Stir together and serve fresh with chips or on pork,chicken,or shrimp tacos. would also be good on baked fish!

*Roasting a jalapeno... My sister also taught me how to roast a jalepeno to help release the flavor when making salsas. First you put the jalapeno(s) in a dry hot fry pan or grill. Turn it occasionally to get the grill marks all the way around. You will hear it pop and sizzle and it will soften up a bit. Then comes the magic... Pop the hot jalepeno(s) in a ziplock bag and seal it right up so that the jalepeno(s) can sweat. This releases the oils and adds flavor and cuts down on the heat. If you want to keep it mild, you can still remove the seeds. Once it has cooled, cut it up for your favorite salsa or dish.

Guacamole Salsa

I came across this recipe on yummy blog Frosted Bake Shop. The kids weren't' quite sure of it because of the tang of the tomatillos but my husband and I loved it. We had it on chicken tacos and the next day I used it to top my taco soup and boy, that was good! It is also good with tortilla chips as a snack, with burritos or any thing else that you would put salsa on. Enjoy!

Guacamole Salsa - from Frosted Bake Shop

1 lb. tomatillos (or more if you want it thinner)
1 jalapeno pepper, cut up (remove the seeds for less spice or add more if you like it spicy)
1/3 bunch cilantro
1 thick slice of onion
1 garlic clove
1 avocado
1 tsp. salt

Directions:
Peel the husks off and wash the tomatillos. Cut them into quarters and put in the blender. Add the jalapeno, cilantro, onion, garlic, avocado & salt. Be sure to put the tomatillos in the bottom of the blender and not the avocado so it doesn't stick to the blade. You might have to help it start by shaking or using a mixer at first. But, once it gets going the juice from the tomatillos will help move the other ingredients around. That is it!
The recipe says that it lasts for about a week in the fridge. It does thicken up in the fridge, so if you want it thinner grab a couple more tomatillos to mix in again. So easy and so good!!

Sweet Potato Oven Fries and Island Chicken

I made this for dinner a while back and it was a hit with the family. I love sweet potatoes and this is one of my favorite ways to make them. Super easy and healthier than fried potatoes. The chicken is from my Friend's blog Taste Every Season and is flavorful and pairs great with the sweet potatoes!

Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Peel and slice up sweet potatoes in the shape for fries. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt & pepper. Roast in a 400* oven for 15-20 minutes until done. It's that easy!

Island Chicken from Jessica at Taste Every Season

Marinade:
½ cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1½ tbsp. soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
½ tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2-4 chicken breasts

How to Make:
1. Combine all ingredients except chicken in a mixing bowl or large airtight plastic bag. Whisk or shake well until the marinade is well mixed. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl or plastic bag so that they are covered by the marinade. If using a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap. If using a plastic bag, press out all the excess air and seal the bag tightly. Refrigerate and marinate up to 10 hours. (the longer the better)

2. When ready to cook the chicken, preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the excess marinade over them. Bake in the oven until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165° F, about 45 minutes (exact baking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces.) Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
OR Preheat an outdoor or indoor grill. When heated grill chicken for about 7 minutes on each side until done.

Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce

I found this recipe at one of my foavorite recipes sites All Recipes . It is an easy and delicious way to make asparagus and my whole family loved it. I hope you do too!

Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce Adapted from All Recipes

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake asparagus 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender.

While asparagus is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Pour over the baked asparagus to serve.

BBQ pork sandwiches, Grilled Corn, & Creamy Dilled Potato Salad

This is a yummy meal but each item is delicious on it's own! I'll start with the BBQ, move on to the corn, and finish with this yummy dill potato salad!



BBQ Pork Sandwiches

This is easiest of all, no recipe really. Just add your favorite BBQ sauce ( we like Sweet Baby Rays) to roasted pork ( I used left over roast) and serve with cole slaw on a bun. Seriously, the kids were hesitant but it was very good! I just bought some cole slaw mix and mixed in slaw dressing from a jar, No recipe here but a great combination. We had never tried it this way before but will definitely do it again!




Grilled Corn
Ok, this is another easy peasy recipe that I got from my friend Sue. ( I love her recipes) Anyhow, you have to use canned corn! Yes, canned. Frozen and fresh corn won't work.

Drain your canned corn and dump it in a non stick skillet. Cook it on medium high heat until any water evaporates and the corn starts to brown and get a little carmelized. Season with salt and pepper. That's it! So easy and so yummy!!

Creamy Dilled Potato Salad from Family Circle Magazine
Ingredients
2-1/2 pounds small red- and white- skinned potatoes (about 1-inch diameter), unpeeled
1 medium-size onion, chopped
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped dill pickles
1 cup light mayonnaise
3 tablespoons brine from pickles
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1. Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
2. Cut the potatoes in half (cut larger potatoes in quarters so all pieces are about the same size). Place the potatoes, onion, eggs and pickles in a large bowl. Stir gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, brine, garlic salt, pepper and dill. Spoon mayo mixture into potato mixture and stir gently.
4. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Mandarin Orange Salad

This is one of my favorite summer jello salads. I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Susan years ago and am excited to share it with you. I made this for the same get together that I had made the Chinese Chicken Salad for and it was gobbled up in a flash! I hope you enjoy it's sweetness. :)

Mandarin Orange Salad

Dissolve together:

1 large package (or two small) orange Jello

2 cups boiling water

Add:

1 small 6oz can frozen orange juice concentrate.

Dissolve in jello mixture

Add:

1/2 cup water

Approx. 3/4 of a 20oz can crushed pineapple with juice

1 can mandarin oranges, drained and cut

Miniature marshmallows.

Chill and let set up in fridge.

Mix 1 small package instant lemon pudding and spread on top of set jello. Then top with whipped cream or cool whip. Keep cold until ready to serve.

Scalloped Pineapple

This is one of my favorite holiday side dishes! It goes great with turkey or ham. I accidentally left it in the oven a few minutes too long so the edges got darker than I would have liked, but it was still very tasty!

Scalloped Pineapple

1 20oz. can crushed pineapple with juice

6 slices white bread cubed

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter- softened

4 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar

Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs and then add pineapple with juices. Stir in cubed bread and then add milk. Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350* for 1 hour.

Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread

This is by far the best corn bread I have ever had! My family devoured it! It was sweet and moist and absolutely delicious! We had it with Taco Soup but it would be great with any chili or bbq you serve. Of course I am happy to eat it plain or with a little honey. Simply delicious!



Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread from Geri at Heart & Soul Cooking

1/4 cup butter ( melted, slightly cooled )
2 eggs
2 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt


Preheat oven to 400 F. ( I actually baked it at 350* for 25 minutes)

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

In a med. bowl mix butter, eggs and buttermilk, set aside

In a large bowl combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Add buttermilk mixture to cornmeal mixture blend together, a few lump will remain.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Peas With Mushrooms (& Terragon Corn)

This side dish has been a family favorite for years. I comes from a recipe book "House Specialties" by Deanna House . I love her book because it is full of delicious recipes that use every day ingredients. Peas with Mushrooms has been a tried and true favorite. I made this for a Christmas family dinner on Sunday and it was a total hit. I also made Tarragon Corn which is another Deanna House recipe we love. Both recipes are made in the microwave for convenience but are easily made on the stove. Either way they are delicious!

Peas with Mushrooms
2 Tbs butter or Margarine
6 green onions, chopped
1 8oz can mushrooms, drained ( or 8oz fresh mushrooms, chopped and sauted)
2 10oz pkgs frozen peas
2 tsp sugar
½ tsp basil leaves, crushed
½ tsp salt

In a 2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish, place butter and green onions. Microwave on full power, covered for 2 minutes. Stir onions and add mushrooms, frozen peas, sugar and basil. Microwave on full power, covered, 10 – 12 minutes, stirring twice. Add salt. Serve piping hot.

Tarragon Corn
1 10oz pkg. frozen cut corn ( I use a 16oz bag)
¼ c sliced green onions
1 Tbs butter or margarine
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp tarragon
Dash of pepper

In a 1 quart microwave- safe casserole combine all ingredients and cover with a lid or plastic wrap that is vented. Microwave on full power for 5-6 minutes or until corn is tender and sauce is bubbly, stirring once or twice.

Porter Rockwell Salsa

While visiting my parents in Palmyra, NY on Thanksgiving, my mom made this delicious salsa! Thank you to Sister Weston, another site missionary, that shared it with her. My mom doubled the recipe and it was gone in no time. I plan on making it this weekend to go with some Honey Lime Enchiladas. Oooh, I can't wait!

Porter Rockwell Salsa

2 cups frozen petite corn- thawed

1- 15oz can black beans - drained

1 diced avocado

2/3 cup green onion diced

2 diced Roma tomatoes

1/3 - 2/3 cup chopped cilantro

1 clove garlic- minced

1-2 tsp hot sauce - to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2-1 tsp salt - to taste

1/2-1 tsp lime juice

2 Tbs red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

Mix together and chill. directions say to allow to marinade for 1-2 hours. We couldn't wait and ate it fresh and it was delicious!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice
adapted from My Kitchen Cafe

This is a great side dish for your Mexican dishes. I really liked this recipe over others that I have tried because you cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water. It just gave it a lot more flavor, if you prefer the more simple flavor that you would find at Qudoba just cook it in water instead of the broth. Also, the recipe said to cook the cilantro with the rice but I like the flavor of the cilantro to be fresh, so I stirred in the chopped cilantro after the rice cooked.

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
juice and zest of 1 large lime
1/4 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

In a skillet, melt butter and add rice. Let cook for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except for the cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 18-20 minutes. Stir in choped cilantro and serve.