Pan Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

This is by far, one of the best salsas I've had. I have a soft spot for salsa verde because it's mild but packs a lot of flavor. Plus, the sweetness from the tomatillos is a little, added bonus. I've never made a salsa like this before and it's now one of my favorite things. I would be lying if I said I didn't eat a big spoonful every time I walked into the kitchen...

Homemade Ranch Dressing (Without Buttermilk)

Okay, it's not that I have anything against buttermilk, it's just that I never have it in the fridge. I don't keep it 'just in case' so spur-of-the-moment recipes that require it don't happen around here. Ranch dressing used to be one of those things that I couldn't make because I never had the buttermilk. Now, I'm not normally a super huge fan of ranch dressing, but sometimes you just have to have it! And, I got tired of not being able to have it because of that one ingredient. So I improvised. And I tweaked. And I ended up with a dressing that is awesome using ingredients that you probably already have. No special grocery store visit needed just to top your salad. Or dip your vegetables. Or however else you'd use it.

So if you're in the mood for some ranch dressing, don't be discouraged if you don't have any buttermilk! Give this one a try and you won't miss the other kind.

Roasted Garlic Hummus (and the benefits of eating it)

Hummus. Yum.

It's easy, it's healthy, it's tasty. What more can I say?

Oh...how about adding roasted garlic to bring that hummus to a new level. Oh yeah, now we're talkin'.

Or the fact that it's actually healthy. Yep, we're talkin' even more now!

Spinachy Garlic Dip

Love garlic? Love spinach dip? Then you'll love this super easy and extremely tasty dip! Pair it with some of that Hawaiian bread and you're in for a real treat.

Cold Taco Dip

The perfect taco dip can sometimes be hard to come by. There are so many different styles and ingredients that it's hard to find one that is, essentially, just a dip with a taco flavor. But, then again, that's the beauty of food, right? The ability to create so many different variations based one one small idea is what makes creativity in the kitchen come alive. It's a matter of combining different things to achieve different results and hoping that the outcome tastes good.

Creamy Garlic Dressing

I've been pretty sick the past week and I've gotten a little behind on my blogging. It's not your normal sick, it's a tired sick. I've been exhausted the past three weeks or so and this week has just gotten worse. I actually went to the doctor and this cruddy feeling has forced me to take some time off - which was very much needed. I'm finally starting to feel a little better, and it's been killing me not writing, so even though I'm still dealing with whatever it is I have, I just have to post something.

I've decided to post about garlic. What better thing to write about when you're sick than something that has so many health benefits! Garlic has been known to assist in the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as act as a natural antioxidant. I'm a big fan so it may very well be contributing to my excellent blood pressure and cholesterol.

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

Who can resist yummy artichokes that are bathed in a mixture of different cheeses? It's tangy but smooth. It's sweet but savory. It's, well...just plain good.

I made this dip for our Super Bowl get together and it was a big hit. Cream cheese, Asiago, Mozzarella and Parmesan blend together to create interesting flavors that are perfect with pita chips or toasted bread rounds. It's a real crowd pleaser and it's great for any occasion!

Potato 'Chips' with Baked Potato Dip

Do you love baked potatoes with all the trimmings but wish they were in snack form? Well, if so, look no further! (Hmmm...sounds like the beginning of a commercial.)

I put these little munchies together based on some potatoes I made for dinner the other night. Those dinner potatoes were similar to the following recipe, but more like a side dish rather than a snack. They were also served plain while these snack-size bites come with a dip.

Simple Honey Mustard

I sometimes like to use honey mustard in place of plain mayo or other sauces and spreads. It's really easy to make and adds a new twist of flavor to a lot of sandwiches. I'd suggest using it on your next sandwich (such as the Cuban Style Grilled Cheese) or as a dip for fries. You can even make it a salad dressing by adding a splash of vinegar and a tad more honey.