The Best Shrimp Appetizer

While playing bunko in San Luis Obispo I discovered this recipe--or rather borrowed the idea from one of the bunko leaders. I can not take any credit myself, but this tasty shrimp and avocado appetizer has become known among my closest friends as "Anne's special shrimp dish." Only because I make it often, and people request it as an appetizer. No eggs or wheat are involved in this dish, and you serve it cold. It is perfect for a summer brunch. Kids love the shrimp and avocado as well, and you can choose to make it spicy or not.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. cooked, deveined shrimp
1 cup or more diced avocado
1/2 cup jicama peeled and finely minced
1/3 cup lime juice (it can be lemon if you must substitute)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup orange juice--no substituting
3 tbs. finely chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon sugar or 2 tablespoons agave syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1 or more tbs. chipotle chile in adobo sauce (no substitute)
1 bag tortilla chips (for scooping)

1. Combine all chopping ingredients in your food processor and chop (jicama, onion, cilantro)
2. Add only 1 tbs. of the chipotle sauce into the food processor and chop one more time.
3. Add all the ingredients into a large bowl with shrimp and toss.
4. Chill for 4 hours and serve with chips.

You can play with the flavors by adding more or less sugar, lime, orange, and spice.

Bananas and Chocolate Easy Dessert

This is the easiest sweet treat to make for non-wheat eaters. You can even substitute carob chips for chocolate chips and it still tastes great. All you need is a banana, some chocolate (carob) chips and a way to melt the chips.

Ingredients

1/3 cup carob or chocolate chips
(melted just enough to pour) You can use a microwave or stove top.
1 banana ready to eat

1. Cut banana into slices
2. Arrange the slices in a bowl
3. Pour the chocolate over the bananas

Eat at your leisure because as the chocolate hardens it becomes even better.

If you need a treat without the chocolate or carob then I suggest you cover the banana in honey and add a little cinnamon on the top.