Caprese Salad

My daughter was given this recipe by one of her school friends who is gluten free. With the simple list of ingredients and basic chopping skills required, it's a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen!

Caprese Salad
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber
• 4 tomatoes on the vine
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese pearls (about 1/2 cup)
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Dice cucumber and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces; place in large bowl.
2. Add cheese pearls to bowl.
3. Slice basil leaves into thin strips and add to bowl.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over ingredients in bowl; gently toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate an hour (or more) before serving.
6. Leftover salad keeps up to 2 days in refrigerator.

Variations

• Drizzle balsamic vinegar on individual servings for added flavor.
• Add quinoa to make more filling and turn into main entree.

Classic Italian Tomato Sauce

This authentic marinara sauce is full of rich tomato flavor and savory Italian spices.

Classic Italian Tomato Sauce
Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

• 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tbsp)
• 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat large pot over medium heat. Add oil and then onion. Saute for 10 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. If time permits, simmer on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to develop.
4. Serve sauce over pasta.

Recipe adapted from Modern Honey.

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

This light and healthy dressing is perfect on salads, in a wrap, or as a marinade and it comes together in under 5 minutes!

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. Measure and combine all ingredients into mason jar, dressing bottle, or bowl.
2. If using mason jar or dressing bottle, shake ingredients until well combined. If using bowl, whisk ingredients until combined.
3. Serve immediately, or store leftovers for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe adapted from Erhardts Eat.

Meet my friend, Captain Mike

Although I spent a majority of my childhood in the suburbs of Chicago, for a brief time my family lived in Louisiana. Boy, do they know how to cook in New Orleans! That's when my mom discovered this gem called Captain Mike's. This flavorful seasoning blend is the perfect addition to any savory dish.

I prefer the "no salt" blend so that I can just add my own. The ingredients are granulated onion and garlic, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, sweet basil, bay leaf, oregano, and thyme.

Once you try it, Captain Mike's will become a new staple in your spice cabinet!