For a light entree on a summer night, this dish is just the ticket. Salting and draining the zucchini and tomatoes before baking prevents them from releasing excess moisture as they bake, so the gratin stays firm, not soggy.
Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.
We used whole-grain bread to make this sandwich, but the combination of fresh vegetables and cheese also works well tucked inside pita bread or a whole-wheat wrap.
Bring out the subtle, earthy flavor of pork tenderloin with dried fruits and apple juice. The port in the sauce adds extra sweetness that balances the kick of the kick of the Dijon mustard. Best of all, the pork cooks in about six minutes.
I made this on a whim one Sunday morning when friends called and said they planned to drop by in the afternoon. It makes a lot, and I was able to serve our friends and the neighbors a casual supper. The seasonings and green chilies give the meat a spicy kick and taste fantastic with cool sour cream and fresh salsa.
Use the showiest farmers' market or garden tomatoes in a dish that deliciously combines a favorite sandwich and a classic Italian salad, with a touch of corn and basil thrown in for extra summery flair.
Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas - Serve up a meatless meal of Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas tonight. You'll get an immune boost from the beta carotene in the sweet potatoes, and 20 percent of your daily iron needs are met with this veggie quesadilla. Plus this quesadilla contains more calcium than a glass of milk!
If you love your veggies, try this slow cooker soup recipe for dinner tonight. Top with pesto and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese to give it that Italian edge.
