Guest Author - Jill Valente
Tomato and Mozzarella with Fresh Basil
Take advantage of the season and indulge in some beautiful tomatoes and fragrant basil. Slice tomatoes evenly and layer on a plate alternating with fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Season the tomato and mozzarella with salt and pepper and drizzle with a good extra virgin olive oil. For a nice finishing touch garnish with some basil leaves.
Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry and/or grape tomatoes are one of my favorite things to cook with as they are great on their own and accompany things well too. Heat some olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium and add chopped shallots and cherry or grape tomatoes. Sauté until tomatoes are about to burst, about 12-15 minutes and serve warm or room temperature.
Roasted Potato Salad
This is another side that can be served warm or at room temperature and can replace your typical fattening chock full of mayonnaise potato salad. Buy a bag of tricolor potatoes (red-skinned, Yukon Gold and purple) and cut them into bite sized pieces. In a large roasting pan sprayed with cooking spray add the potatoes, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary and olive oil. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 50-55 minutes until browned and tender. Toss with some additional olive oil and parmesan cheese and serve.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilling adds great flavor and texture to vegetables without any added fat. Most vegetables grill well but some of my favorites are bell peppers, onions and corn on the cob. Asparagus also works really well on the grill, just skewer a bunch of asparagus stalks together and you are set. I feel like olive oil, salt and pepper are all you need for these vegetables but if you like a little more kick experiment with chili powder, paprika and different types of grill seasonings.
Salads and Salsas
A few more barbeque accompaniments that I love are my recipes for Crunchy Coleslaw, Summer Salsa and Lentil and Corn Salad. The tangy Crunchy Coleslaw is nice with some grilled pork tenderloin, the Summer Salsa is refreshing and delicious and the Lentil and Corn Salad is good on all levels. Please find their recipes in Related Links.
I hope everyone has a safe and healthy Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy!!
