Game Day Guacamole Dip

January26

So… you’re in charge of making the Guacamole Dip for the big game? 

Well, if you plan on making fresh Guac (and not squeezing it from a little packet), you need to buy those avocados TODAY, so they’ll be ripe and ready on Sunday.

This is my basic recipe for Guacamole Dip. From here, you can get your freak on by adding anything you like: cilantro, tomatoes, pomegranates, shredded cheese, chopped bacon… even mayonnaise (although that always makes me shudder). If you need tips on how to pick out the perfect avocado, click here. Also, my good friends at Avocados From Mexico offer this step-by-step video guide on how to open an avocado without cutting off your finger.

Now, unless you want to serve some lame plastic-tasting guacamole, get to the store now! (You can also speed-ripen those avocados by placing them in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple).

 

 

Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Tart

January7


Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion - MHS

How’re you doing with that New Year’s resolution to eat healthier?

Well, I’ve got one last rich dish to offer up before you pitch everything creamy and indulgent that’s still in the fridge:

Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Tarts.

My pals at Welcome Home Brands sent me these disposable oven-safe 4-inch ruffled baking cups… just perfect for making individual tarts. They’re great for any fun event (they come in a lot of other colors and shapes). Adds a pop of fun, don’t you think? You can also make this dish in a pie or larger tart pan, as in the recipe below.

So here’s the last blast… full of fat and flavor and, oh, so delicious: Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Tarts.

You’ll need a 2-lb butternut squash for this recipe. If your squash is bigger and you have extra, roast all of it and save it for later in the week… you are going to start eating healthier, right?



 

Baked Quinoa and Carrot Fritters

November24

Making Monday’s evening meal meatless is a great way to feel a little less guilty for any weekend over-indulgence.

Baked Quinoa and Carrot fritters- Mama's High Strung

Using what you’ve already got in the fridge makes it a double bonus… it helps you get rid of those leftovers!

I came up with this recipe for Baked Quinoa and Carrot Fritters using leftover quinoa and sautéed carrots. I’ve also made something similar with leftover brown rice. It makes a great vegetarian dinner or a side dish.

And even thought I’ve called these “fritters,” technically they’re not because they’re baked not fried.

Click here to see the rest of my post and get the recipe!

 

Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle

May28

Oh my gosh…

I made the most delicious appetizer over the weekend that took me right back to my Southern roots: Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle.

Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle. It's a little spicy and very pickle-y.

A little spicy and very pickle-y, this little condiment adds a tangy punch to everything. I ladled the chilled Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle into half-pint Mason jars and passed around little forks. Some of us ate it right out of the jar (including me), while a few rolled it into a tortilla (you can also spoon it on top of crackers).

I used Vidalia onions, but Walla Walla onions or any other sweet onion is a good option. If all you’ve got is white or yellow onions, you’ll definitely be adding a sharp, astringent bite to the pickle.

I’m sure you rolled your eyes when you saw the Mason jars in the image… because that trend is so last year five years ago. But hey, you’ve got to admit the little containers are a great way to serve some things and still make a fun addition to the table!


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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