Meatless Monday

As most of you who have been reading this blog for any time know, I am a meat and potatoes guy. The result of 51 years of meat and potatoes is that I cut a pretty robust and burly figure. Christine and I were talking on the way back from Pittsburgh about our menu planning for the fall. We came up with the following schedule:

Sunday--"Mary's Gravy"

Monday--Meatless Monday

Tuesday--Blue Plate Special (roast, meatloaf or another family favorite)

Wednesday--Pizza (from whatever pizzeria has a twofer special)

Thursday--Soup

Friday-Fish

Saturday--Casserole, crock pot, sandwiches or breakfast for supper

What I really need help with, being the meat and potatoes guy that I am is what to have for "Meatless Monday". Any ideas? Post them below.

Quick and Easy Pasta with Fresh Mozzerella, Tomatoes and Basil

My Dad had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year, so I used them for supper tonight. I made a kind of a tomato bruschetta using tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, a dash of red wine vinegar, garlic, shallots, a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper. Then I tossed in some steaming pasta, well chilled diced mozzarella and basil. It was great.

Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Basil

2 or 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
2/3 olive oil
1/4 red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 minced shallot or about 1 T minced red onion
1 large clove of garlic, smashed
pinch of sugar
salt
pepper
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed and well chilled
1 lb medium size pasta (I used medium shells)
10 or so basil leaved, chiffonad

Mix tomatoes, olive oil, wine vinegar, shallots, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper. After it has sat for about 10 minutes and tomatoes have given off some of their juice taste and adjust for flavor. Add a bit more sugar or acid depending on taste.

Boil pasta for 8-10 minutes. Drain, add to tomato mixture. Toss in well chilled mozzarella and basil leaves.

Serve with grated cheese.

Enjoy!

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