In the Fall before it freezes I always cut my herbs back, wash and freeze them, and then I can enjoy them all winter long. It’s perfect for my Herb Roasted Turkey!
Some herbs I like to grow are rosemary, mint, italian parsley, lavender and basil.
Tomatoes, Tomatoes and more Tomatoes!!
It is the time of year for fresh tomatoes. I love to cook with fresh produce. It is so rewarding to cook with vegetables out of your own garden. However, my tomatoes are looking like this…
…so I am going to farmers markets to get someone else’s garden tomatoes.
They are perfectly ripe and fabulous for summer cooking!
This is a recipe that a Gourmet Dinner Friend has made and it is one of my favorites! She makes it with mini mozzarella and grape tomatoes, but I make it with cut tomatoes and slices of fresh monzarella. Both ways are delicious. The balsamic vinegar mixture is my favorite part. I could drink balsamic vinegar and with these spices and herbs mixed in, it takes it up a notch!
Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic salt and dried oregano in a small bowl. (Preferably in one that has a lid so if you are making it for a smaller crowd you can save the dressing for another night.)
This salad in the picture was just for two. The little friends that live at our home (children) don’t always love gourmet food, but that does not mean Greg and I should not eat well. The rest of the dressing, tomatoes and mozzarella goes in the fridge for another day. This salad is perfect for my lunch the next day. Often I crave something other than a quick turkey sandwich.
Caprese Salad
16 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into slices
3 medium or 2 large tomatoes cut into thin slices
2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
Dressing:
1 cup olive oil
6 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
In a small bowl blend olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic salt and oregano. Set aside. On large plate alternate tomato slice and mozzarella around the plat in a circle. Add additional circles within that circle till it fills up the plate. Sprinkle julienned basil over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Spoon the dressing over all of it to the desired amount.
Posted by Andrea
Design Times Four 