Recipe: CHERRY TOMATO SKEWERS WITH FRESH BASIL

CHERRY TOMATO SKEWERS WITH FRESH BASIL

Serves 4.

Grill the skewers over direct heat for only a minute so the basil leaves don't scorch, and then finish in a cooler zone. As a party appetizer, they can be served at room temperature with a tiny ball (bocconcino) of fresh mozzarella threaded onto the end of each one. From "Grill Every Day," by Diane Morgan (Chronicle Books).

• 8 (7-in.) bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes, then drained

• 40 cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)

• 32 large fresh basil leaves

• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Immerse skewers in water before lighting grill so they have plenty of time to soak. Prepare medium-hot fire in charcoal grill or preheat gas grill on medium-high.

To assemble skewers, thread 5 tomatoes onto each skewer, placing basil leaf, folded in half crosswise, between tomatoes. Arrange skewers in single layer on rimmed baking sheet and brush tomatoes generously on all sides with olive oil.

Bank coals to one side of grill or turn off one burner. Oil grill grate. Place skewers directly over medium-hot fire and grill, turning once, until light grill marks appear on both sides, about 30 seconds per side.

Transfer skewers to serving platter and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition information per serving, basting with half the oil:

Calories76Fat5 gSodium9 mg

Carbohydrates7 gSaturated fat1 gCalcium23 mg

Protein2 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber2 g

DEVILED GREEN EGGS AND HAM

Makes 24 halves.

Note: "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss is a classic for a graduation theme. If your party is following a Seusslike theme, give everyone's favorite a classic twist. Getting your egg yolk filling smooth is much easier if you mix it while the yolks are freshly cooked, not quite cold.

• 1 dozen eggs, hard-cooked and peeled, halved lengthwise

• 1 tsp. dried mustard or 2 tsp. prepared mustard

• 1/3 c. regular mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp. vinegar

• 1 tsp. horseradish

• 2 slices smoked deli ham, finely minced for garnish

• Fresh parsley and paprika, optional

Remove egg yolks to small mixing bowl and mash until smooth.

If you plan on piping mixture into egg whites, you may need to mash yolks through a fine-meshed strainer with back of a spoon to remove lumps. Mix with remaining ingredients except minced ham and parsley.

Spoon or pipe mixture into egg white halves. Garnish with minced ham. Fresh parsley or paprika may also be added for extra zest and garnish.

Nutrition information per 1/2 egg:

Calories65Fat5 gSodium77 mg

Protein4 gCholesterol110 mgDietary fiber0 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1/2 medium-fat meat, 1/2fat.

QUICK TORTELLINI SALAD

Serves 3.

This recipe is easily increased for larger crowds; frozen tortellini may also be used.

• 1/3 c. olive oil

• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp. lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp. sugar

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Salad:

• 1 (9-oz.) pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini

• 1 c. sliced carrots

• 1 1/2 c. frozen cut green beans

Directions

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all dressing ingredients; shake well. Set aside.

Cook tortellini as directed on package; cook carrots and green beans in boiling water until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain; return to saucepan. Cover with cold water; let stand 5 minutes. Drain well.

Place tortellini, carrots and green beans in medium bowl; add onions. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat.

Nutrition information per serving:

Carbohydrates25 gCalcium13mg

Protein8 gCholesterol80 mgDietary fiber0 g