Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Little incentives, big flavour and a fun show!


Thinking big can be intimidating. I certainly shy away from situations which put me out of my comfort zone. Well, until recently. I have discovered pushing myself, starting with baby steps which gradually get bigger with every new challenge, also comes with equally big rewards. So, when I put out my 100 member challenge, I felt pumped! Only a day later I found myself pleading with my husband to please... help me out! Again, this challenge isn't so much about the actual number, but rather about creating a community of people eating fresh foods and enjoying the process. I would love to hear about your local food possibilities, about the changes you have made with your food choices, and all the excitement it brings. And, as a little added incentive, I have thrown in a reward of $10 in itunes! The winner will be chosen randomly - once my 100th post is completed. That's just 10 more to go! Help me achieve my goal, because I am looking forward to getting to know you better...

I love trying out new foods on my family. Almost as much as I love figuring out how best to work with a new fruit, vegetable, or in this case, jalapeno pepper. Hot peppers sounds so dangerous, so mysterious... I find myself feeling mischievous - as though I am a child (ok, teenager) playing with fire. It's possible I don't get out enough, but I must tell you - hot peppers are fun!

Besides, it's spring - what a great time to give our ovens and slow cookers some rest, pull out our best knives and biggest cutting boards - fresh is in the house! For anyone in a dinner time crunch, this is that time of year to finally cook from scratch, and possibly receive a standing ovation, too.
Cilantro and lime are beautiful together. Add in a hot pepper, you've got yourself some flavour. Here's a recipe for my home made salsa (no excuses to buy the jarred stuff anymore). You'll feel proud of yourself after making it (all of 10 minutes later), I promise.
Tomato Salsa
Combine and chill for an hour before serving:
3 medium tomatoes cut into 1 cm dice
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (try Serrano peppers if you dare!)
1/2 cup fresh finely chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove finely chopped
2 tsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
1 tsp salt


Maybe we'll see each other at The Good Food Show in Toronto this weekend?







3 comments:

Wanda said...

My hubby recently came home from work with a new eating challenge, so I'm going to be trying to cook with more protein and fats for him and fewer carbs. No, we're not eliminating carbs, just trying to choose healthier carbs. (I do love to bake!) So my current challenge (which may last all of three days) is to come up with healthy meals that have lots of healthy proteins and healthy fats, loaded with veggies, and lower on carbs. Anyone have any recipes for pinto beans? :-)

Lisa Avant said...

I have to confess that I myself have been on a lime and cilantro kick lately. What is it?
By the way, thanks for complimenting my blog. It really means alot to me. This post in particular really hit close to home for me. Blogging is so unique to me because it was initially very much "out of my comfort zone". Letting others in on my thoughts, my recipes, my photos and not only that, but hoping that they inspire somehow at the same time was/is a little intimidating at times. It's really been a blast though and I own up to everything published. All of a sudden, especially today, there have been others whom I never would have met that I can tell I have alot in common with in terms of cooking and writing. I look forward to continuing a blogging friendship and trying your recipes. Hopefully you'll try some of mine too! I love constructive criticism. It only broadens our horizons. Thanks! Lisa Avant

Katie said...

Hi Lisa!
Looking forward to it as well! Through blogging I have discovered a love for writing, which I had no idea was there to begin with. I have always loved being in the kitchen, and now that I write about it and get to use my camera a bunch, it's made me love simple every day things all that much more!

Moni