Sunday, December 25, 2011

Tomato, Squash, and Feta Gratin

This vegetable side dish was a big hit with my Christmas dinner guests.  I hope you'll try it!








(picture taken before placing in oven)

1-2 tsp garlic olive oil 
1 zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick coins 
1 yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick coins 
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste 
2 green onions, chopped 
1 clove of garlic, minced 
1 tbsp basil, chopped 
1/4 cup tomato basil feta 
6-7 small vine ripened tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a small baking dish with 
cooking spray. 

Place the sliced zucchini and squash coins into a bowl then season 
with a bit of olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper, to 
taste; toss to coat evenly. In another bowl add the green onions, 
garlic, fresh basil, and feta cheese and mix well. 

Lay the zucchini slices in the pan, slightly overlapping them like 
shingles. Sprinkle with some of the feta mixture. Layer the yellow 
squash slices on top of the zucchini, slightly overlapping them like 
shingles. Sprinkle with some of the feta mixture. Layer the 
tomatoes on top of the yellow squash, slightly overlapping them 
like shingles. Sprinkle with the remaining feta mixture. Drizzle 
with some olive oil if desired. 

Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the 
vegetables are tender and the top is slightly browned. Allow to sit 
for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy. 


Saturday, December 10, 2011

Jumbo Shells Stuffed with Cheese

Cheesy Pasta Goodness!
Ingredients:
1/2- box of Jumbo Shells
1- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce
1+ 1/3 cup fresh Ricotta cheese
8 ounce Mascarpone cheese
1cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
1-8 ounce package Mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of water











YUM!


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cook jumbo shells in boiling water for 10 minutes.  Drain and cool on a sheet pan.  Set aside
3. Mix together ricotta, mascarpone, half the Parmigiano, half the mozzarella, parsley, salt and pepper.  Fill the shells.
4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish; add half the sauce and water.  Arrange the shells (opening up), cover with the remaining sauce and cheeses.
5. Bake covered in the oven at 400 degrees F. for 30 minutes.