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You guys, say hello to my new favorite quick and easy summertime, healthy-ish, cozy-ish dinner – the summer tomato and zucchini halloumi bake.

You know, you’d think that just one of these Mondays I’d give you guys a salad recipe, huh?

Ahh yeah, right. I guess that’s just not how I roll these days. No, apparently I am more into the cheesy stuff. But it’s totally cool, because we also have veggies in this dish, in the form of summer tomatoes, zucchini, and fresh spinach…you see, veggies! Aka, healthy food, aka Monday food. <–logical thinker over here…wink, wink.

Speaking of which, happy Monday!! And I say that in my most cheerful of voices. I am feeling much more positive today than I have been. My goal for the week is to stay focused on doing what I love (aka working, working, working, but again I love it and I am so grateful I get to do what I do everyday). I also want to spend a few minutes each day doing something non work related and totally letting my brain think only about things that are good in the world. BIG goals, but I’m going to try. So I’m starting things off with positive vibes for you all today. Fingers crossed that you can feel it through the computer screen!

In other news, we got twelve new chickens and a new little rooster over the weekend. They are about four months old and the sweetest little chickens. But um? They need to learn to go bed when it gets dark or that fox is going to get them. NOPE, not happening on my watch. I spent my Saturday night chasing around thirteen chickens and carefully placing them in their new, very safe, hen-house. Seriously, it was not fun, but I mean, gotta keep my egg layers safe!

OKok, let’s chat Monday food, which for me means this fun summertime bake.

Here’s the deal, I really don’t have the right words to describe just how good this recipe is because none of my usual words seem good enough at the moment. This is one of those dishes that is truly just melt in your mouth good. It feels slightly indulgent, but yet light and summery at the same time. It’s saucy with just a little bit of heat. The heat is balanced with a touch of sweetness from all those tomatoes and then the dish is finished off with a subtle salty flavor from the halloumi cheese.

Trust me when I say…it. is. so. good!

The recipe starts off with some spicy sausage. I used a lamb sausage from Whole Foods, but if you can’t find any lamb sausage, go for a spicy Italian pork sausage. Next comes all the tomatoes. Oh my excitement for tomatoes right now is pretty much through the roof.

My favorite heirloom tomatoes and heirloom cherry tomatoes have finally arrived back at my local farm stand and I am basically just jumping outta my skin with happiness. So many recipes to make, not enough days in the week.

Anyway, once the sausage is browned, the tomatoes get thrown in too, along with some spices, red wine (cause it’s Monday, duh) and spinach. Simmer it all for a few minutes until the tomatoes released their juices, then add some basil and layer on that salty halloumi cheese and a handful (or so) of cherry tomatoes. Bake for another few minutes, top with tons of fresh basil, and DIG IN. No utensils needed, just a side of toasted bread.

Veggie Option Alert: If you want to keep this vegetarian, I recommend adding one pound of mushrooms (or really any other veggie you love) in with the onions. Adding extra veggies will take place of the meat and bulk up the sauce for you. You could also add lentils for an extra protein boost!

I like to serve this with a big summer salad on the side…because you know, it is Monday. I highly recommend this simple nectarine caprese salad or this sunflower seed, kale, and cherry salad.

Trust me when I say to you…this is what you need for dinner…tonight.

With toast and wine, Happiest Monday!