Oven "Grilled" Veggies

With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, we're all trying to come up with new ideas for pickies for everyone to enjoy. Hot wings, chips and dips, pizza , chili and that 6 foot sub all scream "Super Bowl". This year, why not add a healthy but delicious addition to the menu.

 Let's offset some of those fat calories with Oven "Grilled Veggies" I can tell you from experience that it takes me more time to cut up the veggies than it takes for them to disappear. You need only a few ingredients, an assortment of fresh veggies, and about 25 minutes to prepare this colorful feast. If you have a Farmers Market or Produce Store nearby, you can make this happen without breaking the bank. 

Oven "Grilled" Veggies

Ingredients:

• Fresh vegetables (Eggplant, green and yellow zucchini, plum tomatoes, red, yellow and orange peppers, spanish onions, asparagus and sliced portobello mushrooms are my choices)
• Pam spray (Olive Oil flavored)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze*
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Preparation of the veggies: 

1. Rinse the vegetables, dry and slice to your liking. 
2. Line several large baking sheets with foil and spray with Olive Oil Pam. 
3. Place sliced vegetables on the baking sheets making sure that you don't stack them. I recommend that you pan the veggies separately so that you can platter them up easily. 
4. Spray the veggies with Olive Oil Pam. 
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano and basil. 
6. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or to the desired tenderness. 
7. Place pans in broiler for a minute or two to lightly toast the tops. 
8. Using a spatula remove the veggies to a large serving platter. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and finish by drizzling *balsamic glaze. Add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. 

This dish can be prepared ahead of time. It is best when served at room temperature next to a platter of assorted cheeses, olives and crusty thinly sliced Italian bread. Yum!! 

*Balsamic glaze can be found in most supermarkets with the vinegars. It's a little pricy but a little goes a long way, Well worth it. Great on chicken dishes too.