Cilantro Lime Hummus

image courtesy ovenlesschef


1 lb cooked chickpeas(you can find dried in Asia Marts, canned at Homeplus or MegaMart)
Fist full of fresh cilantro (nicedeli.com)
3-4 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp Lime juice (Lemon will work)
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp chili powder (Korean will work)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 T olive oil
add water, iced tea, or even beer as needed to get consistency desired
(For a more rounded flavor, try adding a few Tbsp of shredded coconut or coconut oil!)

Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Enjoy. It's addictive!

Courtesy ovenless chef

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

image courtesy google

1 (15 ounce) can yellow corn, drained
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (Homeplus)
1 (14.5 ounce) can tomatoes with chilis or jalapenos (Homeplus)(Salsa would also work)
1 bunch finely chopped cilantro (nicedeli.com)
1 large green onion, finely sliced
1 small red/yellow onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 tsp ground cumin (local asia mart)
1 Tbsp olive oil, or to taste

Mix all together in bowl and serve chilled as chip dip, on tacos, or as a side with some seasoned grilled meat.

Courtesy Ovenlesschef

Tzatziki Dip/Sauce

image courtesy souvlakiforthesoul.com

250 Grams of plain yogurt... greek if you can get it
3 small cucumbers finely grated
2-3 finely minced garlic cloves
A good handful of dill finely chopped
Another good handful of fresh mint roughly chopped
A “splash” of extra virgin olive oil
juice of half a lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and deseed the cucumbers. Finely grate them using your normal kitchen grater. Once this has been done squeeze the excess water out of them. We don’t want them too wet. Place the grated cucumber into the yogurt along with everything else. Once everything is combined I recommend you place the tzatziki into the fridge and let it rest a little while. We want the flavours of the garlic to permeate. It’s a good idea to make this the night before. That way all the flavours get to develop really well. My recent batch stayed with me for 4 days. It’s so addictive and the flavour just gets better and better.

Recipe courtesy Ashleigh Johnson via souvlakiforthesoul.com

Summer Staples (Great for picnics and get togethers!)

image courtesy google

The name of the food is hidden in the link, so just read the link to see what tasty treat you could create!

***Salads Galore:

*Pasta Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/05/italian-pasta-salad.html
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sesame-pasta-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/blt-pasta-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-pasta-salad/detail.aspx
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/macaroni-salad.html

*Fruit Salads: (A wide variety of canned fruits at Home Plus)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ambrosia-fruit-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sunday-best-fruit-salad/detail.aspx
**tip** Use yogurt as a base with any mix of fruit to create a cool,creamy fruit salad in minutes! (You can also sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a little spice, or sweeten it up even more with some mini marshmallows!!)

*Veggie Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/fattoush-lebanese-salad.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/11/eriks-broccoli-salad.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/cucumber-salad.html

*Chicken Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/08/cabbage-chicken-salad-with-ramen.html
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/holiday-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fruity-curry-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/dijon-chicken-salad.html

*Green Salads with your favorite Dressing:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/ranch-dressing-or-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/grandmas-dressing-catalina-style.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/honey-mustard-dressing.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/italian-dressing-mix.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/raspberry-vinaigrette.html

***Dip the Day Away:

*Sweet:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookie-dough-dips.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/annies-fruit-salsa-and-cinnamon-chips.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/05/chocolate-syrup.html

*Savory:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/01/disappearing-taco-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-eyed-pea-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-cheese-ball.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/layered-black-bean-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/hummus.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/ranch-dressing-or-dip.html
**Tip** Try mixing equal parts Salsa and sour cream/cream cheese for a yummy dip with tortilla chips! :)

***Cool Treats:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-vanilla-pudding.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-chocolate-pudding.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/choc-chip-cookies-ovenless-style.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/10/south-african-dessert-milktart.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/sarahs-applesauce.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/easy-cheesecake.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-bake-peanut-butter-pie.html

**Get creative and find ways to cook yummy meals that won't heat up the kitchen too much this summer!
**Try adding flavor to your meals by soaking your meats or veggies in your favorite marinade!
**Freeze your leftover coffee in the mornings in Ice cube trays for a refresshing iced Coffee after work... or if you need a morning perk without the sweat!
**Utilize those fresh seasonla fruits and veggies to create cool snacks and meals!
**Buy clearanced fruit that is starting to turn and cut them up, freeze them and use them for inexpensive smoothies or make a crisp for a fresh dessert!


Want to make a yummy fruit dip? Can't find marshmallow creme? Try this recipe:
http://www.grouprecipes.com/58165/home-made-marshmallow-fluff.html
and combine like so:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fruit-dip-ii/detail.aspx

For some summer sips check out this post:
http://grabafork.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-sips.html

Happy Fourth of July from the Ovenless Chef!

Italian Dressing Mix

1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons salt

Directions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, pepper, thyme, basil, parsley, celery salt and regular salt. Store in a tightly sealed container.
2. To prepare dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2/3 cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix.

Courtesy allrecipes

Ranch Dressing or Dip

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream for dip or ½ C buttermilk for dressing **
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
** You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 T white vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk.

Courtesy allrecipe

Grandma's Dressing (Catalina Style)

1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped

Directions
1. Prepare dressing in a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Add the oil, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, salt, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Shake until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate and shake well before using.

Courtesy allrecipes

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Store covered in the refrigerator.

courtesy allrecipes

Oriental Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard and sesame oil. Pour atop salad and serve.

Courtesy allrecipes

Raspberry Vinaigrette

1/2 C vegetable oil/ canola oil
1/2 C applecider or redwine vinegar
1/2 C raspberry preserves (Homeplus)
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together or blend in blender and set in fridge for about 0 minutes before use to allow flavors to meld.

Disappearing Taco Dip

1 Cup (8oz) Cream Cheese, room temp
2 C (16oz) Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt
1 Pkg Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 C shredded cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend)
1/2 small head Lettuce, chopped
2 Tomatoes, diced
*optional toppings include Jalapenos, Black Olives, Black Beans

1. In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning until fully incorporated.
2. Spread mixture evenly in bottom of serving dish with high edge. (pyrex dish, casserole dish)
3. Layer Shredded Cheese, lettuce and top with tomato.
4. Keep refridgerated until ready to serve. Serve with Tortilla Chips. Watch it disappear.

You can add additional toppings while layering or include on the side as "add ons" for guests.

Courtesy Ashleigh Johnson

Black Eyed Pea Dip

2 cans Black eyed peas (4 Cups cooked, salt and pepper to taste)
4 T salsa
2 C shredded cheddar
1/2 C sour cream or Plain yogurt (not korean plain yogurt, Denmark plain)
1 diced onion, saute in skillet for richer flavor

1. In bowl, combine drained peas, salsa, sour cream/yogurt, and onion. Stir until fully combined.
2. Place in microwave safe dish and cook in microwave for 4 minutes.
3. Remove, stir ingredients and mash some of the peas with back of spoon against the side of the bowl.
4. Cover with shredded cheddar and place back in microwave for 1 minute.

*For a more spicy version, add diced chilis or jarred jalapenos to the mix.

Grab your tortilla chips. Dip. Eat. Enjoy.

Courtesy Kate Lett

I found Dried Black Eye Peas at my local Asian mart. Hope that helps. Happy New Year!

Easy Cheese Ball

Serves 4... easily doubled or tripled to suite your crowd.

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
3/4 C finely shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tsp dried parsley

(optional) 1/3 C chopped Pecans


Directions
1. Combine cream cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley and chili powder. Blend well.
2. Add cheddar and combine until fully mixed in.
3. Shape the mixture into balls or logs. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
4.While the balls are in the freezer, finely chop the pecans. Remove the balls from the freezer and roll them in the pecans. You can also roll the ball in more shredded cheddar.

Serve with knife and crackers. :)

(courtesy Ovenless Chef)

Cookie Dough Dips!!!

(Images courtesy howsweeteats.com)

The Hardest part is choosing your flavor!!!!

Cookie Dough Dip (Base)

makes about 1 1/2 cups

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Add ins for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip:
3/4 C Chocolate Chips

*Add ins for Snickerdoodles Cookie Dough Dip:
2 T Cinnamon

*Add ins for Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip:
1/2 C Peanut Butter and 1/2 C Chocolate Chips

* Add ins for Chocolate Fudge Cookie Dough Dip:
1/2 C cocoa powder and 1/2 C Chocolate Chips

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble. Set aside to cool, and whisk in vanilla.

Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar for 60 seconds. With mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture. Mix until combined. I added the chocolate chips at this time so the mixer could break them up into pieces. You can so that, or just fold in the chocolate chips.

Garnish with additional chopped chocolate. Serve with sliced fruit, cookies, crackers, pretzels or a spoon.Whatever your heart delights in!
****************************************************************************

You can make the base and then make THREE dips out of one batch. Simply use these measurements after dividing the base Dough Dip into thirds... roughly 1/2 C each.
Now pick your 3 favorite flavors and enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip:
1/3 C Chocolate Chips

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Dip:
1/2 T Cinnamon

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip:
1/4 C Peanut Butter and 1/4 C chocolate Chips

Chocolate Fudge Cookie Dough Dip:
1/4 C Cocoa Powder and 1/4 C Chocolate Chips

Dip away my friends... Dip away!

(Courtesy howsweeteats.com)

Layered Black Bean Dip

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed (red beans work just fine) (home plus)
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained (or salsa)(home plus)
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Make It!
SPREAD cream cheese onto bottom of shallow dish.

LAYER with beans and tomatoes; top with cheese.

SERVE with tortilla chips.

(courtesy kraftrecipes.com)

Hummus

Ingredients
2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch paprika
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
Directions
1.Place the garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, salt and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.
2.Drizzle olive oil over the garbanzo bean mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley.

You can omit the tahini if not available... or if like me you don't particularly love the flavor!... I ad more garlic, so feel free to vary the ingredients to your taste!
( courtesy allrecipes.com)