Cucumber-Dill Guacamole

The other night I made some fajitas using my new Executive 12" Skillet (#2865).  It worked great and I am sorry I didn't get a picture of it!  As an afterthought though I took a picture of the Cucumber-Dill Guacamole dip that I made in my Classic Batter Bowl (#2431).  I have taken a picture of the products that I used to make it.  I will try to explain each product and how I used it.

I used the Mix 'N Chop (#2583) to mix together two avocados and juice of one lime in the Classic Batter Bowl (#2431).  I do not have the Citrus Press (#2595) although I hear it is amazing instead I used the Stainless Whisk (#2475)  by holding the whisk on the wires, place the end into 1/2 the lime that you cut with the 5" Utility knife (#1052) and twist.  This is a great way to juice your limes or lemons and very effective.  You only need 1 -1/2 T. of lime juice.

Using the Core 'N More (#1176) remove the stem of 1 jalapeno (it isn't pictured but I did use it!).  The core and more is great for removing stems and those hot seeds out of the peppers!  Then chunk the 1 jalapeno, 1/2 small red onion, and 1/2 cucumber with the utility knife (#1052).  Add all of this plus 1/4 cup fresh dill, 1 tsp. cumin, 1/2 tsp. salt all in the Manual Food Processor (#2581). Add 1 garlic clove pressed in our wonderful, amazing garlic press (#2576).  Process until the vegetables are finely chopped and then add to the avocados and lime mixture and mix using the Mix 'N Chop (#2583).  This is what you get when done:

This is a refreshing dip and keeps well.  You can put the avocado pits in the dip to help keep it from turning dark.  I was really surprised at how much I liked this dip!

All of these products are good to use in many different ways.  The Mix 'N Chop (#2583) is one of my top selling items.  It is great for frying hamburger with and I like to use it to mash my potatoes.  

I hope this has been helpful and you have found a new recipe to try.

Until next time, Happy Cooking!!!

Sheila 

A Toy for Our Children

The other day I was sharing with my daughter how I had been to a workshop that talked a lot about the fact that our children spend too much time in front of a screen.  From television to tablets our kids are spending hours in front of the screen.  The speaker suggested finding other ways to entertain our children and suggested taking a small cookie sheet and putting magnets on it to use when you go to restaurants or are traveling in the car.  Immediately I remembered the Pampered Chef small sheet pan (1724) that I had at home.  I was setting up for a party and decided to try it.  As soon as my granddaughter saw it she wanted to play with with.  You can either by an i-pad for $400.00 or a Small Sheet Pan (1724) from Pampered Chef for $12.50 and some magnets at a dollar store and have entertainment for hours.

An Overview of Some Recipes and Products

The past few days I haven't spent much time in the kitchen.  My husband has been working nights and I have gotten home late so our meals have been leftovers, eating out, or two nights were spent in attending business meetings.  But I do have some information to share with you!!!

We had a team meeting the other night and I made the trip to Amarillo, TX to attend.  I rarely get to go to these meetings because it is quite a distance from my house but this time my husband was off and could go with me.  (That is one of reasons I haven't been cooking).

So I want to write about what I learned at our meeting!  Imagine going to a meeting with a lot of Pampered Chef consultants, you can be sure to get to taste some wonderful foods!!!!  That night I got to taste several dishes from the new Season's Best cookbook!

Cucumber-Dill Guacamole - Yum, I could have eaten this whole thing myself!  When I first saw this recipe I had my doubts about it.  Guacamole with cucumbers and dill?  Who would think this would be good? Yet, it was so refreshing and very tasty!  I can hardly wait to try it myself!!!!  I learned something new that night too!  Did you know that if you leave the pit in the guacamole it keeps the avocados from browning?  I didn't know that but it seemed to work!

Thai Chicken Salad Cups -  These were good.  You use the Deluxe Mini Muffin Tin (#1606) to make these little cups.  It isn't something that I would make everyday or for a meal but they are a fun appetizer to serve at those special parties.  I had to go back and get a second one!

Asian Chicken Slaw - This is a great dish for a salad luncheon.  It has fresh ginger in it which makes this a really tasty salad.  I would definitely make this for my friends and family!  A one dish wonder!

Warm Bananas Foster - I actually made this even before eating it at our meeting. It is delicious and gives your vanilla ice creams a special kick!  Eating those bananas has to be healthy, right?  I would serve this as a easy dessert for last minute company or just an easy dessert for any company!  You make this in the Deep Covered Baker (#1321) or you could half the recipe for a smaller crowd and use your Round Covered Baker (#1364).

Quick Berry Crisp -  I watched this one get made and it was fabulous to the lips!  You cook it in the RockCrok Everyday Pan (#3139)  and I mean cook and broil!  You cook the fruit on the stove top and then, in the same pan, you put it under the broiler to brown the topping!  I just love the RockCrok (#3139)!  I think every kitchen needs one!  This dish is amazing, you can cook on the stove top, bake or broil in the oven, and even put it in the microwave and to top it off . . . it is dishwasher safe!!!!!

Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookie Bars - These are delicious. I had made them prior to the meeting too!  Brownies with nutter butters, DELICIOUS!!!!!  You need the Large Bar Pan (#1445) for this recipe and the Stackable Cooking Rack (#1587) comes in handy when they come out of the oven.  If you like chocolate and peanut butter this is for sure the dish for you!

I have highlighted a few of the Pampered Chef items that I really like to use!  The RockCrok (#3139) and the Deep Covered Baker (#1321) are two of my most favorite dishes.  Many wonder which one of these to choose.  It really is a matter of choice because they are both great!  What I like about the RockCrok (#3139) is that it can be washed with soap, something that some people have a struggle with when looking at the Deep Covered Baker.  As well, I like how you can put it on the stove top and then in the oven.  Anytime I can save on a few less dishes to wash I am happy!

Well that is it for now.  Be looking for me to share these recipes with pictures a little later on.

Happy Shopping and Happy Cooking!!!!