Summer Dips

The evening before you have to go back to school/work after a long weekend or vacation always sucks. At least it always has for me. Even as a kid I remember the dread I felt as I crawled into bed the night before the first day of school after summer vacay was over.

To soften the blow, I needed a snack. So, the hubs and I decided to whip out the new food processor and make some dips to go with our chips and crackers. They turned out so well that I indeed felt a little better after snacking.

Warning: Do not make homemade salsa with anything less than great tomatoes. Since summer IS tomato season, it’s worth making a bunch of the stuff this time of year to get your fill.

SUMMER SALSA

– 5 to 6 small to medium tomatoes (2-3 cups)
– 1 to 2 chopped jalapeños, seeds removed (depending on how spicy you like things)
– 1/4 cups packed cilantro leaves
– 1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined. If you are without a food processor, you can chop your tomatoes and cilantro by hand and just mix to combine. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve on just about everything!

AVOCADO YOGURT DIP

2 sliced avocados
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (not nonfat)
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Serve with pita or tortilla chips, or crackers.