Memorial Day

Corn on the cob is a healthy and easy addition to any meal. Try my sister's super easy method of preparing corn on the cob. Clean and place on a square of microwave safe wrap. Sprinkle with a few drops of water, a teaspoon of margarine or butter, and spices of your choice. Wrap tightly and microwave about 45 seconds - 1 minute per ear. You may want to have some sissors handy to open the wrap for the little ones. Remember, corn is best purchased and served withing a day or so. Do not refrigerate for the best flavor. Peg

Start a kitchen garden

This is the season to think about planting. If you can plant a petunia, you can also grow herbs and vegetables in your yard or patio. Think small size and huge flavor if this is your first “kitchen” garden. Parsley is simple to grow and adds a great fresh flavor to almost any meal. It is really cold tolerant in Mid-Michigan and pretty enough to stick in the flower garden if that is the only space you have. Real foodies prefer flat leaf parsley but fresh from the garden the curly type tastes great too. Grab a handful rinse well under running water and blot with paper towel. Throw a tablespoon of chopped parsley in canned chicken noodle soup and add flavor, color and vitamins. Add to potato or macaroni salads or pasta or rice dishes. A simple touch that makes dinner special.

Living Easy Recipes

If you are like me and would rather be outside when the weather is nice biking, gardening or playing with the family, a simple dinner is all you want. My mom’s quick tomato bacon and cheese melts fit the bill. Lightly toast slices of your favorite sandwich bread. For each serving fry 2 slices of bacon until just crisp. Slice a tomato into thin slices. Spread each toast with mayonnaise. Place a slice of tomato on the bread and top it with a slice of American cheese. Crisscross the bacon over the top and bake at 400 degrees until cheese is just melted. You couldYum.

Now for the gourmet version. Cut slices of a baguette or use any favorite crusty bread. Toast on a baking sheet for 8 minutes or until just crisp. Layer with a thin slice of ham or prosciutto, tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and top with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted. Same dinner but as the foodies say - kicked up a notch and good enough to serve company!