Tomato Season Means Tomato Sandwiches

For the first 25 years of my life, I never heard of a tomato sandwich. Then I moved to North Carolina and someone asked me if I wanted one.

"A what?" I asked.
"A tomato sandwich," was the reply in a matter of fact tone as if I should know what they were talking about.
"Do you mean a sandwich that just has tomato on it?"
"Yes, of course," they said.

Well, I wasnt' afraid to try it, because I happen to love tomatoes. And sure enough, a sandwich made up of a couple of good slices of tomatoes and a little dab of mayo was pretty tasty. Now I look forward to the time of year when tomatoes ripen and I can savor the yummy southern, summer delicacy of a tomato sandwich. I took this picture of the one I had a couple of days ago. It was my first of the summer. I did a little jig in my kitchen cuz tomato season is here.

I know that some of you readers from other non-south portions of the world may read this and think we're nuts down here. We're not, we just love our fruits and veggies. I'll let you know how the tomato-and-watermelon salad tastes (I found the recipe in the Southern Living magazine) when I make it next week. Oh, and last week at a VBS family night gathering, someone brought bananna and mayo sandwiches. Haven't tried that one yet. Don't know if I will. :)

Almond Cappucino Pie!

This is a yummy and easy pie! I lessened the calories by using sugar free, low fat and "lite" ingredients. I haven't found a low calorie substitute for the crust yet, but every little bit helps.


1 (small) pkg instant vanilla pudding
1 1/2 c. milk
2 t. instant coffee granules
1 c. cool whip
1/2 t. almond extract
1 oreo crust

Here's how to put it together:

Dissolve coffee granules in almond flavoring and milk.

Then, add pudding to milk mixture.

Fold in Cool Whip.

Get one of these yummy pie crusts! There is nothing like it!

Pour into crust. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Hot and Sweet Green Beans

This is a Paula Dean recipe. I've adapted it a tad.

4 cans french style green beans, drained
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 T. chili powder
10 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spoon green beans in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and chili powder. Sprinkle evenly over green beans. Place bacon slices, in a single layer, over sugar mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Diabetic Fruit Salad

My mother introduced me to this salad. None of us are diabetic, but we look for ways to cut back on sugar.

1 (15 oz) can fruit mix, well drained
1 c. seedless green grapes, halved
1 c. seedless orange, peeled and cubed
1 c. heavy whipping cream
2 T sugar substitute (I use Splenda)
1/2 t. vanilla

In medium bowl, combine fruit. Mix lightly, cover, refrigerate until serving time.

In chilled bowl, beat cream at high speed, scraping sides of bowl often until soft peaks form (1 min). Gradually add sugar substitute and vanilla. Continue beating until peaks form (1 min). Cover. Refrigerate until serving time.

To serve: Combine chilled fruit and whipping cream. Mix lightly.

Caribbean Grilled Chicken Thighs

by Southern Living

Prep: 10 min.
Marinate: 8 hours
Cook: 16 min.

8 large chicken thighs, skinned
1/2 c. light soy sauce
1/4 c. chopped green onions
1/4 c. lime juice (about 2 large limes)
2 T brown sugar
1 T honey
1 t. dried crushed red pepper
1 large garlic clove, crushed
lime wedges (optional)
fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

Place chicken in an 11x7 baking dish. Combine soy sauce and next 6 ingredients; stir well. Pour over chicken. Cover and marinate in fridge 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.

Grill chicken, covered with grill lid, over medium coals 8 minutes on each side or until done. You can reserve marinade, bring it to a boil and baste the chicken as it grills. If desired, garnish with lime wedges and parsley.

I usually fix more than 8 thighs with the same amount of marinade. For last night's graduation celebration, I made 2 batches of marinade for 28 thighs.

Chicken Ramen Salad

This recipe was given to me by my friend, Lynn. I'm trying to convince her to start her own recipe blog. She has a lot of great ones! In the meantime, I'll post this one for her.

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1/2 cabbage head, shredded
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1/8 c. sesame seeds
1 pkg. oriental ramen noodles

Dressing:
1/3 c. oil
2 T. sugar
3 T. salad vinegar
1 packet ramen noodle seasoning

Broil almonds and sesame seeds until light brown. Crush ramen noodles with rolling pin. Just before serving, mix the cabbage, chicken, almonds, sesame seeds and noodles. Add the dressing last. Serve immediately.

It is recommended to chill everything before mixing so the salad is refreshingly cool.

Strawberry Pie

4 T. cornstarch
1 cup 7-up
1 cup sugar
1 small pkg strawberry jello
sliced strawberries
frozen pie crust

Cook pie crust to package directions. Cool completely.

In sauce pan, mix sugar with 1/2 of 7-up. Dissolve cornstarch in remaining 7-up then add to sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Boil and stir until clear and thick. Remove from heat. Add jello.

Place sliced strawberries in cooled pie crust. Pour sauce mixture over strawberries. Refrigerate until gelled.