Recipe: Albacore Asian Stir Fry

Serve this quick and simple stir-fry for a delicious healthy lunch or dinner. It's easy and only takes a few minutes to make, but is full of nutrition. Remember to choose lots of colorful, healthy veggies, and if you have time to cut them up yourself that's great, but frozen is also fine if not - just make sure your mix contains a lot of color for maximum health benefits!

Albacore Asian Stir Fry
(Serves 4-6.)

Stir-frying vegetables. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 cans (5 oz ea) good quality white albacore tuna packed in water
coconut oil or other high-heat oil for cooking
1 small sweet onion, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bag (16 oz) frozen stir-fry vegetables (or any combo you like)
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 lemon, juiced
hot cooked brown rice for serving
optional; sliced almonds

Directions:

• Drain the albacore tuna well and set aside.
• Heat oil in large skillet or wok until very hot.
• Add the onion, stirring quickly for just 1 minute, then add garlic, stir quickly for just 30 seconds, then add frozen vegetables and cook, stirring until vegetables thaw and soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep the heat as high as possible during this cooking process.
• When vegetables are tender, stir in the soy sauce and lemon juice, then add the albacore, remove the wok from the heat, and stir GENTLY to combine.
• Serve over hot cooked brown rice and top with sliced almonds if you like.

Recipe: Cannellini Crazy Greek Salad

Nothing says spring like a great big fresh salad! This one makes a great healthy spring or summer lunch, with cannellini beans, cheese, and olives for lots of flavor and nutrition, and you can put it together in a matter of minutes, which makes it perfect for when you're pinched for time, but still want a healthy meal.

Cannellini Crazy Greek Salad
(Serves 2-4.)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1 can (15 oz) cannellini, drained then rinsed
1 Roma tomato, diced
1/4 cup diced sweet onion
1/4 cup diced green pepper
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
Mixed greens for serving

Directions:

• In a large salad bowl, whisk the first 5 ingredients together until frothy.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and toss gently until all ingredients are coated well with the dressing.
• Serve immediately by itself or over a bed of mixed greens.

Crockpot Recipe: Low-Carb Meaty Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a great classic recipe that can be easily converted to the crockpot. Try this tasty low-carb version that uses cauliflower instead of rice. Packed with meat and veggies, this is a great recipe for even those who are skeptical about trying a low-carb diet!

Low-Carb Meaty Stuffed Peppers
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6 medium-size green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 medium size onion, diced small
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups finely chopped raw cauliflower
1 cup finely chopped raw carrot
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 Tbsp dried oregano flakes
1 tsp dried thyme
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth

Directions:

• Prepare the green bell peppers by cutting the tops off (save the tops) and removing all the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers open side up into the crockpot.
• Put the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the chicken broth in a large bowl and mix, breaking up the ground beef and pork and making sure everything is combined well.
• Fill the peppers with this mixture, then set the pepper 'tops' back on the peppers. The peppers should be over-flowing with the meat mixture, so the top will just teeter on the top of the mixture, it won't fit down all the way.
• Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot around the peppers.
• Set crockpot to LOW, cover and cook for 7 to 8 hours, until peppers are tender and meat is cooked.

Recipe: Sweet Surprise Tomato Basil Soup

This tasty recipe brings together the sweet tastes of late summer, with apples, tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh basil for a delicious Italian twist on an old classic.

Sweet Surprise Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, grated
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
4 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/3 cup pasta (I suggest orzo)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 

Directions:

• Heat the apple juice and olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add to the soup pot the garlic, red bell pepper, and onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the veggies are soft (making sure the onion doesn't brown). Drizzle in just a touch more apple juice if the veggies start to stick to the pot.
• Add the broth and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil, then add the orzo (or other small pasta you choose) and turn heat down just to stay at a slow bubble, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
• Put lid on pot, turn heat down to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. 
• Remove the pot from the heat, uncover the pot, stir in the basil, and serve immediately.

Italian Cooking: Crockpot Style

Italian cuisine is not nearly as difficult to master as some may believe. In fact, when you throw a crockpot in the mix, it becomes nearly effortless. There are many ways to create a delicious Italian meal with just a little organization and preparation. Here are a few tips and ideas that can turn your kitchen into an Italian bistro – crockpot style.

Get Ingredients Ready

Ravioli Marinara (Mangia Trattoria) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most important things to remember when using the crockpot is to have all the ingredients you need on hand. Having the right ingredients for a crockpot meal is very important since the reason for cooking in a crockpot is convenience. If you are trying to throw a meal together fast in the morning, you don't want to be running to the store when you are trying to save time. With a little bit of preparation you can have a stocked pantry and refrigerator in no time.

A few of the ingredients you want to stock would be fresh or frozen vegetables, especially onions, garlic, celery, tomatoes, and green bell pepper. Fresh or dried herbs such as basil and oregano should always be in the kitchen. Then of course you'll want meat, chicken, seafood or other protein of choice on hand. Frozen meat is fine as long as it's sized right and cooks long enough in the crockpot to cook thoroughly. Olive oil, pasta, cheese, and wine are a few other must-have’s when creating a delicious Italian feast.

Get Recipes Ready

Start searching for crockpot recipes now so you are ready when the time comes to cook something Italian style. You don't need a whole arsenal of recipes to get started. Here are just a few classic Italian dishes to keep in mind.

Cheesy Tortellini – There are some variations to this recipe but for the most part you can keep it as basic and simple as you want. You will need ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and any vegetables you want to add to the slow cooker. A few favorites tend to be mushrooms and tomatoes. Once the sauce has been slow cooking all day, you can throw in the tortellini and some cheese to top it off. When the pasta is tender, you are ready to serve and enjoy.

Spaghetti all' arrabbiata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – This is a true favorite that you really can’t go wrong with. You can combine ground beef with Italian sausage, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings of your choice such as garlic, basil, and oregano. Let this mixture cook all day in the crockpot to develop all that flavor. Then when it's dinner time, just cook the spaghetti pasta and you are ready to dig in.

There are a few things that you can do ahead of time that will ensure your meal has the best flavor. You can start my browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot. You can also saute the veggies in olive oil or butter before adding them to the crockpot. This will mean a little extra effort on your part but the end result is worth the trouble.

The crockpot has been a favorite tool for busy families and will continue to have a place in our homes, and our hearts. Pick out a few favorite Italian dishes and put your crockpot to work for you. With just a little preparation and a few simple steps, you can create an Italian meal in your crockpot that will draw everybody to the dinner table with a smile on their face!

Recipe: Spinach, Pepper & Zucchini Stir-Fry With Soba Noodles

Summer is the perfect time for quick and easy stir-fry, filled with delicious, fresh garden veggies! This tasty version uses sesame oil and soy sauce with soba noodles for a quick, healthy, Asian-flavored meal. And be sure to check back Friday for another great recipe to help you use up all that summer squash!

Spinach, Pepper & Zucchini Stir-Fry With Soba Noodles 

Ingredients:

Soba noodles (made from buckwheat flour). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

10 ounces soba noodles
1 tsp. olive or coconut oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
1 zucchini, diced
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup diced chives
2 garlic cloves, minced 
2 tsp. sesame oil
3 tsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds

Directions:

• Cook the soba noodles according to the package directions, drain and set aside.
• Heat a wok over medium high heat, add the olive or coconut oil, and when it gets sizzling hot, add the peppers, cook and stir until they soften slightly.
• Now add the zucchini and cook for a couple more minutes. 
• Now add the spinach, chives, and garlic, and cook for another couple minutes.
• Now add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds, stirring and cooking for just a minute. 
• Serve in shallow bowls, spooning hot stir-fry over soba noodles.

Recipe: Shrimp And Snow Pea Stir-Fry

 A lovely summer recipe full of fresh, light flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, and delicious with fresh spring peas from your garden!

Shrimp And Snow Pea Stir-Fry
(Serves 2.)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: jeffreyw)

2 tablespoons corn oil, divided
1 onion, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
2 cups snow peas
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown rice, cooked

Directions:

• In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil until hot, then add the onion, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Stir while cooking for several seconds. 
• Now add the shrimp and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Add the remainder of the oil and cook for another minute.
• Next, add the snow peas, bell pepper, water chestnuts and sesame seeds. 
• Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then add the salt, making sure to sprinkle it evenly over the vegetables. 
• Cook for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp is no longer pink. 
• Serve over cooked brown rice.

Recipe: Island Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Whether you're planning a beach themed picnic as we mentioned Monday, or just wanting to spice up your grilling choices this Memorial Day, these tasty burgers will hit the spot and bring a sweet and spicy taste of the islands to your plate wherever you may be spending your holiday!

Island Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground beef
salt and black pepper
dash garlic salt
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
1/8 cup pickled ginger, diced
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/8 cup rice wine vinegar
pinch salt and black pepper
hamburger buns

Directions:

• Heat grill to medium.  Brush lengths of pineapple with cooking oil and place on grill.  Cook, turning a few times, until pineapple is hot and has good grill marks.  Remove to cutting board and allow to cool.
• Cut pineapple into small pieces and put in bowl; add sweet red bell pepper, pickled ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and salt and pepper; toss to combine, taste and adjust seasonings.  Refrigerate until burgers are ready.
• Turn grill up to high for burgers.  Form the beef into1/2 thick patties, season with salt, pepper, and dash of garlic powder.
• When grill is ready, cook burgers 3 to 4 minutes, flip, then continue grilling for 3 to 4 minutes or until done as desired.
• Serve hot burgers on hamburger buns (toasted on the grill if desired) with a large spoonful of chilled pineapple salsa.

Related Resource:

Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining
By Sara Deseran and Jonelle Weaver

Here's a delightful 96-page hardcover with truly original recipes for exciting picnic fare that includes salads, main-dishes, sandwiches, and desserts. Over 45 recipes are shared here, including exotic recipes for Focaccia bread, salmon and shrimp, zucchini, and Chocolate-Walnut Cake. Weaver contributes twenty-four color photographs to inspire your taste buds to explore the book's possiiblities.

Recipe: Savory Vinaigrette Dressed Tubetti Veggie Salad

This fresh, zesty pasta salad is great for any spring or summer barbecue or potluck. Lots of fresh veggies, herbs, and pasta, mixed with a fresh, simple homemade dressing equals lots of flavor and color on your plate!

Savory Vinaigrette Dressed Tubetti Veggie Salad
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

1 (1 lb) pkg tubetti (or ziti, penne, or other tube-shaped pasta)
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 head broccoli, cut into bite size florettes
3 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 regular carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced into strips
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Put tubetti pasta in a large pot of boiling water, add the 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook until just short of being al dente, then add broccoli and cook for a minute or two longer, just until pasta is al dente.  Drain pasta and broccoli very well through a colander and transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
• In a food processor combine the garlic, oregano, mustard, and vinegar, pulsing until just combined.
• With motor running, start gradually drizzling in oil, processing until a smooth vinaigrette dressing is formed.
• Pour this vinaigrette dressing over the drained tubetti and broccoli in the bowl and toss to coat well.
• Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and parsley, tossing gently until blended.  Taste and salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately.

Related Resource:

Well Dressed: Salad Dressings
By Jeff Keys

Salads are naked without tasty dressings. This book is filled with recipes for viniagrettes and creamy dressings to enjoy on a variety of salads, including light, summer pasta salads. This collection of 75 different dressing combinations combines, not only the usual dressing ingredients, but you'll find mangos, sweet onions, green olives, capers, and many other exciting ingredients. You'll also find plenty of warm dressings, too. Create pasta salads for picnics, or any meal.

Recipe: Crawfish Gumbo Omelet

When you think of Louisiana cooking, crawfish and gumbo immediately come to mind, but this recipe gives a regular old omelet a unique twist with true Cajun flair! A great way to use leftover crawfish (which isn't always so tasty the next day on its own), this easy dish makes a great lunch or light supper.

Crawfish Gumbo Omelet
(Serves 2-3.)

Steamed crawfish. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced onion
1 Tbsp flour
1 can (15 oz) stewed tomatoes   
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
3/4 to 1 lb. cleaned crawfish meat
5 eggs, beaten
3 Tbsp heavy cream
pinch cayenne
salt and black pepper to taste
oil or butter to cook omelet

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat until butter melts, then add the green bell pepper, celery, and onion, stirring and cooking until vegetables just start to soften.
2. Sprinkle the flour over and stir constantly until sauce forms and thickens and flour cooks and turns golden yellow.
3. Add the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste in saucepan, stir and cook until tomatoes are heated through.
4. Reduce heat to low, add the crawfish and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often; keep warm.
5. In separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Put a skillet over medium-low heat, add enough oil or butter to cook the omelet (about 2 Tbsp) and heat the oil until just hot.
7. Gently pour the egg mixture into the skillet; shift the pan around and lift the edges to allow for the wet egg mixture to seep under and set up.
8. When eggs in skillet are just set, spoon the crawfish filling into the center, fold omelet over, remove from heat, cover skillet and let sit for 1 minute. Serve hot.

Recipe: Andouille Red Beans And Rice Skillet

This quick and tasty Cajun favorite combines those classic flavors like andouille sausage, beans, and rice - of course with plenty of spice! This version is fast and simple, and doesn't have to cook all day, so you can whip up a quick Cajun lunch without interrupting the Mardi Gras festivities for long!

Andouille Red Beans And Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 cup rice
6 oz andouille sausage, diced   
1 red bell pepper, diced small
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/2 to 1 tsp Cajun seasoning   
1 tsp dried thyme
1 can (15 oz size) kidney beans or pinto beans, drained (or 1 1/2 cups pre-cooked beans)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

•  Prepare rice according to package directions; set aside.
• Put a large heavy skillet (cast iron is great) over medium-high heat. Add andouille sausage and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until nicely browned; remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
• Add the red bell pepper, onion, Cajun seasoning, and thyme to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until onions soften.
• Add to the skillet the cooked rice, sausage, beans, and the parsley, stir and cook until heated through.
• Serve hot right from the skillet.

Recipe: Healthy Quinoa Chipotle Bean Chili

This delicious and healthy recipe is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and spices for a flavorful, hearty winter meal that will fill you up without derailing your New Year's weight loss goals! For less salt and more flavor, cook your own beans instead of using canned - it's easy - just soak in cold water with a pinch of baking soda overnight, then drain, rinse, and cook for about 40 minutes to an hour before adding to the rest of the chili ingredients.

Healthy Quinoa Chipotle Bean Chili
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

This recipe contains lots of fresh, healthy veggies like these. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp minced jalapeno pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried chopped basil
1/2 tsp dried chopped thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram leaf
1/4 tsp chipotle pepper powder
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups water
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup tomato paste mixed with 3/4 cup water
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

1. If the quinoa is not pre-rinsed, soak the quinoa for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and drain well. (If you do not do this it could taste bitter when cooked.)
2. Heat the oil on medium-high in a Dutch oven or large soup pot.  Add the celery, both bell peppers, and onion, and cook stirring for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables soften a little.
3. Add the jalapeno and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the spices and herbs, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the water, beans, tomato sauce mixed with water and quinoa, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked. 
6. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taste and adjust for flavor.
7. Serve hot in big bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe: One-Pot Meal: Turkey Black Bean Chili

This tasty recipe is simple to cook and clean up after - it only takes one pot! It's full of healthy fiber and hearty flavors, and makes a great meal to fight off the winter chill.

Turkey Black Bean Chili
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: dejahthoris)

1 1/4 lb ground turkey (organic is best)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup whole kernel corn, canned or frozen
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained well
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp chili powder or chili seasoning mix (more or less to taste)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a big pot over medium heat, put ground turkey and olive oil. Cook, breaking up the turkey, until the turkey is no longer pink.
2. Add the onion and green pepper and continue cooking until the both are softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring steadily.
3. Add remaining ingredients to pot, stir to combine, then slightly cover pot, turn heat down to low, and simmer slowly for 20 to 30 minutes or until flavors combine.
4. Serve hot out of the pot.

Recipe: Louisiana Crockpot Chili

Chili is a natural fit for the slow cooker, with a medley of ingredients and spices that blend together over several hours of low-heat cooking, creating layers of hearty flavor. This Cajun version includes the Louisiana flavors of sausage, pork, red pepper, and tomatoes for a delicious twist on chili that will have everyone coming back for second helpings!

Louisiana Chili Time
(Serves 8.)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 lb andouille sausage, diced
1 lb ground pork
2 big onions, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz size) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz size) can diced tomatoes
1 (28 oz size) can kidney beans, drained (or 1 cup dry beans, rinsed and soaked)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder
dash or two hot pepper sauce
pinch instant chicory or coffee (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the andouille sausage and ground pork until pork is lightly browned; break it up as you cook it.  Remove with a slotted spoon and put in crock pot.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the crockpot and stir well.
• Cover, set on Low, and cook 6-8 hours, until veggies and beans are soft and flavors are blended.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a bit of water to thin it out if desired.
• Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Recipe: Crockpot Jambalaya

Use your slow cooker to make this classic Cajun recipe even easier! Just brown the meat, then add everything to the crockpot, cover, and let cook until done - voila - dinner!

Crockpot Jambalaya

Ingredients:

Jambalaya with chicken, sausage, rice, tomatoes, celery, and spices. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 large onion, diced small
1 large green bell pepper, diced small
2 celery stalks, diced small
2 Tbsp cooking oil
1 lb chicken meat, diced
1 lb pork sausage
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 reg can tomato paste
1 reg can stewed whole tomatoes
1 reg can tomato sauce
1-1/2 cup water
1-1/2 cups uncooked rice
1 lb small to medium shrimp
1 box (10 oz) frozen corn, thawed
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp butter

Directions:

• Put chicken & sausage in a large skillet, add oil, and cook over medium-low heat until chicken is cooked and sausage is no longer pink.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring until garlic is just fragrant.
• Add chicken, sausage, onion, pepper, celery, tomatoes, paste, sauce, and uncooked rice to large crockpot. Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pot, stir thoroughly.
• Cover and cook for 6 hours on Low or until rice is tender.
• Add in the shrimp, corn, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and the butter, stir to combine and cook until shrimp is pink and cooked thoroughly; about 20 minutes more.
• Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread and a green salad.

Recipe: Autumn Squash Baked Chicken And Rice

This tasty fall casserole uses yummy fresh fall veggies from the farmer's market or your garden to add a healthy twist to a standard chicken and rice dish. It's a simple dish with mild flavors, so feel free to add some red pepper or a fresh Anaheim if you want to spice it up a little. Otherwise, it's a tasty fall dish for the kids or those who don't like a lot of spice to their food.

Autumn Squash Baked Chicken And Rice
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Darice)

8 free-range chicken drumsticks or thighs (1 1/4 lb), skin removed
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 package (6 oz) long-grain and wild rice mix
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut in 1 inch cubes
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1 inch slices
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups water
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat; when hot add chicken, cook about 3 minutes, turn and cook 3 more minutes, or until chicken is browned slightly. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Put rice, contents of seasoning packet, squash, zucchini and bell pepper in baking pan.
4. Turn heat on under skillet, add water and bring to boiling, then pour the hot water over rice and veggies in baking pan and stir to mix.
5. Add the cheese and stir, then arrange the chicken on top of the rice mixture. 
6. Cover pan with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until rice absorbs the liquid and is tender and chicken is no longer pink at all.
7. Remove and let sit for 3 minutes, then take off foil and serve hot.

Recipe: Eggplant Italian Garden Pasta

Although it was far from a favorite of mine as a child, in recent years I've come around, and eggplant has now become a common ingredient in many of my summer dishes. The creamy texture and rich, mild taste of cooked eggplant is wonderful with another summer favorite - tomatoes. It goes great in many Italian dishes, such as this one, below, and is an excellent way to use up some of those excess summer veggies you have piling up in the fridge! This vegetarian recipe is a great idea for a "Meatless Monday" dinner, or add some fresh Italian sausage to the saute if you want to spice it up. Because eggplant cooks down so well, it is often hard to tell it is in the sauce, so it's a good way to "sneak" some into a meal even if your family doesn't care that much for eggplant.

Eggplant Italian Garden Pasta
(Serves 6.)

Long slender eggplants. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 yellow bell peppers
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp minced fresh oregano
2 tbsp capers
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
12 ounces bucatini or linguine
3/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions:

• Turn your broiler on to preheat, setting the rack at about 6 to 8 inches. Choose a broiler pan or baking sheet and cover it with foil.
• Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove inside membrane and seeds. Place halves skin side up on prepared pan. Put under broiler for about 8 to 10 minutes or until blackened. (You can also do this on a preheated grill if you wish.)
• Turn oven to bake at 425 degrees.
• Remove pan from oven and carefully place peppers (while still hot) in a Ziploc bag, seal, then let stand for 15 minutes. Peel off the skin and charred bits, then cut into strips and set aside. 
• Arrange eggplant cubes in a 2-quart baking dish in one layer. Pour 1 cup water over the eggplant and bake in 425 oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, adding water as needed. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add capers, oregano, and garlic and sauté for one minute. Stir in salt, black pepper, cooked eggplant, roasted bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cover skillet and reduce heat, simmering 15 minutes and stirring occasionally.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup of this cooking liquid.
• Toss pasta with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then add to bowl with eggplant mixture; add reserved cooking liquid to coat the pasta; toss. 
• Sprinkle with grated Romano cheese and serve immediately. 

Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Chicken Cutlet Veggie Wraps

This fast and tasty grilled meal makes a great quick weeknight dinner, or a nice lunch for a lazy weekend afternoon. Simple and easy, just a few fresh ingredients make this a snap to prepare, and grilling in packets makes the cleanup just as easy - and it's low-carb too!

Cheesy Grilled Chicken Cutlet Veggie Wraps

(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

4 chicken cutlets, pounded thin
1/2 cup Italian Dressing
4 slices Provolone cheese
1 lb fresh cleaned asparagus
1 red bell pepper, cleaned and sliced into thin strips

Directions:

• Prepare grill to medium-high heat.
• Put cutlets into a bowl with Italian dressing and toss to coat well.
• Tear off 4 big sheets of aluminum foil and lay on work surface.
• Lay out a cutlet on each foil sheet; top with cheese slices, then divide asparagus and the red bell pepper pieces evenly between the packets.
• Roll the cutlets up like a burrito over the vegetables, then roll up in the foil and seal tightly.
• Put the foil bundles on the grill over indirect heat, close grill, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, turning over 2 to 3 times during the cooking time.
• Remove and let stand for several minutes, then unroll the foil and serve.

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Fajita Dinner In A Pouch

This easy-peasy yummy dinner takes little prep time, so you can spend your time enjoying the great outdoors on a summer evening, instead of cooking away in the kitchen. Grilling food in foil packets makes it easy to cook a full meal at once, and clean up of course is a snap - you won't even get the grill dirty! Enjoy this tasty summer dinner for a picnic with friends, or just a lazy summer evening at home in the backyard.

Grilled Chicken Fajita Dinner In A Pouch
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4 teaspoons Mexican seasoning powder or chili powder
4 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 lbs chicken, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
2 bell peppers, diced small
2 onions, diced small
tortillas for serving (optional)

Directions:

• Mix Mexican seasoning and lime juice together in a bowl, then add the chicken and bell peppers, and cover with plastic wrap. Put in refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
• Make 4 pouches out of aluminum foil and spoon mixture (including the liquid) into the center of each pouch, dividing ingredients equally.
• Fold edges of pouches tightly and form envelopes, leaving a bit of room for hot air and expansion within the pouch.
• Put on grill set at medium-high and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the pouches several times to cook evenly.
• Serve on tortillas with toppings such as sour cream or guacamole, if desired.  This meal may also be served over a salad.

Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Pork Tenders

Mmm-mmm-mmm!  Go Asian with your grilling this week with this tasty twist on Teriyaki. This simple and easy recipe uses the fresh summer flavors of green onions and bell peppers, combined with spicy ginger and Teriyaki sauce for a delicious main dish in minutes. Great for a quick summer weeknight meal.

Grilled Teriyaki Pork Tenders(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork tenderloin
1 red bell pepper
4 green onions
4 Tbsp Teriyaki sauce
1 tsp fresh grated ginger root
4 tsp olive oil

Directions:

• Set your grill to medium-high heat and preheat.
• Put tenderloin on grill, cover grill, and cook for 5 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 5 minutes.  Remove and let rest on cutting board while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Clean the red bell pepper and cut into thin strips.
• Wash and trim the onions and cut each lengthwise in half.
• In a bowl whisk together the Teriyaki, ginger root, and olive oil.
• Cut the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick slices, and separate into 4 equal portions.
• Place four large aluminum foil squares on a work surface.
• Arrange 1/4 of the pork on each square, then cover with 1/4 of the red bell peppers and 1/4 of the onion.
• Carefully pour the Teriyaki mixture over the meat and veggies and fold and seal the aluminum foil tight.  Teriyaki is quite salty so you may not need to salt the mixture, but taste and decide.
• Place the 4 packets on the medium-high heat grill, cover and allow to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until hot and steaming. Spin around once during this cooking time.
• Remove and let rest for 3 minutes before opening.