Quick, Colorful & Easy Dinner

I decided to surprise Susie by having dinner almost ready to serve when she got home today. But, it is a work day so I didn't want to get in over my head with prep work. Hmm. What to make? I settled on some frozen four-color, five-cheese ravioli from Costco as the basis for the meal.

Instead of using a sauce, I decided on some dried heirloom tomatoes from the jar on the shelf. I boiled these for a few minutes, let then sit for another few minutes, then poured them into a strainer. (The plan is to cook the pasta when Susie gets home, add the reconstituted tomatoes, then toss in some grated Parmesan cheese).

My inspiration for the salad came from the classic Greek horiatiki salad. I whisked together a tablespoon of red wine vinegar, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and a quarter cup of olive oil. From the herb garden I picked some oregano, then microwaved it until it was dry and crumbly. I mixed the oregano into the dressing. I picked a couple cucumbers from the garden, and a couple handfuls of a few different cherry and pear tomatoes. I peeled then sliced the cucumbers thinly and added them to the dressing. Next, I halved the tomatoes and added them. I tossed the salad with a rubber spatula and placed it in the refrigerator.

There is a bird-seed roll from the Metropol bakery. I quartered the roll and toasted it. I still have some aioli that I made last weekend to serve with the roll. The aioli is really garlicky. Really, really garlicky, so I'll serve butter for Susie. As for me, I'll have no worries about vampires.

Put all together, these elements make up a very colorful meal. But, almost as importantly, a very quick and easy meal.

Bon appétit!