Fruit Bruschetta

This is by far my favorite appetizer to make whenever I am asked to bring one. The fresh fruit on top of cinnamon bread with this amazingly fantastic orange-honey creamy sauce on top....makes my mouth water! I love this recipe because it is a great fresh and healthier appetizer.
Not only does it taste fantastic but it is very appealing to the eye, so they will disappear within minutes! The sauce is what makes this recipe different then just a regular old fruit salsa with cinnamon chips recipe (although also a great appetizer).
Whether its a classy party or just a small get together with close friends and family, this appetizer will be a hit.

Dad's Texas BBQ

Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm. I love BBQ season! And now that I live in the great state of Arizona, its ALWAYS BBQ season! This makes my tummy very happy :)
This BBQ sauce recipe is one that I grew up on. It's one that my dad always used whenever he would do up some ribs. In my opinion I think it would be good on any kind of meat, but you can never go wrong with it when its on some fantastic ribs...
(Yes I did just have to wipe a little drool off my chin...)
If you don't use all of the sauce it can save in the fridge for at least a week, depending on how you store it.
For me, this recipe just brings back fond memories of dad at the grill, mom making some macaroni salad, and me bringing the dishes outside to eat with the family on the deck!

Italian Turkey Meatballs

If you are looking for a lower calorie and still fantastic tasting meatball then give this recipe a try. Ground beef? Who needs it when you can jazz up some extra lean ground turkey and save a few million calories :)
These meatballs are so flavor packed that you won't even miss the extra grease.
And in my personal opinion if your meatballs are good, then you don't have to go completely extravagant on your sauce. These meatballs are great in spaghetti, as subs, in a soup, or plain! I've tried them all three ways and they are simply fantastic. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Watermelon & Strawberry Smoothie

I love everything about summer. Although living where it is well over 100 every day during the summer isn't necessarily my favorite BUT I do love the heat. Why? Because you can make smoothies every day! I used to try to attempt to make smoothies a few years ago and they were horrible. I always thought, "Oh just throw whatever fruits and veggies you have in your fridge in and it will be fantastic." NOT SO! I have made HORRIBLE ones before.
As of recently I have reached a new milestone. I CAN MAKE A GOOD SMOOTHIE EVERYTIME! I have this wonderful and amazing friend named Paola who makes the most amazing smoothies in this entire world. She gave me ideas and tips on how to create an awesome smoothie. Now I make smoothies every morning to go along with my breakfast!
This particular smoothie recipe was one that she had made at a get together a couple weeks ago. Its cold and refreshing on a hot summer day and not only does it taste great, its good for you! WIN! My version on her smoothie is more of a limeade approach so enjoy!

Worlds Best Fudge

The other day I had to open an entire can of Sweetened Condensed Milk just to add a Tablespoon of it to a recipe that I was making. I hate to just waste ingredients! Especially one that is so divine in flavor and semi-expensive to just throw the rest away. So as I was thinking of what recipes I make that uses that yummy goodness in a can the only one that kept coming back to my mind was a recipe from my Father in Law. He makes this stuff every Christmas, in many batches and they are devoured almost immediately. This is the fudge that my husband grew up on so to him it holds special memories and good eating as well. This recipe is ridiculously simple to make and it won't take to long for it to chill so you can enjoy it pretty fast!
Thanks DAD for sharing this recipe with us, and now thanks for allowing me to share it with the world!

Slow Cooked Jerk Pork

This recipe smells absolutely fantastic cooking all day. It took a lot of self control to not try to eat it after only a couple of hours. Marinading it overnight in a great combination of sweet, fresh citrus juices and some spicy jerk flavors really gives this pork a great flavor base before cooking it. You can make it as spicy or not as you want, and either way it will be fantastic. I topped mine off with the Mango and Black Bean Salad I posted about yesterday and it was FANTASTIC! Mine ended up being a little spicy so having that salad there with the avocado and mango really helped cool it down. This would be fantastic served over plain rice, cilantro rice, coconut rice...anything really.

Mango and Black Bean Salad

If you are looking for a refreshing side dish to go alongside your meal, then give this recipe a try. I usually use this on top of a nice grilled up London Broil or awesome Steak, but it would be good on top of any kind of meat to be honest. I serve this up with some grilled or roasted chicken breasts and its awesome! This week I had it three different ways. I put it on top of my steak, I used it as a side dish for some grilled chicken, and I served it on top of some Jamaican Jerk Pork (recipe to follow tomorrow). If you have a dish that is a little to spicy, try pairing it with this great salad. The mango and the avocado really help to cool anything down that has to much of a bite. Or alone, the beans and the mango pair so well together, all brought together with a fresh lime vinaigrette!