HEALTHY, SUMMER SQUASH SAUTE

6 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
3 lbs. assorted summer squash (zuccini, yellow crossneck, etc. thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. sea salt

HEAT: the garlic, oil, red-pepper flakes in a large saute pan over medium heat, 2 to 3 minutes or until garlic begins to turn brown. Add squash and salt. Toss to coat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until squash begins to break apart.

UNCOVER: increase heat to medium, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, or until liquid is almost gone.


MARINATED ASPARAGUS

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed.
3 tbsp. Balsamic vinagrette
1 med. red or green bell pepper, chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced
Sea salt & Black pepper

PLACE: a steamer basket in a large pot with 2" of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Place asparagus into the basket, cover aqnd steam for 5 minutes, or until tender.
Drain and transfer to a plate. Let stand until cooled.

DRIZZLE: the asparagus with the vinaigrette, then sprinkle with the bell peppers and scallions. Season to taste with S&P. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for one hour.


GREEN BEANS AND CARROTS PARMESAN

4 carrots, cut into 3" sticks.
1 pkg. (8 TO 10oz.) frozen or fresh, whole green beans
2 tbsp. fresh grated parmesan cheese

PLACE: a steamer basket in a large pot with 2" water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Place the carrots and green beans in the basket and steam about 10 minutes or until tender.

DRAIN and toss with the oil. Place in a serving platter and sprinkle with the cheese.

chats, I've already made the first two - not specifically, but very close. I love zucchini and asparagus. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are two of my best friends.

Have you tried the new dressing fro Ken's? It's Creamy Balsamic Vinegrette. Oh my. It's scrumptious. I used it on a pasta salad this weekend and it was a hit.

The green beans and carrots sound good too. I like steaming green beans and adding a bit of butter, parm cheese, and lemon pepper. That's another way to try them.

Thanks for all the good ideas.

I am going to try Kens, I have been experimenting with a creamy tasting Balsamic vinagrette dressing.