Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cucumber and pepper salad

Great for picnics and barbecues!

1 English cucmber
1 yellow bell pepper
1 small white onion
2 Tbsp white vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper
small handful of freshly cut mint

Peel abour 4 strips off the cucumber, leaving it 'striped', then quarter and sliced thinly. Cut the bell pepper into small strips and the onion into thin rounds.

Place the vegetables in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and oil. Pour over the vegetables. Season with salt and lots of black pepper. Snip mint leaves over the bowl. Toss well.

Chill, then serve.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Quick fresh tomato sauce for pasta


4 large, ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt
lots of freshly cracked black pepper
rounds of goat cheese (optional)
fresh basil

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic gently for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over hot pasta with fresh basil and goat cheese.