Grape Tomato and Avocado Salad

Serves 3

This delectable salad proves that fresh, high quality ingredients taste superb with little adornment. Halved grape tomatoes and avocados join onions, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt in this perfect side dish or simple appetizer with tortilla chips. Can be prepared up to four hours ahead of serving, making it convenient for those summer days when you're constantly on the go.

Ingredients

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro, or mixture of both
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 avocados, chopped
High quality sea salt, such as Fleur de Sal

Method

In a non-reactive glass bowl toss together tomatoes, parsley, oil, lemon juice, and onions. Add avocados and salt and toss gently. Chill if not serving immediately.

Homemade catsup

Ever notice that all of the store bought catsups contain either high fructose corn syrup, "Spices" (a.k.a. MSG), or refined sugar? I got tired of it, so I played some different recipes to come up with a homemade catsup without all of the junk.

1 Can Tomato Paste

1/4 Cup Water

1/8 Cup Agave Nectar

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon Cumin

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cloves
2 T. Chili powder (or to taste)
1 tsp. minced garlic (or just the oil if you don't want the chunks)

1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix together, cover and refrigerate. Remember that when you make things from scratch, they don't have as many preservatives (good and bad). You are going to have to use it up in a month or so.

Monkie Mama's Italian Salad Dressing

We go through this dressing like crazy. Tasty on all sorts of salads (green, bean, pasta, or fresh cut veggies, etc). I often double or triple this recipe or else I'm constantly making more. Thank goodness it's so easy!

• 1 C Olive oil
• 1/2 C white vinegar (you can get creative with different kinds of vinegars for different tastes)
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp minced garlic

Combine all ingredients (put the mixture through the blender for a creamy dressing). Refrigerate (best in a glass container). Dressing will separate so shake well before each use.

Monkie Mama's Roasted Red Pepper Salad Dressing

This is a favorite in my family and goes really well as a replacement for Annie's Roasted Red Pepper dressing (even more natural if you can believe it!) on Monkie Mama's Black Bean Salad or on any salad. This is a double batch because it goes quick! If you want a smaller batch, just halve.

• 1 jar Roasted red peppers (approx 16 oz) (look for the kind without added sugar, preservatives, etc)
• 2 C Olive oil
• 1 C Apple cider vinegar
• 2 t. Sea Salt (or to taste)
  
• 2 t. Pepper (or to taste)
• 2 t. Basil (or to taste)
• 1 T. minced garlic
  

Combine ingredients in a blender. Refrigerate.

Hummus

* Fresh ingredients are the best

1 regular size can of garbanzo beans (Don't drain!)
2 cloves garlic
1/4 C. cup lemon juice
2 heaping spoonfuls of tahini
1/2 tsp salt

Olive oil
Paprika
(Cumin is also excellent sprinkled on top)

Boil garbanzo beans in their own water for about 5 minutes, until tender. Put beans and juice in blender/food processor. Add all other ingredients except olive oil and paprika. Blend until smooth. Spread onto dish and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika or cumin. Delicious with pita bread, naan bread, or cut up vegetables.

Mimi's Pico De Gallo

1 large can petite diced tomatoes (drained well)
2 tsp diced or minced garlic
1/2 - 1 bunch fresh cilantro (if using only the tops use most of the bunch)
1/2 large onion (we prefer the taste of red)

Combine and mix well.

This is a staple in my house! Yum!

Also good with the juice of a small lime.