Salsa

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (not drained)
3 Tbl. canned diced jalapenos
1 Tbl. lime juice
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/2 c. diced yellow or white onion

Combine all ingredients in food processor (or blender) Run on high speed for just a minute until it is nearly pureed. Be careful not to over-process. Stir well. Cover and chill overnight. Serve with chips.

We absolutely LOVE Chili's salsa... this recipe is the closest thing to it! Enjoy!!!

Strawberry Smoothie

1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
6 whole frozen strawberries
2 tsp. crystal light strawberry/orange/banana drink mix
3 tsp. vanilla
1 container light strawberry yoplait yogurt
3 c. crushed ice
1 can sprite zero

Blend until smooth. Makes at least 2 smoothies. You can also divide it into thirds. I love using the mandarin oranges... they are so versatile and blend up really well. I buy them by the case so I always have them on hand too.

Citrus Smoothie

1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
2 tsp. lemonade crystal light powder
1 container light key lime pie yoplait yogurt
3 tsp. vanilla
1 can sprite zero
3 c. crushed ice

Add all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Divide into 3 servings. Enjoy!

We developed this recipe last night and can I just tell you... it was fabulous! The only calories in it are the yogurt and the mandarin oranges (and maybe a couple from the drink powder).

Mexican Meat Marinade

1/4 C fresh lime juice
1/3 C water
2 T vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
3 t vinegar
2 t soy sauce
2 t liquid smoke
1 t salt
1/4 t chili powder
1/4 t cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients and whisk well. You can use chicken or steak, cut into strips. Marinate for at least 4-6 hours...preferably overnight. Grill on the barbeque, Foreman, or in a skillet on the stove till meat is done. Serve on a tortilla with whatever fixin's you want...beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, green or red peppers, onions, pico di gallo, etc.

Poppy Seed Bread with Glaze

Poppy Seed Bread with Glaze

This is our FAVORITE, my kids beg for me to make it and its gone in a day or two. VERY YUMMY.

3 eggs beaten

1 1/8 cup veg. oil

2 1/4 cup sugar

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoon butter melted

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 Tablespoons poppy seed

Mix all ingredients really well. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Glaze

1/4 cup orange juice

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon butter melted

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix it well. Pour on top of warm bread.

I dump out the hot Bread immediately onto a square of tin foil,

turn the bread over and pour the glaze on while its HOT,

then wrap up the bread while hot.