You may have heard of the Neighborhood Hope Project, College Church's recent local mission trip--a very cool event. I took on the ambitious (I didn't realize how ambitious at the time) task of feeding the 60-100 workers dinner each night for the whole week. The vision was to provide delicious and healthy meals using local products and sustainable resources. This is one of the many great recipes I came across and served that week. You will love it, I promise! I'm sure Anna would second that. She helped me that night!! I wish I had a picture for you. It is a beautiful salad!

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables (Barefoot Contessa) Ina Garden Recipe

SERVES 6

1 small eggplant, peeled and ¾ inch diced

1 red bell pepper, 1 inch diced

1 yellow bell pepper, 1 inch diced

1 red onion, peeled and 1 inch diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup olive oil (or less)

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

½ lb orzo pasta or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

To assemble

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)

¼ cup pignolis, toasted (pine nuts)

¾ lb good feta, ½ inch diced (not crumbled)

15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan.
3. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.
4. Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender.
5. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
6. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
7. For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables.
8. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil.
9. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

Summer Fruit Salad with Mint Sugar

I found this recipe when I was looking for stuff for a baby shower that used mint. It's a hit every time. Really easy fruit salad with a unique twist and it looks beautiful.

1/4 c. loosely packed fresh mint

3 T. sugar

1 1/4 lb. blackberries, left whole, or 1 1/2 lb. sweet cherries, pitted and halved

3 firm-ripe medium peaches or nectarines, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut into 1/3 in. thick wedges

1/2 lb. seedless green grapes (1 1/2 c.), halved

Makes 6 (VERY large) servings. Pulse mint and sugar in food processor until finely ground. Sprinkle mint sugar over fruit in a large bowl and toss gently to combine. Let stand 5 minutes (or a couple hours is okay) before serving.