Trick & Treat Popcorn

Happy Halloween all!

This is perfect for Halloween or anytime. 

1 - 2 package microwave popcorn
1 - 2 T. each: chocolate syrup, caramel syrup

Pop microwave popcorn according to direction on package. 

Transfer popcorn to large serving bowl.

With a clean spoon drizzle chocolate over popcorn.

With a clean spoon drizzle caramel over popcorn to contrast.

Let harden before serving.

Serves 4. 

Sesame Salad

Ever have one of those days where you don't know what to cook, but you want something satisfying, easy.

This is perfect for lunch, an easy dinner or anytime.

1 head romaine lettuce

1/8 c. green onions, chopped

1/2 c. each: cucumber  chopped, red onion chopped

1 - 2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1/4 c. roasted peanuts

1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper, granulated garlic 

1 - 2 tsp. each:  sesame oil, sesame seeds

1/2 - 1 tsp. lime juice

Pinch red pepper flakes

Rinse, dry lettuce, place in a clean bowl. 

Rinse, cut ends from, chop green onions, cucumber, place into bowl with lettuce. 

Peel, rinse, chop, onion, place into lettuce bowl. 

Combine: soy sauce, salt, pepper, sesame oil, lime juice, pepper flakes, garlic in small bowl.  

Stir with fork to mix well.  

Pour over salad, toss to coat. 

Top salad with sesame seeds,, peanuts, green onions,  toss to mix. 

Serves 4

Margarita Granita

This is perfect for game day, girls night, company or anytime.

2 - 3 c. cold water

1 T. triple sec. 

1/8  - 1/4 c. each: agave nectar, tequila

1/4 - 1/3 c.  lime juice

Salt (enough to coat rim of dessert glasses)

Wet rims of dessert glasses with a clean wet napkin. 

Sprinkle salt on a clean plate.

 Put dessert glasses rim side down on plate to coat rim with salt, set aside. 

Combine cold water, lime juice, sweetener in a pan.

Bring water to boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium, stir with a clean wooden spoon until nectar's dissolved about 2- 5 minutes. 

Set aside to let cool for 20 - 30 min.

Add tequila, triple sec to lime water.

Mix well with a clean fork.

Pour mixture into a meatloaf pan. 

Run fork through liquid a few times.

Cover with plastic wrap, and put in freezer.

40 minutes into freezing, take pan out of freezer, run fork through liquid a few times.

Put back in freezer. 

Repeat the process every 40 minutes for 3 - 4 hours or until done. 

This will keep the mixture from freezing solid.

When you're ready to serve, take granita out of freezer.

Scoop some of the granita into salted dessert glasses. 

Serves 4 - 6. 

Margarita Scallops

 This is great for dinner or anytime.

1 lb. scallops
1 T. each: tequila, lime juice 
1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper (to taste)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
2 - 3 T. olive oil
1 clove garlic crushed

Peel, crush, chop, garlic. 

Combine scallop, garlic, salt, pepper, pepper flakes in a bowl. 

Squeeze lime juice over scallops.

Toss to coat scallops. 

Cover bowl with plastic wrap, place in refrigerator for 15- 30 min. to marinate. 

When you're ready to cook, remove scallops from refrigerator.

Heat grill pan to medium high heat. 

Lower heat to medium, add oil,  add scallops.

Cook scallops on one side for 3 - 5 or until they brown.

Turn scallops over, cook on other side for 3 - 5 min. more or until done.

Serves 4

Corn Chip Pie

  Thisis  my version of a game time classic.

This is perfect for game day snacks, movie night or anytime

1 - 2 cans pre made chili

1 - 2 c. shredded cheese

1 - 2 pkg. corn chips

1 c. salsa

1/2 - 1 c. sour cream

Non stick cooking spray 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Spray non stick spray on baking sheet. 

Arrange corn chips on sheet. 

Open can of chili,  spoon over chips.

Sprinkle cheese over chips. 

Place baking sheet in oven, bake for 6 - 8 min. or until cheese melts. 

Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn.

Remove pan from oven, top with your favorite fixing. 

Serves 4 - 6.

Turkey Chili

Happy fall all! 

This is perfect for fall, for tailgating or anytime.

1 lb.  ground turkey

1 - 2 cans each: kidney beans drained,
diced tomatoes

1/4 tsp. each: black pepper, salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes (optional)
1 onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed, chopped
1 - 2 T. olive oil

Peel, rinse, chop onion.

Peel, rinse, crush, chop garlic. 

Rinse, seed and chop pepper.

Preheat a medium sized pot over medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium and add oil.

Add onions, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic and meat. 

Brown for 8 min. 

Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, bell peppers, red pepper flakes, garlic.

Cook for 10 - 15 min or until well heated, stirring occasionally. 

Serves 6 - 8.

Chili Nachos

 This is perfect for game day or anytime.

1 - 2 cans pre made chili

1 - 2 c. shredded cheese

1 pkg. tortilla chips

1 jalapeño seeded and chopped

1 c. salsa

1/2 - 1 c. sour cream

Non stick cooking spray 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Spray non stick spray on baking sheet. 

Arrange tortilla chips on sheet. 

Open can of chili,  spoon over chips.

Sprinkle cheese over chips. 

Rinse, seed and chop jalapeno. Sprinkle jalapeno over chips. 

Place baking sheet in oven, bake for 6 - 8 min. or until cheese melts. 

Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn.

Remove pan from oven, top with your favorite fixing. 

Serves 4 - 6.