Summer Tomato Sauce w/ Fresh Mint

Dear Readers,

Continuing with the garden theme, I always find that growing tomatoes on the vine results in an abundance of little ruby treasures. This is when I tend to make my own tomato sauce which is a real treat. Follow my recipe on how to use your garden's tomatoes to make a wonderful and light sauce. Also, take advantage of your town's farmer markets. You can purchase fresh tomatoes at a low price. Remember to use only tomatoes on the vine or plum tomatoes. (Plum tomatoes have less seeds and are less acidic).

Ingredients:
5 lbs tomatoes (either plum or vine) (makes 32 oz)
1 tbsp olive oil
8 fresh mint leaves (minced)
3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
salt pinch

Directions:
1- Lay out your tomatoes and look for any imperfections. Discard any rotten tomatoes.



2- Wash your tomatoes and pat dry.



3- Hold the tomato in your hand so that the stem is facing in the inside of your palm. Hold it up to a box grater. You want to use the side with the medium size holds. Move your tomato in a up and down movement. When you get close to the stem you will need to stop and move to the next tomato. Please keep notice that the skin of the tomato will not be grated.



4- After you have grated all of your tomatoes you should have about 32 oz of freshly crushed tomatoes. Depending on the type of tomato you use, some seeds will be noticeable which is fine.

5- Place a saucepan on the stove and raise the heat to medium low. Add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes and then add the crushed tomatoes and salt. Cook for 15 minutes on low. Add the mint leaves and cook for another 5 minutes. Make sure your sauce is not boiling. Serve immediately.

Summer Garden Salad

Dear Readers,

One of the highlights of the summer is growing our own vegetables and herbs. It is very rewarding when we see our "little treasures" growing and we are able to pick them to prepare a nutritional seasonal meal. Many vegetables and herbs such as basil and tomatoes tend to grow in great abundance so I came up with a really easy summer garden salad that you can make with your garden treats.


Ingredients:

1 lb string beans (halved)
5 tomatoes on the vine (sliced)
1 large cucumber (sliced)
1 cup fresh basil ( sliced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
(you can adjust the vinegar/oil ration depending on how tart you like your dressing)

Directions:
1- Wash all your vegetables, pat dry, and cut accordingly.
2- Place your string beans in a steamer and cook for 5 mins. Cool
3- In a large bowl place all of your vegetables and herbs along with the oil, vinegar, garlic, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix so that all the vegetables are lightly coated with all ingredients. Serve either cool or at room temperature.

Veggie Turkey Burgers

Dear Readers,

Father's Day is just around the corner and I am sure many of you will be BBQ-ing with your family. I have received many inquiries about what are healthy alternatives to eating burgers and hotdogs. Many of us are health conscious either watching our weight or on special health diets. However, we will want to be included in the BBQ fun and make a dish that still celebrates the summer weather.

Turkey Breast should be a staple on your shopping list. Make sure when you purchase ground turkey that is says "turkey breast" this means it is only the white meat. If your package says ground turkey you are getting a mixture of all the meat )dark and white) . When I go to Whole Foods I make sure I stock up on ground turkey breast. I make homemade ground turkey burgers all the time. I rely on veggies, herbs, and spices for a full flavor impact when added to the meat. I portion each homemade patty out to about 4-5oz.

If you are thinking about BBQ-ing this weekend try adding this recipe to your menu. It is a great option for people that are looking to eat healthy and stay on their nutrition tracks. Below is my recipe for veggie turkey burgers.

Servings 4-5

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey breast, organic
1/4 cup white onion (small dice)
1/4 cup zucchini (small dice)
1/4 cup red bell pepper (small dice)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper (ground)
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
olive oil pam spray


Directions:

1- Spray a skillet with pam spray and turn the heat to medium low. Add the onion, zucchini, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until veggies are soft and then cool for 10 minutes.
2- In a bowl add the ground turkey meat, the cooled veggies, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and seasoned salt. With you hands mix all the ingredients together until everything is well incorporated. Make patties and set aside. Place the patties on a grill and cook each side for 5-6 minutes.
3- Serve your patty with tomato, lettuce, and avocado on a toasted whole grain bun.