Panzanella

This recipe is from Food Network, the Barefoot Contessa.
It is sooooo good! The croutons are to die for!! I usually buy a loaf of pre-sliced french bread from the bakery deptartment, and that works really well. I think the crustier the bread, the better.

Panzanella
Copyright 2001, Barefoot Contessa Parties!, All Rights Reserved
Show:
Barefoot Contessa
Episode:
Beach Volleyball Picnic

3 tablespoons good olive oil
1 small French bread or boule, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large, ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 red onion, cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced
20 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons capers, drained

For the vinaigrette: 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
1/2 cup good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned. Add more oil as needed.
For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together.
In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, and capers. Add the bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Serve, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for the flavors to blend.

Dump Cake

OK, I know it doesn't sound terrific. But dump cake is pretty good, it's called that because you just dump the ingredients in the pan and then bake it.

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1 20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice, undrained

1 21 oz. can cherry pie filling

1 pkg yellow cake mix

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine cut into thin slices

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease a 13x9 pan

Dump pineapple with juice into pan. Spread evenly. Dump in pie filling. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over cherry layer. sprinkle pecans over cake mix. Dot with butter.

Bake 50 minutes or until top is lightly browned. (I usually bake it a bit longer than the 50 minutes)

Serve warm or at room temp. Makes 12-16 servings.

Fudgesicles

I found this recipe in my moms recipe box. I've yet to try it. I have a big ol' can of chocolate pudding mix (food storage size). I'd imagine that would make a lot of fudgesicles!

1 pk instant chocolate pudding
2 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sugar

Combine all ingredients in blender, blend well.
Pour into containers and freeze.

Mom's No-bake Cookies

When I think of peanut butter cookies, these are what I think of. My brother James loved these cookies.

Mix well and bring to boil:
2 c. sugar 2 T. butter
2 t. cocoa 1/2 c. milk

Add:
1/4 t. salt 1/2 t. vanilla
3/4 c. peanut butter

Mix well and add:
2 c. quick oatmeal

Mix well and drop by teaspoon full onto waxed paper.
Cool.

Chinese Cabbage Salad

This recipe came from my sister's mother in law. It is a great take on coleslaw. I love it. I haven't actually made it myself yet. I'm not sure what "accent" is-probably on the seasoning aisle? What do you think?

1/2 head cabbage diced
4 green onions sliced

Dressing (make day before)
1/2 c. oil 1T Mrs. Dash
4 packs Sweet & Low 4 T White Vinegar
1 t. salt 1/2 pk Oriental Top Ramen seasoning
1 t accent

At last minute add:
1/2 c. toasted slivered almonds
2 T sesame seeds
1 pkg crumbled Top Ramen noodles

"That's what a hamburger's all about!"-In-n-out ad jingle

O.K. My favorite burger joint in the whole wide world is... drum roll please.... In-N-Out, by far, without a doubt. I think the creator of the in-n-out burger was divinely inspired.
I could eat an in-n-out burger every single day I think. Pure heaven, pure bliss. And oh yeah, their fries and shakes are awesome too. My mouth is watering right now, just thinkin' about it.
Lately, I've been to most of the other burger joints, but I just can't get a good burger. I've been so disappointed lately. Maybe that's a good thing. If I can't get it from In-n-out, I'll just have to prepare something healthy at home. Save money, eat better.