Good Dinner Mrs. Mellen

If you follow my blog you can see that I am very much into roasting vegetables which greatly increase flavor. I love to roast  Cauliflower combining olives and tomatoes seasoned with thyme then finishing with a splash of Fig Vinegar. If you haven't tried Balsamic Fig Vinegar I highly recommend replacing regular balsamic vinegar with this outstanding flavorful variety. Sweet figs are blended with tart balsamic vinegar for a uniquely rich multilayered flavor adventure. I substitute balsamic fig vinegar in cooking as well as in fresh salad dressing.  Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Fig Vinegar 8 cups 1-inch-thick slices cauliflower florets, (about 1 large head; see Tip 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon dried french thyme ¼ teaspoon salt 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped 1/2 cup rainbow petite tomatoes, sliced Freshly ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons fig balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss cauliflower, oil, french...

Mediterranean Lemon Quinoa Salad with Feta, Tomatoes, Olives and Capers Mediterranean flavors paired with Quinoa with an added hint of lemon create a fresh tasting salad that is a fabulous addition to any meal or barbecue. Also this salad is wonderful made ahead letting the flavors marinate making a portable dish for a pot luck or picnic.  Ingredients 1 cup Quinoa cooked according to package instructions juice of 1 lemon 2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives 1 tablespoon capers, minced 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour over Quinoa gently tossing. Add remaining ingredients combining thoroughly. Chill over night to marinate the flavors. Enjoy!

The holiday season is here with all the wonderful family dinners and entertaining. I love to make brie a little more fancy by baking in puff pastry. Purchased puff pastry is so easy to use with wonderful professional result that anyone even a beginning cook can wow their guests. I like to make different spreads for my baked brie, sometimes sweet and sometimes savory. If you love olives this is your baked brie. You can either make your own olive tapenade, you can find the recipe below or save time by purchasing store made tapenade. Decorate with slice olives creating a delicious tasting, easy, appetizer.   1/2 package of frozen puff pastry (one sheet) 1  egg 1 teaspoon water 1/2 cup fig spread 1/4 cup homemade tapenade or purchased 1 (8 ounce) Brie Round sliced olives Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix egg and water. Unfold pastry sheet on lightly floured surface.  Roll into 12" square. Cut pastr...