An age old argument: Are tomatoes vegetables or fruits?

Well, here it is again. Summer, the time of fruits and vegetables. But it also brings an argument; are tomatoes veggies or fruits? Please scroll to the top of the page, and take the time to vote! See you soon!

Grilled chicken and spinach salad

     I recommend you make this with fresh spinach, but if you have the misfortune to not have any, head to a local grocery store! Where I live, we only have a Bi-Mart and a Safeway, so we're a little short on grocery stores! This salad brings in some bacon and chicken, but also some onions, mushrooms, and spinach.

 ~Ingredients~

Two boneless, and skinless chicken breasts (I prefer tenders myself.) torn, and cut into strips

Five cups of torn spinach

One cup of sliced mushrooms

1/2 a cup of thinly sliced red onion wedges

Four slices of bacon

One cup of your favorite salad dressing

~Preparation~

Toss everything except the dressing in a bowl. Now, pour the dressing on. Simple indeed.

Pesto Pasta Salad

  

  Pesto= Delicious
Pasta= Delicious
Pesto+Pasta= |_|

~Ingredients~

One package of five sausages

One pound of Penne pasta

One tablespoon of butter/margarine

Two cloves of peeled garlic

Two cups of fresh basil leaves

1/2 of a cup of fresh parsley leaves

Two tablespoons of pine nuts

1/2 half of a cup of olive oil

1/4 of a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 of a teaspoon of black pepper

Two cups of seeded and diced Roma tomatoes

One small chopped green bell pepper

One cup (4 ounces) cubed mozzarella cheese

Red leaf lettuce for garnish (optional)

~ Preparation~

Cook sausage in a large skillet or on grill until browned; let it cool. Cut sausage in half, lengthwise; cut each half into 1/4 inch slices and set them aside. Cook the Penne according to package directions; drain. Toss in large bowl with butter to prevent sticking.

To prepare pesto sauce, place garlic cloves into a food processor /blender and process until it's smooth. Add basil and parsley, and process them until they are finely chopped. Add pine nuts; again process until they're finely chopped. Slowly add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Add the Parmesan cheese and black pepper; process until it's well blended, scraping it down the side of the bowl as needed. To put together this culinary awesomeness, toss sausage, tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and mozzarella cheese with Penne. Gradually stir in pesto until salad us moist, but not saturated. Serve salad on a lettuce lined platter, if desired. Enjoy! The leftovers (if any) can be refrigerated! 

Healthy Carrot Salad

I've never actually tried this one. It sounds really good though! Post a comment and tell me how it is!

 ~Ingredients~

 Four cups of shredded carrots

1/4 of a cup of raisins

1/4 of a cup of chopped walnuts

1/2 of a cup of orange juice

1/4 of a cup of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is healthier, and tastes better, so I'd use it)

One tablespoon of vegetable oil

3/4 of a teaspoon of seasoned salt

1/2 of a teaspoon of lemon pepper

 ~Preparation~

In a medium sized bowl, combine carrots, raisins, and walnuts. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients; but mix well. Add to carrot mixture; mix lightly to coat.

Enjoy! Remember to tell me how it is! 

Awesome Artichoke Dip

 This is a really good recipe for artichoke dip, hot or cold. I recommend serving this in a round piece of hollow bread, or two casserole dishes. I really think everyone in your family will love it, not just the kids!

  ~Ingredients~

 One envelope of onion soup mix
One can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts (yum...) drained and chopped
One cup of Mayonnaise
One container (8 ounces) of sour cream
One cup shredded Swiss cheese (Replace with 1/4 Parmesan cheese if you are making the dip cold) /Mozzarella cheese

 ~Preparation~

(Skip all of the oven process if you are preparing it cold)

Preheat oven to 325 Fahrenheit. In a one quart casserole dish, mix in all ingredients. 

Bake uncovered for thirty minutes, or until it is heated all the way through.

Serve to everyone! I recommend making two batches! Enjoy! 

Meet Cameron, a not-so amateur cook

    ...Meet Cameron, a not so amateur cook...

 Hi, my name is Cameron Wilson. I'm 11, and soon to be in 6th grade in September. I LOVE vegetables, and am shocked at how many kids don't eat them. I mean, seriously, vegetables are awesome! But, I'm even more shocked at how it can go so far that adults hide them in dessert! I've decided to write a blog about good recipes with vegetables in them, and answer any questions about cooking! One favor that I ask of you though; tell your friends about this blog. Please. If you have questions, email me at Larrythetomatoe@gmail.com!