Whether you have a green thumb or love to pick up local farmer’s market fare, summer produce season is here! Gardens are bursting with ripe tomatoes, fresh greens and fruit, so now is the time to enjoy the tastes of summer. Here are a few of my favorite summertime recipes.
1

Tomato Zucchini Parmesan Bake

The perfect side dish for the neighborhood cookout

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 5 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
  • 1½ cups yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp. Italian blend seasoning
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt

Directions:

  • 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  • 2

    Coat an 8x10” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange alternating slices of tomato, zucchini and yellow squash standing upright.

  • 3

    Sprinkle minced garlic, onion and parmesan cheese on top.

  • 4

    In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, pepper and salt. Sprinkle over parmesan.

  • 5

    Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

  • 6

    Remove foil and return the dish to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese browns. Serve immediately.
2

Tomatoes with Basil and Mozzarella

This dish makes the perfect appetizer or salad topper

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 1 Tb. fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

  • 1

    On a serving platter or dish, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella.

  • 2

    Sprinkle garlic and basil on top.

  • 3

    Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top.

  • 4

    Add salt and pepper to taste.

  • 5

    Serve immediately.
3

Watermelon Sorbet

A healthy summertime treat filled with essential vitamins and minerals

Prep time: 15 minutes
Freeze time: 3-4 hours
Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 heaping cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 2 bananas, freckled and ripe
  • ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tb. honey

Directions:

  • 1

    Blend ingredients together in a blender or food processor until mixed well.

  • 2

    Pour into an airtight container.

  • 3

    For best results, freeze overnight.

  • 4

    Before serving, top the sorbet with chopped walnuts, blueberries and a drizzle of honey.

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