Stuffed!

It is rare to make a meal that all members of my fussy family will eat so I am pleased to announce that this dish was very well received by all, including 4 year old Miss E.  I was able to make the stuffing earlier in the afternoon and have it all assembled for hubby to put in the oven just before I got home from my tutoring gig.

Serves 4
3 1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 lb. Turkey Italian sausage
1 zucchini, diced small
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced small
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
4 large bell peppers (any color) halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed
salt and pepper

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium-high heat.  Add sausage and cook, until browned, 5 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to a medium bowl.  Add 1 tsp. oil to skillet along with zucchini, onion, and garlic.  Season with salt and pepper and cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. 
2.  Add zucchini mixture to bowl with sausage, along with Parmesan, rice, and 1 tsp. oil; stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.  Lay tin foil down on a rimmed baking sheet.  Divide rice mixture among peppers and top with breadcrumbs.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are browned and the peppers are tender. 
3.  Enjoy!

Magazine Mania

When I think of the beach I think of total relaxation.  Just lounging on a reclined chair or towel.  Soaking up the sun and an occasional walk to the water to cool off.  One thing that I think is a "beach relaxation" must is a great magazine (or 6 great magazines).  Well at $4-5 a pop, that can add up.  So before heading off to Carlsbad with my family last week I made a quick stop at Bookmans.  They sell used books, music, video games and you guessed it, magazines!  I got 6 mags for $9!  Not too shabby.  Make a friend's day and pass the mags along when you are done.  Reduce, reuse, recycle...right?!?!