Mangia Monday!

Welcome! I have tasty recipe today that can be used for more than just on meal! I like to serve it on a breakfast buffet - but the possibilities are endless! Enjoy!

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast."
-John Gunther



"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
-Jim Davis


Stuffed Tomatoes Florentine
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

* 8 Plum tomatoes
* Salt and pepper to taste
*1 batch artichoke bruschetta (recipe below)
*2 cups Baby Spinach (fresh), finely chopped
*1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
*1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
*1/4 tsp. black pepper
*2 Tbsp shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Filling:

1.) Cut a small slice off both ends of tomatoes and then cut each tomato in half.
2.) Hollow out tomato halves to form a shallow cup. (don't poke through opposite side)
3.) Stand tomato, hollow-side up, on baking sheet.
4.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5.) Combine artichoke bruschetta and spinach in small bowl.
6.) Fill tomato cups with 1 Tbsp of filling per cup (evenly split any extra).

Topping:

1.) Mix bread crumbs, olive oil, and black pepper in small bowl.
2.) Add grated cheese and mix well.
3.) Divide and spread evenly of top of tomato cup filling.
4.) Cook about 15 min on center rack of oven. (watch closely so cups do not get too dark)

Helpful Hints:

* Stack spinach leaves and cut with a scissors.
* Use a melon baller to hollow out tomatoes.
* Filling can be made a day ahead. (just do not fill tomatoes)


"High-tech tomatoes. Mysterious milk. Supersquash. Are we supposed to eat this stuff? Or is it going to eat us?"
-Annita Manning


Artichoke Bruschetta

Ingredients:

*1 jar (about 6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
*1 Tbsp. lemon juice
*1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
*1/4 cup minced chopped red onion
*5 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

1.) Mix artichokes, lemon juice, parmesan cheese and onion in bowl.
2.) Add mayo to mixture until a thick paste forms.
3.) Can be used atop crusty bread or in recipes.


"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond."
-Mae West

Have a great day and until tomorrow: Go Ahead & Indulge!