Ok, this is going to sound so weird, but there is this Utah grocery store Maceys that makes THE BEST fresh salsa. I'm not a big pico de gallo fan, but I could seriously drink this stuff. I decided I should try to come up with my own Maceys Salsa copy cat, hence this recipe was born. I dare you to not eat it all in one sitting. 

Ingredients: 

3/4 pounds tomatoes (about 2 medium sized tomatoes), diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped purple onion 

1/2 juice of 1 lime

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions: Combine ingredients, adjust seasoning as needed. 

Simple and fresh, what more could you want? 

Enjoy!

My husband has been making this black bean salad recipe for us for years. Its a perfect addition to any outdoor barbecue, picnic, or even just a fresh dinner at home. It has a great fresh crisp somewhat text mex flavor to it. There is no cooking involved, just a little washing and chopping. Go ahead and try this easy healthful salad out tonight. 

Ingredients: 

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 

2 ears of fresh corn, removed from cob

1/4 cup bell pepper, diced to about 1/2 the size of one black bean

1/4 cup red onion, diced to 1/4 the size of one black bean

2 roma tomatoes, diced to about 1/2 the size of one black bean

1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, chopped in half

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons lavender honey

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

juice from 1/2 of a lime

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tablespoon lavender salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Directions: 

Chop ingredients as directed above, mix together. Eat. 

So simple!

One thing I love about this recipe is that if you have some left over, if its left to sit overnight the flavors are even better the next day! So if you ever need a great make ahead dish, this is a real winner. 

Enjoy!

Tonight we made a mixed grill skillet for dinner. It's very simple and has few ingredients, but it is so good. It's similar to a hash, but without the egg. This would be a perfect hearty breakfast, but it actually makes a wonderfully satisfying dinner as well. It has charred peppers, sautéed onion, juicy sausage, and crispy potatoes. Its a simple and easy last minute dish that no one will feel sorry for eating. 

Ingredients: 
2 bell peppers, diced, diced (choose 2 different colors to make the dish pretty) 
7 red potatoes, diced
1 onion
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried lavender
Salt & Pepper to taste
6 sausages , sliced (We used Aidells Bacon Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Sausage from Costco because its Nitrate free and has great flavor!) 

Directions :
In 2 separate skillets add your sausage pieces and cook on medium high heat until charred and crispy. Remove from the skillets and set aside, keeping the remaining grease in the pans. In one of the skillets add your potatoes, salt and pepper them, then cook until golden brown and crispy. In the other skillet add your bell peppers, onions, herbs, and salt and pepper them as well. Cook until soft and caramelized. Add back your sausage and mix the two skillets together. 

This simple and satisfying dish is one your family will ask for again and again. Enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for those households that are divided when it comes to spice. My husband really enjoys a spicy meal, while I on the other hand can't stand the heat, literally. This dish itself has a wonderful almost spicy flavor from the turmeric, so for me and my mild loving tastebuds, its perfect. But when paired with your favorite hot sauce, it will blow your britches off. Plus it's extremely low fat and full of protein and veggies. So not only is it super tasty, but its good for you too!

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes 
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups frozen peas
20 shrimp, thawed, tails removed
1 1/2 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and Pepper

Cook your rice in the rice cooker with 1 tablespoon of butter added. Heat your oil in a large sauté pan. Add your onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft and tender. Add your turmeric and garlic and stir for 30 seconds until combined. Add your can of tomatoes (juice included), shrimp, and salt and pepper. Simmer until your shrimp are pink and cooked through. Add your cilantro and frozen peas and simmer until peas are warmed through. Mix together with your cooked rice and season again with salt and pepper as needed. Serve with cholula or siracha sauce. 

I hope you enjoy this full of flavor colorful and healthy rice dish - no matter how spicy you choose to make it!