Sunday Southern Days

Do you ever have one of those evenings where you're staring into the fridge with NO clue what to make for dinner, hoping something will magically appear? That was tonight at my house. I had a few essentials on hand and threw together this Summery Shrimp Primavera, which was a huge hit with the family, even my one year old. Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (any size, I used large shrimp) 2 T olive oil 1 red pepper, rough dice 1 yellow pepper, rough dice 6 asparagus stalks, cut into 1" pieces 10 black olives, pitted 1/2 onion, diced 1/2 c tomato sauce (mine was garlic flavored) 1 t dried dill 1/2 t salt 1/4 t black pepper 1 lb. farfalle/bowtie pasta How to make it: Set the water to boil for the pasta. Once boiling, drop in your pasta and stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. While that's working, set a saute pan over med-high heat and add your olive oil. Heat for 2 minutes and add your onion.  Saute for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and ...

One bunch of steamed or grilled asparagus (Important not to over-cook) 1/2 cup regular or fat-free feta cheese, crumbled Balsamic salad spritzers (or straight balsamic vinegar) Cut steamed asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces. Toss with feta. Spritz on 10 sprays of balsamic salad spritzer. The flavors come together perfectly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

My sister-in-law Bess, who is a fabulous cook, made this Christmas Day as a side dish and it was wonderful! I look forward to trying it again at my own home and hope you enjoy it! 3 red, orange ,or yellow bell peppers, seeded and halved 3 yellow squash (about 1 pound total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles 3 zucchini (about 12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles 3 Japanese eggplant (12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles 12 cremini mushrooms 1 bunch (1-pound) asparagus, trimmed 12 green onions, roots cut off 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the vegetables with 1/4 cup o f the oil to coat lightly. U...