Taboulleh fromTJ

Tabouleh – Greek wheat salad
Ingredients:
2 C boiling water
1 C cracked wheat or bulgar
1 C tomatoes, chopped
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 C parsley, finely chopped
½ C green onion, finely chopped
3 T mint, finely chopped
½ C lemon juice
½ C oil
2 t salt

Directions: In large non-metal bowl, pour boiling water over cracked wheat. Let stand 1 hour or until fluffy. Drain well and return to bowl. Add next 5 ingredients and mix well. Combine lemon juice, oil and salt. Stir into wheat salad. Best served near room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.

Italian Lentils with Pasta from TJ

Ingredients:
3 T olive oil
1 C shredded carrot
½ C shredded celery
½ C chopped green or red pepper
2 T minced garlic
½ C fresh basil, cut into strips
3½ C water
1½ C lentils
1 quart diced tomatoes
1 lb. penne pasta
2 C shredded colby or cheddar cheese

Directions: In large dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add vegetables and simmer 5 minutes. Add garlic, basil, water, and lentils. Cover and bring to boil. Add tomatoes; cover and reduce to simmer for one-hour (or longer). Meanwhile, cook pasta and shred cheese if necessary. Serve lentils over pasta and top with lots of cheese.

Marinara Sauce from Alisha

Marinara Sauce
I love making fresh sauces and finding healthier versions to serve my family. This is really great over spaghetti squash or angel hair pasta.
1/2 white onion
2 cloves garlic 1-2 small cans tomato paste for thickness
2-3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tsp Dried Thyme
8-10 Fresh Tomatoes
1-2 tsp Dried Oregano 1 Green pepper 1-2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1-2 tsp Dried Rosemary

Sautee onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil. Add seasonings to your onions after they have cooked half way through. You can add whatever combination of seasonings you desire, have fun and experiment with flavors. Add diced tomatoes tomato paste to onions and garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer. This mixture should probably simmer for 35-60 minutes. Cover and continue to let simmer. If there is too much acidity, add a little water, or brown sugar to calm the flavors down. Sauce should not be too sweet.

Easy Tomato Baked Chicken

1 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1 2 C. diced tomatoes
1/4 C. vinaigrette dressing
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425. Place onions in bottom of 9x13 baking dish; top with chicken. Combine tomatoes, dressing and garlic powder; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Makes 4 servings