Meatless Monday - Grilled Cheese with Tomato & Basil (Lunch Edition)

It's the last Monday in February.  Which means it's our last "Meatless Monday" recipe.  This one is for those of you who are in the husband-doesn't-approve-of-meatless-meals-and-the-kids-are-having-grilled-cheese-for-lunch situation.

If you have these simple ingedients on hand then you're ready to make Tomato & Basil Grilled Cheese.

All you have to do is make up the sandwich like you usually would:

Then sprinkle a little, or a lot, of basil on there:

Add some sliced tomato:

And grill it until it's toasted and the cheese is melted:

Then enjoy!

Of course this is just the "what I had on hand" version.  You could amp this up a little by using a fancy cheese, better bread or fresh basil...  but when the kids are eating "plain old" grilled cheese this does just the trick!

Meatless Monday - Eggplant Pomodoro

It's Monday and it's still February.  So here's another meatless recipe for you!  

• We like eggplant as a great tasting meatless option and it's good for you too.  There are many, many great recipes using eggplant, here's one to get you started.  
• And HERE are some more to keep you going.

• Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta
• (printable)
• Adapted from Eatingwell.com
• 
  
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium eggplant, (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped pitted green olives
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 4 teaspoons capers, rinsed
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, (optional)
• 12 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or basil

Put a pot of water on to boil.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add tomatoes, olives, vinegar, capers, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, 5 to 7 minutes more.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until just tender, about 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and divide the pasta among serving plates. Spoon the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle parsley (or basil) on top.

Meatless Monday - Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread

Continuing with our Meatless Monday Month our next featured recipe is Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread.

There are a couple options for the crust depending on how your family prefers it.   Enjoy!

Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread

(printable)

Serves 8

Recipe adapted from Eating Well

3 teaspoons olive oil

4 cups thinly sliced onions

whole wheat pizza dough or pita bread recipe

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons dried sage

ground pepper, to taste

4 ripe, bur firm pears, sliced

1 cup finely crumbled blue cheese

Preheat oven to 450°. Coat large baking sheet with cooking spray. Prepare pizza dough or

pita dough per recipe. Spread thinly onto baking sheet. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-

high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown. Add pears and

lower heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is very soft and gold and pears are

slightly tender. Toast walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until

lightly browned and fragrant. Stir vinegar, sage and pepper into the onions and pears. Spread

on crust and top with walnuts and cheese. Bake on the bottom rack 11-13 minutes or until

crust is crispy and cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve.

*Note: If using pizza crust, bake 5-8 minutes before adding toppings.

Meatless Monday - Sesame Noodles

**Updated**

It was brought to our attention that Oprah is sponsering a "Meatless Monday". It highlights being conscious of your food choices and eating in moderation. Check out the site for more great meatless recipes!

We've designated February as Meatless Monday Month. It's always nice to have meatless meals in your menu to help keep under budget. Here's the first Meatless Monday recipe. More to come!

Sesame Noodles
(printable)
Serves 8
Recipe adapted from Eating Well

1 lb whole wheat spaghetti
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
4 green onions, sliced and divided
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, divided (optional)
4 cups snow peas, trimmed and cut diagonally
1 red or green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, whisk soy sauce, sesame seed oil, canola oil, lime juice, crushed red pepper and about half the cilantro, if using. Saute half the green onion, snow peas and bell pepper just until slightly tender. Add noodles and sauce, toss to coat. To serve, mix in sesame seeds and garnish with remaining cilantro and green onions.
*Note: This can be served hot or cold.


Even if you don't serve this meal on "Plays with his food Fred" it's likely to be a hit with the little mouths.