Ay Caramba!

Summer has officially arrived. I can say that I've had quite a bit of free time, being a teacher and all. :)
Don't be jealous that I have three months off and you don't......ok....you can be a little jealous!

Last summer at this time I was in the Dominican Republic waiting to get married, so this summer was a bit of a let down that I don't have a fantastic trip like that planned. I have cooking and baking to make up for it: that's a consolation, right?

Summers usually mean my husband and I frequenting the Soulard Farmer's Market, in St. Louis.  The farmer's market is about three blocks from our apartment, so it's all about the convenience.  The market is one of the best farmer's market I have ever been to. They have such a variety and it is so much cheaper than buying my produce at the grocery store. They always have really great corn on the cob, which is a summer staple and their fruits and other veggies are also spectacular.

After going to the farmer's market, I like to make little dips to have around the house (or for parties and float trips) especially guacamole and salsa. They are simple, delicious, and rather healthy for the summer.

The guacamole is my own recipe, but really it doesn't take a genius to make guac.
Depending on how many people you are making this for you can alter the recipe accordingly.

Ingredients (for Guacamole): for 5-6 people


4-5 avocados
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 large white onion
2-3 jalapenos, seeded (you can add more depending on the spice you want)
2-3 limes, to keep the avocados from browning
1 bunch of cilantro
chopped garlic
salt
pepper


Put in the bowl and combine. Usually I put avocados in first, and mush them up (with a fork or spoon) before adding any other ingredients. Squeeze lime juice on the avocados right after you mush them up.

I don't have a picture of this, but you get the idea of what it looks like; you know, guacamole.
Sometimes I put this in a food processor, other times I just put it in a bowl and make it that way.



Salsa
The salsa, though, made with canned tomatoes tastes so fresh.
This is one of the best salsas I have ever made, and my husband loves it; added bonus.


Ingredients:

1 can 14 ounce diced tomatoes
1 can original Rotel
1/2 white onion
2-3 jalapenos
1 bunch of cilantro
chopped garlic
1-2 limes
salt
pepper

Put all ingredients into a food processor and process. 

Really, couldn't be any easier.

How delicious does this look? 

If you make either one of these or both for a BBQ this summer, I'm going to tell you right now they will be really popular and everyone will want the recipe. 

Ay Caramba!

Happy BBQ.