Friday, December 23, 2011

Greek Panzanella


Good olive oil
1 small French bread or boule, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
Kosher salt
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, large diced
1 yellow bell pepper, large diced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, sliced in half rounds
1/2 pound feta cheese, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup calamata olives, pitted
For the vinaigrette:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
Directions
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread cubes and sprinkle with salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until nicely browned. Add more olive oil as needed.
Place the cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper in a small bowl. While still whisking, add the olive oil and make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta, olives and bread cubes and mix together lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.

via: Ina Garten (Food Network)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Fresh Herb Penne With Chicken & Tomatoes

16 oz penne noodles
3 T. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh chopped garlic
1 can (16.5oz) diced tomatoes
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or cut into thin strips
cooked chicken breast strips
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Cook & drain pasta according to package directions.
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic & cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes & basil; cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken; simmer for 5 minutes. Toss with penne & mozzarella cheese. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Serve immediately.