Knock-Off Chili's Salsa

I have been craving Chili's salsa for so long now. Since it will be at least another year before I have a Chili's around, I searched for a recipe online and found a copycat, it wasn't as close as the site said it would be but was still really good! I modified it a bit too. I have never found Ro-Tel tomatoes in Canada so I just added a can of green chilies to my tomatoes.

1-14.5 oz. can tomatoes with green chilies (Ro-Tel brand)

1- 14.5 oz. can whole tomatoes (juice and all)

1 jalapeno, seeded and deveined if desired

1 medium onion

2 garlic cloves

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. sugar

In food processor, place jalapenos, garlic and onions, process just for a few seconds. Add both cans of tomatoes and cilantro. Add all spices. Process all ingredients until well blended but do not puree. Place in covered container and chill. A couple of hours of chilling will help blend and enrich the flavor. Serve with tortilla chips.

*If you can't find Ro-Tel Tomatoes, you can use two cans of whole tomatoes and add one small can green chilies to recipe.

Navajo Tacos

I had forgotten about these until one of my friends CA made them and posted about them on her blog. My kids didn't even know what they were, so I had to make them! When I was little my mom made them with chili instead of taco meat. I made it with the taco meat today. Super yummy, super fattening. Definitely a once a year meal, but SO good!

I made my Indian Fry Bread (aka Scones) using this white bread dough recipe. After letting it raise once, divide dough into preferred sized balls and roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Heat oil in large and deep frying pan, fry scones until golden brown, about 30-45 seconds on each side. Remove from oil and place on plate with paper towel. 

1 lb. lean ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning OR

1 can chili, heated through

Suggested toppings: Cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, chopped onions, avocado or guacamole, garnish with cilantro and salsa. 

Fruit Pizza

Our family is really wanting Spring to come...but since Nova Scotia isn't warming up any time soon we decided to make something "Springy or Summery" to help it along. There are so many different ways to make Fruit Pizza but this is how we did it today!

The crust was made with my favorite sugar cookie mix, (Betty Crocker in a pouch, add 1 stick melted butter and one egg) spread onto a greased pizza pan and baked at 375F for about 10 minutes. Cool completely.

The filling was just a fruit dip, this time made with Peach flavored cream cheese. You can also make your pizza with cream cheese frosting or even just whipped topping.

1 8-oz tub cream cheese, softened, any flavor
1 jar marshmallow cream
1 tsp. vanilla

Soften cream cheese, add to marshmallow cream in bowl and mix with hand mixer until smooth. Add vanilla and mix well.

Spread fruit dip, whipped topping or cream cheese frosting on top of cooled cookie crust. Arrange cut up fruit of choice and enjoy!