The World According to Bella

My Lost Dinner story got published in the Wonderful Women's Network, Rockport, Texas 
check it out
Love, Bella

http://www.wwnrockport.com/2013/08/the-world-according-to-bella-lost-dinner.html#more



We are on what I call a " tomato run." Each day as more tomatoes ripen I am trying to be creative thinking up ways to use them. Since tomatoes are at their peak I am looking ahead at salsa recipes and making a tomato basil tart. 
Yesterday was easy using up some of the cherry tomatoes for an hors d' oeuvres to bring to a neighborhood gathering.

Tomato Pesto Petites 

Cook's notes: I posted this recipe last Spring but it is worth repeating since it;s easy to put together and assembles quickly.

Ingredients:

• focaccia bread
• prepared pesto mix in a jar (on shelf) not from dairy section
• Colby-Jack cheese
• smoked turkey
• cherry tomatoes 
• romaine lettuce

Directions:

• cut bread in half and then cut each half again
• slice open
• spread thin layer of pesto on one side 
• add cheese and turkey 
• half piece romaine lettuce 
• put top on and slice that quarter section into thirds
• top with a cherry tomato

Tomato Basil Parmesan Cheese Side

Cook's notes: recipe serves 2-3 

Ingredients:

• sliced tomatoes
• fresh torn basil leaves
• parsley flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• prepared zesty Italian dressing

Directions:

• slice tomatoes and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes and torn fresh basil leaves
• grate Parmesan cheese over the top
• chill and right before serving add a drizzle of Italian dressing  

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Cook's notes: recipe adapted from kraftrecipes.com 

serves 4

Ingredients: 

• 1 LB. mixed fresh tomatoes chopped
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
• 1/3 cup crumbled Feta cheese with Basil and Tomato or fresh mozzarella cheese balls cut in half
• 3 TB. each fresh basil and parsley
• prepared Tuscan House Dressing-just a TB or two 

Directions:

• salad can be made ahead but add in cheese just before serving