Blackened Steak Salad with Berry Vinaigrette

Ingredients needed:
1 (8 ounce) beef skirt steak or flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons dry blackening seasoning
1 (9 ounce) package DOLE® Classic Romaine
6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/4 cup thinly sliced DOLE Red Onion
1/4 cup ripe olives
2 tablespoons thinly sliced roasted red pepper
Berry Vinaigrette (recipe below)
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese


How to prepare:
Brush steak with olive oil and sprinkle with blackening seasoning. Grill or broil to desired doneness. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into thin slices.
Combine romaine, tomatoes, red onion, olives and roasted red pepper in large bowl; toss well.
Divide salad mixture on 2 large plates. Top each with sliced cooked steak. Drizzle with Berry Vinaigrette, to taste, and sprinkle with feta cheese. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.


Berry Vinaigrette
Combine 1 cup DOLE Frozen Mixed Berries, partially thawed, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, salt and ground black pepper, to taste in blender container. Cover; blend until smooth. Makes about 1 cup.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, juiced and grated
1 teaspoon cumin
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and ground black pepper
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas, heated according to package directions
1 (12 ounce) package DOLE® All Natural Southwest Salad Kit


How to prepare:
Combine olive oil, lime juice, peel, and cumin in small bowl. Thread shrimp onto skewers; season with salt and pepper. Brush shrimp with lime mixture. Grill until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with lime mixture. Roughly chop shrimp.
Combine taco ranch dressing, sour cream and shredded cheese included in the kit. Spread mixture over each tortilla; top with shrimp, salad greens and chips. Serve with favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, salsa, sliced olives and/or guacamole.

Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Ingredients needed:
8 medium-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette (recipe below)
1 (12 ounce) package DOLE® Very Veggie™
10 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 medium mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 green onions, diagonally sliced


How to prepare:
Brush shrimp with 2 to 3 tablespoons Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette. Grill over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes or until pink, turning once.
Divide salad on 2 large plates. Arrange shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms and green onions on each. Drizzle with Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette, to taste. Refrigerated leftovers.

Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette
Combine 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup toasted sesame seed, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic in blender container. Cover; blend until smooth. Slowly add 2/3 cup canola oil and 1/3 cup sesame oil in thin stream, until blended. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

Grilled Salmon, Snap Peas and Spring Mix Salad with Chow Mein Noodles

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 (4 to 6-oz each) salmon fillets
Olive oil, as needed
Salt and ground pepper to taste
1 (8.75 oz) package DOLE® Extra Veggie™ with Snap Peas
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch strips
Asian Vinaigrette*:
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup chow mein noodles


How to prepare:
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Whisk together brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and crushed red pepper in small bowl until blended.
Brush salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, or until desired doneness. Generously brush both sides of fish with soy sauce mixture; cook additional 30 seconds per side.
Combine salad blend, snap peas from pouch and red bell pepper in large bowl. Toss with Asian Vinaigrette, to taste. Divide salad mixture on 4 large plates. Top each with grilled salmon and sprinkle with chow mein noodles.
*Asian Vinaigrette: Whisk together 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons canola oil, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce until blended. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Grilled Chicken, Tomato and Baby Greens Salad with Blue Cheese

Ingredients needed:
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 (7.75 ounce) package DOLE® Extra Veggie™ with Grape Tomatoes
1 avocado, peeled and cubed
2 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
1 hard-cooked egg, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Bottled blue cheese dressing, to taste


How to prepare:
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Brush chicken with oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill 8 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center (165 degrees F), turning once. Cool chicken enough to handle; slice into thin strips.
Combine salad blend, tomatoes from pouch, cooked sliced chicken, avocado, bacon, egg and blue cheese in large bowl. Toss with blue cheese dressing, to taste.

Grilled Chicken and Pasta Salad

Ingredients needed:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
steak seasoning to taste
8 ounces rotini pasta
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 red onion, chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
6 cherry tomatoes, chopped


How to prepare:
Preheat the grill for high heat. Season both sides of chicken breast halves with steak seasoning.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and cut into strips.
Meanwhile, place the rotini pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, mix together the cheese, onion, lettuce, and tomatoes. Toss with the cooled chicken and pasta to serve.

Grilled Orange Vinaigrette Chicken Salad

Ingredients needed:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend
1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 head romaine lettuce- rinsed, dried and chopped
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1 cup chopped baby carrots



How to prepare:
Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, seasoning blend, and sugar. Set aside about 1/2 cup for basting.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, basting frequently with the reserved portion of the dressing, or until juices run clear. Cool, and cut into strips. Discard basting sauce.
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, oranges, broccoli, and carrots. Top the salad with grilled chicken strips, and drizzle with remaining dressing to serve.

Grilled Chicken Taco Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup medium-hot salsa
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 (7 inch) corn tortillas
4 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)



How to prepare:
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
Mix black beans, salsa, 1/2 cup cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl; set aside.
Stir chili powder, cumin, coriander, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and olive oil in a bowl until smooth; rub mixture over chicken breasts.
Cook chicken breasts on preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 10 to 12 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). While the chicken is cooking, place tortillas on grill and grill until lightly brown on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into long thin strips. Divide chicken strips over tortillas and top with bean mixture, lettuce, and remaining 1/2 cup cilantro. Serve with avocado, lime wedges, and sour cream.

Grilled Pineapple with Mascarpone Cream

Ingredients needed:
1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 (8 ounce) containers mascarpone cheese
3 tablespoons honey
8 slices of peeled fresh pineapple, 1/2-inch thick

How to prepare:

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Place the hazelnuts into a small saucepan over medium heat, and shake the pan until the nuts turn golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside. Mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, mascarpone cheese, and honey in a bowl until well combined.

Grill the pineapple slices on the preheated grill until the slices show brown grill marks and the fruit is hot and juicy, about 3 minutes per side. Serve 2 slices per plate with a generous dollop of sweetened mascarpone cheese and a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts on each serving.

Grilled Pineapple Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, or more to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
1 fresh pineapple
1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 (10 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
6 tablespoons poppy seed salad dressing (such as Kraft®), or to taste


How to prepare:
Mix beer, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag until thoroughly combined. Add chicken to the marinade, evenly coat, and squeeze air from the bag. Seal and refrigerate several hours to overnight, turning bag over occasionally.
Preheat outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
Twist top from pineapple and cut peel off in long vertical strips. Cut pineapple into wedges vertically and cut the tough core from each wedge.
Thread marinated chicken tenders onto skewers. Grill chicken and pineapple wedges on the preheated grill until chicken is no longer pink inside, chicken juices run clear, and pineapple wedges are tender and show light brown grill marks, 10 to 12 minutes. Cut chicken and pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
Toss spinach with pine nuts and mandarin orange segments in a large bowl. Top salad with chicken and pineapple pieces. Serve on salad plates; drizzle each serving with 2 teaspoons poppy seed dressing.

Summer Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple in Champagne Vinaigrette

Ingredients needed:
1/4 cup Carapelli Premium 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored, cut lengthwise into 4 slabs
8 cups mixed field greens or baby greens
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or tarragon leaves

How to prepare:

Heat a grill to medium-high heat or have a ridged grill pan ready. For vinaigrette, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Transfer 3 tablespoons of the mixture to a pie plate or shallow plate. Stir pepper flakes and garlic into oil mixture on plate.

(Sneak a quick dip of artisan bread into the mixture - so good!)

Add shrimp to plate; toss with oil mixture. Thread shrimp onto metal skewers or soaked bamboo skewers. Brush oil mixture from plate over skewers. Transfer skewers to grill; discard marinade on plate. Add pineapple to grill. Grill shrimp and pineapple (or cook shrimp in a heated ridged grill pan over medium heat and grill pineapple in pan after shrimp is removed) 4 minutes. Turn skewers and pineapple over; continue grilling 4 to 5 minutes or until shrimp are opaque.

Meanwhile, toss mixed greens with remaining vinaigrette; arrange on four large serving plates. Carve pineapple crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices; arrange over salads. Remove shrimp from skewers; arrange over salads. Top with basil.

Prosciutto and Provolone Panini Sandwiches

Ingredients needed:
1/2 cup carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
8 slices rustic Italian or sourdough bread
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
16 thin slices Provolone cheese
12 thin slices prosciutto
4 whole, well-drained bottled roasted red peppers, cut into strips

How to prepare:

Heat a panini grill or waffle iron. Brush oil over bread slices. Turn 4 slices over; spread pesto evenly over bread. Top with half of the cheese, tearing to fit if necessary, all of the prosciutto and pepper strips and remaining cheese. Close sandwiches with remaining bread oiled sides up.

Cook (in batches) in panini maker* or waffle iron 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Footnotes

*Panini sandwiches may also be cooked in a ridged grill pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Herb and Garlic Roast Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients needed:

4 tablespoons Carapelli Premium 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (2 pound) center-cut beef tenderloin roast

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

How to prepare:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine 2 tablespoons of Carapelli, garlic, thyme, rosemary, 1 teaspoon of the salt and pepper; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until well browned. Turn roast over; turn off heat. Spread garlic and herb mixture evenly over top and sides of roast.

For that matter, you could spread this mixture on just about anything. Meat. Bread. Veggies. Bacon. Mmmbacon.

Transfer skillet to oven; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F. Transfer roast to a carving board; tent with foil and let stand 10 minutes. (Internal temperature will rise to 130 degrees F for medium-rare).

Meanwhile, combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, sour cream, horseradish and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; chill until serving time.

Carve roast crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices; place on warmed serving plates. Serve with sauce. Watch your hard work vanish in minutes as family and friends devour. Then bask in the glow of their approval.

Cucumber and Dill Finger Sandwiches

Ingredients needed:
1/2 cup Carapelli Premium 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups soft goat cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 bunch dill, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely grated
8 slices sourdough pullman bread, crusts carefully cut off
1 English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
Fresh ground pepper and kosher salt to taste

How to prepare:

Combine goat cheese, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, dill and grated garlic in a large bowl and fold together thoroughly with a rubber spatula.

Spread the soft cheese mixture evenly on all eight pieces of bread. Lay a thin layer of sliced cucumbers on four of the slices. Sprinkle sliced shallot over the cucumber layers and top with the other piece of bread.

Cut each sandwich into three rectangular little tea sandwiches and serve immediately. And you don't have to eat them with your pinkies raised up in the air. But you can. It's kinda fun.

Open-Faced Grilled Tuscan Chicken Sandwiches with Fresh Mozzarella

Ingredients needed:
4 tablespoons carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 slices rustic Italian or sourdough bread
1 cup packed baby greens or field greens
8 (1 ounce) slices fresh mozzarella cheese



How to prepare:
Heat a grill to medium-high heat or have a ridged grill pan ready.
Combine 2 tablespoons of the oil, lemon juice, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of the rosemary in a small bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken; place in a pie plate or shallow plate. Pour oil mixture over chicken; turn to coat. Let stand at least 10 minutes or up to 20 minutes.
Transfer chicken to grill with some of marinade clinging; discard marinade on plate. Grill chicken (or cook in a heated ridged grill pan over medium heat) 5 minutes per side or until chicken is no longer pink in center and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Brush remaining 2 tablespoons oil over both sides of bread. Place on grill (or in a large nonstick skillet) and cook 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates; top with greens and cheese. Carve cooked chicken diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices; arrange over cheese. Top with remaining 1 teaspoon rosemary.

Grilled Halibut with Fennel and Orange

Ingredients needed:

2 blood oranges or Valencia or Cara Cara oranges

3 tablespoons CARAPELLI® Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 (4 ounce) skinless halibut or haddock fillets

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt

1/2 cup very thinly sliced small fennel bulb

2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon (optional)

How to prepare:

Heat a grill to medium-high heat or have a ridged grill pan ready. Cut 1 of the oranges in half and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and juice. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture over fish. Sprinkle paprika over fish; let stand 10 minutes.

Peel remaining orange and separate into sections. Add the orange sections and fennel to the bowl; toss with olive oil mixture.

Grill fish (or cook in a heated ridged grill pan over medium heat) 4 minutes per side or until fish is opaque in center. Transfer to serving plates and top with fennel and orange mixture and sea salt. Garnish with tarragon if desired.

Grilled Halibut

Ingredients needed:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon white sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 inch-thick halibut steaks


How to prepare:
Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Stir butter, lemon juice, onion powder, parsley, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; spread evenly over the halibut steaks.
Cook on preheated grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Grilled Halibut with Cilantro Garlic Butter

Ingredients needed:
4 (6 ounce) fillets halibut
1 lime, cut into wedges
salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

How to prepare:

Preheat a grill for high heat. Squeeze the juice from the lime wedges over fish fillets, then season them with salt and pepper.

Grill fish fillets for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and fish can be flaked with a fork. Remove to a warm serving plate.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic; cook and stir just until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the butter, remaining lime juice and cilantro. Serve fish with the cilantro butter sauce.

Barbeque Halibut Steaks

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (1 pound) halibut steak

How to prepare:

Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

Place butter, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved.

Lightly oil grill grate. Brush fish with brown sugar sauce, and place on grill. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until fish can be easily flaked with a fork, basting with sauce. Discard remaining basting sauce.

Summertime Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 cup creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped

How to prepare:

In a large bowl, mix dressing, dill weed and ground black pepper. Mix in macaroni, tuna, broccoli, celery and cucumber until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
3 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (12 ounce) can tuna
1 1/2 cups light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch ground black pepper

How to prepare:

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, celery and tuna.

Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, salad dressing, sugar and pepper. Add to pasta salad, mix together, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (12 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
1 (10 ounce) can baby peas, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
salt and pepper to taste
3 hard-cooked eggs, quartered
1 pinch paprika, for garnish


How to prepare:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
In a large bowl, stir together the macaroni, tuna, celery, onion and peas. Mix in the mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper. Garnish with egg wedges and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Macaroni Tuna Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 (6 ounce) cans white tuna, drained and flaked
2 stalks celery, minced
1 onion, minced
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (5 ounce) jar pimento-stuffed green olives, drained
1 pint grape tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare:

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink. Transfer the macaroni to a bowl, and cool in the refrigerator.

In a large bowl, lightly toss the tuna with celery, onion, and about 1 cup mayonnaise until combined, then stir in the remaining mayonnaise, macaroni, olives, and grape tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the salad chill in refrigerator 1 hour.

Tuna and Noodle Salad Light

Ingredients needed:
3 cups penne pasta
1 tomato, diced
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more as needed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch paprika
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 (6 ounce) can solid white albacore tuna in water, drained

How to prepare:
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Rinse penne pasta with cold water and drain well in a colander set in the sink.
Mix the tomato, onion, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, paprika, and salt and pepper together in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, then flake the tuna on top. Stir to combine.

Easy Tofu Salad with Tuna and Watercress

Ingredients needed:
3 cups bean sprouts
1 (12 ounce) package soft tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 bunch watercress, chopped
2 tomatoes, cubed
1/4 cup Japanese pickled radish (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/2 cup soy sauce

How to prepare:

Layer the bean sprouts, tofu, tuna, watercress, tomatoes, and Japanese pickled radish in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside. Place the onion in a bowl.

Heat the garlic in the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat until garlic is browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove garlic slices, then pour the hot oil over the onion. Stir in the soy sauce and pour dressing over the salad.

Vietnamese Tofu Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 (14 ounce) package tofu, drained and cubed
1/2 cup peanuts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup Vietnamese sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 bunch chopped cilantro leaves


How to prepare:
Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Gently stir in the tofu and peanuts; cook until the tofu has lightly browned. Pour in the soy sauce, and cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed by the tofu. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Toss the sliced cucumbers together with the chili sauce, lime juice, and cilantro. Gently fold in the chilled tofu.

Japanese Tofu Salad

Ingredients needed:
1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu, drained
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (sweetened rice wine)
2 teaspoons sesame oil, or to taste
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

How to prepare:

Place tofu between two plates, and weigh down with a heavy book. Allow tofu to drain for 1 hour, pouring out the expelled liquid every 20 minutes.

Whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat, stir in the garlic and ginger, and gently cook until lightly golden; stir into the soy sauce mixture.

Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces, and toss together with the tomato, onion, and cilantro. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tofu Keema

Ingredients needed:
1 (16 ounce) package firm tofu
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
salt to taste

How to prepare:

Place tofu in a colander, and cover with a plate. Weight down with a skillet or some other heavy object. Let drain for 30 minutes. Place in the freezer for 24 hours.

Remove tofu from freezer, and defrost. Mince, and set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add cumin seeds, and cook until the seeds begin to sputter. Cook onion, ginger, garlic in oil until browned. Stir in tofu, peas, and curry powder; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Then stir in tomatoes and salt. Cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in chopped pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Tofu Parmigiana

Ingredients needed:
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) package firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese


How to prepare:
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Slice tofu into 1/4 inch thick slices, and place in bowl of cold water. One at a time, press tofu slices into crumb mixture, turning to coat all sides.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook tofu slices until crisp on one side. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, turn, and brown on the other side.
Combine tomato sauce, basil, garlic, and remaining oregano. Place a thin layer of sauce in an 8 inch square baking pan. Arrange tofu slices in the pan. Spoon remaining sauce over tofu. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 20 minutes.

Leek and Cheese Quiche

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sliced leeks
1 (9 inch) frozen pie crust, thawed
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1 tomato, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste


How to prepare:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the leeks until tender. Spread evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
In a bowl, toss together the Swiss cheese, Romano cheese, and flour. Spread over the leeks.
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and heavy cream. Pour over the cheese layer in the pie crust. Top with the tomato slices, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and continue baking 30 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center of the quiche comes out clean.

Zucchini Patties

Ingredients needed:
2 cups grated zucchini
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil


How to prepare:
In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt. Stir well enough to distribute ingredients evenly.
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop zucchini mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden.

Vegetarian Four Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients needed:
2 cups peeled and diced pumpkin
1 eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
5 tomatoes
1 pint ricotta cheese
9 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup pesto
2 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
fresh pasta sheets
1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese


How to prepare:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast in oven until browned and tender, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grill eggplant on a charcoal grill or fry in a skillet, turning once, until charred and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Halve tomatoes and place on baking sheet in oven for last 15 minutes of pumpkin time; cook until tender and wrinkly.
In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, feta, pesto, eggs, salt and pepper until well mixed. Fold roasted pumpkin into ricotta mixture.
Spoon half of the tomato sauce into a 9x13 baking dish. Lay two pasta sheets over the sauce. Arrange a single layer of eggplant slices over pasta and top with half the ricotta mixture. Cover with two more pasta sheets. Arrange the roasted tomatoes evenly over the sheets and spoon the remaining half the ricotta mixture over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Top with remaining two sheets of pasta. Pour remaining tomato sauce over all and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake in preheated oven 30 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Raspberry Jalapeno Jelly

Ingredients needed:
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped jalapeno pepper
3 cups white sugar
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 (6 fluid ounce) container liquid pectin

How to prepare:

Sterilize jars and lids by immersing in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers with the sugar and cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

Stir in the liquid pectin, and run the mixture through a strainer to remove bits of peppers. Pour the strained liquid into sterilized jars, and seal. Store in a cool dark place. Refrigerate after opening.

HOT butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 (2 pound) butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon white sugar
salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream

How to prepare:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, ginger, and jalapeno pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the butternut squash and chicken broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes.

Stir in the evaporated milk, coconut milk, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes more. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth, and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot. Ladle into bowls, and garnish with sour cream and thyme to serve.

Butternut Squash Pizzas with Rosemary

Ingredients needed:
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1/2 butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
salt and black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust dough, divided
1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 tablespoons grated Asiago or Parmesan cheeseinutes.

How to prepare:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Place sliced onion and squash in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; toss to coat.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until onions are lightly browned and squash is tender; set aside.
Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into an 8 inch round. Place the rounds on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal (you may need 2 baking sheets depending on their size). Distribute squash mixture over the two rounds and continue baking for 10 minutes, checking occasionally, or until the crust is firm. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cut into quarters, and serve.

Butternut Squash Bake

Ingredients needed:
1 (4 pound) butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1/3 yellow onion, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs



How to prepare:

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Toss the squash, onion, olive oil, 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, thyme, and blue cheese in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup bread crumbs over the squash.

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned on top, 35 to 40 minutes.

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 pound butternut squash - peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chilies
2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid
1 (15.5 ounce) can white hominy, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic salt

How to prepare:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir for 3 minutes, then add the turkey, and stir until crumbly and no longer pink.
Add the butternut squash, chicken broth, green chilies, tomatoes, kidney beans, hominy, and tomato sauce; season with chili powder, cumin, and garlic salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.

Chicken Chili Soup

Ingredients needed:
 1 3/4 pounds diced chicken breast meat
 2 green bell peppers, diced
 2 red bell peppers, diced
 1 onion, diced
 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
 4 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans with liquid
 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
 2 cups water
 2 teaspoons chili powder
 1 tablespoon dried parsley
 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin


How to prepare:
Coat a large pot with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chicken, bell peppers and onion until chicken is brown and peppers are just tender. Stir in corn, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Season with chili powder, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne and cumin. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Ingredients needed:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground turkey
2 (10.75 ounce) cans low sodium tomato soup
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch ground allspice
salt to taste


How to prepare:

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet, and cook until evenly brown; drain.

Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray, and mix in turkey, tomato soup, kidney beans, black beans and onion. Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, allspice and salt.

Cover, and cook 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High.

Filled Peppers

Ingredients needed:
3 red bell peppers
2 green or yellow bell peppers
1 cup ground veal/chicken
3 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
170g. cream cheese
1 egg- 3 Tbsp. half-and-half (cream)
1 tsp. cumin
Dash salt and Pepper
Water


How to prepare:

1. Slice the tops off the peppers. Pull out the seeds and the cores. Dice 1 red pepper. Set aside. Save the tops.
2. Combine the diced red pepper and ground veal or chicken in a mixing bowl. Add the green onions and garlic. Stir in soft cream cheese and blend with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the egg and half-and-half, then add the grated cheese. Season with cumin and salt and pepper.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C.
5. Place the pepper shells in a baking dish that will hold them snugly together. Spoon the filling into the peppers. Replace the tops. Pour 3 tablespoons of water around the peppers. 
6. Bake at 180°C until the filling is puffed and the peppers are soft, about 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Ingredients

1 lb. beef and pork, ground together

2 onions
1 egg
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/4 c rice
washed grape leaves

How to prepare

Fry onions in hot corn oil. Add meat and fry until meat is well done. Cool mixture slightly and then add egg, rice, seasoning and a spring of dill chopped fine. Mix together thoroughly. Place 1T of mixture in a grape leaf and wrap up in Sarma fashion. Place Sarma in deep pan, put 2T hot oil, put 2T flour and fry together. Remove from fire, add 1t paprika, 1/2 c hot water. Blend and pour over Sarmas. Many prefer to serve it with sour cream.

Lamb soup

Ingredients: 400g lamb
2 carrots
1/2 celery
2-3 potatoes
2 tomatoes
1 onion
3-4 cloves garlic
1 spoonful flour
1 tsp. tomato paste
50g butter
cummin
parsley
pepper
salt

Cut the meat into pieces and boil in salt water together with the finely cut carrots and celery. Cook the finely chopped onion, flour and tomato paste in butter and some water. Add the meat, after some 10 min also add the diced tomatoes. When boiled add the tomato pieces and garlic. Boil for another 10-15 min. Serve sprinkled with finely chopped parsley, pepper and cummin.

Grilled marinated shrimps

12 large fresh shrimps

For the marinade
6 Tbs light-colored soya sauce6 Tbs sherry or orange juice
1Tbs brown sugar
4 Tbs olive oil
3-4 cloves garlicsaltlemon wedges for garnishing
salt
lemon wedges for garnishing

Rinse the shrimps and cut off their antennas. Mix the soya sauce with the sherry or orange juice and olive oil. Mince the garlic and blend it with the sugar and oil mixture.

Marinate the shrimps in the mixture for 2 hours, turning them once. Remove the shrimps from the marinade and strain them well. Place them on a barbeque grill and grill each side for 3 minutes. Grill the lemon wedges as well. Powder the shrimps with some salt and serve them along with the lemon wedges.