Foodie Friday: Italian Style

Happy Friday. In honor of my grandfather, today's Foodie Friday is all about our favorite food-Italian food!

Candied Balsamic Tomatoes and Mozzarella Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups grape tomatoes
• 1 packet Stevia
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and cut in small pieces
• 1/4 cup small fresh basil leaves, torn
• Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray.
2. Add tomatoes to pan; cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes release juices. Sprinkle with Stevia, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes.
3. Drizzle with vinegar and cook about 30 seconds or just until vinegar evaporates.
4. Transfer tomato mixture to a serving bowl. Add mozzarella and basil, toss and enjoy!

- See more at: http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/01/candied-balsamic-tomatoes-mozzarella-salad.html#zlrecipe-container

Tomato and Baby Bell Pepper Tarlets

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 8 grape tomatoes, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
• 3 baby bell peppers, cut into 1/8-inch thick rings
• 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Unfold dough and place on a work surface lightly dusted with flour. Roll gently into a 10 x 9-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 20 rectangles and prick each dough piece liberally with a fork. Arrange dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill about 10 minutes.
3. Combine cheese, light mayo and garlic, stirring well. Spread a scant 1/2 teaspoon cheese mixture over each dough piece. Top each tartlet with about 2 tomato slices and 2 bell pepper rings.
4. Bake 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until dough is lightly browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with thyme. Enjoy!

- See more at: http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/01/tomato-and-baby-bell-pepper-tartlets.html#zlrecipe-container

Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 lb gluten free or whole wheat ziti pasta, cooked
• 1½ lbs lean, ground turkey
• 1 tbls olive oil
• 1 tbls dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbls garlic powder
• ¼ cup dried onion (or 1 tbls onion powder)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 oz garlic & herb goat cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet, cook the turkey meat over medium high heat.
2. Drain any fat from the pan and add in basil, oregano, garlic powder, dried onion, chili powder, honey, water, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes to let flavors blend. Stir in goat cheese until blended.
3. Drain pasta and add to the cooked meat sauce and mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350F for about 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
4. ©Around My Family Table