Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients:

Devo Basil Olive oil

½ tsp.-  Sea salt

12-15 - Roma tomatoes cut in quarters

1 tbsp. - Dried basil

Instructions :

Quarter the tomatoes. Not necessary to remove the seeds. 

Cover the bottom of a casserole dish with olive oil and arrange tomatoes cut-side up.  

Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and dried Basil.

Place the tomatoes in a pre-heated 200 degree F oven for 4 - 6 hours. Times and temperature may vary based on your oven. Tomatoes should  be  dried  but not crispy.

Place the dried tomatoes in a storage freezer bag and  put them in the freezer. Soak dried tomatoes in olive oil  or water to rehydrate. 

I plan on using them for Tomato Pesto and on Homemade Pizza`s

*  My  Basil Olive Oil came from the Devo Olive oil co. in Branson, Mo. 

http://devooliveoil.com/

Avocado Macaroni Salad

Here is a fresh new twist on the  Mac and Cheese  favorite we a grew up with.



Ingredients:

1- lb. box of elbow macaroni    
2- tsp. minced garlic
2 - avocados peeled and pitted
1 - lime juiced
2  - tbsp dried Cilantro  
Salt and pepper to taste
2 - tbsp butter
2 - tbsp all purpose flour
1- cup milk
2 - cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Salt the water and add in macaroni. Stir and cook about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. 

2. While the pasta is cooking, make the avocado sauce by placing the garlic, avocados, lime juice * see notes below, cilantro, salt and pepper into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Set aside. 

3. To make the cheese sauce, place butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When butter is melted, whisk in flour to create a paste. Whisk in milk until smooth. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce starts to thicken. Add in Pepper Jack cheese and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. 

4. Place macaroni in a large bowl. Pour the avocado sauce over the macaroni and stir until well coated. Add the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm. 

* notes 

Note-the lime juice keeps the avocado from browning