Hot Dog!

My mother-in-law planned a fun summer party for about 200 people in her yard about a week ago. It was super fun! Don't you love those Chinese lanterns hanging in their yard?

I was in charge of helping with the hot dog toppings -- I really wanted to make a fun hot dog bar so here are the things I came up with (besides the usual ketchup, relish, and mustard!):

• sauerkraut
• guacamole
• pickle spears
• chopped red onion
• pickled jalapeno slices
• my mother-in- law had a pot of chili and a pot of nacho cheese
• coleslaw (here's a good recipe) --yep, put it right on your hot dog -- DELICIOUS!
• my brother-in-law Chris's famous cilantro, jalapeno, and onion mix (the bowl right in the middle of the picture below) It was a hit. Here's how you make it:

Chris's Jalapeno, Cilantro, and Onion Mix
(I think that's what you call it!)

fresh jalapenos, diced*
onion, diced
cilantro cut into small pieces

saute the jalapeno and onion in a small amount of olive oil until almost tender, add the cilantro and stir it all together - ta da! (add some salt, too)

*Wear some gloves while you're chopping the jalapenos. I didn't and my hands were burning for hours. (pioneer woman had a warning about this -- Jen told me about it when I called her in pain and misery!)

Jamba Juice Wanna-be

I think I made the best homemade smoothie I've ever had...

I added:

some blueberries
some peaches
some strawberries
a little orange juice
a lot of ice

Blend and serve.

Almost like going to Jamba Juice with out the price!

GRANDPA'S FAVORITE

Bread and Milk

Grandma's Homemade Bread

Milk

Slice of cheese ( on the side)

Fresh Green Chile (on the side)

Dessert - Grandma's Homemade Ice Cream

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Peanut Butter Apple Dip

If you already like peanut butter on your apples, you'll probably love adding cool whip to it. If you don't like peanut butter on your apples, try this anyways - it's easy! Plus, school is starting and the kids need something yummy when they get home.

Amy and her kids loved it the other week when they were here. Our kids were trying to eat the dip all by itself as well.

Peanut Butter Apple Dip

1/4 C. peanut butter
1 1/2 C. Cool Whip

Grab a spoon and mix it well! If you want more peanut butter, feel free to play around with this recipe until it is the consistency that you like.

Philly Cheesesteak

This recipe is one of our family favorites. Everyone cheers when I make this. It's even a hit with company. It's great with chips, pasta salad, etc. I've been making this for years. I got the recipe from a friend way long ago.

First, Make pizza dough, or buy refrigerated pizza dough. I use my mom's standard pizza dough recipe.
Then roll out, spread almost a pound of deli roast beef on top (sometimes I use ham, too, but we like roast beef best and somtimes I skimp to half a pound), Mozzarella cheese, onions and green bell peppers if you want.

Roll up the dough with the stuffings like it's a snake, or like you would for cinnamon rolls. Place on a buttered cookie sheet and baste with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with garlic salt, parmesan cheese and parsley flakes. You can even add sesame seeds, or whatever you want.
(I use whole wheat flour, that's why it's a little browner than you would think.)

Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes so it's a little fluffier.

Bake according to pizza dough instructions.

Slice up and enjoy! (The one below is ham)

Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy . . . . . . Happy Family

Pina Colada Smoothies

Sorry-I didn't take a picture, but these were so good. We had them as an after-swimming-treat, and everyone wanted seconds, and thirds. And finally it was all gone.

I got the recipe off of facebook from a friend (Wendy).

¼ can frozen pineapple juice concentrate (size of can: normal add three cans water size, and it makes just under 2 qts.)
1 can coconut milk (just the normal size you buy on the Chinese food aisle-I don't think there's even a choice of size).
½ to 1 cup sugar, to taste
Ice cubes
Milk

Put all ingredients in a blender, then pour milk about 3 inches from the top. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Wendy's advice: Buy 2 cans of coconut milk so you can make it twice...you'll want more, promise