Happy 4th of July

Wishing everyone a very Happy 4^th of July Weekend. Summer has finally arrived.

Okay, no big meal this weekend or next week.  We are usually away for the holiday weekend. Most people over the long weekend have backyard barbeques, family gatherings, going to the beach and fireworks. So I’m taking a break from What’s for Dinner over the long weekend.

My family likes to boat, so most weekends I don't cook. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have healthy food while away.  I do however like to make appetizers for my family and to share with other dock mates.  One of my favorites, and again, can be made the day before, is Homemade Salsa and Guacamole.  Also I tend to bring stuff for lunch, like my homemade chicken salad which can be made the day before as well.

What better way to end the 4th of July weekend than with a Jello Pudding Cake with the stars and stripes, my daughter’s doing! Can’t wait to share it with everyone. The cake, just google it, it’s on every web page, simple, easy and brings back childhood memories. 

Homemade Salsa:

• Fresh ripe tomatoes about 3 (you can substitute 1 14oz can of petite diced tomatoes drained)
• 1 small green or red pepper diced
• 1 small red onion or yellow onion diced
• 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (I leave some seeds to add heat)
• 1 Large bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Kosher Salt and Pepper
• 2T oil
• 1T Red wine vinegar
• 1tsp cumin
• Juice of 2 Limes and zest from 1 lime

Combine all and adjust seasoning if need be.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

Tip:  Can all be whirled in a food processor to chunky or texture you desire if you chose not to cut by hand, it goes quicker but the texture isn’t as chunky.  Also by making it the day before, the flavors meld together and you can adjust your seasonings the day you serve it.  I like to serve in a bowl with a sprig of cilantro on top.

Homemade Guacamole:

• 2 Ripe Avocadoes, pit removed, scored and scooped out into chunks, don’t mash!!!
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 small tomatoes seeded and chopped (can use ripe plum or any ripe tomato)
• 1 small jalapeno diced (also can use a Serrano or Habanero depending on how much heat you like, any pepper will do) if you don’t have fresh jalapeno’s use hot sauce in its place
• 1  large bunch of cilantro chopped
• 1tsp cumin (if you like more, use more)
• Kosher Salt and Pepper
• Juice of 2 Lemons (not limes) it gives a different flavor

Do not mash, stir all the ingredients with a spoon and serve with Tortilla Chips.

Tip:  A lot of times when you go to the supermarket the avocadoes are not ripe. So to speed up the process place them in a brown paper bag on your counter for a few days, they should turn darker and have some give to them when you touch them. Use them right away or place them in your fridge.

Homemade Chicken or Turkey Salad

• 3 Cups chopped up chicken or turkey (I buy a turkey breast or chicken breasts from Market Basket and use that)
• 1 Stalk Celery diced up
• 3 T dried onion flakes or 1 small onion diced
• ½ Cup Craisins or any dried fruit you like
• 1 Cup Mayo
• 1 Peeled, diced apple
• ½ Cup walnuts (Optional)
• Red grapes cut in half if you don’t have dried fruit

Directions: Combine all and season with kosher salt and pepper

Serve on a nice roll with lettuce and ripe tomato.  

Usually a big hit with my family and friends on the dock and I hope you enjoy!

Happy 4^{th of} July!!!!