Caramel Cream Cheese Dip for Apples

I like treats that mix business with pleasure... healthful apples and an indulgent dip. Quick FHE snack.

(Disclaimer: Ok, there isn't really any caramel in this, but it ends up with a similar colour and taste to caramel. Joe says it would make a good middle layer for a cake. A good dense nutty or coconut cake...mmm!)

1 8oz (250g) pkg Cream Cheese
1 c. Brown Sugar
1 - 2 Skor Chocolate Bars, smashed into little pieces (or 1/2 c. of chopped walnuts or pecans)
4-5 Apples, thinly sliced (I like Granny Smith)

Blend cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth and sugar is dissolved (I used my hand/wand blender). Stir in chocolate bar pieces (or nuts). If needed, firm up the dip in the fridge before serving. Serve with thinly sliced apples.

Carol's Basic Ceviche

(Say-vee-chay, fresh seafood salsa)

I've made this so many times and tried many variations. Without the shrimp, and by adding a TBSP or 2 of diced jalapenos or chilies, it quickly becomes more like a Mexican Pico de Gallo Salsa. Without the cucumber, and by adding a clove or 2 of crushed garlic, a couple TBSP's of oil and some diced chilies, you get the Chilean Pebre. I even included my bruschetta spin off below. I usually double this recipe according to 1 cucumber.

½ cucumber, finely diced

¼ small onion, finely diced

2 – 3 small tomatoes (roma or vine tomatoes, bigger ones work too but you might have to scoop out the seedy parts), finely diced

1 small fistful of cilantro, finely chopped

Juice from 1 lemon

Juice from 1 lime (or equal part vinegar)

Salt

Pepper (optional)

*baby shrimp or prawns, or seafood or choice

Add your chopped ingredients to a bowl. Add juices, *seafood and salt to taste. Serve as a condiment to grilled meats or as a fresh salsa with tortilla chips.

**for a quick Bruschetta, omit the cucumber and add 1 clove chopped garlic and 1 green onion thinly sliced. I still use cilantro (always on hand) but you could use the traditional herb Basil in this recipe. Serve on oven toasted bread, or top it on the bread with fresh parmesan and then toast it.