Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Do you ever have those days when you really aren't hungry or you just want to snack in front of the TV?  Well, I'm here to tell you that this dip is a winner and if you aren't careful before you know it you have gobbled down far more than you intended (yes, that is experience speaking)!

This dip would also be a great take along for a pot luck gathering (where you have access to an oven) or something you make ahead and reheat in the microwave on those "food days" at the office.
I personally used crackers and flat bread as my dippers but it would be great with Crostini..

Squash and Sweet Corn with Pasta

Looking for something a little different to fix with the bounty of zucchini and yellow squash from your garden?  Give this recipe a try, I think you will like it.  Like many of you, I read through the ingredient list and thought, okay, I like everything in this recipe, but was a bit skeptical about having everything mixed together.   The recipe is one that I  found on The Kitchn, but I made a variety of substitutions as I altered it for my own taste.

This makes a great light companion for anything you pair it up with, whether it is burgers, grilled chicken or seafood.

Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts

I must confess that this week's blog entry has been a bit of a struggle.  I have had no inspiration this week.
Maybe it is the heat, maybe because it has been a busy week with little time to ponder recipes,  

A friend suggested snacks, so snacks is the topic of the week!

I enjoy nuts on my salads, they give it an extra crunch factor and add flavor.
Since it is so hot and there seems to be no end in sight and salads are going to be a frequent dinner or lunch option, I thought I'd fix some roasted nuts that are a little extra special.  I have a couple of really nice rosemary bushes in my patio garden so I decided to make some "dressed up" mixed nuts.

This recipe results in nuts that are sweet and savory all rolled into one.  The nuts are good for eating by themselves as well as sprinkled atop a bed of mixed greens.  If you are really into planning ahead, they also would make a perfect homemade gift for Christmas gift exchanges, or a housewarming or hostess gift.  Just pop some into a pretty container and you have an instant gift....that is if they all don't disappear first!

You will be tempted to start tasting as soon as you pull them out of the oven, but muster up your resistance and let them cool before you have your first handful.  The nuts need the cooling time to crisp back up and regain their crunch.