Cauliflower and Ginger Soup

It's not often it rains in Las Vegas, but when it does I immediately start scrounging around for ingredients to make a light but flavorful soup. This one couldn't be any simpler, and there's nothing like fresh ginger to lift your spirits on a dreary day.

Roughly chop a medium onion and cook in a large pot with a little oil until soft, but not browned. Meanwhile, roughly shop a head of cauliflower, and peel and chop a ginger root. When the onions are soft, add the cauliflower and ginger to the pot, along with two cups of reduced-sodium chicken stock. Add water just until the cauliflower is covered (shown to the left), then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, lid on, for a half hour or until the cauliflower is soft. Let cool slightly before ladling the mixture into the blender and blending till smooth.

To serve immediately would be my recommendation. It thickens up quite a bit on standing, so when you reheat it you could add a little water or, better yet, cream to smooth it out.

Roma Tomatoes Stuffed with Ricotta and Basil

This is my take on a classic Italian combination: tomatoes, basil and mozzarella (or in this case, mozzarella's byproduct ricotta). It is a simple dish that works perfectly as appetizer, side or even a snack on its own.

Preheat the oven to 400. Start by mixing a small container of ricotta with 8-10 finely chopped basil leaves, the yolk from one egg and salt and pepper to taste. Take six to eight roma tomatoes (depending on size) and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the inside of the tomatoes and pat the inside dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Put a cup or so of breadcrumbs in a bowl, and set up a bit of an assembly line. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the tomato halves, filling them to the edge but not overfilling. Place the tomatoes in the breadcrumbs, cheese-side down, to coat the tops, then place on a baking dish. When all of the halves have been prepared in this manner, place the baking tray in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until brown and delicious.