‘Light Meals’ Recipes

Sometimes the simplest of foods are the most delicious. I love going out to the garden and picking my dinner. On this particular night the kids were at Grandma’s and the husband was working.  A few fresh tomatoes and basil is what makes this simple meal outstanding.  I poured myself a nice glass of wine [Continue...]

Ingredients: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I like Bell and Evans) 3 tbsp. olive oil 4 shallots, sliced (1 medium red onion) 3 peaches, cut into wedges 1 bunch arugula 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2-3 oz blue cheese, crumbled sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions: Heat grill (or large stainless steel skillet) to [Continue...]

Ingredients – Creamy Cider Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream or 1/4 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 tsp dry mustard 1 clove garlic, minced Celery Slaw: 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled & deveined 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp Spanish paprika sea salt and fresh ground black [Continue...]

This dish works well for an appetizer as well as a main course. I serve with Cilantro Lime Rice and Grilled Corn Salad. Ingredients: 4 dried medium heat peppers, ancho work well and are fairly common 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp pine nuts 1/2 cup olive [Continue...]

I like to serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken and fresh vegetables from the garden or delicious on it’s own for a light meal. Ingredients: 6 ounces uncooked ditalini (about 1 cup) 2 1/4 cups diced plum tomato (about 14 ounces) 1/3 cup capers, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1/4 [Continue...]

Garlic Basil Tart Dough 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour 1 stick cold butter, cut into small cubes 4-5 tbsp ice cold water 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 2 cloves garlic, minced a pinch of kosher salt Ingredients: Directions: In the bowl of your stand mixer, add basil, garlic, flour and cold butter. Using a [Continue...]