Bruschetta

I have never been a big fan of tomatoes unless they are cooked in a sauce...  Until NOW!
Living in Maryland has allowed us to buy fresh organic produce.  We actually found an Amish family that grows the most delicious heirloom tomatoes.  My husband was drooling over them so I had to give them a try.  My first attempt was a toasted tomato sandwich.  Good Lord it was out of this world!  There is no way a grocery store tomato can compare. Heck I even bought an heirloom tomato at the grocery store and I don't know why I bothered.  OK, so then I was on the prowl to find more things to do with fresh tomatoes.   One afternoon my new BFF Tomika and I went to the Macaroni Grill for lunch and I ordered their bruschetta.  Voila!  My version is a little simpler but just as delicious.  I'm sure most of you will say "well, dah!!!" but but I'm so excited about my new love of tomatoes that I just had to share.

You will need:
Fresh Tomatoes diced and all the seeds removed
Italian Bread, Sliced
Pesto (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salt and Pepper

First I place the bread slices under the broiler until it's brown then I turn them to brown the other side.

I de-seed and dice the tomatoes and dab them dry on a paper towel before placing them in a bowl.  Then I drizzle a little Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette on them and add some salt and pepper. I mix it all together making sure the tomatoes are coated well.

Then I spread pesto on each slice of bread and top them with generous amounts of tomatoes.  I tell ya, the first one never hits the plate!

I will have to find out where to find heirloom tomato seeds and grow my own next year.  If any one out there can help me here Please let me know!

Tupperware Stack Cooker The Complete Set

This has quickly become one of my most used gadgets in the kitchen.  It is such a favorite that my neighbor borrows it all the time.  The great thing about the Stack Cooker is it's many layers.  You can actually microwave an entire meal at the same time.  There are 2  bowls and one slotted layer that allows you to cook and entree, steam a veggie and cook a dessert all at the same time.  I have to be honest though, I have yet to do this.  I have steamed veggies but my two favorite things to cook in it are meatballs and cake, YES, CAKE!  The set comes with a tube insert!!!

To make the cake all you have to do is prepare the mix per the directions.  Then spray the large bowl w/insert with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the batter.  Cook the cake in the microwave for 7-10 minutes (time varies w/wattage) .  The cake is done when it springs back at the touch and the edges have separated from the sides of the bowl.  Let the cake cook 5-10 minutes before removing from the bowl then cool completely on a wire rack.  I usually melt some frosting in the microwave then pour over the cooled cake before serving.  

I know it sounds crazy but its fantastic!  The cake comes out light and fluffy like angel food cake.  YUMMY!  This is a great way to make a nice dessert when you don't have much time and in the summer you don't have to heat up the kitchen by cooking in the oven.

I also steam meatballs in this awesome cooker!  Because they are steamed they come out so moist and juicy.  You can use your own recipe for meatballs then place them around the edge of slotted bowl.  Place an inch of water in the large bowl then put the slotted bowl on top.  Cover with the lid and microwave about 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of the meatballs).  This is quick, easy and really saves calories from the traditional pan frying recipe.  The cooked meatballs can be cooled then frozen or what I do is put them in the crockpot on low for a couple hours with either spaghetti sauce or BBQ sauce.  These meatballs are better than the frozen kind found at the market since they are homemade.  And really, they go together so quickly, it takes no time to make them ahead of time to freeze.  

Give this gadget a shot!  You won't regret it!