Firstly, I want to say a huge THANK YOU for your support with Project Food Blog. Week after week, I have been blown away by the incredible positivity and support that you have given me. My husband, family, friends, and readers have stood by my side for the past 3 months. I’ve known this from day one, but I seriously have the most amazing support a blogger could EVER ask for. I won Reader’s Choice 5 times out of 9 in the contest, so that just tells you how awesome you guys have been to me.
I did not end up winning the contest, but I would like to applaud Tiny Urban Kitchen for her win in Project Food Blog. The real value of this competition for me has been the learning experience, growth, ignited passion, and the platform to show you what I love to do.
Tonight marks the beginning of the first free weekend I have had since the start of Project Food Blog way back in September. I really don’t know what I will do with myself. Well, you know…except blog, bake, and try to fix the disaster that is my house. I feel like I have 3 months of my life to catch up on.
Oh, and I decided that I am not ready for 2011 yet…
It feels like I just wrote my 10 in 2010 resolution list and now I will be writing another one soon. It will be fun to go over though. I’m looking forward to doing a couple recaps in the next 2 weeks. I’m also very excited to tell you all about my new goals for 2011…and find out what you are shooting for too!
Yesterday, I came across Pioneer Woman’s Pico De Gallo and I suddenly found myself with a huge craving for the fresh, crisp, and clean flavours that make up this Mexican delight.
And then Pico de Gallo turned into something a bit crazy and my kitchen now looks a bit like this.
Ok, it actually it looked much, much worse.
So bad, in fact, I chose not to take a picture for fear that you would all abandon me in horror.
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Pico de Gallo
Pioneer Woman says the key to a successful and authentic Pico de Gallo is ensuring that you have an equal proportion of onion, tomato, and Cilantro. I think she is onto something because this came out delicious and very authentic!
Adapted from Pioneer Woman.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 large bunch of Cilantro (approx 1/2-3/4 cup), thick stems removed, roughly chopped
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 lime
- 1-2 Jalapeno peppers or other hot pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions: Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and hot pepper. Note that the seeds inside the hot pepper are the most heat-producing, so you can remove the seeds if you don’t want it super hot. Remove thick stems of the Cilantro and then roughly chop. Mix the onion, tomato, hot pepper, and Cilantro in a bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice on top. Stir well and then season with kosher salt to taste.
Makes about 4 cups worth and lasts only for about 24 hours or so. Seal in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Use in quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, or just enjoy with some of your favourite nacho chips!
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To make, grab your Pico de Gallo rock stars…
My grocery store did not have jalapeno peppers, so I grabbed this one above, which I believe is some kind of banana chili pepper.
It was hot.
And it worked.
Chop your little heart out. Actually don’t…that wouldn’t be nice.
Chop the veggies up.
I removed the seeds of my hot peppers because Eric is not a big fan of spicy foods and the seeds contain the most heat.
I think Cilantro is one of my all time favourite smells. It is so clean and fresh! Almost like a just out of the shower kind of smell. Mmm.
Mix the above together in a large bowl and squeeze with the juice of 1 lime (or to taste)…
Stir well.
Now you have Pico de Gallo that will rock your face off.
But of course, I could not just leave it at that!
I had avocados to be rescued…
Easy Guacamole
Adapted from Pioneer Woman.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe avocados
- 1 cup of Pico de Gallo
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions: Cut your avocados in half and remove the pits. Roughly chop the avocado flesh and then take a fork and mash it up until you have the consistency that you want. I like to leave lots of big chunks in there! Now add 1 cup of Pico de Gallo and mix gently. Season with kosher salt to taste.
Once you have your Pico de Gallo made, this could not be any easier!
You mash up 4 avocados with a fork. I like to leave it nice and chunky.
Add 1 cup of Pico and gently mix.
There you have it!
Easy and fresh Guacamole in a jiffy.
But, no, I did not stop there.
I was thinking one thing and one thing only.
7 Layer Mexican Dip.
Once I set my mind on something there is no turning back.
I chopped about 1/2 cup of spinach greens.
Then I grabbed a can of black beans.
Added in some olive oil, kosher salt, and cumin and I processed it leaving it nice and chunky!
Then I processed together some vegan sour cream with a taco seasoning package.
Then I made my cheese sauce from my Vegan Mac ‘n cheese.
I grabbed some green onions…
Before I knew it, magic happened.
Ok, it wasn’t magic, it was actually a lot of work (1.5 hours start to finish!), but the outcome was awesome!
And now I must go clean up.
Coming up in my next post…Homemade Peppermint Nog and Vegan Eggnog. Very excited.
I’m sad you didn’t win too, but you got sooooo far in that contest!
And the blogs and the recipes have been amazing–
Can’t wait to see your recaps for the year :)
This recipe looks fantastic. Mexican is by far one of my favorites. Congratulations on how far you made it! I adore all of your recipes and have made a few of them on occasion. I venture into becoming vegan but haven’t made the step to go full on just yet.
I am COMPLETELY shocked that you did not win this!!! I personally think that you more than deserved it. All of your entries were outstanding and the fact that you won Reader’s Choice 5 times shows that I am not the only one who thinks that! :-) Sometimes, unfortunately, judges decide to go with the under dog or to vote politically. There are many brighter things in your future although it may be hard to see that now. So sorry to hear, but excited for your next step! :-)
A little unfair, it wasn’t a popularity contest. I think Angela did fantastic, great photography and she has a huge reader base, but that did not guarantee her the win. All of the final three were worthy.
I agree, it wasn’t a popularity contest. It was about talent. Just because someone is popular shouldn’t mean that they are at a disadvantage to win. The fact that so many of us love and follow her work proves that she has something really special. Don’t all successful people have a fan base that follow their work? Last time I check Oprah didn’t have a half full audience.
I think the other 2 contestants were good as well, but my opinion is just that Angela was great! I guess time will tell….
Hey Angela – I have to tell you I was so shocked that you didn’t win! I know all three of the top contestants were great bloggers, but I truly think you are a step above the rest. It’s neither here nor there now, though. I know there are so many exciting things in your future, and I can’t wait to follow your blog as you continue on this journey! You are such an inspiration to me to go after my dreams and do anything I want to do. So thanks for that:)
And as for the mexican fiesta above…I’m majorly craving it all now and I’m thinking I’ll have to make a tasty mexican dinner!
That pico de gallo is the best I’ve ever tasted. I think I could devour an entire bowl all by myself. And now 7-layer dip?! You are one seriously creative vegan chef. I’m really surprised that you didn’t win, but it was a lot of fun following your progress through the past weeks and months. You should be REALLY proud of yourself. You did an amazing job. So congratulations on everything you accomplished!
Ah crap! So sorry you didnt win. Funny I was thinking about your all day wishing that you won! Next time. This dip looks soooo fab I must make it. Also, I am making a version of your blondies tomorrow for friends. I will link back to you of course.
Congrats on making it so far! I really thought that you did an amazing job and you won in my book. I am new to the blog world and have found your blog super inspirational and fun. You’ve actually motivated me to consider starting my own. Keep up the great work. You are an example to us all!!
Ange, I want to say congratulations again for making it so far. Even though you didn’t win, you are still one of my biggest sources of inspiration and I admire you for every single post you’ve written – both for PFB and outside of the competition. You are truly amazing!!! :)
I. AM. SOOOO. UPSET!!! i’ve been an OhSheGlows follower for nearly a year and your blog has truly changed my life in so many ways! I was so excited when you embarked on this journey and voted for you (numerous times!) every step of the way!! I wasn’t even being bias- your posts were consistently the best one in each category, especially in the 10th!!!! I thought that you FOR SURE were gonna win and the outcome truly saddens me :( You are such an inspiration to Vegans, Bloggers, and people who love to cook. I know God has bigger and better things in store for you, so that is what’s getting me though this shock, but ahkjshakjdsan i really thought you had it! :'(
Sorry you didn’t win- I was rooting for you!
One of my FAVORITE snacks in the world is hummus layered with salsa. It sounds odd, but it reminded me of this dip. In a shallow dish or bowl, layer hummus and a good quality salsa. It is so so so good.
That dip looks so good! Beautiful too ;).
Guacamole sounds especially good to me right now. Craving lots of avocado these days :).
I’m so sorry that you didn’t win — especially after seeing your behind the scenes post and realizing how much hard work you put into it. You did a wonderful job and your posts were filled with beautiful photography. Congratulations for getting to the final rounds and for being so inspiring!
No matter what you are a superstar! You did an amazing job on all of your challenges! So in my book Angela, you are the winner! :) and 3rd place is quite an accomplishment! You should be so proud of yourself!
I wonder if mutiny would result if I swapped out my mom’s beloved seven layer mexican dip for this one at our upcoming family and friends dinner?! I mean, my mom’s only been making her dip for the last 15 years or so, and heaven forbid she not bring it to each and every gathering… Hmmmmm…..
As a fellow vegan (and blogger and Foodbuzz-er) I’m very proud of how you represented us vegan-types in PFB2010. Seriously great job, girlie! :-)
Love your 7 layer dip idea! We have our “Traditional, Non-Traditional” Christmas dinner coming up and we’re going with a Mexican theme year. I’ll have to give this a try! Nothing says Happy Holidays like tacos and dip, right? Ok, and maybe a margarita!
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t win but you should be proud of your accomplishments! :)
somehow i don’t think my layered dip has ever looked that pretty
Dang that does stink that you didn’t win, but the fact that you’re taking it so well just goes to show what an awesome person you are!! :D
Thanks everyone!
Seven layer dip is one of my favorite things! I haven’t made a vegan version since I’ve been dairy-free and I can’t wait to give this a whirl. Delish.
Congrats on making it so far in the contest. You had my vote with each challenge and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t bummed when I found out you didn’t win. Love your attitude and glad you got so much out of the challenge! :)