Shrimp Cocktail Salsa

Remember when shrimp cocktail was the fanciest thing ever?  I still think a party is really serious business when there is shrimp cocktail on the table.  Now, what we have here is a dip that throws the fancy out the window, gives you all the satisfaction of shrimp cocktail and throws in the fun of salsa.

This is great party food, not just because it is a dip, but because you can easily make it the night before.  I will say, that if you are going to make it in advance, I would hold off on putting the avocado in until the day of.  It won't get brown if you do it the day before, the acid in the cocktail sauce and lime juice will take care of that, but it may get a little mushy depending on the ripeness of your avocado.


1 White Onion, chopped
12 oz Extra Small Shrimp, peeled, deveined, & Tailless
2-12 oz bottles cocktail sauce (I use one normal, and one spicy or zesty)
1-2 Jalapenos, diced (seeds and ribs removed if you are looking to cut the heat)
1 Avacado, diced
1/2 Cup cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
Tortilla

In a medium non-reactive bowl, i.e. glass or plastic, combine all of the ingredients, except of course the tortilla chips.  Chill for about and hour, then serve with the tortilla chips.

Baked Nachos

Nachos, nachos, nachos . . . this is what is playing in my head more often than I would like to admit.  I love them,  There really isn't much more to say than that.  These are great for game day, movie night, or even as a meal if you want.  I really don't need any excuse at all to make them.

Baked Nachos

• 1lb Ground Turkey or Beef
• 1 1.13oz Packet of Taco Seasoning
• 2 medium to large onions, Chopped or Sliced
• 1 13 oz Bag of Tortilla Chips
• 1 6.5 oz Can of Black Olives, Slices
• 4 Cups Cheese (of your choice), shredded
• 1/2 Cup Cilantro, chopped
• Garlic or Seasoning salt (optional)

\Additional Post-Cooking Toppings:

• Tomatoes
• Green Onions
• Sour Cream Salsa

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

In a medium sized frying pan, cook the ground meat and onions until browned.  Drain the grease from  the meat.  Add the taco seasoning and olives to the pan and stir to combine.

On a 9x13 baking sheet spread out a layer of tortilla chips.  With a large spoon, sprinkle half of your meat mixture over the  chips, and then top with the shredded cheese.  Repeat that layer, so chips, meat, cheese, one more time.  Sprinkle with a little Garlic or Seasoning Salt if you would like.  Place your pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove your nachos from the oven when the cheese is melted and maybe just a little golden and crispy.  Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings and condiments.