Summer Lasagna

Hello everyone! It has been quiet around here. Is everyone camping or getting ready to go camping for the 4th of July weekend? This is a quick and easy dish you could even prep ahead if you are going camping. It is easy lighter than lasagna and will fill up your hikers! But I just make now and then when we get a craving for something Italian in the summer. It is what I call Summer Lasagna~

 

I don't know where I spotted the recipe but it is almost as easy as making this collage of photos I took while cooking it! I can only give you my interpretation of the recipe it is one of those you look at once and go I've got it and spin your own twist to it!

Here is how it goes, If you have a home garden: Gather any fresh basil, garlic, zucchini and tomato from your garden. Give them a wash. (Or) purchase from the store or farmers market.

Needed items:
Tomatoes -  two baskets of Roma tomatoes ( if not fresh you will need 1-2 cans chopped tomatoes *size small for 2-3 people, large cans for 3+people
1 small can tomato sauce
Basil *fresh - handful about 1/4 cup
Garlic- 3-4 heads *peel and chop
Italian seasonings to taste
zucchini 1-2 optional *sliced thinly
Ricotta Cheese Lowfat
Lasagna Noodles about 2-3 per person
Olive Oil 2 tbsp
Shredded Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Peel and chop garlic, chop zucchini and then saute together in olive oil until garlic is translucent. Add in fresh washed tomatoes or canned tomatoes and small can of sauce. Add seasonings to your taste. Keep it lighter than normal.
Bring to boil then reduce to simmer for approx. 30min.
About 5 min prior to serving toss into sauce fresh chopped basil.
*Cook lasagna noodles according to package and drain. Add a touch of butter to noodles so they don't stick. Do this step prior to sauce being done. 

Plate the lasagna noodles, add sauce then Ricotta cheese *couple of tablespoons here and there. Then sprinkle with Shredded Parmesan cheese.

This is a simple way to have a version of Lasagna in the summer. The sauce is light,  its simple to make and ready quick. No baking! You can put your own spin on this basic and simple recipe! I hope you enjoy it!

When it is super hot weather my Mr. makes a great shrimp cocktail. I hope to watch how he does it and share the recipe. It is with fresh avocado s, shrimp and some spicy goodness. That is my favorite summer dish! So far he hasn't shared the recipe. It is his summer treat he makes for us. Here's to hoping I can catch him while hes making it and share it with you!  

What is your favorite meal in the summer? 

Teriyaki Chicken With Broccoli Recipe

 Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry

I wanted to share this recipe I found from Weight Watchers Magazine, that is a few years back. It is below. But I am also going to share a link to a recipe I found on Hub pages that looks great, but not so quick or easy. It is a Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry with Tofu or Chicken that serves 2. (The recipe is a little more involved and calls for ingredients you may have to stock your kitchen with from a special store or larger store) You will see the differences in the recipes. I love that they use orange zest and Thai Chili sauce in the Hub pages recipe. I can see using elements of that recipe to change this one up, but I gravitate to the simple for every day style cooking. So I hope all you creative cooks who are looking at quick and easy family meals have one less night to fret over cooking with these great recipes!

I made a few alterations but it was quick and easy prep time 15min. Cook time 10 min. and better yet, pleased all the family members. Weight Watchers call the recipe Teriyaki Chicken and Broccolini  in my version I didn't use the ginger, and broccolini? I used broccoli heads trimmed. I also pre-cooked the broccoli just to crisp but able to fork in. See notes at end of the recipe.

This recipe serves 4.

1lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4 inch strips
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 tsp. canola oil
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
4 thin slices peeled fresh ginger, cut into slivers
3 garlic cloves, minced
1lb. broccolini, trimmed
1/2 cup water 1/3 teriyaki sauce

1.Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat in a large nonstick skillet over high. Pour 1tsp of the oil and swirl to coat the skillet; then add the chicken. Stir-fry until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm.

2. Heat the remaining 2 tsp. oil in the skillet. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until crisp, about 1 minute. Add the ginger and garlic stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. *(this is the part I changed) Stir in Broccolini and water. Cover reduce the heat, and cook until the Broccolini is crisp-tender and the water has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the teriyaki sauce and chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until headed through, about 1 minute.

So I basically followed the directions except I * pre cooked the broccoli and eliminated the water/ broccoli step at the end. After stir-frying garlic & (ginger if you like) add broccoli heads, teriyaki sauce and chicken. Stir, constantly until headed through. * make rice if you like to serve with it if you like.

Well, I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a wonderful week ahead!

What is your favorite quick and easy style recipe? 

Whats Cooking? Art and a Recipe

Anna Denise

Who doesn't love cooking and art? My latest inspiration has been this web site where artists and illustrators share their recipes with artwork they illustrated~ This is the only one I found via a creative commons sharing. And you can see the full size recipe and art right here at They Draw and Cook. Anna 's recipe is Chicken Pesto~ You will find some great recipes along with great artwork. I will have to challenge myself to illustrate a recipe someday! Doesn't that sound fun? What things you could cook up in your head, on paper and in a pot~ But not all at the same time! I promise to post some photographs of the bridal shower soon and if you would like I can share the recipe for enchiladas I made. They also have salads, dessert recipes, drinks and more at They Draw and Cook~ What things have you been cooking up? Or has it been too hot?

Simple Fresh Salsa

Click on photo to see entire photograph

Photo credits Theresa Huse
It is almost tomato season and simply said, fresh salsa is worth the wait! There is nothing more I like than growing a small vegetable garden with fresh tomatos and herbs. If you aren't growing a little garden this season the next best thing is from your local farmer's market. So here is a simple salsa that you can throw together that is quick and easy. Toss your favorite chips on the side or serve with your favorite Taco dish or enchiladas. Is your mouth watering yet?
*Ingredients & directions:
2-3 Tomato s, 1-2 avocados, 1 lrg. hand full cilantro tops, 4 stems green onion, 1 jalapeno, 1 lime, 1 garlic clove (or) garlic powder, pepper and salt to taste. (amounts very by serving you wish to make, this size serve about 3 just fine) The fresher the better!
Cut up your tomatos and avocados then add lime juice , chop up your cilantro, green onion, garlic and jalapeno (seed if you wish), then add to the mixture of tomato and avocado, salt and pepper to taste. Be sure and wash your hands well after chopping the jalapeno as it can stay on your hands! Keep chilled until ready to serve~ A simple but great way to spice up your day!