Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta

Oh heavens this is so yummy.  Thank you, Sisters Cafe, for the idea.  It is a perfect way to use the tomatoes on my extremely overactive cherry tomato plant.  Good chance we’ll be eating this once a week until the tomatoes are done.
2 cups, firm tomatoes, diced
1 Tb fresh chopped basil or 1 tsp dried [...]

Tomato Garbanzo Salad

2 tomatoes, chopped
1 – 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 to 1 cup chopped purple onion, chopped
small handful cilantro, chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Caesar Parmesean Vinegrette
Throw everything into a bowl and toss with as much or little of the salad dressing as you like.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

I think we’ll do loaded baked potatoes for dinner tonight.  It’s still cold and snowy and something warm and low effort sounds perfect. I thought I’d make a list of toppings that we like and that sound good – did I miss your favorite?  Let me know!
broccoli
melted cheddar
bacon crumbles
tomatoes
green onions
chili
black beans
kidney beans
bleu cheese (with the [...]

Santa Fe Stew

can chicken (optional)
2 cans tomato soup, no water added
2 cans diced tomatoes (you can throw in some jarred Italian seasoning)
15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz drained, canned corn
15 oz pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 pkg taco seasoning (or 1/8 cup if you have the Costco-size)
1 can chopped green chilies, drained
~Put everything in a large [...]

Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salad

We love this.  The fresh cilantro makes it pop.  Yum.
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 c. corn kernels (fresh or canned shoepeg is great)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
2 t. grated lime zest
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 t. salt
Fabulous as a side OR as [...]

Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Tarragon

Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Tarragon
2 lbs beefsteak or plum tomatoes, cored
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
½ c finely chopped shallots
3/4 lb spaghetti
1 T coarsely chopped fresh tarragon or basil
½ c grated Parmesan cheese
While water for pasta boils,, halve tomatoes lengthwise.  Squeeze gently to remove seeds.  Chop tomatoes into ½” pieces.  Set aside.  Heat oil over [...]

Seafood Nachos

From Light & Tasty magazine, February/March 2002

30 baked tortilla chips
1 package (8 ounces) imitation crabmeat, chopped
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Here’s what the magazine directions say: Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer [...]