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Showing posts with label vegetables. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegetables. Show all posts

Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

Tender baked acorn squash with a pure maple syrup glaze make for one of my all-time favorite fall side dishes. Its simple deliciousness will make you smile.

One of my all-time favorite flavors is maple. Since I grew up in Vermont, that probably comes as no surprise. I mean, Vermont is, like, practically the maple syrup capital of the world, after all. And one of my {many} favorite ways to enjoy maple is as a yummilicious glaze on acorn squash.
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Tender baked acorn squash with a pure maple syrup glaze make for one of my all-time favorite fall side dishes. Its simple deliciousness will make you smile.

One of my all-time favorite flavors is maple. Since I grew up in Vermont, that probably comes as no surprise. I mean, Vermont is, like, practically the maple syrup capital of the world, after all. And one of my {many} favorite ways to enjoy maple is as a yummilicious glaze on acorn squash.
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Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, & Feta Salad

Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, and Feta Cheese Salad dressed with olive oil and fresh mint vinaigrette. It may sound bizarre, but it's one amazingly delicious flavor combination!


The flavor combination of this salad may sound a tad bit, well ... strange ... to some, but believe me, it's aMAZing. The snap of fresh green beans, with the crunch of chopped walnuts, the saltiness of crumbled Feta, and refreshing zing of fresh mint pair just beautifully. In a most surprisingly wonderful way.
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Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, and Feta Cheese Salad dressed with olive oil and fresh mint vinaigrette. It may sound bizarre, but it's one amazingly delicious flavor combination!


The flavor combination of this salad may sound a tad bit, well ... strange ... to some, but believe me, it's aMAZing. The snap of fresh green beans, with the crunch of chopped walnuts, the saltiness of crumbled Feta, and refreshing zing of fresh mint pair just beautifully. In a most surprisingly wonderful way.
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Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick {& Green Giant Veggie Chips #GiantFlavor}


In our family we have a habit ... or tradition ... or whatever you want to call it ... of referring to dishes after the person who gave us the recipe. The dish becomes forever known to us as 'so-and-so's whatever.' Like my absolute favorite Jean's Pizza. And Kate's Chili. And Joe's Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, even though no one in the family can even remember exactly who Joe is!

And so, in keeping with our family's 'tradition,' this Baked Artichoke Dip should be called Jessica's Artichoke Dip, since this fabulous recipe was given to me by my dear friend Jessica. But since none of you would know who Jessica is, I decided to call it Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick instead.

Why 'with a Kick,' you ask?

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In our family we have a habit ... or tradition ... or whatever you want to call it ... of referring to dishes after the person who gave us the recipe. The dish becomes forever known to us as 'so-and-so's whatever.' Like my absolute favorite Jean's Pizza. And Kate's Chili. And Joe's Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, even though no one in the family can even remember exactly who Joe is!

And so, in keeping with our family's 'tradition,' this Baked Artichoke Dip should be called Jessica's Artichoke Dip, since this fabulous recipe was given to me by my dear friend Jessica. But since none of you would know who Jessica is, I decided to call it Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick instead.

Why 'with a Kick,' you ask?

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Parmesan Broiled Tomatoes

Still got oodles of tomatoes coming out of the garden? Ours are slowing down ... but we've got a few still making their way into our kitchen. I just adore fresh-off-the-vine homegrown tomatoes ... especially their smell. Yep, I'm totally enamored with the smell of a freshly-picked tomato.

I like to eat them, too, of course. And one of our favorite {super easy!} ways to enjoy them is as this simple side of Parmesan Broiled Tomatoes.
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Still got oodles of tomatoes coming out of the garden? Ours are slowing down ... but we've got a few still making their way into our kitchen. I just adore fresh-off-the-vine homegrown tomatoes ... especially their smell. Yep, I'm totally enamored with the smell of a freshly-picked tomato.

I like to eat them, too, of course. And one of our favorite {super easy!} ways to enjoy them is as this simple side of Parmesan Broiled Tomatoes.
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Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes


Got garden tomatoes coming out your ears? Wondering about some new ways to enjoy them? Well, I've got one for ya! {and it's an extra delicious one, too} ~ Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes, baked up with a yummy feta cheese and fresh parsley filling.
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Got garden tomatoes coming out your ears? Wondering about some new ways to enjoy them? Well, I've got one for ya! {and it's an extra delicious one, too} ~ Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes, baked up with a yummy feta cheese and fresh parsley filling.
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Easy Oven-Roasted Summer Vegetables


When it comes to vegetables, there's not much easier ... or more delicious, for that matter ... than a big ol' pan of roasted mixed vegetables. And the beauty of the summer season is that we have such a huge variety of fresh vegetables available at our fingertips to cook up in this simple-yet-delicious way. Like zucchini. Or yellow summer squash. Or green beans. Or asparagus ...

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When it comes to vegetables, there's not much easier ... or more delicious, for that matter ... than a big ol' pan of roasted mixed vegetables. And the beauty of the summer season is that we have such a huge variety of fresh vegetables available at our fingertips to cook up in this simple-yet-delicious way. Like zucchini. Or yellow summer squash. Or green beans. Or asparagus ...

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Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad



Okay, I know what many of you may be thinking already ... 'Brussels sprouts in a salad? Really, in a salad??'

Oh, yes ... in a salad. And this Brussels Sprouts Salad is sooooo good. It's one of our absolute favorites, and we have it at least once a week or so. Yes, it's that good.

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Okay, I know what many of you may be thinking already ... 'Brussels sprouts in a salad? Really, in a salad??'

Oh, yes ... in a salad. And this Brussels Sprouts Salad is sooooo good. It's one of our absolute favorites, and we have it at least once a week or so. Yes, it's that good.

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Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers


Do you ever come across one of those recipes that you just know you have to make, like, immediately?? Well, these Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers from Peace, Love, & Low Carb were one of those for me! I mean, seriously, stuffing all the yummy flavors of a Philly Cheese Steak into a pepper is genius. And I had to try it.

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Do you ever come across one of those recipes that you just know you have to make, like, immediately?? Well, these Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers from Peace, Love, & Low Carb were one of those for me! I mean, seriously, stuffing all the yummy flavors of a Philly Cheese Steak into a pepper is genius. And I had to try it.

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Southwestern Stuffed Poblano Peppers {with Concord Foods' Salsa}

Thank you to Concord Foods for sponsoring this post.

My husband recently asked me to make him stuffed peppers. Hmmmm, I have to admit I wasn't thrilled with this request. See, I've never really been a stuffed peppers fan ... you know, the typical green bell pepper stuffed with rice-mixed-with-something and smothered with tomato sauce? ... it's just not my thing. So I decided to take my husband's request as an opportunity to get creative. Now that is my thing.

With the help of Concord Foods salsa mix and a family recipe for Cumin Black Beans & Rice, I came up with these scrumptious Southwestern Stuffed Poblano Peppers! Now these stuffed peppers, ... I like.

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Thank you to Concord Foods for sponsoring this post.

My husband recently asked me to make him stuffed peppers. Hmmmm, I have to admit I wasn't thrilled with this request. See, I've never really been a stuffed peppers fan ... you know, the typical green bell pepper stuffed with rice-mixed-with-something and smothered with tomato sauce? ... it's just not my thing. So I decided to take my husband's request as an opportunity to get creative. Now that is my thing.

With the help of Concord Foods salsa mix and a family recipe for Cumin Black Beans & Rice, I came up with these scrumptious Southwestern Stuffed Poblano Peppers! Now these stuffed peppers, ... I like.

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New England Boiled Dinner {aka ~ Corned Beef & Cabbage}

Corned Beef and Cabbage

New England Boiled Dinner ... corned beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and turnip all simmered together until tender ... oh, how I had forgotten how much I love you!

I grew up on this stuff. But until last weekend, I had never made it myself. And, seriously, it had been about twenty years since I'd had it last. {Am I seriously old enough to say it's been twenty years since something?? Oh, yes ... yes, I am.} Now, my Southern-born-and-bred husband had never had it. This weekend, I decided I needed to change all that.

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Corned Beef and Cabbage

New England Boiled Dinner ... corned beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and turnip all simmered together until tender ... oh, how I had forgotten how much I love you!

I grew up on this stuff. But until last weekend, I had never made it myself. And, seriously, it had been about twenty years since I'd had it last. {Am I seriously old enough to say it's been twenty years since something?? Oh, yes ... yes, I am.} Now, my Southern-born-and-bred husband had never had it. This weekend, I decided I needed to change all that.

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Roasted Sweet Potato & Sausage Quiche {The Best Quiche EVER}




This summer I had the opportunity to indulge in the best quiche I've ever had. Ever. Seriously. This quiche is not just good quiche. It's a food and flavor experience.

And just where did I have the good fortune to discover this amazing quiche? ... at the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa in Dahlonega, Georgia ... Mountains. Peacefulness. Fantastic spoil-us-silly accommodations. Great friends. Wine. Lots of wine. Oh, and amazing gourmet breakfasts. Including this Roasted Sweet Potato & Sausage Quiche.

And you probably know me by now - when it comes to recipes, I'm not shy. ...

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This summer I had the opportunity to indulge in the best quiche I've ever had. Ever. Seriously. This quiche is not just good quiche. It's a food and flavor experience.

And just where did I have the good fortune to discover this amazing quiche? ... at the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa in Dahlonega, Georgia ... Mountains. Peacefulness. Fantastic spoil-us-silly accommodations. Great friends. Wine. Lots of wine. Oh, and amazing gourmet breakfasts. Including this Roasted Sweet Potato & Sausage Quiche.

And you probably know me by now - when it comes to recipes, I'm not shy. ...

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Chipotle Sweet Potato Chowder



Whew! This Chipotle Sweet Potato Chowder is one that was tough to 'get right!' But I was determined. And persistence paid off.

The moment I came across this recipe in a magazine, I was intrigued. I had never thought of including sweet potatoes in a chowder, let alone making them the star of the show. Naturally, I had to give it a try. But ... it wasn't love at first bite.

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Whew! This Chipotle Sweet Potato Chowder is one that was tough to 'get right!' But I was determined. And persistence paid off.

The moment I came across this recipe in a magazine, I was intrigued. I had never thought of including sweet potatoes in a chowder, let alone making them the star of the show. Naturally, I had to give it a try. But ... it wasn't love at first bite.

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Sauteed Cabbage with Bacon




Today was an 'in the kitchen day' for me. Yay! I made sure to get everything else that needed to be done this weekend done yesterday so I could spend the afternoon today in the kitchen with no other worries hanging over me. No guilt. No pressure. Just relaxed cookin' fun.

I love it when I'm able to get my schedule to cooperate like that. As much as I love to cook, I absolutely do not enjoy it when it's done under time pressure. Especially when I'm working on new recipes.

Which is what I was doing today. Today I was test-driving some Thanksgiving dishes ... so Mark and I had a mini early Thanksgiving dinner tonight. Those dishes need a few tweaks, so I don't have them ready to share with you today ... but I do have ...
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Today was an 'in the kitchen day' for me. Yay! I made sure to get everything else that needed to be done this weekend done yesterday so I could spend the afternoon today in the kitchen with no other worries hanging over me. No guilt. No pressure. Just relaxed cookin' fun.

I love it when I'm able to get my schedule to cooperate like that. As much as I love to cook, I absolutely do not enjoy it when it's done under time pressure. Especially when I'm working on new recipes.

Which is what I was doing today. Today I was test-driving some Thanksgiving dishes ... so Mark and I had a mini early Thanksgiving dinner tonight. Those dishes need a few tweaks, so I don't have them ready to share with you today ... but I do have ...
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Individual Veggie Quiche Cups To-Go


I don't know about you, but I get so bored with my breakfast routine. I mean, I seem to get stuck in a rut of the same-ol'-same-ol' over, and over, and over, and over ... which is further complicated by the fact that I try to eat low-carb for breakfast. Carbs and I just aren't good friends in the morning.

Well, guess what? ...

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I don't know about you, but I get so bored with my breakfast routine. I mean, I seem to get stuck in a rut of the same-ol'-same-ol' over, and over, and over, and over ... which is further complicated by the fact that I try to eat low-carb for breakfast. Carbs and I just aren't good friends in the morning.

Well, guess what? ...

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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes {Eating the Alphabet - Letters S or T}



You know, when I was mixing up the filling for these Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, I was completely underwhelmed. But when I baked them up for their second baking time, something A-MAZING happened! Yum! I swear, that second baking time ... when all the flavors got time to meld together ...
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You know, when I was mixing up the filling for these Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, I was completely underwhelmed. But when I baked them up for their second baking time, something A-MAZING happened! Yum! I swear, that second baking time ... when all the flavors got time to meld together ...
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Easy Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss {& Penna Gourmet Olives}


I absolutely love olives ... and this super-easy Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy them.  In fact, it's one of my go-to meals when I want something quick and easy, and totally flavorful.  (And it's totally colorful, too!)  Seriously, if you can chop and boil water, you can make this dish.

So when I was given the opportunity to help get the word out about Penna Gourmet Food's olives, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the olive dish I was going to make.
Penna Gourmet Foods is a grower, packer and processor of gourmet olives.  They offer both ready-to-eat olives and fresh olives to cure at home for people who enjoy the art of home processing and canning ... weather permitting, their fresh olives are available for order around the middle of September.  Click the link if you'd like to check 'em out:
Fresh and gourmet cured olives, gift baskets, olive oil and more.

Okay ... so, having grown up in Vermont and now living in North Carolina, I had never seen olives growing until my Mom and I took a trip to Northern California wine country.  While roaming out-and-about visiting Sonoma wineries, we drove by acres upon acres of olive trees growing ... just like you'd see peach or apple trees growing in orchards here in the southeast.  We'd never seen olives growing, and we were in awe!
Photo courtesy of Penna Gourmet Foods

Well ... being the 'curious'-type that we are, we decided to pull the car over and grab a few olives to try help the fine olive growers out by giving their product a taste test. So out of the car my Mom scurried to reach up and pick two olives for us to sample. 

Well, did you know that olives have to be curred before you eat them?

We didn't.

But now  we sure do.

We learned the hard way. 

Well, I guess actually, my Mom learned the hard way.

See, when she got in the car she handed me my olive ... but I proceeded to drop it on the floor.  In the five seconds or so I was fumbling around the floorboard trying to find my olive, my Mom popped hers in her mouth.  Those precious five seconds of fumbling saved me ... saved me from a horrible olive experience.

Though I can't say from personal experience ... since the sound coming out of my Mom's mouth caused me to not  pop my olive in my mouth ... apparently, uncurred olives straight off the tree taste awful.  As for what exactly they taste like? ... You'll have to ask my Mom.

So, the moral of the story is ... eat your olives curred by a professional.  Or, follow the fine folks' at Penna Gourmet Foods recipes for curing your own.  Let's just trust my Mom on that, okay?


And back to one of the best ways to enjoy {curred} olives ... this Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss.  Now, remember I said that if you can chop and boil water, you can make this dish?  I'm totally serious.  The only thing you have to cook to make this is the pasta.

To get started, you first go ahead and get your salted water going for cooking your pasta.  Cook the pasta as directed on the package, and while that's cooking ... cut some sweet bell peppers in strips and place them in the bottom of the colander you'll use to drain your cooked pasta.

Yes, you read that right.  Place the pepper strips in your colander, like this:



Once the pasta is cooked, drain it right over the peppers in your colander ... like this:


The boiling water from cooking the pasta will 'cook' the peppers just a little bit ... basically blanching them so they soften a teeny bit, but keep some crispness and their vibrant color.  That's all the cooking required for this dish.  Seriously.

The rest of the prep is simple chopping.

Toss the pasta and peppers with some sliced olives, halved grape tomatoes, a bunch of chopped fresh parsley, feta cheese crumbles, and some extra virgin olive oil.

And there you have super colorful, super flavorful, and super easy Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss!  With really yummy cured olives.

I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!



Bell Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss
Source:  Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Ingredients
About 10 oz. penne or other pasta
2 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers
1 1/4 c. halved grape or cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)
3/4 c. sliced olives (green Manzanilla, kalamata, or a mix)
About 3/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 (4 oz.) package feta cheese crumbles with basil & sun dried tomatoes
About 3 T. extra virgin olive oil


Directions
1.  Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

2.  Cut bell peppers into thin strips.  Place the pepper strips in a colander; drain the pasta over the pepper to just cook it slightly with the pasta water.

3.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently.  Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.

Enjoy!




Penna Gourmet Foods
Fresh and gourmet cured olives, gift baskets, olive oil and more!

Disclaimer:  This sponsorship is brought to you by Penna Gourmet Foods who we have partnered with for this promotion.



I absolutely love olives ... and this super-easy Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy them.  In fact, it's one of my go-to meals when I want something quick and easy, and totally flavorful.  (And it's totally colorful, too!)  Seriously, if you can chop and boil water, you can make this dish.

So when I was given the opportunity to help get the word out about Penna Gourmet Food's olives, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the olive dish I was going to make.
Penna Gourmet Foods is a grower, packer and processor of gourmet olives.  They offer both ready-to-eat olives and fresh olives to cure at home for people who enjoy the art of home processing and canning ... weather permitting, their fresh olives are available for order around the middle of September.  Click the link if you'd like to check 'em out:
Fresh and gourmet cured olives, gift baskets, olive oil and more.

Okay ... so, having grown up in Vermont and now living in North Carolina, I had never seen olives growing until my Mom and I took a trip to Northern California wine country.  While roaming out-and-about visiting Sonoma wineries, we drove by acres upon acres of olive trees growing ... just like you'd see peach or apple trees growing in orchards here in the southeast.  We'd never seen olives growing, and we were in awe!
Photo courtesy of Penna Gourmet Foods

Well ... being the 'curious'-type that we are, we decided to pull the car over and grab a few olives to try help the fine olive growers out by giving their product a taste test. So out of the car my Mom scurried to reach up and pick two olives for us to sample. 

Well, did you know that olives have to be curred before you eat them?

We didn't.

But now  we sure do.

We learned the hard way. 

Well, I guess actually, my Mom learned the hard way.

See, when she got in the car she handed me my olive ... but I proceeded to drop it on the floor.  In the five seconds or so I was fumbling around the floorboard trying to find my olive, my Mom popped hers in her mouth.  Those precious five seconds of fumbling saved me ... saved me from a horrible olive experience.

Though I can't say from personal experience ... since the sound coming out of my Mom's mouth caused me to not  pop my olive in my mouth ... apparently, uncurred olives straight off the tree taste awful.  As for what exactly they taste like? ... You'll have to ask my Mom.

So, the moral of the story is ... eat your olives curred by a professional.  Or, follow the fine folks' at Penna Gourmet Foods recipes for curing your own.  Let's just trust my Mom on that, okay?


And back to one of the best ways to enjoy {curred} olives ... this Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss.  Now, remember I said that if you can chop and boil water, you can make this dish?  I'm totally serious.  The only thing you have to cook to make this is the pasta.

To get started, you first go ahead and get your salted water going for cooking your pasta.  Cook the pasta as directed on the package, and while that's cooking ... cut some sweet bell peppers in strips and place them in the bottom of the colander you'll use to drain your cooked pasta.

Yes, you read that right.  Place the pepper strips in your colander, like this:



Once the pasta is cooked, drain it right over the peppers in your colander ... like this:


The boiling water from cooking the pasta will 'cook' the peppers just a little bit ... basically blanching them so they soften a teeny bit, but keep some crispness and their vibrant color.  That's all the cooking required for this dish.  Seriously.

The rest of the prep is simple chopping.

Toss the pasta and peppers with some sliced olives, halved grape tomatoes, a bunch of chopped fresh parsley, feta cheese crumbles, and some extra virgin olive oil.

And there you have super colorful, super flavorful, and super easy Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss!  With really yummy cured olives.

I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!



Bell Pepper & Olive Pasta Toss
Source:  Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Ingredients
About 10 oz. penne or other pasta
2 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers
1 1/4 c. halved grape or cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)
3/4 c. sliced olives (green Manzanilla, kalamata, or a mix)
About 3/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 (4 oz.) package feta cheese crumbles with basil & sun dried tomatoes
About 3 T. extra virgin olive oil


Directions
1.  Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

2.  Cut bell peppers into thin strips.  Place the pepper strips in a colander; drain the pasta over the pepper to just cook it slightly with the pasta water.

3.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently.  Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.

Enjoy!




Penna Gourmet Foods
Fresh and gourmet cured olives, gift baskets, olive oil and more!

Disclaimer:  This sponsorship is brought to you by Penna Gourmet Foods who we have partnered with for this promotion.


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Roasted Tomatoes ... for salads, sandwiches, & sauces


The day before yesterday, I had lunch with one of my friends at my favorite little local deli.  Aaahhhh, summer ... I love that it gives me the opportunity to lunch with friends!  And I love that it gives me the opportunity to frequent my favorite little deli.  I would go every day if I could, I swear.  Their salads and sandwiches are soooo yummy, with not-your-ordinary ingredients and flavor combinations.  Not that there's anything wrong with a regular ol' turkey sandwich with some lettuce and tomatoes on it ... but, oh how I love things to be a bit more zippy than that.

One of my favorite not-so-ordinary ingredients at the deli?  Roasted tomatoes!  In their sandwiches ... on their salads ... in their wraps...  Not just sliced fresh tomatoes.  Seasoned and roasted fresh tomatoes.  Little hunks of tomato heaven, if you ask me.

So, can you guess what I got for lunch?

Uh-huh ... something with roasted tomatoes!  A big ol' Mediterranean salad with big ol' hunks of delicious roasted tomatoes, to be exact.

One day when I was at said little deli, they just happened to be preparing several huge pans of tomatoes for roasting.  So I watched.  (Of course I did!)  And I thought ... hey, I can do that!

And I did.

Now I can prepare my own little hunks of tomato heaven.  And here's all you do ...

Cut some fresh tomatoes into thick slices and/or pretty sizeable hunks, like this:

As you can see, I wasn't real precise about my cutting.  Some are in thick slices, some are in hunks ... quarters for medium-to-small tomatoes and eigths for larger tomatoes.  I don't bother to totally seed the tomatoes, but if you happen to run across a large pool of seeds, it's best to take them out.  I just flick 'em out with the tip of my knife.

Toss the tomatoes with olive oil and then season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh garlic, and some basil and oregano.

Lay the tomatoes out in a single layer on a foil-lined pan and ...


... roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes.

And, voila! ... easy home-roasted tomatoes for your sandwiches, salads, or wraps.




Or, just use them to whip up a quick sauce for pasta.  This is one I whipped up on the fly one evening after roasting some tomatoes.  I sauteed a little garlic in olive oil, then tossed in some roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers.  Next, I poured in a bit of white wine and let it all simmer together for about 20 minutes.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  It was delicious!  And so simple.


So, go ahead.  Roast up some of those oodles of tomatoes you've got coming out of your garden and see what wonderful things you can whip up with them.  I'd love to hear what you come up with!

But don't worry favorite little deli ... just because I can whip these up at home doesn't mean I'll come see you any less.

I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!






Roasted Tomatoes
Source:  Inspired by H&M Deli, Cramerton, NC

Please note, this is more of a method than a specific recipe.  Amounts are not specific, and vary with the amount of tomatoes and to personal taste.

Ingredients
Tomatoes, thickly sliced or cut in hunks (or, halved grape or cherry tomatoes)
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Fresh garlic, minced


Directions
1.  Place cut tomatoes in a bowl; toss with olive oil.  Sprinkle with a little sea salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano.  Toss to coat.  Add minced garlic; toss to coat.

2.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.  Lay tomatoes in a single layer on baking sheet.  Do not crowd the pan.

3.  Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 45 to 60 minutes.  (Mine are usually done pretty close to the 45 minute mark, but some tomatoes could take a bit longer.)

Use in sandwiches, salads, wraps, and sauces.

Enjoy!


This post is linked with It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Tutorial Tips & Tidbits hosted by Stone Gable, Full Plate Thursday hosted by Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Weekend Bloggy Reading hosted by Serenity Now, Foodie Friday hosted by Simple Living with Diane Balch, Weekend Potluck hosted by The Country Cook, Strut Your Stuff hosted by Six Sisters' Stuff, Weekend Wrap Up Party hosted by Tatertots & Jello, Think Pink Sundays hosted by Flamingo Toes, Sundae Scoop hosted by I {heart} Nap Time, Scrumptious Sunday hosted by Addicted to Recipes, Nifty Thrifty Sunday hosted by Nifty Thrifty Things, Sunday Showcase Party hosted by Under the Table and Dreaming, On the Menu Monday hosted by Stone Gable, Mangia Mondays hosted by Shine Your Light, Totally Tasty Tuesdays hosted by Mandy's Recipe Box, Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef In Training, Whacha Whipped Up Wednesday hosted by DJ's Sugar Shack, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Share Your Creations hosted by Kristen's Creations.

The day before yesterday, I had lunch with one of my friends at my favorite little local deli.  Aaahhhh, summer ... I love that it gives me the opportunity to lunch with friends!  And I love that it gives me the opportunity to frequent my favorite little deli.  I would go every day if I could, I swear.  Their salads and sandwiches are soooo yummy, with not-your-ordinary ingredients and flavor combinations.  Not that there's anything wrong with a regular ol' turkey sandwich with some lettuce and tomatoes on it ... but, oh how I love things to be a bit more zippy than that.

One of my favorite not-so-ordinary ingredients at the deli?  Roasted tomatoes!  In their sandwiches ... on their salads ... in their wraps...  Not just sliced fresh tomatoes.  Seasoned and roasted fresh tomatoes.  Little hunks of tomato heaven, if you ask me.

So, can you guess what I got for lunch?

Uh-huh ... something with roasted tomatoes!  A big ol' Mediterranean salad with big ol' hunks of delicious roasted tomatoes, to be exact.

One day when I was at said little deli, they just happened to be preparing several huge pans of tomatoes for roasting.  So I watched.  (Of course I did!)  And I thought ... hey, I can do that!

And I did.

Now I can prepare my own little hunks of tomato heaven.  And here's all you do ...

Cut some fresh tomatoes into thick slices and/or pretty sizeable hunks, like this:

As you can see, I wasn't real precise about my cutting.  Some are in thick slices, some are in hunks ... quarters for medium-to-small tomatoes and eigths for larger tomatoes.  I don't bother to totally seed the tomatoes, but if you happen to run across a large pool of seeds, it's best to take them out.  I just flick 'em out with the tip of my knife.

Toss the tomatoes with olive oil and then season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh garlic, and some basil and oregano.

Lay the tomatoes out in a single layer on a foil-lined pan and ...


... roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes.

And, voila! ... easy home-roasted tomatoes for your sandwiches, salads, or wraps.




Or, just use them to whip up a quick sauce for pasta.  This is one I whipped up on the fly one evening after roasting some tomatoes.  I sauteed a little garlic in olive oil, then tossed in some roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers.  Next, I poured in a bit of white wine and let it all simmer together for about 20 minutes.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  It was delicious!  And so simple.


So, go ahead.  Roast up some of those oodles of tomatoes you've got coming out of your garden and see what wonderful things you can whip up with them.  I'd love to hear what you come up with!

But don't worry favorite little deli ... just because I can whip these up at home doesn't mean I'll come see you any less.

I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!






Roasted Tomatoes
Source:  Inspired by H&M Deli, Cramerton, NC

Please note, this is more of a method than a specific recipe.  Amounts are not specific, and vary with the amount of tomatoes and to personal taste.

Ingredients
Tomatoes, thickly sliced or cut in hunks (or, halved grape or cherry tomatoes)
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Fresh garlic, minced


Directions
1.  Place cut tomatoes in a bowl; toss with olive oil.  Sprinkle with a little sea salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano.  Toss to coat.  Add minced garlic; toss to coat.

2.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.  Lay tomatoes in a single layer on baking sheet.  Do not crowd the pan.

3.  Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 45 to 60 minutes.  (Mine are usually done pretty close to the 45 minute mark, but some tomatoes could take a bit longer.)

Use in sandwiches, salads, wraps, and sauces.

Enjoy!


This post is linked with It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Tutorial Tips & Tidbits hosted by Stone Gable, Full Plate Thursday hosted by Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Weekend Bloggy Reading hosted by Serenity Now, Foodie Friday hosted by Simple Living with Diane Balch, Weekend Potluck hosted by The Country Cook, Strut Your Stuff hosted by Six Sisters' Stuff, Weekend Wrap Up Party hosted by Tatertots & Jello, Think Pink Sundays hosted by Flamingo Toes, Sundae Scoop hosted by I {heart} Nap Time, Scrumptious Sunday hosted by Addicted to Recipes, Nifty Thrifty Sunday hosted by Nifty Thrifty Things, Sunday Showcase Party hosted by Under the Table and Dreaming, On the Menu Monday hosted by Stone Gable, Mangia Mondays hosted by Shine Your Light, Totally Tasty Tuesdays hosted by Mandy's Recipe Box, Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef In Training, Whacha Whipped Up Wednesday hosted by DJ's Sugar Shack, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Share Your Creations hosted by Kristen's Creations.
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Roasted Corn & Avocado Chicken Salad {& Recipes from Avocado Lovers Site}


I have recently discovered that I love avocados.  I mean, really love them.  And I am soooo enjoying experimenting with them.  ... like with my Baked Eggvocado and Guacamole Grilled Cheese.  I've got an Avocado Egg Salad in the works, too ... I know, I know, it sounds weird ... but trust me, it's delicious!  And now, ... this Roasted Corn & Avocado Chicken Salad.

How about you?  Do you like avocados?

Well, if you are an avocado fan, then I think you'll love the new Avocados From Mexico recipe website Recipes from Avocado Lovers.   I'm happy to be partnering with Avocados from Mexico to get the word out about their new site.  (And my avocado recipes are included there!)

The folks at Avocados From Mexico have just launched this new recipes section on their site to give foodies who love avocados the opportunity to upload their favorite avocado recipes and discover other avocado fan favorites.  Be sure to check them out!

When I learned I was going to have the opportunity for this partnership, I set about working on developing this chicken salad original recipe.  I knew I wanted to do an avocado chicken salad, but I hadn't decided much direction beyond that.  Then, a roasted corn & mango salsa I make all the time came to mind.  Hmmmm, I thought ... what about a roasted corn & avocado chicken salad??  It could work...

... And it did work!!  It's actually even better than I expected!  Hubby loved it, too. 



Now, due to a little grocery shopping mishap on my part, this chicken salad contains a little twist-of-an-ingredient that isn't typically found in chicken salad.  It's happened to all of us ... you go grocery shopping and you think you have all your 'basics' on hand at home, right?  So you don't even think about purchasing them?  But then you get home, go to make a dish, reach for one of those basics, and ... Oh, no! ... find there's none of it to be found in your house?  Anywhere???  Oh, yes, I just love it when that happens.

But my mishap turned out to be a very happy accident, because the mishap-replacement ingredient lends a really great flavor to the salad.  Don't you love when mistakes turn out all happy like that?  Stay tuned to learn what that mystery mishap ingredient is!!

Start this dish by roasting some corn kernels ... fresh or frozen ... in a skillet with a little garlic.  Here's how the kernels start out ... all bright yellow.


Keep 'em going in the skillet until they get charred spots all over them, kind of like this:
(I actually could have let these kernels go a bit longer ... it's great for them to even get some black spots on them instead of just dark brown.)


Roasting the corn brings out it's natural sweetness even more, and gives it a tiny hint of a smokey flavor with its sweetness. 

Mix up the roasted corn with finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and chipotle peppers ...


... and then some chopped cooked chicken.


Next, give it some creaminess with sour cream and a teeny tiny bit of mayo.  And yes, you just found the happy-accident, mishap-replacement ingredient ... sour cream!  When I reached for my mayo jar, it just had teeny tiny bits of mayo left ... you know, clinging to the very bottom and sides of the jar.  So I scraped out what I could and grabbed a partially-used container of sour cream from the frig to make up for the mayo I was lacking.

Okay, to be 100% honest, my plan was to mix the sour cream into just part of the chicken salad so I could stage the photo shoot for this dish.  Then, I was going to run to the store and get more mayo so I could finish making the salad (and confirm that my amounts for the recipe were okay).

But when I tasted the sour cream-and-mayo-together version, I loved it!  So much so that that's the way I'm writing the recipe.

Last, but certainly not least, toss diced avocado together with fresh lime juice and gently fold it into the chicken mixture.  Serve the chicken salad up on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with a side of chips and dig on in.



So, love avocados?  Click the banner below to check out some wonderful ways to enjoy them.
Got some fabulous avocado recipes?  Upload your recipes so others (like me!) can enjoy them, too!


I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!




Roasted Corn & Avocado Chicken Salad
Source:  A Tracey original
Ingredients
1 T. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels (a 12 oz. package of frozen corn equals 2 c.)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
1/3 c. chopped cilantro
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 T. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 chicken breasts, cooked and finely chopped
1/2 c. sour cream
2 T. mayonnaise
2 medium avocados, diced
1/3 c. fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)


Directions
1.  If using frozen corn, thaw corn completely prior to starting preparation.

2.  Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add garlic; cook for about 30 seconds.  Stir in corn kernels.  Cook corn for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.  You want the kernels to develop brown, or even a few blackened, charred spots on them.  Remove from heat and place corn in a large bowl.

3.  Add finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and chiptole peppers.  Stir in white wine vinegar, salt, chopped chicken, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

4.  In a small bowl, toss diced avocado with lime juice.  Gently fold into chicken salad mixture.

5.  Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer:  This sponsorship is brought to you by Recipes from Avocados From Mexico who we have partnered with for this promotion.

This post is linked with Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef in Training, Totally Tasty Tuesday hosted by Mandy's Recipe Box, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Whatcha Whipped Up Wednesday hosted by DJ's Sugar Shack, It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Weekend Potluck hosted by The Country Cook, On the Menu Monday hosted by Stone Gable, Just Something I Whipped Up hosted by The Girl Creative.

I have recently discovered that I love avocados.  I mean, really love them.  And I am soooo enjoying experimenting with them.  ... like with my Baked Eggvocado and Guacamole Grilled Cheese.  I've got an Avocado Egg Salad in the works, too ... I know, I know, it sounds weird ... but trust me, it's delicious!  And now, ... this Roasted Corn & Avocado Chicken Salad.

How about you?  Do you like avocados?

Well, if you are an avocado fan, then I think you'll love the new Avocados From Mexico recipe website Recipes from Avocado Lovers.   I'm happy to be partnering with Avocados from Mexico to get the word out about their new site.  (And my avocado recipes are included there!)

The folks at Avocados From Mexico have just launched this new recipes section on their site to give foodies who love avocados the opportunity to upload their favorite avocado recipes and discover other avocado fan favorites.  Be sure to check them out!

When I learned I was going to have the opportunity for this partnership, I set about working on developing this chicken salad original recipe.  I knew I wanted to do an avocado chicken salad, but I hadn't decided much direction beyond that.  Then, a roasted corn & mango salsa I make all the time came to mind.  Hmmmm, I thought ... what about a roasted corn & avocado chicken salad??  It could work...

... And it did work!!  It's actually even better than I expected!  Hubby loved it, too. 



Now, due to a little grocery shopping mishap on my part, this chicken salad contains a little twist-of-an-ingredient that isn't typically found in chicken salad.  It's happened to all of us ... you go grocery shopping and you think you have all your 'basics' on hand at home, right?  So you don't even think about purchasing them?  But then you get home, go to make a dish, reach for one of those basics, and ... Oh, no! ... find there's none of it to be found in your house?  Anywhere???  Oh, yes, I just love it when that happens.

But my mishap turned out to be a very happy accident, because the mishap-replacement ingredient lends a really great flavor to the salad.  Don't you love when mistakes turn out all happy like that?  Stay tuned to learn what that mystery mishap ingredient is!!

Start this dish by roasting some corn kernels ... fresh or frozen ... in a skillet with a little garlic.  Here's how the kernels start out ... all bright yellow.


Keep 'em going in the skillet until they get charred spots all over them, kind of like this:
(I actually could have let these kernels go a bit longer ... it's great for them to even get some black spots on them instead of just dark brown.)


Roasting the corn brings out it's natural sweetness even more, and gives it a tiny hint of a smokey flavor with its sweetness. 

Mix up the roasted corn with finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and chipotle peppers ...


... and then some chopped cooked chicken.


Next, give it some creaminess with sour cream and a teeny tiny bit of mayo.  And yes, you just found the happy-accident, mishap-replacement ingredient ... sour cream!  When I reached for my mayo jar, it just had teeny tiny bits of mayo left ... you know, clinging to the very bottom and sides of the jar.  So I scraped out what I could and grabbed a partially-used container of sour cream from the frig to make up for the mayo I was lacking.

Okay, to be 100% honest, my plan was to mix the sour cream into just part of the chicken salad so I could stage the photo shoot for this dish.  Then, I was going to run to the store and get more mayo so I could finish making the salad (and confirm that my amounts for the recipe were okay).

But when I tasted the sour cream-and-mayo-together version, I loved it!  So much so that that's the way I'm writing the recipe.

Last, but certainly not least, toss diced avocado together with fresh lime juice and gently fold it into the chicken mixture.  Serve the chicken salad up on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with a side of chips and dig on in.



So, love avocados?  Click the banner below to check out some wonderful ways to enjoy them.
Got some fabulous avocado recipes?  Upload your recipes so others (like me!) can enjoy them, too!


I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!




Roasted Corn & Avocado Chicken Salad
Source:  A Tracey original
Ingredients
1 T. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels (a 12 oz. package of frozen corn equals 2 c.)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
1/3 c. chopped cilantro
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 T. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 chicken breasts, cooked and finely chopped
1/2 c. sour cream
2 T. mayonnaise
2 medium avocados, diced
1/3 c. fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)


Directions
1.  If using frozen corn, thaw corn completely prior to starting preparation.

2.  Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add garlic; cook for about 30 seconds.  Stir in corn kernels.  Cook corn for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.  You want the kernels to develop brown, or even a few blackened, charred spots on them.  Remove from heat and place corn in a large bowl.

3.  Add finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and chiptole peppers.  Stir in white wine vinegar, salt, chopped chicken, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

4.  In a small bowl, toss diced avocado with lime juice.  Gently fold into chicken salad mixture.

5.  Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer:  This sponsorship is brought to you by Recipes from Avocados From Mexico who we have partnered with for this promotion.

This post is linked with Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef in Training, Totally Tasty Tuesday hosted by Mandy's Recipe Box, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Whatcha Whipped Up Wednesday hosted by DJ's Sugar Shack, It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Weekend Potluck hosted by The Country Cook, On the Menu Monday hosted by Stone Gable, Just Something I Whipped Up hosted by The Girl Creative.
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