Here you go BEth!

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PATE

Makes 2 Cups

1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove of garlic

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme and salt in a food processor container. Process until mixed, scraping side of container occasionally.

Chill, covered, for 4 hours or longer.

ROASTED PEPPER & TOMATO SOUP

2 - 28oz cans crushed tomatoes DO NOT DRAIN

6 bell peppers any color

2 cans chicken broth

½ cube real butter

3 tbl chopped garlic (fresh cloves or prepared in the jar which is what I use)

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1/4 cp sugar

Salt to taste.

Roast peppers on your barbeque ON HIGH until 75% blackened. Peel off blackened skin. Remove seeds and stem. DO NOT OVER COOK PEPPERS OR THEY ARE A REAL PAIN TO PEEL/DESEED. I

In food processor, puree the peppers until they are completely smooth. Add all ingredients to large stock pot. Simmer until liquid is reduced by 50%. Garnish with small strips of colored peppers, dollop of sour cream and croutons. This soup freezes REALLY well so I always make a double batch and freeze half.

OLIVE TAMPENADE

3/4 pound pitted black olives, such as Kalamata, Nicoise, or Gaeta (I have to buy online as not avialble locally)

3 to 4 ounces capers, drained and rinsed

2 anchovy fillets, drained, rinsed and patted dry (Anchovies are optional.)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 bay leaf, finely chopped

5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon cognac or brandy

1/2 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine well, then allow to process until mixture is COARSELY pureed. Taste for seasoning, then serve as a dip/pate alongside crusty bread with goat cheese, grilled vegetables or chicken, or tossed with cooked pasta and fresh herbs.