National Try a New Recipe Week - Day 1

Is it just me, or does it seem like every week there is a National [insert random item] Day being celebrated?

"National Guacamole Day"

"National Donut Day" 

 It's not just for celebrating foods either.  Our kitchen calendar boasts "Teddy Bear Day" "National Talk Like a Pirate Day" and "Collect Rocks Day" in the month of September alone.

I get it.  An excuse to celebrate is ALWAYS welcome.  Something to look forward to, especially now that summer is over.  In that spirit, I would like to propose National Try a New Recipe Week. Seven days of celebrating in your kitchen,  fun easy healthy recipes, made by YOU at home! It's going to be so much fun!  Woooooo!

Today we kick off the week with PANZANELLA

For those who aren't familiar with Panzanella, it is a Tuscan-style bread salad.  It is fresh, brightly flavored, light and super simple to make.

1 day-old baguette (I used white, but multigrain also works) - cut into cubes, tossed in extra virgin olive oil, s&p - toasted in the oven about 10 min (until crunchy but still chewy in the center)

Chop the following:

1/2 yellow bell pepper

1/2 orange bell pepper

3 med ripe vine tomatoes

1/2 red onion

1 med cucumber (peeled)

pitted kalamata olives (optional)

1/4 cup scallions

handful of fresh basil

handful of fresh oregano

Dressing: 

2 parts extra virgin olive oil

1 part balsalmic vinegar

1 part fresh lemon juice

s&p - pour into a small tupperware and shake it up well

Once the toasted bread has cooled, toss with the veggies and herbs and drizzle with dressing. Serve atop a bed of greens within an hour of dressing, so that the bread doesn't get soggy. Isn't it beautiful?!

Tune in tomorrow for Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti[squash]!

Happy Cooking!

Bee