Salsa Chili

 I had a jar of salsa close to expiry and found this recipe for salsa chili.  The dish was a success!

It is healthier than eating tortilla chips and salsa.  You can serve it with rice or bread.

1 jar of tomato salsa (418 ml)

1 can of tomato sauce (398 ml)

1 can (540ml) black turtle beans, drained.

1 onion chopped

1 lb of ground meat

2 tbs olive oil

Heat olive oil in a saute pan. Brown the onions and ground meat.  Mix in salsa, beans, and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Matzo Balls

 I got this box of Matzo ball mix and decided to make it.  It said to mix 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to one of the packets of the enclosed mix.  After refrigerating for 15 minutes, it was time to form the one inch matzo balls.  Next I boiled 10 cups of salted water and added the matzo balls.  After simmering covered for 20 minutes they expanded quite bit and were ready.

I had leftover broth from poaching some salmon earlier that week.  I added a matzo ball to a bowl of that broth and it was delicious.

Paint Party Friday - Whale in Antarctica

 Welcome to Paint Party Friday!  I am sharing an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") of a whale based on a photo my brother shared on a trip to Antarctica.

Rain's Thursday Art Date - Fairies

 Welcome to Rain's Thursday Art Date's 'Fairies' theme.  Here is my little Fairy ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2").

Wednesday Memes

I got this one from Lori's blog, isn't it great? 

Homemade Pizza with Instant Yeast

 I made this whole wheat pizza with instant yeast, it seems it is interchangeable with active yeast for the most part.  For the toppings in the first pizza I used stuffed olives, antipasto, onions, ham and some poached salmon I had on hand.  The second pizza had just ham and onions.

1 1/3c warm water

2  1/4 tsp instant yeast

1 tbs sugar

2 tbs olive oil

3/4 tsp salt

3 1/2 c whole wheat flour (can use white flour)

In a smaller bowl mix warm water (100-105F), yeast, sugar and rest for 5 minutes until the mixture foams up.  Add olive oil.

In a larger bowl mix salt and flour together.  Add the yeast mixture.  Knead into a ball for a few minutes, oil the ball.  Turn into an oiled bowl and cover to rise for an hour.  Punch the dough down divide in half.  Roll each ball into shape.  Place on sheet covered with parchment paper.  Add sauce, shredded cheese, toppings.  Bake 475F 15-20 mins.  Makes 2 pizzas.

My Poached Salmon

season salmon fillets

low sodium broth

simmered until just cooked through

with creamed mashed squash

I had some frozen salmon fillets and decided to poach them. Here is my recipe:

4 skinless salmon fillets

salt

pepper

herbs (dried or fresh parsley, tarragon and/or dill )

2 tbs olive oil

284 ml can of low sodium chicken stock

284 ml water

a few squirts of fresh lemon

onion powder

garlic powder

Season the salmon with herbs and spices to taste.  Add lemon juice, olive oil.  Bring stock and water to a boil  in a skillet.  Reduce to a simmer.  Add the seasoned salmon and cover 5-10 mins until just cooked through.