Turkey & Swiss sandwich with Spicy BBQ dip

 - Ok, this sounds so basic, but trust me the combo of the toasted sandwich with the magic dip (we may as well say it's magic because that's how it tastes in your mouth), makes this one of our favs.

1 Loaf french bread

3/4 lb deli turkey (make sure you get the yummy turkey from the deli. It makes all the difference. Also, I only do 1/2 lb turkey since I eat meat sparingly)

Provolone and Swiss cheese

Red Leaf lettuce or spinach

Roma Tomato

Red onion

Avocado (you can slice them, but we like to smash the avocado to it's more like a spread. Makes dipping a lot easier too).

Dip: And yes, this is hands down, the-not-to-be-trifled-with, money maker.
½ c brown sugar
½ c BBQ sauce (spicy honey from Kraft is best. Gives it a bit of a kick with a touch of sweetness)
½ c water

Cut bread length-wise (don't cut all the way through). Place turkey on one side, and cheese on the other. Broil on low until cheese is bubbling and browned. While sandwich is cooking, heat ingredients for dip in small pot. Heat until sugar is dissolved. When sandwich is done, dress with toppings, cut into slices, and serve with hot dip. 

Chocolate Buttercream

Serves: 3 cups

A simple recipe for classic chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for frosting cakes, cookies, brownies, or cupcakes.

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks or 1/2 pound), softened (but not melted!)
3 1/2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions
Cream butter for a few minutes in a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Turn off the mixer. Sift 3 cups powdered sugar and cocoa into the mixing bowl. Turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the dry ingredients do not blow everywhere) until the sugar and cocoa are absorbed by the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and milk/cream and beat for 3 minutes. If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add a little more sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time.

Saucy Asparagus or Green Beans

from Jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com

3 T. soy sauce
2 t. sesame seeds (toasted)
2 1/2 t. garlic, minced
4 T. brown sugar
3 T. PB

Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe
*Note: you can substitute milk for the heavy cream but the frosting will be missing an element of silky creaminess.

*Makes about 4 cups of frosting

½ cup (1 stick, 8 tablespoons) butter, softened to room temperature
3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces powdered sugar (about 3 ½ cups)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until it is light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla. Add the powdered sugar gradually and mix in fully after each addition. Cream at low speed until well blended and creamy. Pour in the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Bar Z Roasted Corn Salsa

1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 green onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 avocado, diced
juice of 3 limes
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Spread corn in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Allow corn to thaw, then place sheet under broiler and broil kernels until they begin to brown. Cool, and place in mixing bowl with remaining ingredients. Allow mixture to sit several hours or overnight for flavors to marry. Serve with tortilla chips.

From "Favorites" Cookbook

Fluffy Honey Butter

2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff

Whip all together with an electric mixer and serve at room temperature (can be refrigerated and softened).

From My Kitchen Cafe

Jamie's Salad Dressing

1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup vinegar
1 tsp. salt
2 T. grated onion
Put in blender and then add
1 T. poppy seeds
Great on spinach with craisins, almonds, and avocados.