Tag Archives: Fresh

Semi Homemade Pizza

Posted in Entrees by

I finally got around to making my own pizza at home! The reason I consider it “semi” homemade, is because I used pre-made crust by Pilsbury.  I don’t really have time to make my own dough right now, but this was the perfect alternative.  These turned out DELICIOUS!

I made two, one with pepperoni, black olives, and cheese (per Mina’s request) and one with feta cheese, shredded chicken, basil and black olives.  My favorite was the feta with chicken  pizza. So so yummy.  I’ll walk through the steps of the feta with chicken pizza, just because the pepperoni pizza was pretty straight forward.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • Salt, pepper, basil to taste (~1 tsp of each)
  • Pilsbury pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Garlic salt
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced black olives
  • Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:

1. Boil chicken until thoroughly cooked.  Once cooked through, shred chicken. Season shredded chicken with salt, black pepper, and basil to desired taste.  Set aside.

2. Line cookie sheet with foil and spray well with pam.  Unroll Pilsbury on to baking sheet.  Spread out to desired thickness.

3. Brush dough with olive oil and then sprinkle with garlic salt.

4.  Line dough with mariner sauce.  Cover with feta cheese, shredded chicken, black olives, and several fresh basil leaves.

5.  Cook on 425 for 18-20 minutes, until crust in golden brown.   Enjoy!

 

Fresh Peach Muffins

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Recipes by

I think breakfast might be my favorite meal of the day.  But I typically don’t get the chance to really enjoy breakfast as classes start most mornings by 7:30.  So, I try to make muffins or other quick, on the go breakfast type items at the beginning of the week.  Today I made peach muffins since I had a couple of really ripe peaches. I found a recipe on allrecipes.com but I as usual I couldn’t help but tweak it a bit.  Before peaches are completely out of season, I definitely think these are a must-try!

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup light margarine
  • 3/4 cup sugar (or Splenda)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (I had peach greek yogurt, so I used that)*
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda*
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped fresh peaches (Be sure to remove peel from peaches)
*You can substitute the yogurt for sour cream, in which case you wouldn’t need to add the baking soda
Instructions: 
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg, yogurt, vanilla, and honey, mix well.
3. Combine flour,  baking powder, and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture just until moistened.
4. Fold in peaches. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.
5. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.

 

Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Feta

Posted in Recipes, Side Dishes by

Yesterday as a side dish, I made these delicious stuffed tomatoes.  They turned out so so good! Mina wasn’t a huge fan…he said there was too much cheese.  All the more reason I loved it! I made them next to chicken breast stuffed with tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese (I’ll have to post that recipe later!).  It was scrumptious 🙂

Ingredients:

  • 4 large tomatoes
  • 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup of fine breadcrumb (I used the Italian flavored breadcrumb that I already had)
  • 2 tbsp of chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp of pepper
  • 1/8 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions:
  1. Cut large tomatoes in half and scoop out pulp so that all you’re left with is the shell.  Save pulp in bowl and coarsely chop it.

  2. In a medium bowl, still together pulp, feta cheese, breadcrumb, parsley, olive oil, pepper, and italian seasoning.
  3. Spoon mixture into tomato shells and place in baking dish.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
  5. Dig in and enjoy!
(sorry this picture turned out a little blurry!)

Local Farmers Market

Posted in Recipes by

How much fun are local farmers markets??  If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit your local market, then it’s a MUST DO as soon as you get the chance.

The little local farmers are so cute and friendly.  I hands down prefer getting my fruits and veggies from the farmers market, rather than the grocery store.   Not only are you supporting your neighbors (the farmers), but every thing is cheaper and yummier! Yesterday I got a batch of peaches that were picked off the tree’s that morning! Talk about fresh.

Here’s a list of local farmers markets around Columbus! I’ve gone to the Hilliard and Clintonville markets! Clintonville’s is a bit larger… not to mention the warm, homemade donuts they sell for a dollar.  Seriously, they melt in your mouth.  I promise.  It’s worth going to just for the donuts.

Here’s a quick recipe I just wanted to share:  Zucchini with Parmesan

I think I love zucchini.  I never used to buy it because I never knew what do with it, but this turned out delicious and it’s so simple.  Why didn’t I try this sooner?  This makes for a perfect vegetable side dish, or even as a snack! Enjoy! And let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini (slice in to pieces 1/4 inch thick)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp of olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add zucchini and cook, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until tender and most of the slices are golden brown.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, sprinkle with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes more. Serve warm.