Cookbook Made With Love

The Christmas after I got engaged, my Mother gave me this homemade cookbook. My brother helped with the design and technical stuff. It is so special to me, probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. It includes some of my favorite recipes, and also basics. I will cherish this cookbook forever, and hope to make one someday for my own daughter or daughter-in-law.

Since I've been married, I've thoroughly enjoyed cooking more. I'm in a discovery phase, learning as I go. There are some nights that a recipe just flops and we make a trip to 7-Eleven for our Totinos pizza standby. In fact, tonight was one of those nights! 

There are also odd moments along the way, like last Tuesday when I was craving dessert, but didn't want all the carbs and sugar that go along with them. Instead, I made a topping. Whipped cream from scratch, and sadly, we ate it plain! No dessert, just whipped cream. Embarrassing, I know, but delicious! 

Tonight I'm sharing a recipe for our favorite salsa. I can't get enough of salsa. I could drink the stuff straight. Though this recipe came from a chain restaurant, and you're probably thinking there's no way it's good, it is delish! Thank you to my brother for discovering it, and making it for us at home.

Chili's Salsa

1 14.5 ounce can tomatoes & green chilies

1 14.5 ounce whole canned tomatoes (with juice)

4 teaspoons jalapenos (canned/diced)

1/4 cup yellow onions (diced)

3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon sugar

Process jalapenos & onions in a food processor for a few seconds. Add both cans of tomatoes, salt, sugar & cumin. Process until well-blended, but do not puree. Place in covered container & chill. Serve with warm corn tortilla chips.