Sun-Dried Tomato Relish

No, there's nothing wrong with your eyes.  You're seeing red, and that red is a relish.  The pickle corporations do not have a copyright on this name, meaning it can still be applied to any spreadable and flavorful concoction regardless of color.  Any chopped vegetable or fruit can become a relish, including sun-dried tomatoes.  And this spread is so delicious, it's honestly borderline inappropriate.  So please allow me to expand your color horizons and introduce you to the relish we're smearing on pretty much everything coming out of our kitchen nowadays.

Grilled Cheese Sticks w/ Apple Butter Dipping Sauce

There is nothing quite like a toasty grilled cheese sandwich on a crisp autumn afternoon.  It is one of those classic fall meals that transcends all generations.  My mormor always served hers with a side of ketchup, my mom with homemade tomato basil soup.  And chances are you have your own favorite variation in your household.  Man those two make quite a pair.  But along with a love of tomatoes, my mother passed down another favorite pairing with sharp cheddar...apples.  Be it raw granny smiths or hot apple pie, there is nothing quite like the sweet and salty combo of cheddar and apples.

Spinach Dip Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf

There are many things I love about my husband.  He considers rollerblading aerobic exercise, has read the entire Harry Potter series and sings 80's hits to our pup, substituting her name into the lyrics.  But perhaps the best part of all is the fact that he can cook.  The man makes an amazing pork roast, perfect pad thai and his lava cakes are to die for.  However, we have very different opinions when it comes to meatloaf.  Having grown up eating my mom's to-die for recipe, I have insatiable winter craving for this dish while the hubs, a natural-born Canadian, never at it growing up.  Perhaps that's why I was so giddy when he offered to make Spinach Dip Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf for me last week.  Oh joy!

Grilled Pepper & Corn Salad

Ahh, the joys of corn on the cob.  Juicy yellow kernels of sweet perfection bursting in your mouth as you munch.  The ears are so good, it totally makes up for the butter facial and slightly singed fingertips from trying to put the corn holders into the ends waaaaay before its cool enough to handle.  Grilled corn is divine, the epitome of summer eats.  But sometimes, it's nice to nix the cob and keep your dignity at the dinner table.  That's when a grilled corn salad like this one comes in super handy.

Spinach Dip & Roast Beef Panini

I love dip.  Dippady-dip-dip.  Down to my belly.  And on single-digit January days, I tend to gravitate toward the hot dips.  After all, something has to encourage your toes to thaw after a brief walk to the mailbox/car/doggie bag dispenser.  When it comes to hot dips, nothing gets me like Hot & Skinny Spinach Dip, made with greek yogurt instead of mayo.  But who says a dip is only for dunking?  Why can't a dip be on a sandwich?  Well, it can and it is if you try this delicious hot, hearty panini (highly recommended by frozen toes in Southeast Ohio).

Buffalo Pesto

My all-time favorite way to eat chicken is grilled with Frank's RedHot sauce and fresh basil.  I've been eating it this way for so long, I don't even remember where I came up with the idea to pair these two disparate items.  But for some reason, they are insanely good together.  Everyone I've ever fed this combo to has been delightfully happy with the flavor.  And justly so, because what's not to love?  Zesty RedHot, fresh basil and tender chicken breast...all wonderful.  So good, I wanted to put it on everything I ate.  So I figured out a more spreadable solution by transforming the duo into a pesto.  Mayo and mustard never knew what hit them.   

Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with Italian Tomato Salsa

Fall is upon us and it's nearly time to party ways with our favorite fresh vegetables of summer.  Zucchini, you've been exceptional this year.  Tomatoes, lovely.  And peppers, though your time is not yet through, you're larger than life thus far.  With a few sunny days left, we decided to grill up a these favorites in a little Ode to Vegetable Goodness.  This was such a hit at dinner, it make an encore showing at lunch the next day.  And weather be darned, I will continue to make these as long as zucchini are still churning out of my local market.

Spinach Dip Salmon Burger

I'm still trying to get over my recent recipe of Hot & Skinny Spinach Dip.  So far, no luck.  If you've given it a try and find yourself in the same predicament, I empathize completely.  So in lieu of the classic chip, baguette or sliced vegetable, allow yourself to consider this delicious, creamy and healthy burger option that will blow you away.  Spread over a salmon burger and you will find an entirely new and delicious way to enjoy a cheesy dip.

Hot & Skinny Spinach Dip

There is something so satisfying about stuffing a chip loaded with hot, gooey dip into your mouth.  One of my absolute favorites has always been spinach dip....except for one thing.  The mayonnaise.  I have never been a big fan.  I can understand most foods spoiling, but the thought of a condiment making you sick if it's left out for a few hours creeps my tummy out.  If you concur with me, I am here to tell you that you can live a perfectly happy life sans-mayo by simply switching to Greek yogurt.  What a wonderful, high protein, reduced fat alternative!