FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

Still don’t have a dish to bring to your New Year’s Party? Well look no further because this recipe is SO good! I created it about a year ago using some leftover ingredients in my fridge but since then it’s been a staple to bring to parties, make for a simple dinner or even toss with pasta and ground beef for a hearty meal.  It is one of those dishes where you can be creative and improvise so, if you don’t have one of the ingredients I list, its ok- substitute something else (I will say, garlic, onion and tomato are essential!!)

Using olive oil and an array of veggies makes this dish not only delicious but healthy too!!

Italian Bruchetta

Serves 6-8(more if used as appetizer)

Prep Time: 20 minutes *chop chop chop

Cook Time: 40 minutes

You will need:

2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced (with juices)

1 lb mushrooms, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

2 medium onions (I use yellow), chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed (use more if desired)

½ cup celery, chopped

1 can of artichoke hearts, chopped

¼ cup capers

½ cup green olives (use more if desired)

½ cup olive oil

¼ to ½  cup dry red wine (white is ok if you don’t have red, just make sure dry)

½ to ¾ tsp salt

2 tsp dried oregano

Dash cayenne peppers

2 loaves French bread, sliced

Olive oil for drizzle over bread

Directions:

Sauté the onions, celery, peppers in olive oil over medium heat until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook a few minutes (don’t let the garlic burn!) Add in mushrooms and let soften (about 2 minutes). Add tomatoes and artichokes as well as seasonings and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add wine, capers, olives. Cover and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and allow simmering for at least ½ hour to let the wine cook down.

Meanwhile, slice French bread into thin (1/4 inch or so) slices. Place on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until golden brown and a little crunchy.

Serve alongside the bruschetta (can use as a dip or pre-make the bruschetta by putting about 1-2 spoonful’s on each piece of bread).

What are y'all making to ring in the New Year? 

ENJOY and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
STAY SAFE

Happy Monday!

It’s a holiday week, so hopefully your work week will be as short as mine! This weekend I had the pleasure of checking out my local farmer’s market and OMG, I was in heaven! I look forward to this time all year for the fresh, delicious and cheap produce that I find.

July brings vegetables such as broccoli, beans, kale, carrots, beets, greens, snap peas and herbs. Fruits include the beginning of berries, melon and cherries! I purchased a HUGE bundle of kale, HUGE bundle of beets, 1lb of snap peas, green onion and garlic all grown in Minnesota and all for $10! That is crazy to me. I typically spend at least $15-$20 for the same produce at the grocery store.

Keep posted for a Kale recipe that will be sure to turn you into a fan

For some of you off to college for the first time, it is also a time of freedom from mom's rules- but how's it going?  

Are you finding you are not eating regular meals or maybe not making the healthiest choices for meals and or snacks?   Or are maybe drinking too many empty calories and not getting enough sleep?  All of this could add up to not feeling the healthiest or to some of the dreaded weight gain.  But by taking stock now it doesn’t have to.

For those of you that have your own kitchen, a little planning and making healthy lunches “to go” may be one of the easiest ways to make some changes.  (Oh and could save some money too!)

Tired of the same old sandwiches?  Try the turkey and cheese with lettuce on a wrap or pita instead. That can be tasty and won’t dry out. 

With a chill in the air, a thermos filled with soup and a side of whole grain crackers could be a nice change.

It is apple season, so a crisp, sweet apple for dessert or snack – maybe with a wedge of cheese can break the monotony of the same old. 

Did you sign up for the aerobic dance for your phys. ed. elective?  Remember moving your body is a way to maintain weight, feel good and/or reduce stress-something-you have plenty of when trying to keep up the hectic schedule.

Good luck with those midterms!

No, we are NOT asking for money, we’re asking for ideas!  What are YOU doing to save money right now?  Just because the economy is in the dumps doesn’t mean that your social life, fashion, or food has to be also…. Without an expense account or deep pockets it can be tough to buy and spend money on things you usually enjoy such as eating, shopping and entertaining! 

But now its time to get CREATIVE…. share with us your money-saving ideas that are getting you through this tough financial time.  We’ll also share some of our thrifty ideas for entertaining, cooking and fashion!   With the economy not turning around anytime soon, it’s time to start learning new ways to cope with the crisis and not give in to the financial doom.  So, lets keep enjoying life…. on a budget!    

Please share your money-saving ideas for entertaining, cooking, shopping, etc…and