Fresh Tortilla Chips

I love chips from Mexican restaurants.  I have found that there are NO chips that compare that you can buy at a grocery store.  Recently I have started making tortilla strips for one of the salads.  It took me a minute to realize I could make chips.  It is really simple.  And we LOVE them.
 

5-10 Corn torillas (I use mission)
1 1/2-2 cups canola oil
salt to taste

Heat the oil in a small fry pan on medium heat.  While that is heating cut tortillas into 8 triangles.  Once the oil is hot place the tortillas in the oil about 8-10 triangles fit in mine.  Be careful it does splatter.  They will boil and come to the top.  Once they start to brown remove from the oil and place on a paper towel.  Immediately shake salt over the top.Repeat until you have desired amount of chips.  Enjoy.

Hot Artichoke Dip

One of my friends Joy, was able to publish a recipe book"Bliss" last year. I have enjoyed some of the recipes from it and this one is certain to be one you will use. I recommend you look into getting this book. She has recipes that will wow everyone. It is a book that her friends have been asking her do to for a long time so if we all wanted it I am sure you will as well.
2 8 ounce packages of light cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 14-ounce artichoke hearts
3/4 cup chopped frozen spinach
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves washed and finely chopped.
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 1/2 cups cups fresh grated Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, artichoke hearts, spinach, basil, garlic, and 1 cup grated cheese, then bake in a casserole dish for 25 minutes.

Serve with bread chunks, crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels. Enjoy!

Guacamole

I love guacamole. I have it on Fajitas, Tacos, burritos, etc. I like having all fresh veggies so this is one thing that is definitely fresh. JJ was cute and told me it is the best he has ever had. The rest of the family agreed. It is always nice to get praise rather than complaints from ALL my family. Usually there is at least one that isn't pleased with a meal choice. I will have to say I think it is rather great myself.

3 RIPE avocados
1/2 a lime
1 tomato
1 medium onion
Cilantro about 15 strands(optional)
salt to taste

Put the avocados in a mixing bowl. I use a potato masher, you can use a blender. Mash up the avocado. Squeeze the lime juice in from the half slice of lime. Dice up tomatoes, onion, and cilantro very fine. Stir it all together and serve. Enjoy!