What's for Dinner?

Today I attended my first Farmer's Market of the season. I was relieved to see many returning booths from last year. Last year was my first year in the area and it was so much fun learning about their passions, gaining information about growing seasons and what does well in our area. I love not only the produce but also the since of community at our little market.

I visited all my favorites; the flower lady, the handmade salted caramel guy, the lavender booth and of course the guy who sells organic produce. After picking up a few items, I headed home to make dinner for a few family members and friends. A task I initially felt burdened by but now I was feeling inspired.

First I made, summer pasta salad. It is one of my favorites, served either as a side or the main dish. It is cold, refreshing, light and great for hot summer days. Second I made, stuffed zucchinis, and lastly, using the extra sauce I made spaghetti with meat sauce. The third dish is mainly because I have some serious eaters coming over who would not be impressed with just a pasta salad and a stuffed zucchini.

All of these recipes are quick and easy and use many repetitive ingredients. I picked up the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and zucchinis from the market today.

Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
1-package of rotini pasta noodles
1-package pepperonis
Mozzarella
Sliced olives
Tomato
Fresh basil
Garlic
Juice and zest from one lemon
1/4 cup balsamic vineger
1/4 cup olive oil

To start whisk together one minced garlic clove, the juice and zest from one lemon, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make dressing, add salt and peper to taste, set aside.

Boil the noodles 7-8mins until noodles are "al dente"
Rinse noodles with cool water
Cover with dressing
Then add the toppings to the salad-chopped pepperonis, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and basil
Stir and serve

Stuffed Round Zucchini
Ingredients:
5 round zucchini
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1lb of ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Tomato
Mozzarella(left over from the pasta salad recipe)
Grated parmesan

I cheated a little and bought a jar of sauce to use as my base. I added the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes.

Cut the tops off the zucchini and scoop out a few spoonfuls of the center.

Place a slice of mozzarella in the bottom of your zucchini bowl
Fill with meat sauce
Sprinkle with parmesan

Bake for 20mins at 350f or until zucchini becomes softened

Meat Sauce Spaghetti (I just kept it simple)
Boil spaghetti noodles until "al dente"
Drain and cover with leftover meat sauce
Sprinkle with parmesan

I hope you enjoyed these quick and easy dinner ideas! Now go out and get inspired, attend those markets and support your local farmers and venders. :)