Framingham Public Library

"Thank you so much for doing another wonderful cooking program here! You are always popular.”

Michelle L., Framingham Public Library, Massachusetts

Mexican Taco Salad

© "From Ellie's Kitchen to Yours"
 
1 lb lean ground beef, turkey or chicken
1¼ oz pkg (or less) taco seasoning mix
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
3 tomatoes, diced
8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
4 to 5 oz nacho chips, broken into small pieces
6 to 8 oz bottled salad dressing such as French, Catalina, or Catalina Nonfat

Brown beef, turkey or chicken, stirring to crumble; pour off excess fat. Add taco mix. Line a large salad bowl with lettuce, and top with beef, scallions and tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese and crumbled nacho chips. Toss with enough dressing, to taste. If desired, serve with pita bread.

Hint: To reduce the fat of a traditional taco salad, use ground turkey or chicken, instead of beef, low fat cheese and low fat or nonfat salad dressing. This makes a wonderful lunch or supper, especially on a hot summer day. It makes a real hit with people of all ages!

Framingham Public Library program

Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

 
1/2 lb cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in halves
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C fresh basil, chopped
3 to 4 T olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb penne, farfalle, or gemmelli, cooked and drained
1/3 to 1/2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Combine everything except pasta and cheese. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or prepare several hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, cook pasta and drain. Add cheese and toss. Add tomato mixture and toss well. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Hint: A nice addition to this is garlic bread crumbs or croutons. To make garlic crumbs, brush Italian, French or sourdough bread with garlic oil. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 300° for about 30 minutes, or until crisp. Cool and cut into croutons or place croutons in food processor and process until crumbs form.