Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce

I wanted to share with you a “go-to” recipe for Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce. It is simple, fast and so much better than anything you can get in a jar. I promise this will be a recipe you use over and over and share with all your friends! On a scale from 1-10, it definitely is a 10!! If you don’t want that much spice, tone down the white pepper and hot sauce to your liking.
As always, I hope you enjoy and please send me your comments. I would love to hear and share your stories.
 Enjoy and Happy Cooking~
Vonnie 

Ingredients:                                                                                                             
12 Each Roma or plum tomatoes, halved
2 Tsp Garlic salt
2 Tsp White pepper
2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
2 Tsp Crystal hot sauce
1 Tsp Chili powder
2 Tsp Smoky paprika
2 Tbsp Fresh basil, chopped
1 Tbsp Fresh oregano, chopped
1 Tbsp Fresh thyme, chopped

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 400° F.
1. Place halved tomatoes on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Season them with the garlic salt and white pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. If roasted in the pan on indirect heat on a charcoal grill double the cooking time.
2. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add 8 of the tomatoes (16 halves) with the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Dice the remaining 4 (8 halves) tomatoes and fold into the sauce. Use the sauce for any preparation calling for Tomato Sauce. I loved mine with some penne pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Some warm crusty Italian bread and a simple salad is a great way to round out great this meal.

Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

This is a delicious and tangy cold pasta salad with grilled vegetables that is so satisfying it’s perfect for Meatless Monday! I serve mine with warm cornbread muffins, and green grapes.  This is a great way to beat the heat and have a great, satisfying dinner. What a great way to end very busy day. Add a glass of your favorite wine or iced cold beer!

PS…for the meat-eaters, just add 1 pound of  your favorite grilled meat or seafood.  I love this with grilled shrimp, chicken or steak thinly sliced.
Enjoy and Happy Cooking,

Vonnie

Ingredients:
1 pound penne pasta, cooked and rinsed in cold water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves washed, dried, and thinly sliced
2 TBSP. lemon juice
a pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 large onion, thickly sliced in rounds
2 medium zucchini, peeled,thickly sliced in rounds
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper thickly sliced and cut into chunks
1 cup of grape tomatoes
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions:

Combine mayonnaise, basil, lemon juice and red pepper flake in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta and toss.
Heat grill on high heat. Place onions and zucchini on grill. Turn heat down to medium. Grill for 2 minutes and turn. Add the rest of the vegetables except tomatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender. About 5 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook for 2-4 minutes. Remove vegetables from grill and add to pasta.  Add Italian dressing to pasta and vegetables.  Toss mixture and mix well.  Add lemon rest and parmesan cheese. Stir and serve. Can be served warm or cold.
Serves: 6