Cheese Sauce Topping for Baked Potatoes

shared by Patty Hallam (this is an easy and tasty recipe.  The kids are getting big enough that I had to triple it the last time they were here)

Ingredients:
3 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper (I use coarse ground pepper)
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese (I usually use Monterrey Jack / Colby)
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 T. butter


Directions:

1. Place cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a medium sized sauce pan
2. Pour 1 cup of milk over the dry ingredients and whisk together to combine
3. Heat the mixture over medium high heat, whisking constantly to avoid scorching
4. Bring to a boil and then remove from the heat
5. Add the shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce and butter. Whisk until smooth. Serve

Black Bean Soup with Fresh Salsa

shared by Donna C.

Ingredients:
2 cans black beans (drained)  or 1 1/2 c dry black beans
1 cup fresh salsa
1 1/2 tsp. allspice
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
dash salt
2 T corn starch (if needed)

toppings: dollop sour cream, cream cheese or shredded cheese

Instructions:

1.       If using dry beans, boil to desired consistency.

2.       Combine all ingredients, except topping, in saucepan.

3.       Heat to boiling. Mash the beans a little to thicken the soup.

4.       If desired, add 2 T corn starch to thicken more.  (Mix the corn starch with a 1/4 cup of the broth in a small bowl and stir till smooth, then add to soup)

5.       Ladle into bowls. Add desired topping and enjoy!

 Easy Fresh Salsa

 2 medium tomatoes

1/4 white onion
2 cloves garlic
1 .4 oz. can chopped green chilis
2 squirts lemon juice
2 squirts lime juice

Put all ingredients in a Ninja (blender) and chop to desired consistency. Tastes really fresh!

Salsa Fresca

shared by Patty H. (This is an easy salsa recipe to put together and one that we have enjoyed. Dawson (age 8) can consume half a batch by himself. :)
Ingredients:

3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (I used dried; 1/4 tsp. = 1 clove)
2 to 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, ribs removed, seeded and finely chopped *
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (I used dried, approx. or more, to taste)
salt to taste (I used 3/4 tsp.)

Directions:

In large glass bowl, combine all ingredients and season to taste with salt. Refrigerate for at least one hour.  This will keep for several days covered in the refrigerator.

Makes 2 cups

* Note: I used mild jalapeno peppers from my garden so adjust number used according to the strength of your peppers.

Waffles with Orange Mascarpone Cheese Sauce

shared by Dara P.
Ingredients for Orange Mascarpone Cheese Sauce:
8 oz mascarpone (can substitute room temperature cream cheese)
1/3 c orange marmalade
1/3 c orange juice
2 T powdered sugar
and I added just a bit of orange flavoring.

Just make waffles as usual and eat with cheese sauce instead of syrup: DELICIOUS!

Homemade Pizza Sauce

shared by Patty H.
(I just came across this recipe so I haven't used it yet but it looks super easy. I plan to try it with the next pizza I make. Sounds like it would also make a good dipping sauce for bread sticks.)
Ingredients:
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
6 oz. water (just use the empty tomato paste can)
3 T. garlic bread seasoning
1 T.sugar or honey
3/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:
1. Empty tomato paste into a bowl and add water a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly until combined.
2. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine.
3. Allow to stand until ready to use.
4. Covers two average-sized pizza; freezes extremely well.