Mediterranean Vegetables

This is one of those easy side dishes that you can serve with absolutely anything.  Great for a dinner for 2 like we have just done or casual entertaining.  It is easy, quick and a show stopper.  Here we go, Mediterranean vegetable serving 2 people ...

3 tbsp olive oil
Red pepper, large rough dice
Yellow pepper, large rough dice
Green pepper, large rough dice
2 red onions, quartered
2 shallots, quartered
6 giant button mushrooms, quartered
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
30g herb butter, store- bought
100g goat cheese feta, large dice

Preheat oven to 180'c
Place all veg in a deep roasting plan, single layer
Add olive oil and seasoning and toss well with your hands
Bake for 30 min
Remove from oven and immediately add butter to melt in hot veg
Add cheese and toss
Serve immediately

This is awesome next to a roast chicken
Enjoy

Bruschetta with Sweet Peppers, Italian Ham and Parmesan

I am having a wonderful day playing in the kitchen testing (and tweaking) a few recipes I found in Paris last week to share with you. Feeling a little hungry though, so time to make one of Shaun and my favourite snacks.  It is so easy and also great as an appetiser when entertaining.  Here we go ...

Good olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded & sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded & sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp fresh basil, cut into slithers
Salt & pepper to taste
1 baguette
2 garlic cloves for rubbing
8 slices Italian ham
Parmesan, shaved
Dill for garnish

Heat 2 tbsp oil on a medium heat in a saute pan.
Add peppers, onion and cook until soft - about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with sugar and cook for a further 2 min.
Stir in basil and season with salt & pepper.
Slice baguette 1 inch thick on the diagonal and brush lightly with a little olive oil.
Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 5 min at 180'C until lightly browned.
Whilst still hot rub one side with the garlic cloves.
Top each slice with ham, WARM pepper mix and a generous amount of shaved Parmesan.
Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle some dill and serve immediately.

This is oh-so-delicious.  Try it and let me know how if you like it!