5 Minute Guacamole

I don't know about you but I LOVE Guacamole!  I really love it with fresh garlic, onion and tomato but let's be honest....how often do we have time to make it?? I sure don't.  This is a guacamole I have been making for years.  It is a great snack, or addition to a mexican dish and only takes 5 minutes to make!  Another plus is that it is good for you.  Ok except for the salt but you can always cut that down.  Like most of my recipes you can make it the same way I do or make it your own:)


5 Minute Guacamole

2 avocados-peeled and pitted
1 Tbsp Lime juice-you can also use lemon juice  or a mix of both!
2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp Garlic powder
2 tsps Onion powder
1 Tbsp Chili powder
1 tsp Cayenne pepper-adjust to how much spice you like
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Cumin

Mash the avocado.  I tend to like it chunky but you can mash it until the clumps are gone.  Add the ingredients and mix well.  That's it!  Enjoy!

Cucumber and Summer Squash Salad

During the summer I always enjoy cold food, like most people do! It has been in the 100's here and turning on the oven is not my idea of fun. I've always made a cucumber tomato salad with either italian or ranch dressing but since I didn't have tomatoes or either dressing and a perfectly good squash from my garden I decided to mix it up.
2 Cucumbers peeled and chopped
1 large summer squash peeled and chopped
2 Tbsps Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
A dash of salt and pepper
1 tsp of chili powder or cayenne pepper depending on how much you love spice

Gluten Free Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect summer dish, its great for warm weather and if you leave the cheese out it will last in the heat. Since we have been eating gluten free this was made with gluten free pasta. I have to say its different, good but different. I'm one of those people that like to throw many things in one dish, so feel free to substitute whatever you have.

GF Pasta ( I used Heartland)
Carrots
Celery
Green beans
Shredded Cheese
Cucumbers
GF italian dressing if you have it, if not use olive oil mixed with italian seasoning, salt and pepper
Handful of Turkey Pepperoni

Cook the pasta based on directions. Dice carrots, celery, green beans, cucumbers, and pepperoni. When the pasta is done, drain it and rinse it in cold water. If you have time let it cool or just keep rinsing and it will cool off. When it is rinsed and drained add the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate.

I always find pasta salad tastes better the day after!

Fideo

When I was a little girl most of my summers were spent with my grandparents.  My Dad's parents divorced a long time ago and my grandpa (also known as Tata) remarried my Nana.  She is one of the most loving, caring people I know.  She came here from Puerto Rico so as I was growing up learning to speak, she was learning to speak English.  There were many things we used to do together but the one that we did the most was EAT and EAT and EAT!  No wonder I have such a love for food!!  One of my favorite dishes she ever made was Sopa (also known as Fideo).  She gave me the recipe years ago and I have kind of tweaked it to make it my own.  It is a side dish that everyone will love and its great for potlucks.

Fideo

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
7 oz package of fideo noodles
8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp. of pepper
1/2 tsp. of cumin
1/4 tsp. of oregano
1/4 cup of chopped onion, or 1 Tbsp dried onion
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced or 2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. of fresh or dried cilantro
1 tsp. of chili powder

In a skillet heat the vegetable oil on medium for about 2 minutes.  Add the fideo noodles and mix them around until they are golden brown, be careful that they don't burn. I usually add the onion and garlic right before they are done. The other spices can go in at the same time or after the liquid.  When they are golden add the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a slow boil then turn down to low and simmer until the liquid is gone.