Summer Poppy Seed Salad

Hey guys! I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! We decided to change it up and make something besides burgers and hot dogs this year. Instead I made two big pans of lasagna. I have made many different kinds of lasagna before on the blog, but these were pretty basic like this. I made one with ricotta and mozzarella and one with just mozzarella. They both turned out really great!

This afternoon, I was scouring out the scene in my fridge and pantry to see what I could make for dinner. Plenty of leftover lasagna, so that is the main course! But I did spy a bunch of veggies that looked like they were on their last leg, so I decided to make this beautiful summer salad. I found this poppy seed dressing a while back at Fresh Market, and it is my new favorite.

So I took half a head of ice burg lettuce, 1 small head of purple cabbage, one cucumber (peeled and chopped), 1 small tomato, 1 yellow squash (thinly cut on a mandolin), and a handful of sliced black olives

I mixed it with about half the bottle of dressing until all the veggies were coated. I also added a touch of salt and pepper. It tastes super yummy and fresh, and the squash also gives it a nice crunch! I am going to let it hang out in the fridge for a bit, and add some fresh avocado on top! These are my favorite kind of recipes; ones that you make up on the fly and use up leftovers before they go bad!

*****I spy some bananas that turn in to bread soon. I also found some blueberries, so I might come up with a new concoction! See ya real soon!

Spaghetti with Asparagus, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes

Evening all! So I made this dish for dinner tonight (just me) along with some smoked sausage, peas, and Alfredo pasta for the rest of the family. It was enough to feed four, so I have leftovers for myself and 2 coworkers. I also ate some sausage. It was super yummy!

Spaghetti with Asparagus, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes

Ingredients

1/2 pound spaghetti (or whatever pasta you have)
1 container of mushrooms, sliced
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 bunch of asparagus, cut in small pieces- snap the bigger ends off and disregard
1 clove garlic, smashed
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper- add just more than you think
2 tablespoons heavy cream
However much Parmesan you want

Directions

Cook your pasta (or use leftovers)
In a skillet heated with 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil, cook down all your seasoned veggies for a good 15 minutes. In the last 5 minutes cover you skillet to burst your tomatoes. Add in your pasta with the rest of the butter and oil. Mix well. Add in your cream and cheese. Combine well. Vegetarian’s delight! Make vegan by disregarding the butter and cream. Add sausage, chicken, or shrimp for a protein packed meaty meal. The possibilities are endless!

Veggie Cauliflower Rice

Hello again! So I found a head of cauliflower that I totally forgot about in the vegetable drawer. I decided to try something crazy and make it in to rice. I have seen lots of these recipes floating around. Many call for a bag of riced cauliflower. Well, that seems a bit strange to buy when you already have a head of cauliflower! It had a few brown spots on it, which is still totally safe to eat, so I just cut it up in to chucks and put it in the food processor. 055

Then I added a few more veggies… 056

I added these veggies to a bit of olive oil with a generous portion of salt and pepper. Then I cooked them down a bit for about 6 minutes. 057

Then I added the cauliflower and snap peas and cooked for about 10 more minutes all together. I added a bit of teriyaki, but I also think if I had it, I would have added some sesame oil.

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Such an easy and healthy dish!

Cucumber and Tomato Balsamic Salad

Pretty tomato obsessed over here!

Cucumber and Tomato Balsamic Salad

Ingredients

1 large cucumber, sliced thinly
1 large tomato, diced (or 2 small Roma tomatoes, a handful of baby heilooms, etc.)
3 tablespoons balsamic balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt

pepper

Directions…

Combine sliced cucumber and tomato in a medium bowl. Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle on roughly 1/2 teaspoon each salt and peeper and mix together well. ENJOY!

Jicama, Tomato, and Cilantro Slaw

Another yummy way to utilize your summer tomatoes!

1/2 raw Jicama, 1 Summer tomato, and 1 bunch of cilantro. Chop all these summer beauties and mix with a bit of olive oil and salt-and-pepper. Perfection for a slaw or salad to add to your perfect grilled meat.

Weekend Wrap-Up and a Yummy Monday Brunch

Good morning, friends! I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!

Friday we had a great time at the pool. The girls had a blast with lots of the neighborhood kids.

Then the girls had a slumber party with a few friends. They had a blast!

Then they slept over with my parents. The hubby and I had a great time with some friends at the house. I made my “famous” enchiladas. It is nice to hang with family friends without kids every once in a while.

Then yesterday, my parents met us at Texas Roadhouse for dinner to celebrate the hubby’s birthday! Their filet is to die for! We started with some yummy potato skins.

Now on to the brunch I made this morning…

Sunny Side Up Eggs with Sauteed Mini Heirloom Tomatoes

I got some amazing tomatoes this week at the farmer’s market. I mean…July is the BEST for tomatoes! I took a couple of handfuls of those beauties and cooked them in a bit of olive oil with a good pinch of salt and pepper. I covered them with a lid and just let those babies pop and char for a good 5 minutes. I toasted some English muffins and made my sunny side up eggs.

I topped the English muffins with an egg and some of those gorgeous tomatoes!

PERFECTION!

Tofu and Veggie Tikka Masala

Evening friends! So yesterday I made this delicious vegetarian Indian meal. I bought the sauce, some tofu, and some quick cooking lentils this week for dinner when I thought I was going to have a night at home by myself.

Well, in my previous post, you see I had a random date night. I decided to cook this meal anyways so that I can have lunch today. It was super yummy and filling. Plus I have tons of leftovers! I even fed my mom…she is wary of Indian food because of spices and heat, but she loved this dish! I hope you try it out!

Tofu and Veggie Tikka Masala

Ingredients

1 container firm tofu, drained and cubed
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 yellow squash, thinly sliced
5 small baby potatoes, chopped
1/2 cup of frozen peas
1 jar of Tikka Masala sauce
2 tablespoons Garam Masala spice (optional)

Directions

In a large pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add in the onions and potatoes. Cook for about 10 minute on medium low heat. Add in your garlic and squash. Add in your spices. Cook down for about 5 minutes. Add in your sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add in your tofu and frozen peas. Cook until frozen peas and tofu are cooked and the dish is steaming.

I also cooked some Jasmine rice and some quick cooking lentils…