sun dried tomatoes

If you're an avid hostess like me, a good stuffed mushroom appetizer recipe is a must. Stuffed mushrooms are a classic and crowd-pleasing hors d'oeuvre that can easily be made in advance. While some recipes incorporate pork products like sausage, mushrooms are meaty enough on their own, so I prefer to make them vegetarian-friendly. My stuffing is a festive red and green mixture of wilted spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and lots of garlic. Parmesan cheese provides a scrumptious saltiness, while breadcrumbs add a slight but necessary crunch. Since mushrooms release a lot of liquid when cooking, it's important to partially bake them before stuffing; this will ensure that nothing gets too soggy. Ready to learn the method for stuffed mushrooms? Keep reading.

If you are hosting a holiday party this season, FitSugar reader hislizzy posted a sun-dried tomato hummus recipe in our Healthy Recipe community group.

See the recipe when you read more

Although I'm not of Italian descent, I think pasta is one of the most comforting dishes out there. After a long weekday, there's nothing like coming home to a steaming bowl of luscious noodles in a rich and flavorful sauce.

My favorite pasta of all time could very well be this creamy sun-dried tomato and bacon spaghetti. I've made it a million times and never tire of the combination of salty pork with sweet tomatoes.

It's decadent but not over the top, and it's quick but sophisticated enough to serve guests. It's also versatile: kids love it, men love it, probably the only people who won't be impressed with this pasta are vegetarians. I highly recommend this recipe: learn the easy technique here.

When I think of classic macaroni and cheese, I always consider it a comforting side dish. However, I love recipes like this one that turn the childhood favorite into an entire meal. Store-bought roast chicken is tossed with broccoli and pasta. Instead of using processed cheese, the ingredient list calls for a semi-soft cheese with garlic and herbs. You could use cream cheese, but I recommend goat cheese. It will provide a delightful richness and tang to the meal.

To get the uncomplicated recipe that's sure to be a hit with kids, read more

Whenever I'm cooking for a crowd and need a recipe that's portable, I always consider pasta salad. It's filling and easy to make a large batch. While sometimes I assemble a Mediterranean pasta salad with orzo and feta, I also like to make this recipe with tomatoes and mozzarella.

What provides this salad with incredible flavor is the sun-dried tomato dressing — it's so good I've enjoyed it with fish! Made in a blender or food processor, the dressing is a mixture of tomatoes, capers, and garlic, thinned with oil and red wine vinegar. A generous handful of parmesan cheese and fresh basil finish off the satisfying salad that only tastes better the next day. To make it before tomato season is over get the recipe now