Easy Cheesy Chorizo Dip

May5

Oh no, you didn’t!

You forgot you had to bring an appetizer to the Cinco de Mayo fiesta, didn’t you? Not to worry, how about this Easy Cheesy Chorizo dip (also known as Queso Fundido).

The best part? It’s only got 3 ingredients, but you can dress it up as much (or as little) as you want by adding chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, onions or cilantro.

This tastes better if you make it at the party, so text the host to make sure it’ll be okay to use their oven and microwave (really quick!).

Now get going… you’ve gotta go buy what you need. Mama can’t do everything for you!

 

 

Plated + Served: Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce

December10

This is one holiday party appetizer you won’t feel guilty about eating… in fact, it’s actually good for you!

You can’t go wrong with quinoa, that sweet, light South American gluten-free grain that’s packed with protein. Mix it with ground turkey, add a light avocado dipping sauce, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy appetizer: Mini Quinoa and Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce.

You can also serve this on top of pasta with your favorite sauce for a great family dinner.

These little guys are so tasty that, even though they’re low in fat and calories, it’s still going to be tough to practice portion control!

Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce

 

 

Gadget Tree: Tostonera

September9

Deep fried. Twice. Carb-loaded. Starchy.

TostoneraYep, that’s my kind of comfort food: tostones. And I just found an easier way to make them: a tostonera.

You have nooo idea what I’m talking about, do you?

Tostones are twice fried* chunks of smashed plantains, which are the bigger, firmer cousin of the banana, but with a lot less sugar. They’re a staple in Cuba and the Caribbean, as well as other parts of the world. They’re available in many supermarkets or ethnic grocery stores.

Back to the tostonera. You have to smash the plantains after the first fry, so a tostonera makes it easier. This little gadget is also great for getting the kids to help. What kid doesn’t like smashing things?

Here’s a demo. Don’t forget the first fry before the smashing begins (I don’t show it in the video)!

The tostonera I found in Cuba is metal, but they are also made of wood, plastic and bamboo and come in different sizes.

Now…get out there and start smashing!

*Twice Fried: That phrase probably makes you shudder, but remember I said it was a comfort food… that means only occasionally. Tostones also make a great appetizer served with a dipping sauce!

Tostones

 

 

posted under Gadget Tree | 1 Comment »

Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com