Tanya's Tasty Nachos

     My friend Tanya makes the BEST nachos!  We don't eat nachos very often, but when we do this is the recipe that I use.

Tanya's Tasty Nachos:

1 bag tortilla chips
1 whole rotisserie chicken shredded
1/2 c sliced olives
1 diced tomato
1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
2 c shredded cheese
1/4 c salsa (red or green)
1 bunch of diced cilantro
1/2 c sour cream
1 diced avocado

Spread out the chips on a large baking sheet.  Top with chicken, olives, tomatoes, beans, cheese, salsa & cilantro.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Dot with sour cream and sprinkle with avocados.

Pesto

     I am watering my neighbor's garden and flowers while she is out of town.  She told me to pick some produce so that she wouldn't be overwhelmed by it when she got home.  I picked a bunch of basil that was starting to go to seed and I made some pesto.  I didn't have any pine nuts or Parmesan cheese so I just improvised with what I had on hand.  It turned out delicious!  Here is the recipe:

Pesto:

2 c basil leaves
1/2 c walnuts
1 t garlic
salt & pepper to taste
3 slices of cheddar cheese cut into cubes
1/2 c olive oil

Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.  You can add more olive oil if the mixture seems too dry.  I put half of my pesto into ziplock bags and place them in the freezer for later use.  The other half of the pesto I put in pasta.  It tastes really good with crackers or on a sandwich in place of mayonnaise.

Macaroni Tuna Casserole

     My daughter is learning to cook by herself.  Tonight, she made dinner for our family.  I was SO proud of her.  She even cleaned up after herself which was a bonus.  This recipe is one of the first casseroles that I learned to make when I was her age.

Macaroni Tuna Casserole:

1 box macaroni & cheese (we use Annie's or homemade works too)
1 can tuna in water
1 bag frozen peas
1/2 c. mayonnaise
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 c. shredded cheese

Cook macaroni & cheese according to the box instructions.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, place mayonnaise and drained tuna.  Stir well.  Add macaroni & cheese and fold in the frozen peas.  Salt & pepper to taste.  Place in a greased square pan and sprinkle the cheese on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.