Thursday, August 30, 2012

VEGETABLE SALAD WITH HOMEMADE VINAIGRETTE

5 medium red potatoes
1/2 lb fresh green beans, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 rib of celery, sliced thin
1 medium carrot, shredded
2 or 3 green onions, sliced thin
1 1/2 cups cubed mozzarella cheese

Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch slices and quarter each slice.  Place in a large saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and cook, covered, until potatoes are just tender; drain.

While potatoes cook, place the green beans in a small saucepan and cover with water.  Bring beans to a boil; reduce heat and cook, covered, just until crisp-tender, approximately 10 minutes; drain.

Combine the bell pepper, corn, celery, carrot, green onions and cheese in a large serving bowl.  Add the potatoes and beans.  Pour the vinaigrette over all and toss lightly to coat.  Delicious served either at room temperature or chilled.

Homemade Vinaigrette:
2/3 cup olive or canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp minced fresh thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Using a wire whisk, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl.  Pour over the vegetables, toss to coat well.

Note: Also just a good homemade salad dressing for your green salads and pasta salads as well.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

CHEESY JALAPENO PARTY DIP

1 block (8-oz) Neufchatel cheese, softened
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped fine (wash hands after handling!)
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 tbsp butter, melted
1 green onion, sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, beat the Neufchatel cheese and the mayonnaise until well blended.  Stir in the Velveeta and the jalapeno peppers; spread into a 9-inch pie plate.  Mix the crushed crackers with the butter and sprinkle over the dip. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with the green onions.

Serve with a selection of whole-grain crackers.


Serves: 12 to 18

Note: This is my version of a Kraft Foods recipe.