Chopped Pita Bruschetta

This creation was born when I needed to make a quick meal out of nothing. We had two slices of Pita bread in the fridge and and a little of this and that. It ended up being super delicious! Similar to a pizza without the cheese. I think it would be fabulous with some feta cheese crumbled on top.

Chopped Pita Bruschetta

• 1 bag of pita bread
• 2 cups chopped bacon (I use turkey bacon)
• 1 can of marinated artichokes, chopped
• 1 cup chopped olives
• 1 cup of halved grape tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• dash of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil

Set oven to 400 degrees. There is no need to baste your bread as the oils from the topping will take care of that. Place all ingredients but the pita bread into a large bowl. Toss and coat in oil and spices. Place pita bread on a cookie sheet. Spread chopped topping over each slice. Bake in oven for about 15 minutes until bacon is sizzling and mushrooms are tender. Enjoy!

The Grilled King

This is one of those things that you have to at least try once in your life. Not promising it will be your favorite especially if you are a picky eater - but I sure enjoyed it!

After seeing a special about bacon on the travel channel I had to track down the recipe for this favorite sandwich of Elvis Presley. The TV special that I saw featured a restaurant in Denver that served this unique concauction in which Elvis Presley supposidly would fly on a private jet to Denver anytime he craved this sandwich.

It has the salty crispiness from the bacon, the salty and sweet creaminess from the peanut butter and the sweet rich flavors of the caramelized bananas all between two slices of sweet, grilled Hawaiian bread.  I would prefer to have added something a little tart to the layers of goodness (such as a tart berry sauce or jelly) - but then again this sandwich is not called "The Grilled Lindsey" - now is it?

The Grilled King

• 1 loaf of Hawaiian Bread (I get mine at Walmart for under $2.00)
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 lb of bacon (I use turkey)
• 2 Tbsp of maple syrup (okay, I added this to the recipe)
• 2 large, ripe bananas
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter

Heat up a skillet o medium high (heat up grill as well- I plug in my George Foreman). Brush each side of bread with oil and toast in skillet until golden. Place on grill until each side of taost has nice grill marks. Set aside (keep warm). Fry bacon in skillet. Add maple syrup and cook until crispy (set aside). Slice up bananas and toss with brown sugar. Fry in skillet for about five minutes until caramelized. Spread peanut butter onto both slices of bread (for each sandwich). Spread bananas over peanut butter and top with bacon. Add top slice of bread and enjoy while sandwich is warm!

Zesty Shell Salad

This is so simple to make. I was asked to make a salad for a baby shower and this is what I came up with. I knew people would ask for the recipe so I wrote it down as I went along. It is absolutely delicious with a fresh and tangy taste. Pasta is a comfort food and this definitely comforts the appetite!

Zesty Shell Salad

• 1 box of pasta shells
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (I use Kraft made with olive oil)
• 1 bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing (I prefer the Great Value Brand)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest (grated lemon peel)
• 2 tsp dried basil
• dash of salt & pepper
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1cup sliced olives
• 1cup artichoke hearts,  quartered (optional)
• 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Boil shells according to directions on package. Drain and rise in cold water. Place pasta in large salad bowl. Add mayonnaise and half of Italian dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, basil, salt & pepper.Toss well. Add tomatoes, spinach, green onions, olives and artichokes. Toss well. Add shredded cheese and the remaining bottle of Italian dressing. Toss again and chill for 1-2 hours. Enjoy!