It's National Chip and Dip Day!!

Good afternoon y'all!! Last night, it was brought to my attention that today is National Chip and Dip Day. I immediately thought of thick, crispy, rustic, skin-on chips with a creamy Greek yogurt blue cheese dip. Well, in sticking true to my "Lighter Fare" mode, I decided to bake them and they turned out fabulously (Lord knows, I've managed to burn a few pans of baked chips before)!!

How are you celebrating this great holiday??

Sheila Denise

Temptation Tuesday - A Big Sale on Berries

Have you even gone a bit overboard and placed yourself in a WTH dilemma? Well, Ms. TSE just committed that crime yesterday. I went absolutely BONKERS while at the market. I was sooooo tempted by the 99 cents sign that I forgot I was shopping for one. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries were on sale, so silly me went crazy. Sometimes, I question my sanity, but then I quickly snap out of that foolishness. Ha!!

What's a girl to do with a TON of berries?? Here are a few things I did today:

Oatmeal (with almost more fruit than oatmeal):

I haven't had this dip in a few years, but it's always nice to go back to something tried and true. I was reminded of this dip while blog stalking.

Strawberries with Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) Brown Sugar Dip:

I invited a few friends over last minute and we enjoyed a quick dessert served with Talenti Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato. OMG!! They were so good and the perfect size for sharing to keep the four of us from going completely overboard.

Blueberry-Blackberry Galettes:

I made this "shortcut" version last week with Simply Lemonade, but I'll do the real thing this week.

Blackberry Lemonade:

Up next on the agenda:

~Mixed Berries Shortcakes

~Mixed Berries Green Smoothie

~Greek Yogurt with Berries

~Jelly/Jam/Preserves

As much as I've gone on and on about overbuying berries, I've really enjoyed playing with them and planning my week around them. I happily welcome any suggestions you may have to help me with my berry dilemma.

What's your most recent temptation?

Sheila Denise

Egg Salad TSE Style

The other day, I found myself really craving an egg salad sandwich for lunch. I can't remember the last time I had egg salad, but the urge was incredibly strong. Since I keep boiled eggs in the fridge regularly, I was able to quench my craving quickly. Below is my recipe:

TSE's Egg Salad

2 eggs
A big plop of mayo (or plain Greek yogurt if you wanna be healthy)
A little squirt of yellow or Dijon mustard
A HUGE squeeze of Heinz Hot Relish (NOT Hot Dog Relish, see pic below)
salt & pepper to taste

Cut eggs in half and scoop out the yolk and set aside in bowl. Mash the yolk and combine with mayo, mustard & relish. Chop the egg whites into chunks and add to yolk mixture. Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve on bread of choice or in a scooped out tomato.
As I took this shot, it occurred to me that I eat a sandwich the SAME way each time. I start with the pointed end of the bottom of the sandwich. I know, I know...I'm a big time OCD'er.
Here's the relish I used: Sheila Denise

Fruit Tart - Blackberry Version

A local supermarket has been stocked with the most delicious blackberries for the past few weeks and I've been eating them like crazy. This morning, I decided to try something other than eating them straight, in smoothies or with my daily Greek yogurt. During my search, I stumbled upon a blackberry tart recipe on a blog called Eclectic Recipes. Just the sight of those luscious, juicy berries piled atop a cream cheesy bed with a shortcakey crust had me eager to recreate this lovely vision. I also loved the fact that Greek yogurt was incorporated into the recipe.

So I got to work and as I progressed, I KNEW I'd have a slice before I could assemble the berries on it. I was even more convinced to do so when I tasted the cream cheese mixture. Oh Em Gee!!! This tart is delicious!!!

Angelia, of Eclectic Recipes, entered this recipe into the Publix Berry Recipe Contest, which ended yesterday. If the judges taste buds are working...this one should be a winner!! Best wishes Angelia...you have my vote!

Just one note, the recipe includes salt and sugar; however, they aren't mentioned during the process, but I pulsed them with the flour and nuts. I'm sending this entry to Angelia, so she'll correct me if I'm mistaken. Also, I added a couple of tablespoons of sour cream and used pecans instead of walnuts, simply because I didn't have walnuts.

Oh yeah...please excuse my pitiful looking mint--it was here and I needed to add a bit of color. I'll have fresher mint next time, I hope.

If you're looking for a simple and delicious dessert, add this one to your arsenal. Thanks Angelia!!

Sheila Denise