Food Recipes | February 20, 2024

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them.
3. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomato and mozzarella slices.
4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
• 2 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter

Culinary:

1. Place cheese slices between two slices of bread to form sandwiches.
2. Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.
3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
5. Remove from skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey goodness!

Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing.
2. Toss until lettuce is evenly coated with dressing.
3. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.
4. Add croutons and toss again to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide salad into serving bowls and serve immediately.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until crisp-tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable broth or water.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish or over cooked rice or noodles.

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ripe avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs

Culinary:

1. Toast the whole grain bread slices until golden brown.
2. While the bread is toasting, poach the eggs in simmering water for 3-4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
3. Peel and mash the ripe avocado. Spread mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
4. Place a poached egg on top of each avocado toast. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Optional: garnish with cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!