Skinny Hot Artichoke Dip

Once again, another recipe I had to try from Skinny Dips by Diane Morgan. I told you I loved chips and dip so when I heard of these light alternatives to my favs, I couldn't stop cooking!!  This is a great recipe for a party to serve a crowd!

Ingredients:

-1 large shallot, halved

-2 cans (13.75 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained

-1/2 cup light mayo

-1/2 cup light sour cream

-1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

-1/3 cup bread crumbs

-1 1/2 finely minced fresh oregano

-2 tsp olive oil

Light Southwestern Egg Salad

I've always loved egg salad.  For breakfast on toast, as a sandwich for lunch or just straight out of the fridge.   I've always known it wasn't "the best" for me so I rarely make it.  When my best friend from home called me up and told me about this "light" egg salad I was all over it!  It's common sense but the more egg whites and the less egg yolks you use, the lighter it is.  Should have thought of that myself. :)

Ingredients:


-10 eggs (you'll only use yolks from 3 eggs)
-1/2 cup diced red onion
-3 cloves minced garlic
-1/2 cup diced sweet peppers (red, yellow, orange or green)
-2 Tbsp light mayo
-2 Tbsp spicy mustard
-3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
-Cayenne pepper to taste

Salmon Pho

What the heck is Pho? Well it's my new obsession.  More specifically it is a Vietnamese Noodle Soup...Mmm.  I've usually had chicken, steak or meatballs in my Pho so I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this recipe in Cuisine at Home. Salmon? Why not? This recipe makes two large servings.  Perfect for two people or just one and another bowl for leftovers!

My favorite salmon to smoke at home is Scottish Salmon. You can order it online at Chef's Fresh Fish. It has a buttery texture...clean (not fishy!) taste and it's super fatty. High in Omega-3's. Even better? Sushi-grade.

Ingredients:

-1 1/4 thinly sliced white onion

-1 Tbsp minced ginger

-1 Tbsp minced garlic

-1 Tbsp vegetable oil

-2 cups water

-3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

-2 Tbsp fish sauce

-1 Tbsp sugar + additional 1 tsp

-1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

-3 whole cloves

-1 bunch fresh cilantro

-Fresh or dried Shiitake mushrooms

-6 oz of fresh Scottish Salmon fillet, thinly sliced

-1/2 tsp ground coriander 

-1/2 cup shredded carrots

-1/4 cup chopped green onions

-1 cup cooked rice-stick noodles

Optional for garnish:

-fresh bean sprouts

-additional chopped green onions

-torn fresh mint leaves

-torn fresh basil leaves

-sliced jalapeño pepper

-lime wedges

-Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce aka "Cock" Sauce

-Hoisin Sauce

Creamy Avocado Dip

This is another recipe from Diane Morgan's cookbook, Skinny Dips.  It may be my favorite recipe thus far!  It was so quick and easy to make.  It honestly took me 5 minutes before I had to be out the door for a dinner party.  I brought it over to my friend Erin's house and the girls loved it.  It was light, fluffy and creamy.  A fabulous appetizer. 

Ingredients:

-2 large, ripe HASS avocados

-1/2 cup light sour cream

-2 Tbsp finely minced shallots

-1.5 Tbsp seeded and minced jalapeño

-1.5 Tbsp fresh lime juice

-1/2 tsp minced garlic

-1 tsp kosher or sea salt

Great Match 2011 - Spain's Vivacious Varietals

Remember when I was at Savor Dallas and photographed the event for Ribera winery in this post?  Well, they called me up and I got to do it again! I was ecstatic. This event was the 18th Annual Great Match 2011- Spain's Vivacious Varietals. There were over 150 wines from Spanish wineries, most importantly my friends from Ribera.  The event was located in the historic Old Red Museum in downtown Dallas with amazing views of the famous Reunion Tower and overlooking the Dealey Plaza and the eerie Grassy Knoll. To see all of my pictures from the event click here.