Easy Veggie Bars

We've had sunshine today.  Glorious therapeutic sunshine, man, I'm so ready for Spring.

Today's recipe is a solid favorite, and would be an excellent appetizer for your Final Four party madness.  Did I mention it's ultra easy?  Plus we can all pretend that since its covered in veggies, it's totally guilt-free.

I've taken it to many gatherings and I'm always left with an empty pan and requests for the recipe.  Flakey crescent roll crust, a layer of garlicy creaminess, and fresh crunchy veggies.  They all pair perfectly for a scrumptious, crowd pleasing finger food.

Make this, and enjoy that sunshine!

Easy Veggie Bars by Bliss From Scratch, inspired by my friend Kari Meeker | Printable Version Note: I halved this recipe for my photos. 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls 12 oz cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup mayonnaise 1 bunch green onions, sliced small 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 5 cups finely chopped veggies, use whatever you like; broccoli, carrots, olives, sweet red peppers, radishes, cauliflower, etc.  Gently unroll crescent rolls, keeping them attached in their rectangular shapes, and gently press into a large ungreased cookie sheet.  They may not cover the entire pan.  Bake at the temperature shown on the package for 10-12 minutes until golden.  Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, finely chop/dice veggies.  In a small bowl combine softened cream cheese, mayo, green onions and garlic salt.  Spread on cooled dough.   Spread chopped veggies evenly over top of cream cheese covered crust, very gently press to help the veggie stick.  Cut into bars and serve immediately or refrigerate.  Can be chilled for hours in advance or even over night.  Enjoy!

Tomato Corn Salad

I finally got around to giving this recipe a photo makeover, so I've pulled it to the front because it definitely deserves a second look.

Absolutely one of my family's favorite salads, like ever.

Seriously, turn on your printer.

This colorful side bursts with refreshing pizazz.   Laced with fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard, its a winner.

Chopped Broccoli Salad

Need a new salad recipe to whip out for the forthcoming Thanksgiving festivities?  

Then lucky you.  I have just the thing.

Caprese Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

At long last we've been able to enjoy our garden tomatoes.  With a cooler climate and shorter growing season its a race against the impending frosts to have them ripen in time.  Back off frost, my babies are still green out there.  

Lately I've found happiness in the form of this beautiful salad. 

I think I could eat this every stinking day of my life. 

Revolutionary Mac N' Cheese

I have unfortunately allowed myself to watch a handful of those terrifying food documentaries.  Everybody has seen a few right?  Each one has left me in a state of paranoid anxiety, fearing that everything I'm feeding my family is unsafe and practically poisonous.  I seriously don't sleep well for days. 

The positive effect is that they reaffirm my desire to serve my family as much of a healthy, balanced and unprocessed diet as I can.    

And that is why my girls have been deprived of the infamous neon orange Mac N' Cheese in a box.

12 Hour Salad

Although school has just started for most of us, we're still bound to have a few more weeks of warm summer weather.  I'm determined to keep pulling out the grill and drag out the BBQ season for as long as I can. 

Maybe even host one last farewell summer BBQ with friends?    

When preparing food for a crowd I've learned the hard way that simple should always be the rule.  And by that I don't mean sacrificing flavor, but choosing the smart easy options that allow me to trade fussing for relaxation and good conversation.

No TiAnn, you really shouldn't make homemade rolls, or be cooking at the stove when the guests arrive, or be a stressed out crazy person... Duh. 

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Honey Citrus Dressing

Summertime means salads to me. 

I'm enamored with the fresh seasonal ingredients at the height of their nutrients and flavor.  I especially enjoy sampling new salads at summertime get-togethers and BBQs, and oft times simple wins big. 

So here's my version of simple.  A medley of fresh vibrant fruits tossed in lightly sweetened juices with the perfect hint of vanilla. 

Lovely!      

Macaroni Salad - Hawaiian Plate Lunch Style

This recipe brings me back to my very first introduction to the Hawaiian Plate Lunch. Confession: I still dream about that day. I was in Kona, 18 years old and completely oblivious to the future obsession that I would develop for duplicating that irresistible Polynesian cuisine. This mac salad recipe is spot on, it's a perfect balance of flavor and texture, and a cool creamy side kick that compliments the more bold and often spicy tropical flavors you'd enjoy with a traditional Plate Lunch. Heck it'd go well with just about anything, but the next time you BBQ be sure to give this one a try.

Herb-Roasted Red Potatoes

These are roasted potatoes at their best.  Bold and savory, they won't disappoint.