Time to Catch Up...Part I

Spaghetti Squash w/Marinara

Admittedly it's been awhile so I thought I'd just post several yummies over the past few months....so here we go!

So I got on the spaghetti squash again.  I'm telling you people - I love this vegetable as a substitute for pasta!!  It really is amazing!

The sauce can, for the most part, be as versatile as you wish - although I have found I tend to like it with marinara the best.  I  used pesto and a generic butter/cream sauce (so far!!) as well.....but it really does goes best with the marinara.

Black-eyed Pea Salad

Next, I found this great cold Black-eyed Pea Salad recipe.....VERY tasty.  Like most cold salads you really can play with this one too.  My brother ate the entire bowl!!

And since we're on the cold salads.....Bulgar (Cracked Wheat) salads are some of my very favorites.  This one is no exception.....thanks to Bobby Flay!  You know, I was never really a Bobby Flay Fan until recently.  Now it seems I can't get enough of him....that'll learn me:) This salad is just incredibly yummy.  I may have taken a few liberties here and there, but for the most part it's straight out of his Grilling for Life cookbook.

Bulgar Salad with Green Onion Vinaigrette

So there's a few to get us going.  There's more to come, just need to gather all the pics!  Sorry this post is dry on the personality part, but hey...at least I'm here!!

Back in the Land of Buckeyes...

I've spent the last week in Ohio visiting family and friends and it has been such a nice week here.  Spring in Ohio is about 2 weeks behind Spring in Atlanta, so I got the wonderful pleasure of experiencing it twice:) 

Whenever I come home, (that's right I'm a Buckeye through and through) I always stay with my parents who live in Southeast Ohio.  Unlike most parts of Ohio which for the most part is flat, Southeast Ohio is full of rolling hills.  Growing up here was a true pleasure.  Void of crime and even NOISE for the most part, I always feel at peace when I'm here --- what a pleasure indeed. 

Last summer I introduced my family to a great dip, Summer Bean and Corn Dip, and they just can't get enough!  My brother especially loves this dip and after 5 days of being here, I've made three batches!  OK, it's not exactly Summer yet, but it's pretty darn good anytime. 

The great thing about this dip is it's versatility.  You can tweak it up numerous ways.  If you like a little kick, add some jalepeno's or other spicy peppers.  If not, leave 'em out.  Like more onions?  Add them.  Love cilantro? (ME!ME!ME!) --- add it in!

Another great thing about this dip is that, well -- -you don't necessarily have to use it as a dip.  I often will put it in a wrap of lettuce leaves or tortillas or even just eat it as a salad.  I promise, no matter how you choose to eat it, you'll love it! 

Extra bonus?  You can make it in about 10 minutes, so it's really easy and a crowd favorite I promise!