What an exciting time! Finally Summer seems to have arrived…….in between rain showers. We are planning vacations, celebrations and hopefully I will see many of you at the Agricultural Fair events. Here are a couple recipes you can try. Have a great holiday, and remember, family is everything.
Italian Pasta Salad
1 pound seashell pasta (can use any shape)
1/2 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives, chopped
1 large tomatoes, chopped
2 ounces sliced pepperoni sausage, each slice cut in half
1 cup chopped ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 (16 ounce) bottle zesty Italian dressing
Directions: I usually stop at the deli and get several slices of the pepperoni and a couple of slices of ham and ask them to slice them about ¼ inch thick. I cut them into bite sized chunks. You might find this easier than separating the thin slices we buy in the packages.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, black olives, tomatoes, pepperoni, and ham. Before serving, add shredded cheese and dressing. Toss well and serve.
Taco Dip
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (16 ounce) jar taco sauce
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato, cubed
2 green onions, sliced
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
Directions: Crumble ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, mix in the taco sauce and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning mix. Spread the mixture into a medium serving dish. Layer the sour cream mixture with beef mixture, Cheddar cheese and lettuce. Top with tomato, green onions and black olives.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
