Cranberry Cilantro Salsa

I love the freshness of this!  And I love that it's as simple as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries 
• 1/2-1/2 purple onion
• 1 small seeded jalapeno
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 C sugar (or less to taste)
• 1 heaping tsp cumin
• cream cheese, softened

Directions:

1. Give the onion, jalapeno and cilantro a rough chop.  Pulse cranberries, onion, jalapeno and cilantro in a food processor or blender until you've reached the desired consistency.
2. Mix in sugar and cumin.  Refrigerate.
3. Spread cream cheese out on the bottom of a really shallow bowl/serving plate.  Then spread the salsa over the top.  Serve with crackers.

This super yummy dish is from my super sweet friend.  Thanks for sharing, Tanilee!  *B

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

These are pretty easy.  They're also pretty tasty ;)

Ingredients:

• 1 can whole water chestnuts, drained and halved
• 1/4 c. soy sauce
• 2 t. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 c. sweet apricot chili glaze/sauce (Fresh & Easy)
• dash cayenne (opt)
• microwave bacon, cut in half widthwise

Directions:

1. Combine soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce and allow water chestnuts to soak for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the chestnuts and wrap in bacon.  Secure with a toothpick and place in a baking dish so that the water chestnuts are exposed.
3. Combine chili sauce with the cayenne and spoon half of the mixture on top of exposed water chestnuts.  Bake for 15 minutes at 350.
4. Remove from oven and carefully flip the water chestnuts and expose the other sides.  Add the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Sweet and salty.  Crunchy and crispy.  And this recipe makes a ton!  Definitely a winner.  *B