Classic Pomodoro ( PASTA)

1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 x 400 g cans chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1 piece dried bay leaf
3 tablespoons torn basil leaves
freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, to serve ( optional)

1. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and cook the onion over medium heat or 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds before adding the tomato, tomato paste, dried parsley, thyme and bay leaf.
3. Add some salt and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the basil.
6. Toss over a hot pasta and serve with grated Parmesan Cheese.

Mozzarella and Smoked Ham Stuffed Tomatoes

8 ripe tomatoes
1 cup breadcrumbs
2/3 cup chopped smoked ham
4 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
4 tablespoons chopped herbs ( basil, oregano)
salt and pepper to taste
5-6 tablespoons olive oil
8 cubes mozzarella
8 leaves of lettuce

1. Slice the tomatoes crosswise in halves. Remove the seeds. Arrange on a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, ham, Parmesan cheese and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Add olive oil and blend well.
3. Fill the tomatoes with this mixture. Top each with a cube of mozzarella and sprinkle with more bread crumbs.
4. Cover and bake in a preheated 180 degrees C oven for 15 mins.
5. Serve the tomatoes on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Source: Taste and See ( A Couples for Christ International Cookbook).

Steak Salisbury

3/4 kilo ground beef
1 egg
2 slices ham, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 tsps finely chopped green onions
1/4 cups finely chopped parsley ( fresh)
1/4 cup grated cheese
salt and pepper
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1/3 cup water

1. Combine the first 7 ingredients in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper
3. Add 1/4 cup of soup.
4. Mix well then form into patties.
5. Transfer to a baking pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 30minutes.
6. Add water to the remaining soup
7. Pour over patties and bake for another 10 mins

Stir Fried Carrots and Baguio Beans

4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic
1 carrot, cut into strips
1/4kilo Baguio beans, sliced diagonally
salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat butter in a skillet.
2. Saute garlic, carrots and baguio beans
3. Cook until tender but still crisp.
4. Season to taste