Always a blast hosting Vist The Bridge FB LIVE House Party!! Hope you enjoy my ‘In Char’s Kitchen’ twist on Cinco de Mayo dishes!!
Char’s Tex-Mex Rice Salad
Simple, delicious, doable and nutritious.
½ cup basmati rice
1 can (540 mL) black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup (125 mL) corn
2 cups (500 mL) halved grape tomatoes
2 ripe avocados, diced
½ cup (125 mL) each: chopped fresh cilantro and chopped green onions
¼ cup (60 mL) chopped fresh mint
zest and juice of two limes
garlic to taste – approx 2 minced cloves
1 tsp (5 mL) each; ground cumin, ground coriander and chili powder
hefty pinch salt and chili flakes
Cook rice according to package directions. Cool. Toss rice with remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Makes about 6 cups (1.5 L).
Char’s Chunky Salsa
Homemade salsa is a cinch to make ~ especially when using diced canned tomatoes!
1 can (796 mL) diced chopped tomatoes, drained
¼ cup (60 mL) roughly chopped pickled jalapenos
¼ cup (60 mL) roughly chopped fresh mint
¼ cup (60 mL) corn
Juice of one lime
1 tsp (5 mL) each; chili powder and cumin
1/4 tsp (1 mL) chili flakes
garlic to taste – approx 2 minced cloves
Salt to taste – approx ¼ tsp (1 mL)
Stir together all ingredients until well combined. Serve with nachos or as a taco topper. Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).
Char’s Creamy Guac
Many guacamole recipes call for chopped tomatoes and cilantro – I don’t add either, but I do add full fat sour cream. Yum!! If you’re in a pinch for ripe avocados – check the 50% off rack in the produce section of your local grocery store…perfect avocados at half the price = win! win!
2 very ripe avocados
zest and juice of 2 limes
garlic to taste
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin
½ tsp (2 mL) chili powder
¼ tsp (1 mL) chili flakes
½ cup (125 mL) full fat sour cream
Salt to taste – approx ¼ tsp (1 mL)
Mash together all ingredients (*I use a potato masher) until well combined. Makes about 1 ½ cups (375 mL).
Pickled Onions
The easiest and most delicious topper for tacos or a roast beef sandwich!
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup (125 mL) each; granulated sugar and cider vinegar
Place onion in a shallow bowl. Combine sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and pour over sliced onions. Let stand for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week.
Char’s Soft Fish Tacos
~ cooked fish of choice – refer to FB video (*or, use canned tuna or canned salmon)
~ Char’s Salsa & Guac
~ pickled onions
~ grated Spanish cheese
~ soft taco shells
Place fish, salsa, onions and cheese in middle of soft taco shell. Fold in half and consume! Taco Tuesday never tasted so good!!
Char’s Key Lime Ice Cream Pie
1 tub Kawartha Dairy vanilla ice cream, softened
1 can Muskoka Brewery Key Lime Pie Beer
1 store bought chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
1 tub cool whip, partially thawed
zest and juice of 2 limes
1 tsp (5 mL) each; vanilla extract and coconut extract
Garnish: toasted coconut flakes
In a large bowl stir together ice cream and ¾ can of beer until well combined (drink the remaining 1/4 can). Using a spatula spread ice cream mixture into crust. Place in freezer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together: cool whip, lime zest, juice and extracts. Dollop topping on top of ice cream and smooth with back of spoon (or rubber spatula). Garnish with toasted coconut. Place back in freezer for at least 2 hours. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving. Makes 12 servings.
Charmaine is the host of “In Char’s Kitchen” on YourTV Muskoka and regular guest on: Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and fitness.
Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys; Tyler & Colgan.
Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.
Follow Charmaine on:
Instagram: Charmaine_Broughton
Facebook: Charmaine Broughton
