Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

Easy and so good!

Recipe by Dava Parr, Delicious Living

Serves 8 / An easy appetizer. Be sure to use a glass or enameled pan (not plain metal) to avoid any reactivity with the acidic tomatoes. Splurge on a flavorful, fragrant olive oil for the best results.

Good-quality olive oil
4 medium-large, ripe tomatoes
½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus whole leaves for garnish
4 large cloves garlic, crushed
8 very thin slices mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450˚. Pour a little olive oil into a glass or enameled baking dish.
Cut tomatoes in half and roll cut part in olive oil; then turn over and arrange in dish, cut side up. Sprinkle each tomato with chopped fresh basil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and a thin cheese slice. Drizzle again with olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.

Garnish with whole basil leaves.

PER SERVING: 86 cal, 5g fat (2g mono, 0g poly, 3g sat), 18mg chol, 7g protein, 2g carb, 0g fiber, 177mg sodium

Grilled Potatoes with Chèvre and Cilantro Vinaigrette

Recipe by Dava Parr, Delicious Living

Aug. 30, 2011 1:12pm

Serves 4-6 / Terrific for a Southwestern-themed brunch. Try to find an applewood-smoked goat cheese (such as Colorado’s Haystack Mountain) for this dish. The delicious vinaigrette also enhances roasted cauliflower or pork.

2 pounds medium red-skinned potatoes
Olive oil, for brushing
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 ounces chèvre (goat cheese), crumbled

Cilantro Vinaigrette
1 large clove garlic
½ cup fresh cilantro
¼ cup fresh basil
1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds, or ½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon toasted fennel seeds
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1. Place all vinaigrette ingredients in a blender and purée; adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired. (Makes ½ cup.)

2. In a large pot of salted water, gently simmer potatoes until just turning soft, about 10–15 minutes. Drain, rinse with cool water, drain again, and slice into ½-inch-thick rounds. Brush with olive oil and season with crushed garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Oil grill grate; then preheat grill. Grill potatoes until nicely browned, 20–25 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with goat cheese, and ladle dressing over all.

PER SERVING: 292 cal, 11g fat (6g mono, 1g poly, 4g sat), 11mg chol, 8g protein, 41g carb, 5g fiber, 160mg sodium

Fall food is flavorful and filling, which I love, but keeping it simple and using healthy ingredients tops it all. This is a recipe that you just can't go wrong with. Added bonus, if you are single or a couple this recipe serves 2, perfect!


Recipe by;

Trina Kaufman, Delicious Living

Aug. 30, 2011 6:11pm

Seared Scallops with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

2 small yellow onions 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons white or regular balsamic vinegar
3 cups (packed) baby arugula (about 2¼ ounces)
½ pound large sea scallops, patted dry
½ ounce crumbled chèvre (goat cheese)

1. Cut onions into quarters; then thinly slice (or dice small). In a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until golden and very soft, 15–25 minutes. (Reduce heat to medium-low if they start cooking too quickly.) Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and fold in arugula.

2. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a second heavy skillet over high heat and add remaining oil; when very hot, add scallops and sear 1–2 minutes per side.

3. Mound onion mixture onto plates. Top with scallops and goat cheese.

PER SERVING: 405 cal, 28g fat (20g mono, 3g poly, 5g sat), 40mg chol, 22g protein, 13g carb, 2g fiber, 223mg sodium