Texas Bars aka Brownies

Growing up I had a neighbor lady who used to live in Texas. This recipe came from her and was simply known as Texas bars.  They are pretty amazing, especially with butter cream chocolate frosting.

What you will need: 2 c flour, 2 c sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp soda, 1/2 c mayonnaise, 2 sticks margarine, 1 c water, 4 Tbsp cocoa

Combine the flour, sugar, eggs, salt and soda in the mixer.  Mix until it forms a sand like consistency.  Add the mayonnaise and mix until combine.  In a small pan bring the margarine, water, and cocoa to a boil. Slowing add it to the flour mixture.  I always add a little in at a time so the liquid doesn't slosh out of the mixer.  Pour into a greased 13x18 pan or pan similar in size.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Let cool before frosting.

Tomatoes and more tomatoes! That calls for Salsa

I don't garden. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like any type of gardening. I do, however, like to benefit from the gardening efforts of friends, neighbors, and family.  I recently inherited several tomatoes.  We have been eating LaCasa salsa for years and absolutely love it. At $5 a jar it can get pricey so I thought I'd try to make some salsa.  Here is what I came up with...

I was surprised by the red color. It almost looks ruby red in real life.  The consistency is just what I wanted-thin with tiny chunks.  Use a food processor to get it like this.  The taste isn't LaCasa, but it's pretty  good.  The 'recipe' is below.  I just kind of threw things in....

4 large garden tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion
1 garlic clove
1/2 jalepeno (seeded if you want less heat)
Cilantro - I love fresh cut couldnt find it so I used this stuff out of a tube that my husband found. About 2 tbsp.
Juice of 1/2 a lime
cumin-about 1 tsp
chili powder-about 1 tsp
Kosher salt to taste.

Put all in a food processor and process until a consistency you like.
Store for one week in the fridge.