Salsa Makes Everything Taste Better!

Gearing up for the hockey game on Sunday with the 5pm start we needed snacks.  I wanted a dip for the crudites that would add some splash and dazzle to encourage our home team.  The smokey bean dip had more success than the Canucks but with good food and great friends it was still a fantastic evening. Just to tempt your palate here was our menu for the night, recipe included is the dip for the crudites.

crudites "jars" with hummus and a black bean salsa dip

sweet and spicy soy ginger wings

samosa and chutney

ginger prawn's with chili and rum

marinated flank steak

grilled corn

Asian noodle salad

quinoa salad

Don't over process, keep some texture.

Smokey Black Bean Dip

1 can black beans

2 chipolte peppers

1 cup salsa hot, medium or mild

1/4 cup diced sweet onion

3 tbsp chopped cilantro

2 limes, juice

1 tbsp garam masala

salt and pepper

Toss all ingredients into the processor careful not to over mix;  taste and adjust seasoning... as it may need more lime.  Serve with a raw vegtable platter and tortilla chips. The spread will last a week in the fridge sealed and is a great snack for school lunches.  Omit the chipolte and use mild salsa if your child isn't a big fan of spice.

For a variation on a classic vegetable tray I put all the veggies in separate jars this added depth and height to the table; the kids loved pulling the veggies from the jars.  My 7 year old daughter Sage loved the dip being the spice nut that she is but I also put out some hummus for the more timid palate.  Fresh and clean but also vegan and gluten free.

Will last a week in the fridge