School Daze, School Daze... (1st in a 5 part series)

I tried to avoid this topic, but then I thought, Hey, I know plenty of friends that would love to have some AWESOME recipes that don't involve a slow cooker or dumping a bunch of canned "stuff" into a pot and calling it dinner. First, though, here is a list of pantry and fridge staples I always have on hand:

Pomi Tomato Puree and Chopped Tomatoes ( from Italy)
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Small Bow Tie Pasta
Israeli Couscous (the big pearl looking couscous)
Various Rices (basmatti, white, brown, jasmine)
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Bread
Olive Oil (extra virgin and regular olive oil)
Sherry, Red Wine, Cider, White and Balsamic Vinegars
Canola Oil
Unsalted Butter
Various Cheeses (Parmesan, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Swiss and Gouda)
Onions
Shallots
Garlic
Peppers (green, red, etc any combination)
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Carrots
Celery
Lettuces
Olives


If you don't have these things, make a list and go shopping, especially for the pantry items! They are true life savers on hectic nights. I'm lucky to have a large chest freezer as well, so with a little forethought (ie take the stuff out of the freezer!) I can whip up multiple dinners quickly. Here we go... Back to school the relish way! Lots of veggies, snacks and down right yummy, quick recipes.

Snacks:

Cheese and Homemade Quick Salsa Quesadilla

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (have your kids shred it)
1 10" Whole Wheat Tortilla
1 tbsp Quick Salsa (recipe to follow)

In a non stick skillet on medium heat, place the tortilla , top one half with with cheese, then cover the cheese with the salsa. Cover the tortilla and let the cheese melt for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the cover, fold in half, then continue to cook one side, then the other until both sides are golden brown.

Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream, if desired!


Quick Salsa

2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 small red onion minced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp cumin
juice of half a lime (1 tbsp)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Crushed red pepper Optional!
Hot Sauce, optional
Minced fresh Cilantro prefered, but optional!

Mix all together, and serve. It is better the second day, but very good within 20 minutes of making, too.

Pizza Tomatoes (good as a side dish, too!)

4 Big Cherry Tomatoes
4 Small Fresh Mozzarella Balls
1 tsp minced Fresh Oregano (or dried)
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
Sprinkle of Salt

Cut the top of the tomatoes, and gently pull out the core and seeds.
Fill the cavity with a mozzarella ball. Top with oregano, garlic and sprinkle with salt.

Broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey. Serve with toasted baguette if desired.

Whole Wheat Pita Pizza

1 Whole Wheat Pita
1 cup Prepared Tomato Sauce
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
Optional Toppings: slivers of onion, peppers, olives, Canadian bacon, etc..

Preheat oven (with pizza stone if you have one) to 450 degrees. Place prepared pita on hot stone or on heated cookie sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes.


Stay tuned for the next edition for more snack ideas and quick dinners!

Elizabeth
relish your food, relish your life