Fresh Tomato Salsa

When we lived in Illinois, one of the local supermarkets made their own fresh salsa. It took me several recipe revisions, but I was finally able to recreate the yummy, fresh taste. Now that tortilla chips are off the menu, I eat it with Pecan Crackers or Almond Crisps.

8 medium Roma tomatoes (2 lbs)
1 small onion (5 oz)
2 garlic cloves
1 small jalapeño (½ oz)
½ bunch fresh cilantro (1 oz)
¼ t dried oregano
½ t salt
¼ t pepper
pinch cayenne
pinch cocoa powder

1. Mince all ingredients and stir together. Alternately, pulse in a blender or food processor until finely chopped.
2. Refrigerate 1 hour to overnight.
3. Drain up to 1 c accumulated juices before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size ¼ c Serving per Recipe 12

Amount per Serving Calories 31 Total Fat 0.4 g   Saturated Fat 0.1g   Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g   Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 108 mg Potassium 296 mg Total Carbohydrates 6.8 g   Dietary Fiber 1.6 g   Sugars 0.1 g Protein 1.2 g

Deviled Eggs

Versatile, naturally low-in-carbs, eggs are one of our favorite foods. When we're looking for something a little different than scrambled, boiled, baked or fried; we'll add a little devilment into the kitchen. We've brought this dish to a bunch of parties and, no matter how many dozen we carry over, we have yet to bring a single egg home.

1 doz eggs
½ c mayonnaise
2 t mustard
2 t vinegar
¼ t paprika

1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 15 min. Carefully remove to a bowl of ice water until cool enough to handle.
2. Peel eggs and slice lengthwise. Remove yolks. Mash yolks together with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar until smooth.
3. Fill egg whites with two spoons or a piping bag. Sprinkle a pinch of paprika over each egg.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 egg halves Serving per Recipe 12

Amount per Serving Calories 131 Total Fat 12.0 g   Saturated Fat 2.6 g   Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7 g   Monounsaturated Fat 2.0 g Cholesterol 215 mg Sodium 118 mg Potassium 66 mg Total Carbohydrates 0.7 g   Dietary Fiber 0.0 g   Sugars 0.0 g Protein 6.4 g

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes

I can't recall exactly what led up to the creation of this recipe beyond a chocolate craving one morning. But, really, does there need to be a reason to eat chocolate and strawberries?

⅔ c whole almonds (3 oz)
4½ t coconut oil
3 T cocoa powder
1½ c strawberries (6 oz)
¼ c dates (1½ oz)
4 eggs
½ t salt
1 t baking soda
1 t vinegar
1 t vanilla

1. Puree together ingredients until smooth
2. Pour batter by ¼ c onto lightly-greased griddle over medium heat
3. Cook for 5-6 min, turning once

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 pancakes Serving per Recipe 6

Amount per Serving Calories 195 Total Fat 14.4 g   Saturated Fat 4.7 g   Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5 g   Monounsaturated Fat 6.2 g Cholesterol 123 mg Sodium 451 mg Potassium 286 mg Total Carbohydrates 11.7 g   Dietary Fiber 3.8 g   Sugars 6.8 g Protein 8.0 g