Let's Salsa

This is a family recipe that I love to make in the Spring and Summer when all the vegetables are fresh and ripe!

5 chopped tomatoes

1 chopped large white onion

1 chopped bunch of green onions (chives)

3 Tbsp minced garlic

2 chopped Argentinean/Chilean peppers (these are the larger bright green peppers that resemble jalapenos. They are less spicy but pack good flavor. Be sure to cut out all the seeds unless you like it hot!)

Lime Juice

Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning

Mix all vegetables. Add lime juice and Tony's Seasoning for sauce little by little. Its easier to taste as you mix to get it to your desired spiciness of salsa. Salsa is best when it has been refrigerated overnight, so that the vegetables can mix in with the lime juice. Best enjoyed on a warm day with Baked Tostitos Scoops and a cold beer. Ole!

Fresh Lemons

After a year of searching for a dining room table for our home, I scored a PERFECT Danish modern, 1960's table with pull out leaves and six original chairs for $200! Ever since we brought it home, I have been obsessed with creating different centerpieces and looks to compliment its simple and retro look. Since we live in Florida, our Winter is just a prolonged Fall filled with warmth and earthy tones, so I wanted to make a transition to Spring with some fresh native fruit. I bought the runner on clearance at Pier 1 ($10), and a mid-century teak bowl at a garage sale (50 cents!). The lemons are fresh off my mother-in-law's tree, and smell as good as they taste. A SIMPLE and EASY way to dress up the dining room, and makes the house smell good too! You're ready for company!

The Beginning....

Welcome to my first blog! Forever the Hostess, I am constantly planning dinner parties, game nights, baby showers, bridal showers, and this past year, I even designed my own wedding, down to the last sprinkle on my homemade red velvet cake bonbon favors. During the past few years, and especially during the wedding planning process, I found that there weren't as many outlets on-line as I had hoped with really great ideas, that could be done simply and for a little cost. I also constantly have friends ask for ideas, recipes, and help for their own events, so now I have a blog in which I can share my ideas and experiences with the masses. Or just you!

Fabulous and festive parties begin with GREAT IDEAS and a few minutes of simple planning. And sometimes, all it takes is one great idea, or one fabulous dish. Hopefully, you'll find some here.

PS- Even though good Hostesses usually keep their entertaining secrets close to their heart, I must tell you upfront that many of the ideas you will see on this blog have not originated with me. I feel that good ideas and recipes are meant to be shared! Please feel free to pass any along, and I would be thrilled to "host" them here.