Summer Pasta Salad

Summer is the time for family gatherings and picnics. Everyone always wants to contribute a meal, but doesn’t want to bring a dish that will spoil in the hot sun. This is a great option. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for a picnic or a summer party. If you haven’t been to the Mediterranean, this salad will bring you there in one delicious bite. I love the combination of flavors: fresh dill, olive oil, and seasonings paired along side salty, crumbly feta cheese and Kalamata olives.  You can serve it cool or warm. If you serve it warm add the cheese last, once the pasta has cooled.  Try my Mediterranean Penna Pasta Salad.

Try these hot dogs for the kids!

These are as easy as they look! I bought a package of crescent rolls and sliced them thinly. Then, I carefully twisted them around the hot dog. They baked in the oven until they were cooked through, and the rolls appeared lightly browned. Serve with your favorite hot dog dipping sauce, and the kids (and okay the adults) will be happy. Summer fun!

Asparagus and Yam Pizza – think outside the pizza box

Sometimes you have to think outside the pizza box.  This Yam and Asparagus Pizza was developed in my home kitchen. I had fresh asparagus and yams that I didn’t want to go to waste, so that is when I became creative! I had a pre-made crust too which I wanted to use.

I started by heating the yams in the microwave. I let them cool completely, then mashed them. I cooked the asparagus in the oven with olive oil. Then I assembled the pizza.

I started by smearing the mashed yam on the pizza crust, and then placing the asparagus all around as you see in this photo.  I seasoned the pizza with thyme and sea salt.

I cooked the pizza according to the directions on the box, and then I added shaved Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze (by Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom – 18 year Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar).

The kids loved it! The taste was earthy, healthy, crispy, and bold all in one bite! Homemade pizza is a great way to feed the family and incorporate those veggies. Yummy or should i say Yammy!!!