Peppers Stuffed with Tomatoes & Mozzarella Recipe

Uncertain about what to do with all of the wonderful, fresh finds you gathered from your garden or the local summer produce market?  Here is a healthy and delicious recipe that will help utilize your cherry tomatoes and peppers.
A healthy diet includes the essential nutrients that help to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes.  Yet a healthy diet does not provide too many calories, so you can control your weight and avoid obesity and its related health problems. The reason it is important to eat healthy if you have a bleeding disorder is because proper nutrients can help build strong muscles, keep bones healthy, and even help you feel better faster when you have a bleed or get sick.
Both of these veggies pack a healthy dose of Vitamins A & C and are high in fiber, yet low in calories.  Vitamin A helps support your vision, and Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron which helps to carry oxygen throughout your body. So this recipe makes a great side dish to a lean beef entrée.  So cheesy, sweet and delicious, even the kids will like it!

Peppers Stuffed with Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3 red bell peppers

For the stuffing:

1 ½ tsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
¾ lb. cherry tomatoes, stemmed and halved
1 C of mozzarella cheese, cubed or mozzarella pearls
½ C loosely packed fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Directions:

Cut the peppers in half lengthwise.  Remove the seeds & ribs.  Cut a thin slice from the rounded side of each half if necessary so that it will sit upright in a baking dish.  Set aside.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt & pepper.  Add the tomatoes, mozzarella & basil.  Mix together.  Fill each pepper with the tomato-mozzarella stuffing.  Place in the oven & bake until the peppers are tender, about 40 minutes.  Enjoy!!
photo credit: http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/