Sweet Potato Fries

I absolutely LOVE sweet potato fries! Irresistible!!

4-5 sweet potatoes, cut into your favorite fry shape (I like them cut like home fries)
olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
dash of chili powder or paprika for a little kick (optional)

You can peel the sweet potatoes if you want, but I don't. I do wash them and dry them really well. If you don't dry them well the oil won't stick, so be sure and really get them dry again!

Toss cut sweet potatoes in just enough olive oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder or paprika to taste. Spread evenly on baking sheet, being sure not to overcrowd them.

Bake at 450 until tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

Creamy Potato Salad

Spring has sprung! Time for some delicious Potato Salad. Here is my favorite recipe for Creamy Potato Salad.

6 medium round red or white potatoes, peeled
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 TBSP. white or cider vinegar
1 TBSP. yellow mustard (or more if you like the mustard flavor a lot like we do)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 medium stalks, celery, chopped (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 hard cooked eggs, chopped

Boil potatoes until tender, drain. Allow to cool enough that you can handle them, or run them under cold water until they cool down. Cut into cubes.

Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, celery, onion and eggs. Toss until dressing has coated everything. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.

Creamy Potluck Potatoes

These potatoes are so savory and delicious, you may want to eat them all the time!

3 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2 TBSP. butter, melted
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided in half
2 green onions, chopped, save some for topping
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Cook potatoes in boiling water until just tender, around 10 minutes. Drain.

In large bowl, stir together soup, sour cream, cream cheese and butter. Add  1/2 cup of the cheese and the remaining ingredients. Stir in the cooked potatoes. Transfer to 2-quart baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until heated through. Sprinkle top with leftover cheese and green onion.

Corn Chowder

Rich and creamy, Corn Chowder is a delicious way to warm up! Another great recipe from my
Just A Matter Of Thyme - Among Friends cookbook. Yummy!

1/2 cup butter
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, minced
2 TBSP. chopped green pepper or sweet red pepper
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 TBSP. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 cup water
2 TBSP. instant chicken bouillon
20 oz. frozen corn
3-4 cups Half N' Half or milk

Saute first five ingredients for about 10 minutes, until almost tender. Blend in flour and salt. Cook for one minute. Stir in water and bouillon, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Add corn and milk. Gently heat through.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Candied Pecans

I'm new to pinning on Pinterest, but I saw this salad and had to post it! It is from Yummylife.com.

6 oz. baby spinach leaves
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3-4 TBSP. Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing
1/2 cup candied pecan pieces.

In large bowl, toss spinach, strawberries, onion and feta cheese with dressing. Sprinkle with pecans just before serving, to keep them crisp.

Texas Caviar

I had this last night at a Sunday School Valentine's Party! I could have eaten the entire bowl! It is so good! This is a very versatile recipe that can be tweaked to make it a perfect fit for your home.

2 can's black-eyed peas with jalapenos, drained
1 can corn, drained
1/2-3/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup red bell pepper
1/4 cup green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/8-1/4 cup chopped cilantro
chopped jalapenos to your taste (optional)
1 (8 oz.) Italian dressing
pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and chill for at least 2 hours.

Serve with tortilla or pita chips.

VARIATIONS: use black beans instead of black-eyed peas. Use hominy instead of corn. Use one can of black beans and one cf pinto beans. Some recipes add green chilies.