Balsamic Bruschetta

The best thing I've bought all summer was a $2.99 basil plant at Trader Joe's. Just looking at it on the patio makes me happy. We've had some fabulous margarita pizza and bruschetta since the basil plant joined the family.

Don't you just love bruschetta?? Basil, tomatoes, and garlic on french bread—what's not to love? This is a great, simple recipe that is a snap to make yet tastes so fresh and flavorful that you won't stop eating until the bowl is clean.

Balsamic Bruschetta
from allrecipes.com

8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 loaf French bread, toasted and sliced

Combine everything, toast the bread, and enjoy! Rub the toasted bread with a cut clove of garlic and drizzle with a little olive oil for some extra flavor. If you let the bruschetta sit in the fridge for an hour or two, it will taste even better.

Chili Frito Pie

A great way to eat chili.


Did anyone else grow up on chili frito pie? Seriously, I'm curious! I haven't made this in a long time, but tonight Ryan was working late and I felt like cuddling up with something warm and homey. Few things take me back to my growing up years like chili frito pie.

My mom makes a super-simple, weeknight chili that only involves 5 ingredients: browned hamburger, diced white onion, a can of ranch style beans, a small can of tomato sauce, and a tablespoon or so of chili powder. The secret ingredient is the ranch style beans—This simple can is full of spices (chili peppers, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, etc.), meaning it does all the work for you.

But even if you never try this oh-so-easy chili, definitely be sure to make the pie—Layer fritos, chili, cheese, and onions, and enjoy!

Birthday Cake Goodness

I apologize for my absence. It's summer—everyone deserves some vacation! I'll post soon about my son's birthday cake. Thanks for visiting!