Guacamole Salad

The first time I hung out with Janie she brought this dish to share.  I knew right away I wanted to be her friend.

By Ina Graten

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and 1/2-inch diced 
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 
1/2 cup small diced red onion 
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno peppers, seeded (2 peppers) 
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest 
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes) 
1/4 cup good olive oil 
1 teaspoon kosher salt 
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 
2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded, peeled, and 1/2-inch diced

Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalapeno peppers, and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well.

Just before you're ready to serve the salad, fold the avocados into the salad. Check the seasoning and serve at room temperature. 

Paula Dean's Lemonade

Every time we go to a restaurant I ask if they have fresh squeezed lemonade.  If not, I just have water.  And if they do, I'm usually disappointed.  Ms. Paula Dean however, has found the perfect combination for my  picky palate. 

2 cups sugar

1 cup hot water

2 cups fresh lemon juice

1 gallon cold water

1 lemon, sliced

mint sprigs, for garnish

 

In a 1 gallon container,se place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves.  Add lemon juice and cold water to render 1 gallon.  Stir until well mixed.  Pour lemonade over glasses of ice, sqeezeslice of lemon on top of each, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

To Make...

I am on a diet.  I must loose the pudge I was blessed with to carry Aviva.  Sadly, now that Aviva is a real person, there is no purpose for the pudge.  

But that won't stop me from looking and lusting after food.  So here are some links of recipes I WILL make once I get rid of this last 10 pounds.

Crash potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos 

French Breakfast Puffs

This is a living list.  I will add to it whenever I am tempted.