Ingredients
Scale
For Appetizers:
Spring Veggie Tartlets:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup chopped spring vegetables (asparagus, peas, carrots)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Main Courses:
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach (chopped)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
For Desserts:
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
1. Making Spring Veggie Tartlets
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares. Press them into muffin tins or tartlet pans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and chopped spring vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the pastry shells. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Preparing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and chopped spinach.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
3. Cooking Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Layer the vegetable mixture into a baking dish, then top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden.
4. Baking Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust.
- Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest. Add blueberries and pour the mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Serve alongside complementary sides like roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread.
- Offer a variety of flavors—creamy, savory, and tangy—to keep the meal exciting.
- Label dishes clearly to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes per dish
- Cook Time: 25-40 minutes per dish
- Category: Vegetarian Main Course, Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian