Guacamole

2 ripe avocados

2 Tbs. finely chopped onion (red or white)

1/2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 tsp. chopped cilantro

1/2 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Smash avocados in a bowl.  Stir in rest of ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

Black Bean Salsa

2  large tomatoes, chopped
1-2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
frozen corn (about 2 cups), thawed
small bunch of Green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 Avocados, diced
1 packet of Italian Seasoning (dry mix)

Mix all ingredients together and serve with corn chips.

Goat Cheese Toasts

36 slices (1/2 inch thick) baguette bread

3 Tbs. olive oil

8 ounces soft fresh goat cheese

4 ounces cream cheese

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

2 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

Salt and coarsely ground pepper

2 Tbs. thinly sliced chives

1.  Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets.  Brush olive oil over the bread slices. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.

2.  Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.  Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon peel.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Spread the cheese mixture over the crostini.  Sprinkle with chives.

The cheese mixture can be prepared two days in advance.  Leave out to reach room temperature before assembling.

Florentine Artichoke Dip

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chipped spinach-thawed and squeezed dry

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease a 7 x 11 inch baking dish.

2.  In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.  Mix in the artichoke hearts, spinach and parmesan cheese, garlic and lemon juice.  Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3.  Bake covered for 20 minutes.  Remove the cover, and let the dish bake uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the surface is lightly browned.

4. Serve with crackers or baguette chips.