Recipes from the Garden

Veggie Pizza

1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dressing mix
2 carrots, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Roll out crescent rolls onto a large non-stick baking sheet. Stretch and flatten to form a single rectangular shape on the baking sheet. Bake 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Allow to cool. Place cream cheese in a medium bowl. Mix cream cheese with 1/2 of the ranch dressing mix. Adjust the amount of dressing mix to taste. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Arrange carrots, red bell pepper, broccoli and green onions on top. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 1 hour. Cut into bite-size squares to serve.

Garden Stew

6 ounces cubed beef stew meat
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large zucchini, chopped
1 medium yellow squash, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cooked chicken breast, cubed
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons cream or milk
1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen corn

 Cook beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned on all sides. Stir in onion, garlic, zucchini, squash, and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in chicken, broth, and cream. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 2 hours. Stir in corn. Cover, and increase heat to medium low. Simmer for 45 minutes. If the stew becomes too thick, stir in a little water to reach the desired consistency. 

For a copy of Chef Nick's cookbook go to chefnickskitchen.com, or John's Fine Foods, 88 North Ave, Owego; Front & Center; 188 Front St. Owego; or Down to Earth Whole Foods, 305 Grant Ave. Endicott. E-mail Chef Nick at nfc@stny.rr.com