Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

This is my favorite way to eat zucchini.

-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 tsp thyme or oregano
-4 zucchini, each one cut into 8 spears
-1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Place zucchini on a greased baking sheet (I like to line mine with parchment or foil for easy clean up). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme or oregano. Pour oil mixture over zucchini and stir to coat. Sprinkle parmesan over zucchini. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until desired tenderness is reached.

Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

I've replaced the butter with olive oil and reduced the cream in this over the traditional version to make it a little less guilt laden. Serve with a green salad or roasted asparagus or broccoli for a quick, vegetarian dinner.

-1 box penne pasta, cooked to al dente
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-3/4 cup vodka
-1 (29 oz) can tomato puree
-1 1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-1/2 c heavy cream
-1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Heat oil in medium to large pot, over medium heat. Add onion, saute 5 minutes stirring often. Add garlic, saute 1 more minute stirring constantly. Add vodka, simmer 3 minutes, stirring intermittently. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cream, remove from heat, toss pasta with sauce and top with parmesan cheese.

Israeli Chopped Salad

Israeli Chopped Salad

This is a great salad to serve with gyros, hummus, chicken gyros, shakshuka or any Mediterranean meal. You can also toss feta and/ or chickpeas into this to make it a more hearty salad.

-3 Tbsp lemon juice
-3 Tbsp olive oil
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1 english cucumber, chopped
-1 green pepper, chopped
-1/2 red onion, chopped
-4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
-1 bunch parsley, chopped

In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours prior to serving.