Roasted Red Bell Pepper Pasta (from the pioneer woman)

This is hands down my new favorite pasta. You definately have to try it!

3 red bell peppers (you could also use one red, one yellow, and one orange)
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
Flat leaf parsley, finely minced
Fresh Parmesan, shaved or grated
1/2 to 1 pound pasta: orecchiette, penne, fusilli, etc.
Roast red peppers on your grill or using your broiler.Turn them every few minutes to make sure they are nice and black!, Let them cool for just a minute or two, then place them in a Ziploc bag to allow to sweat. Next, peel the charred skins from the peppers, cut off the tips, then removed seeds. Cut into strips, set aside.Lightly toast pine nuts in a skillet. Set aside. Puree peppers with pine nuts in a blender or food processor. Set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions.In a skillet or pot over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until soft. Pour in pepper puree and stir together. Add plenty of salt. Pour in cream and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt, if necessary. Add cooked pasta, then stir together. Place pasta into a bowl, top with chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. Enjoy!

Martha's Poppy Seed Salad

I think this is a great summer recipe for salads! I got it from my sis-in-law Martha, and whenever I make it I always get compliments.

Dressing (makes quite a bit!)
Combine in a processor:1 slice red onion
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 cup oil
1 Tbs. poppy seeds.

Salad
Spring mix, or red leaf lettuce
3/4 cup caramelized slivered almonds. (put in a small pan on medium low heat, add a few spoonfuls of sugar, and stir frequently until sugar melts and almonds are toasted.)
1 cup craisins
1 apple diced, or pears, or you could use bananas.
Dress salad and enjoy!

Avocado-and-Tomato Wedge Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is a very fast, easy and surprisingly filling lunch. Enjoy!

Avocado-and-Tomato Wedge Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rich avocados layered with heirloom tomatoes are highlighted in this tasty salad with a simple vinaigrette.
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp. ground mustard
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 ripe avocado
2 medium, firm heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 Tbsp. minced fresh basil

• In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, and mustard. Season with the salt and pepper and set aside. 
• Carefully remove the skin from the avocado. Cut in half and remove the seed. Slice the avocado into 1/4-inch wedges. 
• Place a tomato wedge on a plate and layer an avocado wedge on top. Continue layering to create a fan shape. Do this on 2 plates. 
• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the wedges. Sprinkle the basil on top and serve immediately. 

Makes 2 servings

(And it's vegan!)

Zucchini Bread

i love summer because this bread is just tasty!! i make it with EVOO and it is wonderful!! best and easiest recipe i have found!!


Adapted from several sources
Yield: 2 loaves or approximately 24 muffins
3 eggs
1 cup olive or vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup dried cranberries, raisins or chocolate chips or a combination thereof (optional)


Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour two 8×4 inch loaf pans, liberally.
Alternately, line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Mix in oil and sugar, then zucchini and vanilla.
Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt, as well as nuts, chocolate chips and/or dried fruit, if using.

Stir this into the egg mixture. Divide the batter into prepared pans.

Bake loaves for 60 minutes, plus or minus ten, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Muffins will bake far more quickly, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.