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Cauliflower and Roasted Red Peppers

Most people won't cook cauliflower because it is thought of as bland and boring. This Italian style cauliflower is full of flavor, easy to prepare (cooked in the microwave), healthy, and memorable, and aren't we really into memorable this year.. :)

1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
1 roasted, red bell pepper, julliened
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

   1. In a large microwavable bowl or cassarole dish, combine the cauliflower, bell pepper, garlic, white pepper, and olive oil.
   2. Cover and cook on full power for 6 to 8 minutes. The cauliflower should be crisp tender, not mushy.
   3. Mix in the grated cheese and serve.
Note: Don't let the cauliflower stand too long, it will become mushy.
To easily seperate the cauliflower, wash and then grasp the head firmly. Smash the stem down onto a cutting board. The cauliflower should break apart.

SNAP GREEN BEANS ITALIAN-STYLE

This is one of my favorite recipes. As a side dish, it is especially good with an Italian omelet. Try to find Italian flat beans or pole beans, but regular snap beans work as well. If you want a more substantial main dish, Italian sausage can be added. Slice and sauté before adding the garlic, then continue with the recipe as written.

2 pounds fresh green beans, cleaned and trimmed of ends
4 large tomatoes or 1 pound canned, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 large cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano or 1-2 tablespoons dried
Salt and pepper to taste
1) Snap the beans into 2-inch pieces, if desired. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Drain well.
2) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until softened.
3) Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered, until tomatoes start to break down.
4) Add the green beans and cook, uncovered, until bean are tender. Check often for moisture; cover the pan and reduce the heat if bottom is dry.
Taste the beans for seasoning and add additional salt, pepper and oregano as needed.
Cook for 10 additional minutes, or until beans are very tender.
Note: Frozen green beans which have been thoroughly defrosted can be substituted for the fresh, although the effect of the dish is quite different. Do not blanch the frozen beans before using, and cut down on the cooking time. Even when using fresh beans, especially young tender beans, the blanching process may be omitted, but additional cooking time in the skillet will be needed.

Dependable Delicious Dinner Bread

This is a recipe for 2 lb. loaf of bread. It is very easy to make, and tastes wonderful. It produces perfect loaf every time in my bread machine.

1 1/2 cups of water
2 tbs. oil
2 tsp. salt
4 cups of bread flour
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. yeast

Put ingredients into the machine as your machine requires.
Set to basic cycle, medium crust.
In 3 hours you can enjoy this awesome simple bread.