Good Dinner Mrs. Mellen

Roasting sausage in a healthy alternative to frying without losing the wonderful taste of the spices in the sausage. For a hearty healthy one dish meal I place fiber filled white beans in a baking dish, then add sausage topping with simmered tomatoes, shallots, garlic, olives, capers, herbs and anchovies. The anchovies are optional but these little fishes added a little zing to the tomato sauce.  Roasted Sausage  and White Beans with Tomatoes 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 can(14.5 oz.) Hunts diced Tomatoes, not salt added 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly chopped 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives 2 tablespoon capers, chopped 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped (optional) 1 can(15.5 oz.) Goya Prime Premium White beans, rinsed  1 pound Chicken sausage links Preheat oven to 400F. In a sauce pan heat olive oil then add shallot and garli...

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...

If you have followed my blog you know that I love tomatoes - big juicy heirloom tomatoes in rainbow colors, petite cherry tomatoes colored in bright hues by the sun. I never met a tomato I didn't just want to eat.  Inevitably all the bountiful tomatoes of summer find a place in my cooking either fresh or gently simmered bursting with flavor. Tomatoes and grains are a wonderful pairing to make a light lunch or a tasty side dish. You can use any gain as the base for this recipe, I used Quinoa but I have made this dish with farro or Israel couscous. Quiona with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella   1 cup Quiona, cooked according to package instructions 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoon balsamic fig vinegar 1 minced clove garlic 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup slice cucumbers 1/2 cup cubed fresh Mozzarella Combine oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard and herbs in bowl mixing with a whisk. T...

As summer ends in New England with cool mornings feeling like rich jewel colors, awaking, bursting like ripe grapes, I stroll through my town's farmers market on a mission to capture the last remnants of Summer's golden rays ripening garden fresh produce. No I am not disappointed as a choice, multi colored cherry tomatoes with dew glistening skin, deep hewed potatoes, red, purple and white, mini gems, soil crusted onions picked this morning and fresh herbs that I can smell even without bring to my nose. I am captivated by the array of gorgeous fresh product still available today. Leaving with my basket full and heavy I race home to create not only a delicious vegetable roast but a world class visual of Summer's best bounty!   End of the Summer Vegetable Roast 8 oz multi color Gourmet potatoes 4 cups whole heirloom cherry tomatoes 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh thinly slice basil ...

Roasted Tomatoes with Grilled Polenta This summer I just can't get enough of farm fresh tomatoes especially multi-colored cherry tomatoes. I love to create so many different recipes that use these beautiful farm fresh bounty. Sometimes I serve over pasta, or farro. I have to admit making a polenta loaf, slicing, brushing with olive oil then grilling has to be my favorite accompaniment for roasted tomatoes. Polenta can be time consumer to make so I use Bellino Instant Polenta, ready in 3 minutes. Ingredients 1pkg. Bellino Instant Polenta 4 cups water 4 cups milk, can use 2% 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup snipped fresh basil 2 cloves minced garlic 2 tablespoon butter pinch of kosher salt 4 cup assorted cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon capers 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, snipped Directions Preheat oven to 450F. Grease a loaf pan. In a large pot bring water and milk to boil. Lower heat...

Grilled Mediterranean Shrimp  I love easy dinners that taste so good. Grilling makes summer meals quick, easy and delicious. Marinate the shrimp ahead infusing the flavors transports me back to visits to the Mediterranean sea. The secret to all the meals that I love to make is fresh produce and herbs. An easy touch yet so important to creating flavor and texture in food. Ingredients 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and cleaned 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved juice of one lemon 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 tablespoon capers Directions Place shrimp and tomatoes in medium bowl. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients. Pour over shrimp and tomatoes. Refrigerate for 8 hours or over night. Heat grill to high. Drain shrimp and tomatoes, reserving the marinate. Place shrimp and tomatoes in a pan designed to use on an outdoor grill. Gril...

 Summer vegetable are so plentiful and beautifully fresh, just right for a vegetable casserole that can be served as a side dish or a light main meal with salad and fresh bread. I love going to our town's farmers market gathering fresh picked veggies to combine for a delicious casserole. I usually choice three different vegetables to combine for an interesting casserole layer with a cheese and fresh herb mixture. You can change it up all the time with different veggies! Ingredients     1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese     1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese     2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped     1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped     2 cloves garlic, minced     salt and pepper to taste     1 eggplant, pealed, thinly sliced     2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced     1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped     1/4 cup butter, melte...

Ingredients 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved. I like to use multi colored cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup olive oil 4 cloves minced garlic 18 large basil leaves, sliced thin 1 tablespoon capers 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pound fresh linguine 4 ounces fresh Mozzarella, cut into cubers 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Directions Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, capers, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours. Before serving heat a large pot of water with 1 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain the pasta well, toss with fresh mozzarella then add the cherry tomatoes, tossing again. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Four servings Enjoy! gooddinnermrsmellen.com   buzzchomp.com  

I love fresh tomatoes right off the vine. Each year I buy a patio cherry tomato plant to enjoy the luscious taste of fresh tomatoes. I'm always amazed at the bounty of fruits that this little plant produces just for me to enjoy. So fresh and tasty I just want to pop them in my mouth as I pick the ripen tomatoes. Cucumbers and tomatoes are a wonderful combination of flavor and texture that goes perfectly together without adding too many other ingredients. For a easy, simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes I just added a little fresh basil, feta, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice sprinkled with salt and pepper, so simple, so delicious. Ingredients 1/2 cup lettuce, I used spring greens 1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut in slivers 1/4 cup feta 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper Place greens around edge of plate. Fill cen...

Can't get enough of salads, neither can I. Nor can I ever say no to delicious fresh picked tomatoes. Ah, this tomato and cucumber salad capture the essence of summer, cool, crisp and fresh. I've added a little spice and crunch to the mix creating a refreshing salad that compliments meat or fish. Ingredients 1 pound tomatoes, thinly sliced crosswise 1 pound gourmet cherry tomatoes, slice in quarters 1 thinly sliced English cucumber 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar 2 medium scallions, dark green parts only, thinly sliced 1 medium jalapeno chile, thinly sliced crosswise 2 teaspoons toasted pine nuts 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Preparation Arrange tomato and cucumber slices on a platter. Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Drizzle dressing over tomatoes and cucumbers, and top with scalli...

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!

Family Reunion Gazpacho         10 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced         1 English cucumber, peeled and quartered         1 red bell pepper, diced         1/2 cup red onion, chopped         3 cups tomato juice         5 tablespoons olive oil         3 tablespoons vinegar         4 cloves garlic, minced         1 tablespoons Tabasco sauce         2 tablespoons lemon juice         2 teaspoons sea salts         1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper Directions 1. In a bowl reserve 2 tablespoons each of the tomato, cucumber,       pepper and oni...

Eggplant is a delicious versatile veggie that can be cooked so many different ways. I like to do a simple healthy baked eggplant that is tasty and filling. And this dish looks so elegant that it's can be served not only for a week night dinner but as an side dish for company. Baked Stuffed Eggplant 2 small eggplants 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, chopped 6 ounces baby bella mushrooms  1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped 2 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan cheese Pre heat oven

We New Englanders live for the summer months when all the area CSAs and farm markets products are local, fresh and available. Perfect for a vegetable lover and cook. Here is my problem, I get carried away by the bountiful beauty at my local Farmer's Market going overboard with my purchases. I just can't help myself, I'm like a kid in a candy shop! What to do when I return home with my bags bursting with all kinds of produce; Cook up all the veggie casseroles that just pop up in my brain. This week I was loving the large local tomatoes along with the deep purple eggplant. I picked up locally grown onions and fresh local mozzarella to finish creating my Tomato Eggplant Bake with Mozzarella. I just added olive oil with my home grown herbs for a flavor bursting veggie dish, quick, easy and delicious. Farm Fresh Tomato Eggplant Bake with Mozzarella 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 large eggplant, pee...

Swordfish is a mild white fish that is easily prepared, delicious when seasoned with all different flavors. I like to try different styles of preparing swordfish but one of my favorite is to just pan sear with great spices, lemon, capers, olives and tomatoes reminding me of dinning over looking the blue Mediterranean sea! Pan Seared Mediterranean Swordfish Ingredients: two 1-inch-thick swordfish steaks, each about 6 ounces 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon drained capers, chopped 1 tablespoon water 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives 1/2 cup sliced cherry tomatoes 4 thin lemon slices Preparation: Pat swordfish dry and season with salt and pepper. In a heavy skillet heat butter and oil over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté garlic with crushed red pepper, stirring, 1 minute. Push shallots to side of skillet. Add swordfish and sauté until golden, about 3 minutes. Turn fish ov...