Summer and the living is easy… and here in the south its SO hot we don’t want to turn on the oven! Here’s a great way to enjoy the bounty of summer tomatoes and other produce without that hot stove. Make sure to cut up some cool cucumbers and carrots to enjoy with these yummy dips!
Cilantro is an integral part of both of these recipes. It tastes great with tomatoes and avocadoes, both. Its green-grassy-fresh flavor is also a hint of its powerful nutrition. Cilantro has a high antioxidant content and the leaves have been shown to inhibit unwanted oxidation processes in the body. It also shows promise for being used to take out heavy metals from your body. It has chelation abilities and is being studied as a natural water purifier.

Best Ever Guacamole

4 Ripe Haas Avocados

1 Small Can of Mild Green Chilies

1 TB Minced Sweet Onion

1 Finely Chopped Jalapeño

2 Cloves Garlic, Grated

1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro

Sea Salt to Taste

1 Cup Grated Light Cheddar Cheese, optional

Step One

Halve, peel and pit the avocados and coarsely mash. Add the chilies, onion, jalapeno, garlic and cilantro. Salt to taste and spread on a large platter.

Fresh Salsa

1 ½ Cups Water

8 Dried Chilies, (Your choice)

12 – 16 Sun-dried Tomatoes

2 Large Cloves of Garlic

6 – 8 Large, Ripe, Roma Tomatoes

1 TB Fresh Lime Juice

¼ Cup Chopped Cilantro

Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste.

Step One Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan and remove from the heat. Split and seed the chilies, (wear gloves!) and add them to the water – allow to soak for 15 minutes.

Step Two Place the chilies, water, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Roma tomatoes, lime juice and cilantro in a blender.  Pulse until coarsely chopped and well combined.

Cheater Fresh Salsa

4 Ripe *Tomatoes, Chopped OR 1 Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes drained or combo

2 Cloves of Garlic Grated

1 Tsp Lime Juice

¼ Cup Chopped Cilantro

½ Tsp Smoked Paprika or Chipotle Chili Powder

1 Jalapeño, Minced – Seeds and Ribs removed if desired

Mix the ingredients together and taste for salt and pepper

*You can roast the fresh tomatoes – cut them in halves and place under broiler – skin side up until the tomatoes are blackened.

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