Tomato Gazpacho with Mozarella Ice Cream and Spicy Tomato Jelly

This is a little more complicated but the wow factor is high.  Not much cooking required and everything can be prepared ahead of time - definite plus.    This can  also be served as a really cool appetizer in a small shot glass (omit the tomato jelly).

Tomato, mozarella salad with pesto coulis, balsamic glaze and dried heirloom tomato

Another great easy idea which does not require any cooking.  It's all in the way it is put together.  This is great as an entrée.

One Bite Cherry Tomotoes with Baby Mozarella and Fresh Basil

This is any easy one and is great as an appetizer because its easy to eat.  No cooking involved, but just putting together some fresh, good quality ingredients.

Great Tools to Have

Here are some tools I could no longer live without.  They just make cooking easier and help to save on effort and time.  The ones indicated are not too expensive and worth the investment.

'Corn' or Scraper
This is called a ''corne'' in French - but not sure about the English name.
I use it to scoop up chopped ingredients and transfer them to a bowl
 or pan, to scrape out batter from a bowl, to clean the cutting board
(when making dough), etc.
 Really useful!  

A three way Tomato, Mozzarella

 1. One bite cherry tomatoes with baby mozzarella and fresh basil

2. Tomato mozarella salad with pesto coulis, balsamic glaze and dried heirloom tomato

3. Gazpacho with mozzarella ice cream and spicy tomato jelly

Tomatoe, mozzarella is a classic and is a wonderful summer dish.  Here are three different takes on the dish.  You could even bring this into winter by preparing a tomato soup with a mozzarella and herb crostini!  I'll work on that one.  ☺☝

Vegetable Rice Pilaf

This side dish is very good with a variety of meats or fish.  The vegetables cut into brunoise (very small dice) takes a little longer but its well worth the effort.  It brings a little crunch and color to an otherwise delicious but plain rice.  Its easy as it will cook in the oven.

Loaded Banana Bread

Sprinkle when warm with some shaved
 chocolate and pecans (the pecans will
stick to the chocolate)

OK Sarah, here it is.  This Banana Bread recipe is very popular with the family and  because it is not too sweet is often eaten for breakfast.  It also makes a great afternoon snack and goes a long way as a hostess gift.

Beef Strogonoff with Vegetable Rice Pilaf

Beef Stroganoff was always one of those easy prepare-ahead dishes that is easy and good for when you are having people over.  No need to spend all your time in the kitchen, you can heat it up slowly and enjoy spending time with your guests.  I always made it with a lesser cut of beef and let it cook in the sauce which in turn made it a little tough.  I have since learned how to make it so it is delicious and tender and still just as easy.