Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was enjoyable.

Ever get tired of the same ole run of the mill sandwiches?  I have an idea for you to try.  A different type of spread than your typical mayo or mustard.

Try this as your next sandwich spread: Avocado, cilantro, lime juice, hint of salt and pepper  and a spoon full of salsa – DELISH!

It is a simple spin on guacamole for the base of your sandwich.  The results speak for themselves.  For me, the sandwich quality is usually driven by the bread then followed by the toppings.  If you try this sandwich – you will be impressed with the flavor combination and treat the bread as a vehicle.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, sliced,
• 2 pieces of bacon, cooked
• Handful of spinach
• Pepper
• Avocado spread – see above
• 2 Slices of bread toasted

Method

1. Begin by making the spread, combine 1 avocado and handful of cilantro, squirt of lime juice, and spoonful of salsa
2. Toast your bread
3. Smear some of the avocado mixture
4. Top with chicken, bacon and spinach
5. Set the other slice of bread on top .
6. Slice it up.
7. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip:  Use this avocado spread in many variations.  This would work very well as a base for baked nachos or even on a white fish.  Be creative and keep your taste buds guessing.

Alright, the first of the week is back again.  I hope you have a great start to your week.  I will be back on Wednesday.

Question:  What is your favorite sandwich?

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Ever feel that you are running out of meal ideas with certain foods?  That happens to me sometimes so I try to step back and think about different ways to use that certain ingredient.  The last thing you want to have happen is that you get bored with a great food.  The food of choice today is “Tomato“.  I never used to like tomatoes but as I grew older I have found a new love for them.

I am not a huge fan of the tomato on just any given deli sandwich however but I do love tomatoes roasted, in sauces and on certain sandwiches with cheese.  I just compiled a simple list that I came up with on ways I like to use tomatoes.

Hopefully they will spark your interest to try them.

7 Ways to Use Tomatoes

1. No-Cook Pasta Sauce – In a large bowl combine several chopped tomatoes, a clove or two of minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Add olive oil to coat tomatoes. Add hot pasta and toss to coat pasta. Bits of fresh mozzarella can be added – they will get a bit melted  when tossed with the hot pasta. At the very end you can add red chili flakes, basil, and freshly shredded Parmesan are all tasty additions as well.
2. Grilled Tomatoes – Slice the tomatoes nice and thick, coat with a little olive oil – season with salt and pepper and grill for 4 mins on each side.  Yum!
3. Toasted Tomato and Pesto Sandwich – Spread two slices of your favorite sandwich bread with your favorite pesto (need a favorite? try this pesto), top one pesto-ed slice with several meaty slices of tomato, sprinkle with salt, sandwich, and enjoy!
4. Simple Salsa – Make your own fresh salsa by tossed chopped tomato with your choice of the following: minced red onion, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeño or serrano chiles. Add salt to taste. A splash of red vinegar can be tasty, too.  Another addition can be some fresh avocado as well.



5. A Kicked Up BLT – This is a classic with a twist.  This takes a little bit of effort but is so worth it.  I like to take two slices of a thick homemade bread, toast it, top with a little butter and a nice piece of cheddar cheese. After that I add the fresh romaine lettuce, juicy red tomatoes and crisp bacon.  I top it with freshly ground pepper and enjoy!



6. In a Salad – Any salad of your choice – tomatoes are a great addition. Keep it simple and dress it just before serving.
7. Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice - This one is a great fun recipe on a cool day.  Scoop out the insides of the tomato.  To prepare the filling use cooked rice, oregano and ground beef ( or you can omit)  Top with fresh basil and mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

So there you have it!  My top 7 ways to kick up the regular tomato.  Let me know if you have any other great ways to kick up the tomato in the comments section.  I will be back tomorrow - Have a great Wednesday.

I am off to New York… and will blog from the BIG Apple on Friday!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

What goes better with a Cranberry Cherry chutney than a roasted turkey sandwich on grilled sourdough bread?  I cannot take all the credit here for this sandwich…. the bread was store bought but so delicious.  Instead of using a mayonnaise or mustard, I chose to smear some chutney on the bottom of the bread.  Topped with a little baby greens, tomatoes and cucumber – I didn’t even miss the cheese.  The turkey was left over from an earlier roast and was sooooo good!

Sometimes the simple things in the kitchen make me smile.  The freshness of this sandwich not too mention the little tang from the chutney was very tasty.  Usually I get sick of sandwiches but this one is one I would prepare over and over again.

Ingredients

• 2 slices Sour dough bread, toasted
• 1 Tbsp. Cranberry Cherry chutney
• Roasted turkey breast, sliced
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Baby Greens

Method

1. Toast the Sour dough bread, smear the chutney on one side.
2. Add the vegetable on top of the chutney and than layer with turkey.
3. If you want, you can smear the other piece of bread with chutney as well.
4. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: When using baby greens on a sandwich, ensure you wash and dry the greens very well.  The worst thing is to have wet lettuce and then it makes the bread soggy.  Use a spinner or a towel to make sure every piece is dry.

Friday is upon us and this weekend marks a super busy weekend.  I heard rumblings from the weather man/woman that we are getting sunshine both Saturday and Sunday.  After my initial shock, I realized that this will make for a busy couple of days.  We are cleaning out both garages and filling up our new shed.  Exciting, I know.  After that we will prep for all our outdoor furniture and clean all the windows in the house.

Sunday is screaming garden.  We are finally planting the garden.  Whoooo Hooooo.  I will take some pics.  Have a super weekend.

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty