Pico de Gallo

You will need:

Fresh or dried Cilantro
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
1 teaspoon salt

Mix the chopped ingredients in a bowl and salt to taste.

Add half the jalapeno then taste. If you are looking for more of a kick, add the rest of the jalapeno.

The difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa is very small.

They are made with the same ingredients but Pico de Gallo is raw coarsely chopped vegetables while Salsa's a ground or blended sauces and spices.

Arroz Tapado (Rice on top)

This meal was so fun to make. I was apprehensive about my ability to "stack" the ingredients but it turned out quite easy. This recipe severed just three people so adjust accordingly.

2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup rice

I set to water, olive oil & salt to boil and added the rice. Boil until tender and the water is absorbed.


In a separate pan I cook throughly
1/2 pound of ground beef
1/4 pound of mild sausage.
Add in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper.

When the meat is cooked add in veggies.

 I used broccoli and yellow & orange carrots. (peas, beans & corn can also be used.) Also add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. (Don't be scared, its delicious. Unless you are allergic. Then please omit this step.)

To stack the rice & meat I used an 8 ounce plastic container. (It was a small sour cream container.) I put a few drops of olive oil into the container & moved it around to coat the bottom & the edges.



I then put a layer of rice & pressed it down. Then a layer of meat & press. Lastly a layer of rice again & compressed it down. I put a plate on top of the container & flipped. The container will lift right off.

I served with sauteed asparagus.

Chocolate Cover Cookie Dough

Forget boxes of chocolates, make the perfect gift!

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon water

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir in the vanilla, water, flour, chocolate chips, and walnuts, if desired, and mix until well blended. Roll dough into bite-sized balls (or use a small ice cream scoop). Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Store balls in resealable plastic bags in the freezer.

Make a double boiler like the one I described in Fiber One Chocolate Cookies. I bought 2 bags of chocolate chips & used what was left & the other bag for the dipping chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips & dip the frozen cookie dough. (Use a spoon and place the dough ball into the melted chocolate. Using the same spoon remove chocolate covered dough ball & place onto tray or waxed paper. ) Place on waxed paper or plastic tray. 

I am a bit obsessed about green living and wastefulness. I am aware of  the amount of non-recyclables my family uses & throws away. I picked up some plastic serving trays at my last job. They were throwing them out. I use them for cooling or drying cookies and candies. You can see the trays in the top photo. I never buy waxed paper, paper towels or trash bags. Less use, less trash & more money.

These were very easy to make and quick. The longest was waiting the 2 hours for the freezer time. These were definitely ready in 3 hours.

I think next time I will try peanut butter or maybe Peppermint Patty. My Peanut Butter Fudge recipe will be perfect for the center.