Veggies...what are they good for?

Bell Peppers

Bell pepper is a cultivar group of the species Caspsicum anuum Cultivars of the plant produce peppercorns which develop into fruits in different colors, including red, yellow, green and orange. Bell peppers are sometimes grouped with less pungent pepper varieties as "sweet peppers". Peppers are native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Pepper seeds were later carried to Spain in 1493 and from there spread to other European and Asian countries. Today, Mexico remains one of the major pepper producers in the world.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_pepper)

Green Pepper Tomato Salad

· 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
· 1 medium green pepper, chopped
· 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
· 1/2 cup chopped red onion
· 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, green pepper, celery and onion. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir into tomato mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring several times. Serve with a slotted spoon.
(http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Green-Pepper-Tomato-Salad/Detail.aspx?src=etaf)

Basil Quinoa with Red Bell Pepper

· 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
· 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tablespoons lemon juice
· 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
· 4 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons minced)
· 2 cups cooked quinoa*
· 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
· 1/2 cup sliced green onions
· Kosher salt
· Freshly ground black pepper
· 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds

In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to boiling. In a small bowl, combine cold water and ice cubes to make an ice bath. Add the basil to the boiling water; stir once and drain immediately. Place basil in the ice bath to cool quickly. Gently squeeze out any excess water.

Place basil in a food processor. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Cover and process until nearly smooth.

In a medium bowl, stir together cooked quinoa, bell pepper, and green onions. Add basil mixture; stir to coat. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds. (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=78910)