kitsjay | Light, Breezy, and Easy

Summer recipes! I just wish I had someone to make these for sometime.

Breakfast

Cream Cheese Bagels

Honey-wheat or plain bagels
Fresh strawberries
Fresh mint
Whipped cream cheese

1. Cut the bagels in half and heat until they're warm to the touch.
2. Spread the cream cheese over both sides.
3. Place diced strawberries on top, then garnish with torn up mint leaves.

Lunch

Mango Gazpacho

2 1/2 c. diced fresh mangoes
2 c. orange juice
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cucumber, sliced into thin slices
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine mangoes, orange juice, and olive oil in food processor and transfer into medium bowl.
2. Add other ingredients.
3. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Cucumber Sandwiches

White bread slices
Whipped cream cheese
1 cucumber, sliced
Mint leaves

1. Spread cream cheese on both sides of bread.
2. Add cucumber and mint on top.

Blackberry Almond Salad

3 c. baby spinach leaves
1 pint fresh blackberries
2 tbsp. feta cheese
1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1/4 slivered almonds

1. In large bowl, combine ingredients. Garnish with blackberries and serve with either balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinaigrette on the side.

Pink Wine Spritzer

1 c. chilled sweet pink wine (I prefer Llano Estacado's Blush)
1/2 c. sparkling strawberry flavored water
Fresh strawberries

1. Pour the wine into a chilled glass, then pour the sparkling water over it. Garnish with strawberries and serve immediately.

Dinner

Tomato Pie

1 nine in. pie crust
5 large tomatoes, sliced (fresh tomatoes from the garden are amazing in this)
1/2 c. chopped basil
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked*
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. parsley flakes (optional)

* This can be substituted for spinach leaves, if so desired.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix mayo, cheese, and parsley in small bowl.
3. Fill pastry shell with remaining ingredients in alternating layers. Spread the mayo mixture over the top.
4. Cover with foil and cook for 30 minutes. Remove foil from pie and bake additional 30 minutes.