Chilled Avocado & Feta Cheese Salsa

This is another summer-time favorite.  It came to me by way of a friend at a party, and we all could not get enough of it.  Fresh garlic and cilantro, sweet tomatoes and creamy avocado.  It was served with pita chips on the side, but I have since  enjoyed it  with pretzel and  tortilla chips and my new favorite, rice crackers.   The rice crackers make it a dish to be enjoyed by those that are gluten-free.  I found these amazing crackers,  even my kids,  love at Costco (see description below). I have also tried Wasabi rice crackers.  

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb. grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1  small red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 oz. container of feta cheese, crumbled
• drizzle of extra-virgin  olive oil
• salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, avocado, onion, and garlic.
2. Mix in cilantro and garlic. Stir in feta. 
3. Drizzle with olive oil
4. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover, and chill for 2 hours.

The crackers are by Crunchmaster (7 Ancient Grains (Brown Rice, Sorghum, Quinoa, Sesame, Millet, Flax & Amaranth)...oven baked to a crunchy perfection! Just a hint of sea salt added to make this whole grain cracker a tasty, low sodium, gluten free snack option!

Cilantro Aoli

This is the Cilantro Aoli for serving with the Chorizo Croquets that will be included in the Spanish Inspired Tapas Menu for an event  this February.  

You will be basically making homemade mayonnaise (egg and oil) and adding in the lime, cilantro, garlic, Dijon, ect.   If you want to skip making your own mayo,  I have included instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup olive oil
• juice of 1 lime
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the egg in a food processor, cover, and process until smooth.
2. Drizzle in  olive oil, until mixture begins to emulsify and look like mayonnaise.
3. Add in  Dijon, garlic,cumin and cilantro.  Pulse until smooth.
4. Add the lime juice,salt and pepper.  Pulse.
5. Pour into a dish and chil until ready to use. 

Directions for store bought mayonnaise:
2 cups mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. fresh garlic
1/2 tsp.Dijon
1 Tbsp. cumin
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
juice of 1 lime
salt and pepper

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor and puree until smooth.  

Roasted Tomatoes with Shallots & Garlic

I make many versions of roasted tomatoes to use in sauces and spreads.  Sometimes its white wine sometimes balsamic vinegar, i even add fresh red peppers when I have them.  I am using the technique I earned from Ina Garten.  I love her. 

1-2 lbs. of fresh tomatoes, a few cloves of garlic, 1-2 shallots, a long drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a large splash of balsamic vinegar,  salt & pepper, freshly ground.  

I wash, clean and DRY  the tomatoes, slice them on the vertical.  Roughly chop the garlic and slice the shallots.  Toss it all onto a baking sheet or pad.  I used the Demarle FLEXIPAN with the perforated bottom sheet. 

Drizzle with the olive oil, grind salt and pepper. 

  Finish with a splash or 2 of white wine...I use a Pinot Grigio or a Chardonnay.

 

 Ready for the oven...LOW & SLOW:  250 F for 6o minutes.  

Nicely done.

Here are 10 uses.  I am sure I  could come up with more..please add more in the comment section!

1.  Pulse in the Cuisinart , add some olive oil,  salt and pepper for a nice roasted tapas or bruschetta spread.

2.  Toss into your favorite pasta.

3.  Puree with olive oil salt and pepper.  Saute, add some heavy cream and asiago cheese.  Use as a pasta sauce or for dipping bread.

4.  Puree and use as a substitute for conventional tomato paste.  CAN BE FROZEN.

5.  Add as added flavoring to soups:  Goes well with corn chowder, tomato bisque, sausage tortellini and more. 

6.  Serve alongside your favorite antipasti platter and cheese board.

7.  Use in place of sun dried tomatoes in any recipe.  

8.  Some have served them on a wedge salad with maple bacon and blue cheese.   I have not tried this...yet!

9.   Make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich by adding roasted tomatoes along with your favorite cheese.

10.   Make a tart with ricotta and slow roasted tomatoes layered on a pastry shell. 

Link to a  Roasted Tomatoes recipe that is quicker,  measured and specific.