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!

Chickpea Curry

All you vegetarians out there listen up!  This is so good and you won't believe how incredibly fast and easy this meal is to make!  I whipped this one out in less than 15 minutes and it is so healthy.  I found this recipe randomly on the internet (i don't remember where) and made a few minor changes.  I decreased the cayenne pepper to a 1/2 a tsp. because we have kids and i didn't want to make it too spicy.  But if I were making this only for adults I would go full throttle and put it all in.  It does need a good bit of salt but just keep tasting and use your own judgment.  I will say, this recipe does not make a huge meal so I plan to double it next time so I have leftover for lunch the next day.  

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in pan and saute onions and garlic.  After they become translucent add the spices.  Cook for just a minute.  Then add the beans with liquid from can (or 1/2 c. broth or water). Cook till all is combined and heated through. Before serving stir in cilantro. Serve over rice or couscous.

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.

Asian Cabbage Salad

4 c. purple cabbage, shredded finely
1 bunch green onion, chopped
1 c. fresh broccoli, chopped 
1/2 c. craisins
1 pkg. raman noodles
1/4 c. sesame seeds
1/4 c. sunflower seeds
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
2 T. honey

Shred cabbage into a large bowl and add chopped green onion. In a small skillet, saute the crushed raman noodles, sesame seeds, almonds and a tablespoon of butter. When nicely browned add to the cabbage bowl. In seperate bowl whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, and the raman seasoning packet. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Only put dressing on when you are ready to serve otherwise the nuts get soggy.

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.