CHILIES CON QUESO

CHILIES CON QUESO

Makes about 2 cups.
Serving size about 1 tablespoon.

1/2 pound mild cheese (Edam, Gouda or Jack)
1/4 cup purchased salsa

Cooking Directions
Shred cheese, place in small heatproof dish or skillet.

Stir in salsa.

Place over medium-hot coals; let cheese melt, stirring frequently to make sure cheese doesn't scorch on bottom of dish.

Remove to serving dish.

Serve with fresh raw vegetables or tortilla chips.

Serving Suggestions
This favorite appetizer is a great starter before a spicy meal of grilled fajitas.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 25 calories; 

Protein 2 grams; 

Fat 2 grams; 

Sodium 45 milligrams; 

Cholesterol 5 milligrams; 

Saturated Fat 1 grams; 

Carbohydrates 0 grams

GINAS REFRIED BEANS & CHEESE DIP

REFRIED BEAN AND CHEESE DIP - submitted by GINA 

(Although this is a dip, it is very filling. When dipped with Tortilla Chips, I have had this as a meal.)

Ingredients:
* 2-16oz. cans refried beans
* 16 ounces cream cheese (believe me, this makes it special!)
* 1/4 cup salsa
* Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (May use Cheddar or Monterrey Jack)
* Garlic Powder to individual taste
* Optional - sour cream, olives, hot peppers, guacamole, onion

Directions:
1. Mix the refried beans, garlic powder and salsa together. Spread out half of the mixture in the bottom of a small, oven proof casserole.
2. Put a layer of cream cheese on top of the first layer of refried bean mixture.
3. Top this layer of cream cheese with the remaining refried bean mixture.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and put in a 350F oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated.

CRISP CUCUMBER SALSA RECIPE

Crisp Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Here’s a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You’ll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super-fresh flavors.

10 Servings
Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Ingredients

2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
Baked tortilla chip scoops

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin and seasoned salt. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with chips. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

Editor's Note: We recommend wearing disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips) equals
16 calories,
1 g fat (trace saturated fat),
2 mg cholesterol,
44 mg sodium,
2 g carbohydrate,
trace fiber,
1 g protein.

Diabetic Exchange:
Free food.