I've got a few family recipes. Of course, my family is Greek, so the flavors might be different from what you're used to. But, on the other hand, they might be an interesting change. Briami (Baked Summer Vegetables) A variety of summer vegetables, baked in olive oil. A simple, tasty, and nutritious casserole. Use as a main dish or a delicious vegetable side dish. Vary the vegetable depending on what is available. 1 pound summer squash (zucchini, crookneck, patty pan, etc.) 1 pound eggplant 1 pound potatoes 2 onions 1 - 1 pounds tomatoes (fresh or canned) ½ - 1 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup chopped parsley ½ 1 cup water, hot 2 green peppers (optional) 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional) I cup buttered breadcrumbs (optional) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ÂScrub squash and cut off ends; cut in ¼ inch slices or in 1 inch chunks. ÂScrub eggplant and cut off ends; cut into ¼ inch slices. (Eggplant may be salted and set aside on paper towels to absorb moisture for at least 30 minutes. Rinse well before adding to casserole.) ÂWash and peel potatoes; cut in ¼ inch slices. ÂPeel onions; cut in ¼ inch slices. ÂWash, peel and cut tomatoes into slices (roughly slice or chop canned whole tomatoes). ÂIf using peppers, wash, remove seeds and cut into strips. ÂBeginning with sliced potatoes, layer all vegetables in a large casserole. ÂSalt and pepper each layer of vegetables lightly (If eggplant slices have been pre-salted, do not salt eggplant layer.) ÂAdd olive oil and hot water. ÂCover and bake at 350° for 60 minutes. ÂIf desired, sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. ÂUncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes. ÂLet stand uncovered 10-15 minutes before serving. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve with hearty bread slices and a fresh salad. May be served hot, warm, room temperature, or even cold. Fasolakia (Greek Stewed String Beans) A flavorsome combination of green beans stewed in a tasty tomato sauce. Simple, healthful, and delicious. A wonderful holiday alternative to the usual cream soup based green bean casseroles. 2 pounds string beans, fresh or frozen 2 onions, chopped 2  4 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup olive oil 1 - 8 ounce can tomato sauce ¼ - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1-2 teaspoons mint 2 potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-2 inch chunks 2 carrots, sliced 1 cup water or broth 2 teaspoons salt Pepper to taste ÂIn Dutch oven, sauté onion lightly in olive oil. ÂAdd tomato sauce, string beans, and remaining ingredients. ÂCover and simmer over medium heat for about 60 minutes or until all vegetable are tender. ÂCheck after 30 minutes; add more water or broth if necessary. ÂStir occasionally. Serve hot or room temperature. Patatosalata (Greek Potato Salad) Fresh, lively, and bursting with flavor. This salad brightens any meal and is a delicious alternative to the typical mayonnaise-laden versions. 2  2 ½ lbs. wax potatoes (white, Yukon Gold, or red) ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Juice of 1- 2 large lemons 1 red onion, finely diced 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano (optional) Salt and Pepper to taste ÂFinely chop onion and parsley ÂIn a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano (if used), parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and onion. Mix well and set aside. ÂWash potatoes well. ÂAdd potatoes to a large pot of boiling, lightly salted water. Cook potatoes at low boil for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Do not overcook. ÂDrain water and let potatoes cool slightly to touch. ÂWhen slightly cooled, peel and cut potatoes into slices or large dice (If desired, leave skin on red potatoes). ÂPlace potatoes in a large bowl; add dressing and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat. ÂCover bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Stir every once in a while to redistribute dressing. Macaronia me Voutyro (Pasta with Brown Butter Sauce) Simple yet delicious. Browned butter, tender pasta, and sharp, tangy cheese. A real treat for pasta lovers everywhere. 1 pound. spaghetti or other pasta ½ pound butter (1 cup/2 sticks)* ½ cup grated dry Mezithra** or Parmesan Salt and pepper to taste ÂFill a large deep pot 3/4 full with water. ÂAdd salt and bring to a rolling boil. ÂAdd pasta slowly, without breaking the boil. ÂCook until al dente, following package directions; stir frequently. ÂDrain well in a colander and return to pan in which it was cooked. ÂWhile pasta is cooking, melt butter and heat to a deep golden brown. ÂWatch it carefully; it burns quickly and suddenly. ÂPour browned butter over drained pasta in pot. ÂAdd half the grated cheese and toss well to coat. ÂAdd salt and pepper to taste. ÂSprinkle each serving with the extra grated cheese. ÂServe with additional grated cheese and freshly ground pepper. *If desired, substitute ½ cup very light olive oil for half of the butter. **If using Mezithra cheese, substitute ½ cup sweet, unsalted butter to cut down on salt content. Melintzanosalata (Roasted Eggplant Salad) Deliciously different! A perfect appetizer spread with crackers. 1 large eggplant 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed ¼ cup chopped parsley ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup wine vinegar or lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon) Salt and pepper to taste ÂPlace whole, washed eggplant in greased baking pan. ÂBake at 350° oven 60 minutes, until soft. Allow skin to turn black so as to give a smoky flavor to the salad. ÂAllow eggplant to cool off a bit so you can handle it. ÂSlice the eggplant down the middle and scoop out the pulp. ÂPut the eggplant pulp on a cutting board and chop it up finely. ÂLightly sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil. ÂIn a bowl, combine the chopped eggplant, onion and garlic mixture with all the olive oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. ÂSalt and pepper to taste. ÂCover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. ÂAdjust seasonings if necessary. Serve with pita bread, flat bread, or whole wheat/sesame crackers (like Ak Mak). Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice) A peasant dish thatÂs perfect for vegetarians. Simple and tasty! ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup parsley, chopped fine 1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine 1 bunch green onions, chopped 2 - 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1-teaspoon mint 1-teaspoon dill weed 2 teaspoons oregano 1½ - 2 cups water 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon salt and pepper 2 bunches spinach, washed, dried, stems removed, chopped (or 2 packages fresh spinach [stems removed] or 2 packages frozen chopped spinach [thawed and squeezed dry]) 1 cup white rice ÂIn a large saucepan place the oil and heat it on medium high until it is hot. ÂAdd the parsley, onions, and garlic. ÂSauté the ingredients until the onions are soft and translucent. ÂAdd the rice and sauté for a few minutes, stirring constantly. ÂAdd the water, tomato sauce, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. ÂMix the ingredients together thoroughly so that everything is well combined. ÂCover and simmer the ingredients until the rice is almost tender, approximately 15 minutes. ÂAdd water as needed. ÂUncover and stir in the spinach. ÂCover the pan and continue cooking on very low heat, about 5-10 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and all the liquid has been absorbed and the spanakorizo is tender, not mushy. ÂAdjust seasonings. ÂCover and let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve Spanakorizo with grated Parmesan cheese and/or plain, unflavored yogurt. Variation: To make Prassorizo (Leek Rice), substitute 1 1/2 pounds sliced leeks (white and green portions) for the spinach and add with the liquid. Leeks need longer cooking time. Omit green onions. I know you said you eat a lot of beans already, but this is a classic Greek bean soup recipe. It just might be different enough to try: Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup) Comfort foodÂGreek style! Thick, hearty, and full of vegetables. Peasant food fit for a king! 1 pound dry beans (great northern, lima, garbanzo, black eye pea, lentil) 1 onion, chopped 2Â3 stalks celery, chopped 2-3 carrots, chopped 2 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb (optional) 1Â2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon oregano 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce ¼ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 2  3 quarts water Dry Bean Preparation: Great Northern/Lima/Garbanzo: ÂRinse beans ÂSoak beans oOvernight Soak Method  In large pot soak 1 lb. beans overnight in at least 2 quarts water oQuick Soak Method  Combine 1 lb. beans & 2 quarts water in large pot. Heat beans & water to boiling. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, & let stand for at least 1 hour. ÂDrain soaking water & rinse beans ÂAdd 2 quarts water ÂCover & bring to boil ÂReduce heat to simmer ÂCook for 45  60 (or longer) until beans are just tender (not mushy) Black Eye Pea/Lentil (no soaking necessary): ÂRinse beans ÂAdd 2 quarts water ÂCover & bring to boil ÂReduce heat to simmer ÂCook black eye peas for 45  60 minutes until just tender (not mushy); cook lentils for 30  40 minutes until tender. Canned Bean Preparation: ÂUse equivalent to four (4) 15 oz. cans of desired beans ÂDrain & rinse beans ÂAdd 1½ quarts water Soup Preparation: ÂLightly sauté chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic in olive oil. Cover and cook over medium heat until just tender (not mushy). Do not brown. Â(Optional: brown ground beef/lamb; drain well). ÂAdd vegetables (with oil) & meat (if used) to prepared beans (approximately 6  8 cups prepared beans). ÂAdd salt, pepper, bayleaves, and oregano (dry beans will require more salt than canned beans). ÂAdd tomato sauce. ÂAdd additional quart water, if desired. ÂCover & bring to boil ÂReduce heat to simmer ÂSimmer for 30  45 minutes. ÂTaste & adjust seasonings This soup tastes even better reheated the next day; it also freezes well.

Here's one buy sooo much work! Stuffed Cabbage Head From Diana Rattray, This cabbage recipe was posted by Marie. 25 to 30 Cabbage leaves 3/4 cup uncooked rice 1 1/2 pint boiling water 2 tbsp. bacon drippings 1 med. onion, chopped fine 1 stick celery, chopped fine 1 cup lean ground beef 1 cup ground pork 1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped fine 1 egg, well beaten 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. thyme 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. red pepper 1 clove garlic, mashed A large white cotton cloth about 28 " square American or Velveeta cheese to grate Immerse cabbage leaves in salted boiling water; cook 2 to 3 min. or until wilted, adding a few at a time. Avoid crowding; drain and cool. Cook rice in boiling salted water 12 minutes; drain and transfer the rice to a large bowl. Cook ground pork in bacon drippings until brown, stirring occasionally. Add slat, pepper, garlic, onion, and celery, cook 5 minutes longer. Pour into cooked rice. Combine, rice, pork mixture, ham, ground beef, nutmeg, thyme, and egg, mix well and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Spread out the cloth. In center, place 4 cabbage leaves, to later resemble growing end of cabbage. Place about 1 tbsp. of mixture in center of each leaf and spread a bit. Continue building up the the head, using up the least attractive leaves first and placing dressing over each. Then at the last try and cover top and sides with the more perfect leaves, having used up all the dressing in the center. Bring up all 4 corners of the cloth and tie a string tightly and closely to the cabbage. In a large pot, pour 1 pint or more of water; place a rack or crumpled aluminum foil in the bottom. Place wrapped cabbage on rack, cover with a tight fitting lid and cook over med. heat. When water comes to a boil, reduce heat and cook 1 hour. When it is done, turn off the heat and let set covered for 10 minutes. Then untie string, unwrap, grate cheese over top, cover again for a couple of minutes, then gently lift our cloth and slip onto a platter. Serve sliced in wedges, cut like a cake, pass your favorite tomato sauce over each helping.

Greek Stuffed Peppers 4 large bell peppers (green, yellow, red, etc.) Stuffing: 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb â cup raw, long grain rice â cup water 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 - 4 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced ¼ cup olive oil 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon dried mint 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup hot water or broth Pepper to taste Peppers: Slice off the top of the peppers. Remove white membrane and all seeds. If desired, remove stem from top piece and use to "cap" the stuffed pepper or chop and add to filling mixture. Stuffed Vegetable Preparation: ÂSauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. ÂIf using, add reserved chopped green pepper. ÂAdd rice and 1/3 cup water. ÂParboil rice until almost all liquid is absorbed; set aside. ÂIn bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, parboiled rice, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, mint, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. ÂMix thoroughly. ÂPlace peppers into lightly oiled baking pan. ÂSalt cavity lightly. ÂStuff the meat/rice mixture into peppers. ÂAdd the hot water or broth. ÂCover pan. ÂBake at 350° for 60 minutes, until rice is tender and peppers are cooked. ÂCheck at 45 minutes and add more water or broth if needed. ÂLet stand covered 15-20 minutes. Serve with plain, unsweetened yogurt or Avgolemeno Sauce.

Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing 2 C cranberries 1 C water 1/2 C sugar 1 lb. sausage meat, I use Jimmy Dean Sage breakfast sausage 8 C cornbread, cubed and dried in a very low oven 2 large Granny Smith apples,peeled and diced 2 medium stalks celery, diced 1 medium onion finely diced (1/2 cup) 1/4 C chopped parsley 2 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 tsp marjoram leaves Combine cranberries, water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer 10 minutes. Drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Saute sausage in medium skillet breaking into small pieces, 5 minutes. Drain. Combine cranberries and sausage. Add cornbread, apples, celery, onion, parsley, thyme, marjoram salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix. Can be made day ahead. Stuff turkey just before ready to roast.