Roasted beets with sweet onion

I went to my parents today at lunchtime and opened the fridge to take a peek. Ooooh. Roasted beets. I was so happy. There's nothing like a plate of beets slow roasted with sweet onion. I remember in my New York days I was languishing and wanted a good pick-me-up. I went to the produce stand on the corner and picked up some beautiful beets and vidalia onion. I cut the onion into quarters and slathered the beet and onion in olive oil and sprinkled sea salt on everything, wrapped them in foil and roasted them in the oven for an hour. The color of beets alone is divine but the flavor was wonderful and the iron boost was just what I needed.

Jeannine MacKay

Spring Vegetable Medley

Here is an excellent and easy Spring Vegetable Medley. Perfect with grilled chicken and farfalle:

Ingredients
2 cups quartered small red potatoes
1 cup fresh baby carrots
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
2 cups cut fresh asparagus (2-inch pieces)
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a large saucepan, bring the potatoes, carrots, water and bouillon to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the asparagus and zucchini; cover and simmer for 10 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. Combine the butter, mustard, thyme and salt; pour over vegetables; toss to coat. Yield: 4 servings.

from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Spring-Vegetable-Medley

Jeannine MacKay

Caponata

Last night my friend and I made an appetizer of Caponata siliana. It's a wonderful mixture of chopped eggplant, capers, green olives, golden raisins, toasted pine nuts, roasted red pepper, chopped celery, onion, and tomato sauteed in olive oil. Served over ciabatta with a little fresh Basil. The combination of sweet and savory is perfect. It's a wonderfully healthy appetizer or snack. Recipe to follow.

Jeannine MacKay

Gazpacho

As the weather is getting warmer, I've been craving gazpacho. An excellent and easy way to get the nutrients provided by a mix of fresh vegetables and a great alternative to a processed snack or appetizer. I used this recipe which was relatively easy and very good:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/gazpacho-recipe/index.html

I have a special fondness for gazpacho after watching Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios.

This weekend, Moosewood Cookbook's amazing tomato soup.

- Jeannine MacKay