For the LOVE of cooking...: July 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tuna Stuffed Shells with Tomato, basil vinaigrette

Tuna stuffed shells with fresh tomato and herbs

This is a fabulous summer dish! I have been making it for my hubby and I since we were first married! :) It is so simple and delish!! The best part is you only need a few ingredients to make it.

Here's what you need to make this happen for 2 people ;)

large shells (cooked)- 4 each
2-3 cans of tuna fish (depending on how much tuna you want)
mayo
olive oil (around 2 teasp.)
red wine vinegar (around 1 Tabl.)
cherry tomatoes or whatever FRESH tomatoes you have around (I quartered my cherry tomatoes)
BASIL - I HEART Basil!! ;) ( 5 or so leaves julienned or cut up finely)
* if you wanna be fancy and julienne just stack the basil leaves roll em up and slice across - easy peasy!
you can also use whatever other herbs you like - i used rosemary, oregano, and thyme bc my sweet friend had just given me some. ;) but you can leave this out too if you don't have it.

To assemble these make the tuna to your liking and just stuff the shells with it. Then toss together the tomatoes, basil, oil, vinegar salt and pepper and herbs and spoon this beautiful mixture on top of the shells! You might wanna take a picture b4 you devour these bc they are THAT pretty! ;) or you can just dig in and enjoy!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

What's A BLFGT??

What is a BLFGT?? Thought you'd never ask! ;) It's a Bacon, Lettuce, and FRIED GREEN TOMATO sandwich. A twist on the oldie but goodie BLT sandwich... My husband and I discovered these last summer and finally made them again today! YUMMM!! If you have never tried a Fried Green tomato you need to do yourself a favor and give her a try ;) you won't be disappointed !Take yourself down to your local produce farm and get a nice green tomato- ripen it for a day maybe 2 in a brown bag and viola it's ready to tickle your tastebuds! IF you're lucky they will have a tomato ready to go - it should be mostly green but starting to turn a little orange - if you find one like this scoop it up and get to cookin'!

Here's what you'll need to make these tasty sandwiches:

1 large tomato (see above for description)

1/2 cup corn meal ( we like the white corn meal - Indian head brand)

salt and pepper to taste

6 slices of cooked bacon

1 egg beaten

veg. oil for frying (just enough to coat the pan)

mayo.

4 slices of toasted bread of your choice

Lettuce of your choice

Directions:

Slice the tomato (should give you around 5 slices)

prep. one egg for dipping the tomato

prep. the corn meal in a small plastic bag for easy clean up

salt and pepper your tomato and dip in the egg then toss into the cornmeal bag. Shake it around and then gently place each tomato in the hot oil. Fry them for around 5 minutes over med. heat or until golden brown. Remove and sit on a paper towel lined plate to drain grease. Toast the bread and build your sandwich! Spread bread with mayo and layer the lettuce , tomato and bacon and DIG IN and enjoy!