Grilled Pesto Bruschetta

This is a recipe that you will make over and over again... I first made this when Joe and I were away for our anniversary in April.  We through this together one of the evenings and we have had it countless times since.  It is so yummy and not to mention so easy! 

Grilled Pesto Bruschetta
1 Loaf of French Bread
1 small container of pesto (or make your own, recipe coming soon!)
2-3 medium size tomatoes
1 bock of fresh mozzarella cheese (you can use shredded cheese too but it is not as good)
3-4 T. olive oil

So I start by slicing the bread in about 1 inch thick slices.  On one side I brush with olive oil and on the other side I smear with pesto.  Slice tomatoes and lay on top of pesto.  You can also dice the tomatoes if you prefer smaller pieces.  Then I slice the mozzarella cheese to lay on top.  When your grill is nice and hot put on and close the lid to help with melting the cheese.  Watch the bottom side so it does not burn.  These can be done in the over on a cookie sheet at well at 400 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes.  However, there is something really special about these over a charcoal fire, especially if you are already grilling some meat to go with them!

Wild Rice and Orzo Salad

This is a recipe I received from my dear friend Brooke.  She made it for our annual summer camping trip and it was a huge it.  I love the sweet yet tangy flavor of this salad.  It is so tasty and filling that I often just make this for a light dinner or lunch.  Enjoy!  

Orzo, 2 cups-ish, cooked to al dente
1 red, orange or yellow pepper, diced finely (or a combo)
1 small red onion, diced finely
1 c. currents or craisins
2 c. corn
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1 c. wild rice, cooked

Dressing:
1/2 c Olive Oil

1/4 c red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 T lemon juice
2 T sugar
2 T honey
1 T sesame oil
1/2 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder

Lentil and Feta Salad

1 c. lentils
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red onion, chopped
1 red pepper
1 c. cilantro, chopped
1/3 c. lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
4 oz. feta cheese
2 small diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a pot and add lentils. Simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and toss in a large bowl for mixing adding pepper, onion, cilantro, feta, and tomatoes. Whisk lemon juice and oil together and pour over mixture and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

2 med. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 in. cubes
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
2T. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 med. red onion
1/2 c. fresh cilantro, chopped

preheat oven to 450. Place sweet potatoes on rimmed baking sheet - drizzle with 2 T. oil. sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, toss to coat. Roast on lower rack until tender, tossing once during cooking, 25-30 min.
In large bowl whisk lime juice with 2 T. olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Add sweet potatoes, onion, beans and cilantro. mix to combine.

Craisin Couscous Salad

1 c. couscous
1/2 c. craisins
1 chopped cucumber (seeded and peeled)
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. olive oil
1/2 c. feta
1/4 c. sliced Almonds
1/4 c. sliced green onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
Add to taste:
Salt
Pepper


Cook couscous according to instructions on package. Mix the couscous with everything else in bowl and mix. You can eat either hot or cold. We like it cold. It is great served with Chicken or pork.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

1 c. couscous
1 chopped cucumber (seeded)
1/2 c. feta
1 c. tomato chopped
1/2 c. sliced green onion
1/4 c. cilantro chopped
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder

Cook couscous according to directions and add the rest of ingredients and mix. Serve hot or cold.

Summer Corn Salsa

Drain:
15 oz shoe peg white corn (works with regular too!)
15 oz. black eyed peas or black beans

1 large red pepper, diced small
1 red onion, diced fine
1/2 c fresh or frozen cilantro, finely diced
Combine all.

Sauce: 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
2 T Tiger Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients, let sugar dissolve, then pour over salsa and mix. Serve with tortilla chips.

Bean and Avocado Salad

2 c. cooked corn, fresh or frozen
2 avocado, peeled and diced
2 roma tomatoes chopped
1/2 c. red onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic
1 can black beans or black eyed peas

Dressing:
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 c. chopped cilantro
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Corn Casserole

1/2 cup butter
1 box of corn muffin mix
1 can creamed corn
1 can corn, drained
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream

Mix together and bake in a greased 9x13 pan for 30 minutes at 350 F.