The Goodness of Garden Salsa

My mother and I both had an overabundance of tomatoes this year. We canned whole tomatoes, salsa, tomato juice, sauce and bruschetta. I also came up with a great recipe for fresh garden salsa. The salsa can be added to any dish. I love it with quinoa in a stuffed tomato or pepper. It can also be added in a lettuce or pasta salad. It can be enjoyed simply with corn or carrot chips. 

Fresh Garden Salsa

2 cups diced tomatoes {or cherry tomatoes cut in half

1 medium diced onion

2 cups bell & mild banana peppers {mix it up by using fun colors, such as purple or orange}

1 or 2 tbsp hot peppers {depending on how spicy you like it!}

1 cup black or garbanzo beans

3 tbsp hummus

1 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp truffle oil {or olive oil if you don't like the truffle taste}

4 tbsp infused vinegar {i like garlic & basil!}

** an additional ingredient that goes great in this salsa is chili spiced mangos from Trader Joe's, or just 1/4 cup chopped regular mango**

Mix all ingredients together and let set in fridge for an hour. 

A Picnic for Two

Earlier this year my husband and I spent three glorious weeks touring Turkey and Europe, and we fell in love with the local cuisine. I was missing the flavors of Europe so much that I decided to concoct a Mediterranean themed picnic for two to surprise my husband on his day off. I decided to use delicious Focaccia bread, {handcrafted with love by Red Mug of Superior, WI} with thinly sliced tomatoes from my garden and smoky, fresh Lox. We spent the afternoon enjoying the meal picnic-style with a glass of wine at a local winery, Point of View. The meal was delicious & reminiscent of Europe.

Dairy Free Mediterranean-inspired Lox on Focaccia with Greek Salad 

Sandwich 

2 pieces focaccia

1 medium Roma tomato 

6 pieces fresh Lox

Butter lettuce

Thinly slice tomato and place on top of focaccia and broil on high for 5 minutes {keep a close watch so the bread does not burn}. Remove from oven, slice in half sandwich style. Layer on vegan Boursin, butter lettuce & 3 slices of lox.

Vegan Boursin Sauce

2 tbsp finely chopped onion

1 tbsp capers

3 tbsp soy cream cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp fresh finely chopped dill

2 tsp almond milk

mix all ingredients and let set

Vegan Greek Salad

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Italian seasoning

2 tsp finely chopped onion

2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4” thick

1 medium cucumber, sliced 1/4” thick

1/4 cup Kalamata olives 

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

mix all ingredients together and let set.