Farfalle with Watercress, Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

I am a huge fan of pasta and cheese.  I found this healthy recipe online when I was actually looking up what you would use watercress in.  I hadn't tried watercress before so I was determined to give it a shot.  This is a very refreshing dish and is actually kind of light.  You won't feel bad after eating this one.

FARFALLE WITH WATERCRESS, CHERRY TOMATOES AND FETA

8 oz Farfalle Pasta
1 c Feta, crumbled
2 pints Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
3 c Watercress Leaves (from about 2 bunches)
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Sea Salt to taste

Cook Farfalle in salted boiling water on the stove to your desired doneness (most brands cook to al dente in about 6 minutes even if the package doesn't say so). Reserve 1/4 c of the pasta water. Wait to drain until you've read the following instructions.

In a large bowl, place feta.  Top with watercress.  Pour pasta water over Watercress.  This will allow it to wilt a little.

Place tomatoes in colander.  Drain the cooked pasta over the tomatoes to create a quick blanch.  Toss with Watercress mix, sprinkle on Pepper.  Add a sprinkle of Sea Salt to your liking.


This recipe came from www.fitnessmagazine.com.  I just thought it needed minor changes like adding salt.

White Cheddar, Tomato and Leek Sandwich Melt

It's getting cold outside!  I recently came across a sandwich recipe that tastes just like you got it from a famous restaurant.  You can feel fancy just like I did, and not have to do a lot of hard labor!  I had my mother in law over for girl time and she really, really liked this sandwich.  It almost tatses like a really good BLT.  So move over soups, leeks can be used for sandwiches now!

WHITE CHEDDAR, TOMATO AND LEEK SANDWICH MELT

4 Slices Sourdough Bread
Butter, softened
Mayo (Miracle Whip works well)
Tomato, Sliced
1 very large or 3 small Leeks, rinsed and chopped
2/3 c Shredded White Cheddar (mild melts best)

Heat frying pan on medium heat.  Butter one side of each slice of bread.  Place 2 slices, buttered side down in the fry pan.  Top with leeks and half of the cheese.  Add layer of sliced tomatoes and top with the rest of the cheese.  On the non-buttered side of the next two slices of bread, add a thin layer of mayo.  Place slices on top of cheese with the mayo side down.  Toast until bottom side is golden brown, flip and toast the other side until golden brown.  It should look like a big fancy grilled cheese sandwich.  Slice in half and serve hot.


Not sure how to prepare those leeks?  Here is a great short video on how to prepare them.  From then on, just chop into smaller pieces for your desired texture.

Video on YouTube.com by My Recipes

Sandwich recipe from AJ on allrecipes.com