eight layer dip - from issue #10

This dip is actually great for dinner, especially after sport practice or a game.  Just sit everyone down with a bowl of chips and start dipping.  But, my question is:  does sprinkling black olives and onions on top constitute a layer?  Let's say it does.
1.  refried beans
2.  mashed guac.
3.  sour cream
4.  salsa
5. shredded cheddar
6.  shredded lettuce
7. black olives
8. green onions
There really is no recipe, other than adding lime and salt to the mashed avocados before you layer it.  Also it is best if it has been refrigerated for a couple of hours before serving.

The Endangered Family Meal

Over the last thirty years, the family dinner has become an after-thought.  We aren’t prepared, and when dinner time comes, we just give up and order pizza, or grab something from the drive-thru!  We are feeding our family from strange kitchens almost every night, and it is taking a toll.  If American families have access to the highest quality food in the world, why are we still feeding our families from greasy bags and boxes?

Not only are kids getting fatter, they are more stressed than ever before.  In my opinion, kid’s health and social problems coincide with the almost-extinct homemade dinner.  When parents take time to prepare homemade meals, and gather everyone around the table, they are nourishing their family’s body and soul.  Dinnertime is the magical hour when everyone is face to face without distraction.  It is a chance to be fully present with the people you love.  Not only does home cooked food provide better nutrition, it also fosters listening, planning, discovery, laughter, respect, empathy, and cohesiveness.  Some of my best family adventures were mapped out at the dinner table!

So what is the solution to saving supper?  First, you have to resolve to do it.  Next, you have to plan for it.  If you don’t have everything you need to cook at home…you won’t.   The solution to this problem is getting everything you need from the grocery store, for the entire week, in one trip.  The best thing to do is take time to pick out five easy dinner recipes and compile a grocery list.   Not only will you save supper--you will also save time and money!  And of course, www.schoolnightdinnerideas.com

 does that for you!  No excuses, get cooking!

The Infinite Cheese Sauce

You start with 2 table spoons of butter melted in a soup pot.  Add 1/4 cup flour and whisk until smooth.  Next, add 2 cups of milk.  Once milk sauce thickens, you can add 1-2 cups of ANY kind of cheese: Parmesan, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Provolone, Blue Cheese...  Once the cheese melts, you will have a gooey, cheesy sauce that you can pour over ANY kind of pasta, vegetable, sliced potatoes, rice, enchilada, burrito...

Just use your imagination.  This week I am making macaroni and cheddar cheese for my college study group, and then later, I will make potatoes au-gratin with the sauce.


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Tangy Steak Salad

The weather yesterday in Western Colorado was lovely.  Decided to have something summer-like for dinner.  I love this steak salad!  Earlier in the day, I made the dressing.  It is super easy: in a container with a good lid, combine 1/2 cup olive or canola oil, juice from 2 limes, 2 tbs. balsamic vinegar, and 2-3 tsp. dijon mustard.  Shake and put in fridge for a couple of hours.  You haven't really lived until you have made your own salad dressing!  Plus, it impresses people beyond belief.

Next grill or cook the steak in a skillet.  I like to put the steak on top of the salad while it is still warm. Next, garnish the salad with sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, green onion, and serve!

Lastly, shake the dressing one more time and drizzle over the top of the salad.  Fantastic!

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