Bowties n Cheese

Bowties n Cheese

Someone just might think that I haven't been cooking/ baking lately!  Well, not so.  Lots of good stuff going on here!  Our temps are warmer, so a daily walk is on the agenda.  Daily walks also include chatting it up with neighbors that we haven't seen all winter.  That sounds like a long time. Maybe it's not that long, but extended conversations have not taken place, either.  Spring is here!

This past year I've been working on my family's Genealogy.  It's both fascinating & answering questions that I've always been curious about.  I've learned that it also comes in very handy to be able to read/ write cursive writing.  Some penmanship on records is very legible.  Other times- not so much.  You know how I like History, so I'm determined to learn more!  It's a good time to share one of my family's comfort foods from my childhood.  Now, when I prep it, I use Bowtie (Farfelle) Noodles.   

Any time of year Bowties n Cheese are always enjoyed at dinner.  If a starch such as potatoes or corn are not found in my kitchen/ freezer to prep as part of dinner, this is a very tasty side dish!  The Farfelle Noodles are cooked according to directions on the package.  After draining them, return to the pot.  Add 1 Tablespoon Butter/ Margarine & 8 oz. Cottage Cheese.  Stir.  Warm over a Low Heat for about 2 minutes.  The Cottage Cheese melts a bit & blends with the cooked noodles.    

Bowties n Cheese

Ingredients:
Farfelle (Bowtie) Noodles
1 Tablespoon Butter/ Margarine
8 oz. Cottage Cheese- I use Low Fat with Chives.
Dash of Pepper

Method:

1. Cook desired amount of Farfelle Noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain & return hot noodles to pot.
3. Add 1 Tablespoon Butter/ Margarine & stir.
4. Then, add 8 ounces of Cottage Cheese to pot, stirring.
5. Sprinkle on a Dash of Pepper, stir.
6. Cover.
7. Before serving, heat over a Low Heat for about 1- 2 Minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Stir, serve & enjoy!

This is such a tasty side dish!  Any extra portions can be covered & placed in the fridge.  Add a little more Cottage Cheese & reheat before serving again.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Really Easy Cheesy Noodles

Are there times when you have a little extra pasta left after dinner?  Intentionally, I prep a bit extra and into the fridge it goes to be used in a side dish later in the week.  Easy Cheesy Noodles is a fave in my home.  It's an oldie but goodie that I posted here almost 2 years ago.     

No, it doesn't take long to make, but it sure is a lot quicker if the pasta is already cooked.  The precooked/refrigerated noodles need only be combined with a little Butter/Margarine, Pepper and 3/4 Cup Cottage Cheese in a microwave safe container with a cover.  Before heating in the microwave, place the cover loosely on top with a little venting.  Then, microwave for about 90 seconds.  Carefully, stir after heating.  Heat 30 seconds longer, if necessary. 

The Cottage Cheese will "melt" if overheated.  Yes, this can also be heated in a pot on the stove top. 

There is usually a carton of  "Chive & Toasted Onion" Cottage Cheese in my fridge - for snacking.  Combined with the extra pasta at dinner - it's delicious and quick! 

Easy Cheesy Noodles became even easier!  :) 
Enjoy!
Yummy!

Autumn is Around the Corner!

Yes, we are enjoying the crisp September mornings here in New England! Before the blink of an eye, Autumn will arrive. Yesterday, the afternoon sun felt good, so it was an invitation to use our outdoor grill while making dinner. Grilled Pork Tenderloin – ahhh yummy! While the Pork Tenderloin was grilling, the Easy Cheesy Noodles were on their way. Cut Cantaloupe was already in our fridge. Our dinner was easy to prepare and tasted sooo good!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

(1) Pork Tenderloin (about 1 and 1/3 lbs.)

1 – 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder, Sage

Method:
1. Pour Olive Oil on a large dish.
2. Now sprinkle the spices listed above on the Olive Oil. Use 2 – 3 shakes of jar or 1/8 tsp. of each, according to taste.
3. Rinse meat under cold running water.
4. Place on large dish with Spices and Olive Oil.
5. Turn meat over and coat with oil mixture on all sides and on ends.
6. After heating the outdoor grill, place the meat on the hot grill.
7. Grill about 25 – 30 Minutes (until cooked) turning over once.

Do you grill Pork Tenderloin? Have you tried Easy Cheesy Noodles? Both foods are family favorites in our home!

Yummy!
Enjoy!

Whenever I need to use a spice, I reach into my Spice Rack. My hubby built it to resemble a “shadow box”.

Easy Cheesy Noodles - A Side Dish for Grilled Haddock

The warm sun is shining and the grass is growing here in the Pioneer Valley. Our outdoor grill was used at dinnertime this weekend preparing easy tasty main dishes of grilled fish. Many of you have also been grilling haddock and swordfish. What better time to enjoy them than when our local grocery store offers special sales for the current week?

One very simple, yet tasty side dish for grilled fish is Easy Cheesy Noodles. It is a favorite from my childhood. However, now I use “No Yolks” Extra Broad Noodles. Egg noodles can be substituted. I cook half of the package of the dry noodles when preparing this dish.

This yummy fare is very easy to prepare!

1. Cook the noodles (desired amount) according to the package directions.
2. After draining the cooked noodles, place them in the cooking pot.
3. Add 2 TBS. Butter/Margarine, a dash of pepper and stir.
4. Then add about 8 oz. Cottage Cheese to the hot noodles.
5. Stir and then cover until serving.
6. Reheating quickly before serving may be needed.

The cottage cheese will be quickly heated and some may melt.

***For a special taste use Onion & Chive Low Fat Cottage Cheese!

This side dish is so good it became a family favorite years ago. Have you tried it?

Enjoy!
Yummy!
JG