on June 21 2012

Quasi-Caprese Salad

What do I love about summer?  The harvest of fresh summer produce.  And of course one of my favorite parts of summer produce is tomatoes. It is far from peak season but I did pick up my first of the local harvest at the farmer’s market this weekend.

You already know of my love of the BLT and salsa with these fresh from the vine gems.  But only in the last couple of years have I discovered my love – adoration – facination (sorry, I got carried away there) of caprese.
So after my finds at the farmer’s market I just had to toss this salad together for dinner.  Now don’t go posting any nasty comments about this not being authentic caprese – I know that ;) . But this is the quick – gotta have it now version.

For real caprese – and I know it tastes better – you should definitely do a balsamic reduction (The Pioneer Woman will show you how).  For my version (remember this is “A Simple Kitchen) we grab a bottle of balsamic vinegarette dressing. I also like to add cucumber and red onion to my version.

So here you go.  I hope you enjoy!

Quasi-Caprese Salad

Tomatoes
Cucumber
Red Onion
Fresh Mozzarella cheese
Fresh Basil
Balsamic Vinegarette Dressing

There are no measurements to this recipe.  You just cut everything into chunks, in the proportions you prefer, and toss into a bowl, except for the basil which you would chiffonade into ribbons.  Then toss with the dressing to taste.

The bowl that I made for dinner was pretty much finished off by myself and the daughter. Yes, we are the ones with taste buds in the family.  The son tried it and said it was okay.  The hubby put a spoonful on his plate (I think it was just to make me happy) but I’m not sure he even touched it – that’s okay though because he doesn’t really care for salads anyway. And that just means more for me.

Tags: balsamic, caprese, easy recipes, mozzarella, Onions, salad

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on June 5 2012

Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Review and a – GIVEAWAY!

bella sun luci sun dried tomatoes recipesI was recently blessed with a package of heaven in the form of Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes from Mooney Farms.  Tangy with a slightly sweet burst of flavor, I thoroughly enjoyed all of these Bella Sun Luci products and have loved finding new ways to use sun dried tomatoes in recipes.

Be sure to read to the end of this post for your chance to win a package of your own.

The Bruchetta blend was perfect as a spread on toasted french bread slices. My daughter and I pretty much finished off the whole jar in one sitting.

I added the julienne cut tomatoes to cooked spaghetti with garlic and butter for a quick and easy side dish.  You can also add the dried ones to any salad for an extra tang.

bella sun luci recipesbella sun luci sun dried tomatoes

 

One of my staple recipes for a quick and simple dinner is Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce.  Normally I use tomato paste and Italian seasoning.  This time I substituted the Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce and there was no need for the additional seasoning.  Absolutely DELICIOUS!

Anyway I cut them – or cooked them – or spread them – they did not disappoint.

Bella Sun Luci products are available at many stores nationwide.  My local Walmart had them but they were a bit difficult to find. I ended up locating them in the produce section on a free-standing shelf with the nuts – go figure?   You can also find them in the grocery section of Amazon.

These wonderful sun dried tomato products have inspired me to try some new Mediterranean style recipes too.  Check out more awesome recipes and the health benefits at the Mooney Farms website.

Enter to win a Variety Package of Bella Sun Luci products—

Easy contest open to U.S. residents only (Free to enter). Two lucky winners will receive a package of Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato products.

Each package contains a variety of 6 products:

  • Julienne Cut with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Italian Herbs (8.5 ounce)
  • Bruschetta with Italian Basil (8.5 ounce)
  • Tomato Halves with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Italian Herbs (8.5 ounce)
  • Tomato Pesto Sauce with Whole Pine Nuts (8.5 ounce)
  • Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic (3.5 ounce)
  • Julienne Cut with Italian Basil (3.5 ounce)

Deadline to enter is midnight Sunday, June 10, 2012.  Winners will be announced on Monday, June 11th, 2012.

3 easy ways to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing with us how you like to use sun dried tomatoes.
2. “Like” AND “Share” A Simple Kitchen Facebook page.
3. “Like” AND “Share” Bella Sun Luci Facebook page  Then tell us yo did by using our Contact Us Page  with “Bella Sun”in the Subject line.

Good Luck!!

CONTEST HAS ENDED.

Congratulations to prize winners Cheryl W. and LaDawn H. (chosen via Random.org) who will be receiving a Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Product package.  Please check your email for details on receiving your prize.

Tags: bella sun, bella sun luci recipes, bella sun luci sun dried tomato, bella sun luci sun dried tomato pesto, bella sun luci sun dried tomatoes recipes, dried tomatoes, oil packed dried tomatoes, recipes using dried tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes in oil, using sun dried tomatoes, where to buy sun dried tomatoes

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