Summer 2005
It's officially summer, so we're offering you
four cool and easy recipes that are perfect for a backyard evening meal.
Festive Spicy Pasta with Ham and Olives
This is a beautiful and flavorful summer recipe.
- 4
ounces of your favorite whole-grain or regular pasta (spaghetti,
angel hair, or small shells work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper, optional
- 4 ounces cooked ham,
cut into small cubes
- 1 4-ounce can sliced
green olives, drained
- 1 4-ounce can sliced
black olives, drained
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Parmesan cheese, optional,
as garnish
Set pasta to boil according to the package directions. When al denté (cooked
through but still firm to the bite), drain. Set aside and keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions
and crushed red pepper, if using. Sauté until the onions are soft and
translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ham, olives, and tomatoes with their
juices. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Combine the ham mixture with the pasta, and stir gently until well-mixed.
Garnish with parmesan cheese, if you like.
Serves 2 hungry people.
Toasted Cheese Pitas
A
super-fast and easy accompaniment to any meal. I use Toufayan brand pitas:
they're 100% whole grain with no added sugar.
- 2 6"-round whole-wheat pita breads
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven broiler. Put pitas on a baking sheet. Top with cheese, Italian
seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Put under broiler, watching very carefully,
until cheese begins to melt and brown. Remove from oven, cut in half, and serve.
Suzy's Summer Smoothies
Perfect
for summer and summer fruits, this recipe makes two large smoothies.
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt (non-fat works well)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit
(berries, peaches, or mango, for example)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Put all ingredients in blender and puree until mostly smooth. Garnish with
additional fruit for fanciness. Serve with a straw.
Easy Cherry Ice Pops
Fun and easy for you or the kids! Enjoy these outdoors, since just like regular
popsicles, they will stain hands, clothing, and carpets.
- 1 packet sugar-free cherry flavored Kool-Aid drink mix
- 1 2-liter bottle
Diet Sprite or diet ginger ale
- Ice cube trays
- Plastic wrap
- Popsicle sticks or toothpicks
Pour the Kool-Aid mix slowly into the bottle of Diet Sprite or diet ginger
ale. Replace cap and tilt bottle gently back and forth to mix. Pour mixture
into the ice cube trays. Cover each tray with a sheet of plastic wrap, and
poke popsicle sticks or toothpicks into each cube (the plastic wrap helps them
stay upright). Freeze and enjoy!
Cherry pops are also fantastic for chilling your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic
summer drink.