Broccoli Tortelloni

Broccoli Tortelloni

A quick and easy meal to prepare for dinner works so well!  No, I am not talking about getting "take- out" or taking previously made/ frozen dinners out of our freezer to quickly microwave.  Broccoli Tortelloni is quick, easy and so delicious!  

This dinner comes together so fast.  I use Steam Fresh frozen Broccoli and cheese tortelloni.  Yes, tortellini could also be used here.  Every so often I saute mushrooms and freeze in small packages ready to use.  In this dinner it is an optional ingredient to quickly add in. 

Broccoli Tortelloni   

Ingredients:  

1 pkg. Cheese Tortelloni
Broccoli Florets-
    (I use Steam Fresh, but cooked fresh would work well, too.)
A few sauteed Mushrooms- optional
1- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil for baking and sauteing
Dried Basil
Parmesan Cheese

Method:

1. Prepare Tortelloni following package directions.
2. Prepare Broccoli Florets according to package.
3. Cut Brocolli Florets into smaller pieces.
4. Heat Olive Oil in large saute pan.
5. Carefully add drained Tortelloni and stir.
6. Add Broccoli and stir.
7. Add cooked Mushrooms. (Optional)
8. Sprinkle all with Parmesan Cheese and Basil.
9. Stir.
10. Serve.

The Tortelloni becomes a bit crispier when it is heated in the Olive Oil and it's so good!  The Parmesan Cheese and the Basil is a great addition. 

We usually have a little extra after enjoying dinner.  The small extra serving becomes a great lunch for one person after reheating in the microwave.  Try this easy and delicious dinner, soon.  Remember to add Cheese Tortelloni and Broccoli Florets to your grocery list.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

~Creamy Cheesy Pie~

Creamy Cheesy Pie
(File Photo)
Easy and delicious!

Yum! There are 2 servings left of Creamy Cheesy Pie in our fridge. Yes!! This weekend we had a taste of 90° F temperatures when both Saturday and Sunday were in the low 90°'s.  After listening to our weather forecasters, it was the perfect time to make a Creamy Cheesy Pie to enjoy after dinner. My mother- in- law introduced me to this very tasty treat. After she shared her recipe so many years ago, I was so surprised how little time it took to prepare.

It is really easy to prepare, too! There are 4 ingredients here. That is unless you also use 1% fat milk like we do. In that case 1 Tablespoon powdered milk is also added into the pot before preparing the pudding mix.

Before serving a slice of this delicious pie, I spread a small amount of Freezer Jam on top. Oh, it will be the newly made Strawberry Flavored Freezer Jam! Then a squirt of Reddi-wip whipped cream tops it off.

Click here for the complete recipe that I have posted in the past.    

It is so good! There are 2 servings waiting in our fridge! Add the ingredients to your grocery list.

Enjoy!
Yummy!     

~Baked Taco Pie~

~Baked Taco Pie~
cut into slices

One afternoon last week I was deciding what to prepare for dinner.  "What am I going to make?" is a question that seems to be on my mind a lot.  We had tortillas and ground beef in the fridge, so that was a start.  Then, I remembered a dinner that I had not prepared in quite some time.  It was Baked Taco Pie!  Some of the ingredients are browned ground beef, corn, tomato sauce and tortillas.  Suddenly, I knew it would be served at dinner.

The recipe is so easy to prepare and then it is baked.  I've changed it up a bit from the original recipe and I like it even better.  Add a little Sour Cream on top when serving!

***I use a baking dish that the Tortillas will fit in easily.  We do not always purchase the same size Tortillas, so I use whatever size in in our fridge.

This is a very tasty dinner!!     

Baked Taco Pie      

        Oven Temperature:  375°    Time:  30- 35 Minutes   

Ingredients: 

1 lb. Ground Beef
2 teaspoons Chopped Onion (dehydrated)
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
Sprinkle of Dried Basil
Sprinkle of Dried Oregano
1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced Tomatoes (drained)
1 pkg. Frozen Corn (10 ounces) thawed/ defrosted
(6) 7" or 8" or 9" ***Tortillas
1 Cup shredded Cheese- can be low fat
1 can (15 ounce) Tomato Sauce
Sour Cream

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375° F.
2. Brown Ground Beef in skillet, drain any fat.
3. Add Chopped Onions, Chili Powder, Basil & Oregano. Stir.
4. Add drained Diced Tomatoes & Corn. 
5. Stir in 1 Cup Tomato Sauce.
6. Cook for 5 Minutes in skillet.
7. Spray casserole baking dish with PAM.
8. Place 1/4 Cup Tomato Sauce on bottom of baking dish, spread.
9. Place 2 Tortillas on Sauce.
10. Add 1/3 filling mixture on top.  Spread evenly.
11. Place 2 Tortillas on filling.
12. Add 1/3 filling on Tortillas.  Spread evenly.
13. Sprinkle on 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese.
    
14. Then, add 2 Tortillas on Filling mixture.
15. Add remaining filling mixture on top, spreading evenly.
16. Pour remaining Tomato Sauce on top, spread evenly.
    
17. Then, sprinkle on remaining Shredded Cheese.
18. Bake 30- 35 Minutes in 375° Oven.
19. Cut into slices and serve.
20. Top with sour cream.

This is a very easy dish to prepare!  Before you know it, the oven timer will buzz it's done.  It is a hearty dish for this time of year.  If you have any slices left after dinner, they may be frozen to enjoy for another dinner.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad
(File Photo)

Like so many of you, my friends, I've been cooking up a storm!  As you can see, I have not had a chance to blog lately.  So, taking a current photo of food is... well... a dream.  I had a little bit of Baking Powder left and this week like magic, I have it.  What a different "new norm"!  I realize you have been finding the same situations at any time during the week.  People are cooking and/ or learning to cook! 

Hopefully, if we all wear our masks and use precautions things will change again to a more comfortable norm. 

One day last week we enjoyed Tortellini Salad as a side dish at dinner.  There was a bag of frozen tri-colored tortellini waiting in the freezer.  Waiting for me to prepare it!  It's one of my favorite pasta salads in the warmer months.  There is something great about biting into a cheese filled Tortellini that's surrounded by Italian Dressing.  The seasonings from the dressing just coat each little Tortellini!  Did I mention it is easy to prepare?  It is!  Very easy!

Sometimes, I add black olives, whole or sliced to this pasta salad.  They are optional.    

Tortellini Salad  

Ingredients:   
(1) 12 ounce bag Frozen Cheese Tortellini- may be lesser quantity
Italian Salad Dressing
Parsley Flakes
Garlic Powder

Method:

1. Prepare Tortellini following directions on bag. 
2. Drain, rinse with cold water.  Drain again.
3. Place in bowl.
4. Add about 1/2 Cup Italian Salad Dressing, combine.
5. Add desired amount of Parsley Flakes and Garlic Powder.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
7. Before serving, stir.  Add a little more Italian Dressing if needed.

It is that easy!  If you don't have the tortellini in your freezer, remember this recipe to prepare another time in the coming months!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas

These days living our daily lives dealing with COVID- 19, grocery shopping has become a planned activity.  There's no more making a short list and popping in to your favorite grocery store.  It's much easier to purchase ingredients that will be used in meals that we can enjoy for 8- 10 days.  The pound of Haddock that's purchased is prepared and enjoyed that night, like usual.  However, there are no longer 3 items on our grocery list.  It has become a larger list!  So, a slightly larger amount of chicken can be purchased, then grilled or baked.  There are easy meals to prepare and to enjoy with those extra slices of chicken the next night.  I talking Chicken Enchiladas!  Packaged Tortillas and Salsa need to be added to your grocery list if you are planning on enjoying this dinner one night, soon!

It's easy to prepare because the chicken has already been cooked!  The extra slices are cut into small pieces and mixed with sour cream, shredded cheese and a few other ingredients.  A small amount is placed on each tortilla before wrapping and placing into a baking dish.  About 30 minutes later Chicken Enchiladas will be ready for dinner.

Yes, I have written complete directions for this recipe before and it can be found here.

Last night we enjoyed them.  It sure was a quick and easy dinner to prepare!  Add tortillas and salsa to your grocery list whenever you will be baking/ grilling chicken.  A few slices of the chicken is key to another delicious dinner!  Leftovers?  Oh, no!  Those extra slices are the main ingredient to a very delicious dinner.  

Enjoy!
Yummy!

  
        

Creamy Cheesy Pie

Creamy Cheesy Pie
ready to cut into slices
(File Photo)

How many years have I been making Creamy Cheesy Pie??  It has been so many.  Actually, a few decades!  Years ago my husband & I were in Florida visiting his parents when I first tasted this yummy dessert.  After enjoying dinner my MIL served cheesecake with fresh fruit.  Now, cheesecake is always so hard for me to resist.  It was so yummy that I asked her for the recipe!  The ingredients were milk, cream cheese and a package of pudding (to prepare on the stove).  Was I ever surprised!  The instructions were so easy, too! 

At home the week before I had baked a cheesecake that required more than one package of cream cheese and it was baked in a springform pan.  There were many step by step directions, too.  Considering the time it took me to prep the cheesecake I had made and how easy my MIL's was to prepare, this one has become a fave with me!  Oh, the one I had made was delicious, but why spend extra time prepping a food when there is another option? 

Creamy Cheesy Pie is also a fave here, because it is a recipe handed down to me!

If and whenever you happen to be looking for a simple, yet very tasty dessert, prepare this if your family enjoys cheesecake!

• I use 1/3 less fat cream cheese when I make it, now.  It's because I'm always trying to reduce cholesterol when cooking. 

• I also use 1% Milk + 2 teaspoons powdered dry milk when prepping any pudding mix.        

Creamy Cheesy Pie 

Ingredients:

(1) Premade Graham Cracker Pie Shell
(1) 8 ounce package Cream Cheese
(1) package Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding mix
(2) Cups Milk

Method:

1. Prepare Pudding according to package directions. 
2. Place Cream Cheese in medium sized bowl.
3. Pour hot Pudding over Cream Cheese and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into Graham Cracker Crust.  Smooth mixture to crust edge.
5. Cool about 30 Minutes.  Then, cover with plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate overnight.
7. Cut into needed slices. Add Whipped Cream on top and berries on the side.
8. Refrigerate remaining slices.

This is a great dessert any time of year!

Enjoy!
Yummy! 

Baked Seafood Casserole

Baked Seafood Casserole
(File Photo)

New Year's Eve is now in my thoughts!  Soon it will be 2020!  It also had me thinking- what will we be enjoying for dinner that night???  I've been paying attention to what you, my friends, have been reading on my foodie blog, lately.  I now have the answer!  Baked Seafood Casserole!  The delicious seafood dinner that is baked in individual casserole dishes.  That seafood dinner that is oh so easy to prepare and tastes so good!

Ready to enjoy!
(File Photo)

Just imagine- holding your fork and digging into the bubbling topping!  Reaching in for a small piece of seafood.  Maybe part of the baked Haddock.  Or maybe a baked Shrimp!  Or just maybe part of a baked Scallop!  It is definitely a great entree for a special evening.  If you have company and they enjoy seafood, they will certainly enjoy this.

It's a dinner that I bake during the colder months of the year, because it requires 45 minutes in the oven.  While it's baking I work on the Rice side dish and also a salad.

Click here for my recipe!  Place the ingredients on your grocery list!  Baked Seafood Casserole is delicious! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

        

Winter Salad

So colorful!

Preparing and then enjoying fresh veggie salads during the colder months seems so much more challenging than when fresh local colorful veggies are available in the summer.  It may be because I like the taste of the fresh local tomatoes served over spinach leaves.  Now that is a great salad when it has a balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over the top!

All is not lost during the winter months in New England.  Tasty baby spinach leaves are still available to purchase.  With a few other staples in our pantry and fridge a great colorful salad is just minutes away!  This is also quick and easy!  Double plus!!

A dollop of cottage cheese (with or without pineapple chunks) placed on the fresh spinach leaves is just the beginning.  Then, add a few chunks of a pear (fresh or canned) on top.  Craisins (dried cranberries) are the last addition to this nutritious, colorful, flavorful salad.  No dressing is needed! 

After enjoying this Winter Salad as part of our dinner last night, I definitely do not miss the fresh local tomatoes anymore.  There will be plenty of them to enjoy in a few months!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

          

Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan

Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan ready for the oven!

Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti is just so good!  In days past I enjoyed ordering this entree when we dined at an Italian restaurant.  Then, I decided to stop eating the batter dipped fried Eggplant slices.  It's not that they were not totally delicious, I didn't want to eat fried foods.  Now, I enjoy preparing this entree, but I bake it.  Actually, double bake the Eggplant.  Whenever I bake a batch, extra portions are packaged/ labelled/ dated for our freezer. It's a great take- out dinner from my kitchen!

I've been baking this for a while, but now I've also changed my original recipe.  When preparing it, place a combination of Ricotta Cheese + Mozzarella Cheese on top of the Eggplant round after placing the Eggplant in the baking dish.  Then, top with a second round of Eggplant.  That extra yummy taste of  creamy Ricotta Cheese sandwiched between Eggplant slices!

Bake a batch!  It's so good!      
  
Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients:
2 Eggplants
Olive Oil for baking & sauteing
Basil
1 Cup Ricotta Cheese-  can be low fat or fat free
8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Tomato Sauce- (16- 20 ounces)
(1) 6 ounce can Tomato Paste
Garlic Powder
Oregano
1 Green Pepper (chopped) and/ or 1 Zucchini Squash (chopped)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. 
2. Line a large cookie pan with foil, spray with PAM.
3. Wash & dry all vegetables.
4. Cut each Eggplant into 1" rounds.  ***Cut an even number of rounded slices. 
5. Place each Eggplant round on cookie sheet. 
6. Drizzle a small amount of Olive Oil for baking & sauteing on top of each round.
7. Then, lightly sprinkle with Basil. 
8. Bake Eggplant for 20 Minutes in 450°F. 

 After Eggplant has been removed from oven, lower oven temperature to 350°F.

***While Eggplant is baking:

1.  Spray a large baking dish with PAM.
2.  Combine & mix Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste in a bowl.
3.  Place a small amount of sauce mixture in baking dish, covering bottom of dish.
4.  In another bowl, combine 1 Cup Ricotta Cheese and about 3 ounces of Mozzarella Cheese.
   
   After Eggplant comes out of the oven:
   
5.  Place half of baked Eggplant rounds in baking dish.
6.  Place Cheese mixture on top.
7.  Place an Eggplant round on top of cheese.
8.  Top with Sauce mixture.
9.  Sprinkle on Mozzarella Cheese.
10.  Add chopped Green Pepper and/ or chopped Zucchini to baking dish around Eggplant.
11.  Cover the vegetables with all the remaining sauce mixture.
12.  Bake for 30- 35 Minutes until Eggplant is soft.
13.  Serve with Spaghetti & a Veggie Salad. 

This is a delicious dinner using fresh vegetables!  No longer do I miss ordering Eggplant Parmesan at an Italian restaurant.  :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

  

Baked Haddock Casserole

Baked Haddock Casserole

Who would guess that under the crushed "hint of salt" Ritz crackers is a light covering of shredded cheese & Parsley flakes?  Under that is an individual sized portion of Haddock or Cod.  There's also the light sprinkling of Parsley, Paprika & Basil on the fish. 
Baked Haddock Casserole!  This is such a delicious entree! 

My Fiestaware individual sized casserole dishes are perfect for baking this yummy seafood.  It can be prepared any time during the year using fresh or defrosted Haddock.

We've enjoyed this at dinner so many times during the past year.  Last summer when we were at the Cape (Cape Cod in MA) we stopped in for dinner at a favorite restaurant in Orleans, MA- Rock Harbor Grill.  At dinner that evening we had a yummy baked fish entree, only it contained sausage in the topping.  Considering that I am watching my cholesterol, I decided to make a similar dish at home minus the sausage.  I add Paprika for the extra kick here.  To be honest, I do not see a difference in taste.

The fish is light & moist in this casserole.  The cheese & herbs give it a great taste.  It has become one of our favorite dinners on a cold New England night.

Bake this entree some evening!  It is so good!    

Baked Haddock Casserole
     2 servings  

Oven Temperature:  350°F          Time:  45 Minutes

Ingredients:
2 pieces (1/2 lb. each) Captain's Cut Haddock (- thick pieces)
1/8 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
1/8 teaspoon Basil
3- 4 ounces shredded Mozzarella or Mozzarella/ Cheddar Cheese combo
15 Hint of Salt Ritz Crackers, crushed   OR   2/3 Cup Bread Crumbs

3 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine, melted
1/3 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Method:

1. Butter individual baking dishes.
2. Rinse Haddock under cool running water.
3. Place in baking dish.
4. Sprinkle on Parsley Flakes.
5. Then, sprinkle on Paprika & Basil.
6. Cover with shredded Cheese.
7. In a small bowl combine crushed Ritz Crackers  OR  Bread Crumbs & Garlic Powder.
8. Add melted Butter/ Margarine & Worcestershire Sauce.  Combine well.
9. Spread half of Mixture Topping on top of each baking dish.
10. Bake at 350° F for 45 Minutes.

I find the crushed Ritz crackers work well here as do the Bread Crumbs, so I use either.  

This entree is just delicious!  There's no need to enjoy it only at a restaurant!  Serve it at home with a Salad & a Baked Potato!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Baked Seafood Casserole

Baked Seafood Casserole
with Scallops, Shrimp & Haddock

Baked Seafood Casserole!  Oh, yum!  For many years whenever this entree was on the menu at a seafood restaurant I thought well, maybe, mmm, but not today.  I'd order the Broiled Seafood Platter.  Well, that changed a couple of years ago.  We were at the Rock Harbor Grill at the Cape (Cape Cod, MA).  The restaurant was totally packed with couples & families on a September weekday evening.  Everyone was chatting & enjoying their dinners.  Once again one choice on the menu was Seafood Casserole.  I took the plunge & decided to try it.  Let me tell you- it was so yummy!  From that day on I bake Seafood Casseroles at home!  No need to enjoy this delicious entree only at a restaurant.  Why did it take me so long to taste it???
   
The first time I was thinking about baking this, I realized that the much needed individual baking dishes were not in my cabinet!  It was time to get 4 pieces of colorful Fiestaware.  It's been on my wish list.  I needed individual casserole dishes, so the time had come to purchase some.  They sure work well when baking a Seafood Casserole!    

After looking at so many recipes for this yummy dish, I decided to include 3 types of seafood that are easily available to me.  Uncooked Shrimp is always in my freezer & only needed to be defrosted.  Scallops & a piece of Haddock can be purchased quickly.

A Baked Seafood Casserole is so easy to make!  The seafood is placed in the bottom of buttered individual serving/ baking dishes.  Add a little shredded Cheese.  Crush hint of salt Ritz Crackers & combine with Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder & melted Butter to sprinkle on top.  Bake in the oven for 45 minutes & the yummy Seafood Casserole is ready.  How easy can this be?  Absolutely delicious, too!

Tender Baked Seafood
under the Bubbly Topping

Baked Seafood Casserole
     2 servings

Oven Temperature:  350°F            Time: 45 Minutes

Ingredients:
6 small Scallops
8 medium uncooked Shrimp, peeled & deveined
about 2/3 lbs. Haddock fillet
3-4 ounces shredded Cheese (Mozzarella or Cheddar Combo)
15 with a hint of salt Ritz Crackers, crushed
3 Tablespoons melted Butter/ Margarine
1/3 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Method: 

1. Butter individual baking dishes.
2. Remove shells from Shrimp, devein.
3. Cut Haddock Fillet in half.
4. Rinse seafood under cool running water, drain.
5. Place Scallops & Shrimp in baking dishes.
6. Place Haddock on top, folding narrow ends under.
7. Cover with shredded Cheese.
8. In a small bowl combine crushed Ritz Crackers & Garlic Powder.
9. Add Worcestershire Sauce & melted Butter/ Margarine, combine all.
10. Spread half of Topping Mixture on seafood in each baking dish.
11. Bake at 350°F for 45 Minutes.

***I placed the individual baking dishes on a cookie pan before baking.  It prevented any possible spills when taking out of my oven.  :)

We enjoyed this Seafood Casserole at dinner, again tonight.  Working quickly, it took about 30 Minutes to prepare before baking.  This is one great entree!  Don't wait to order it at a restaurant!  It's that good!  Served with Rice & a veggie, yum! 

Have you baked a Seafood Casserole? 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

           

Raisin Easy Cheesey

Raisin Easy Cheesey

Ah, you're biting into a toasted English Muffin breakfast sandwich & suddenly the taste of a raisin and cheese hit your taste buds.  Add an egg to that.  Yes, it's a Raisin Easy Cheesey.  This is a very quick breakfast to make on a weekend morning.  You have the toaster/ toaster oven and a small frying or saute pan, so you're in business.  Now, find your "short order cook" skills! 

There's no need to stop into a breakfast shop & order one of these tasty breakfasts!  Add Raisin English Muffins & sliced cheese to your grocery list.  Chances are the eggs are in your fridge.  Breakfast does not need to be difficult to prepare to be so yummy!      


Raisin Easy Cheesey  

Ingredients:
Eggs
Raisin English Muffins
Sliced American Cheese - Kraft is my choice.

Method:

1.  Split Raisin English Muffins, to toast.
2.  Fry 1 Egg in nonstick frying pan, turning over once.
3.  While Frying Egg, toast English Muffin.
4.  Place 1 slice of American Cheese on 1 half of toasted English Muffin.
5. Top with Fried Egg & then the other toasted English Muffin half.
6. Repeat to make another!

***If you like to use only Egg Whites while preparing breakfast, yes, 2 Egg Whites can be fried rather than 1 whole Egg for each Raisin Easy Cheesey.

***If you do not enjoy the taste of raisins, use Plain English Muffins.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

    

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana

Do you have a couple of Eggplants?  Whenever I see a display of Eggplants suddenly an image of Eggplant Parmigiana comes to mind!  A forkful smothered in tomato sauce is so good.  Usually the Eggplant has been fried, so I tend to stay away from ordering it when dining out.  Not that I don't enjoy the taste, it's that cholesterol thing with me.  I try to save fried foods for that once in a blue moon.  Like the Whole Belly Clam Roll served with tartar sauce & a side of Cole Slaw- when we were at the Cape.

For the past 3 years I've enjoyed Eggplant Parmigiana, but the Eggplant is baked, not fried.  While thumbing through a recipe booklet from one of our local grocery stores, the recipe caught my eye.  Now, when these veggies are in season locally here, I like to bake a batch a couple of times.  Definitely there are more servings remaining after dinner.  This freezes very well and can be reheated in the microwave on a busy night.  It's easy, it's delicious!  What can be better?

You guessed it.  Sunday's trip to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow included Eggplant.              

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana  
     adapted from Big Y Life in Balance

Ingredients:
PAM  
Olive Oil for baking & sauteing 
(2) small Eggplants
Ground Pepper
Basil
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Tomato Sauce (about 16 oz. - 20 oz.) 
(1) can 6 oz. Tomato Paste
8 oz. shredded Mozzarella
 
Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Line a large cookie pan with foil and spray with PAM.
3. Wash & dry Eggplants. 
4. Cut each Eggplant into 1" round slices.  Cut an even number of round slices.
5. Place each slice on cookie sheet and drizzle a small amount of Olive Oil on top of each slice.
6. Then, lightly sprinkle with Ground Pepper & Basil.
7.  Bake Eggplant slices for 20 minutes in 450°F oven. 

After slices are baked, remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 350°F.

*While Eggplant is baking continue prepping:  

1. Spray a large baking dish with PAM.
2.  Mix Tomato Sauce with Tomato Paste in a small bowl. 
3.  Place a small amount of sauce mixture in baking dish, covering bottom.
4.  Place baked Eggplant slices on bottom of baking dish.  Top each slice with shredded Mozzarella Cheese.  Then, top with another slice of Eggplant.  Place sauce mixture on top.  Sprinkle on Garlic Powder & Oregano.  
5. Then top with more Mozzarella Cheese.  
6. Bake for 30- 35 minutes or until Eggplant is soft. 
7. Serve with Penne. 

For an extra great taste, I sauted 1 Green Pepper after cutting it into slices & added it to the sauce before baking.  That extra flavor was great!  Bake Eggplant Parmigiana soon!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

~Easy Cheesy Sauce~

After baking a double batch of Craisin Raisin Oaties yesterday afternoon, dinner time suddenly - appeared.  My counters, my kitchen table & my kitchen sink all showed signs that I'd been baking!  As the Oaties were cooling before packaging & placing 2/3 of them in the freezer I could think about dinner. 

Craisin Raisin Oaties

Quite often on the bottom shelf of our fridge a package of Buitoni ravioli can be located.  Usually it's cheese flavored.  This fall, I spotted Buitoni Crab Ravioli in my grocery store & I had a "why not try it" moment.

Cheese ravioli tastes great with any flavor of tomato based sauce.  However, the crab flavored ravioli needed a different flavor.  Suddenly an image of these ravioli covered with a cheese sauce was mouthwatering.  My small nonstick saute skillet was located.  Flour, 1% Milk & shredded cheese found their way to my counter.  The cheese sauce was quick & easy to prepare while the ravioli was cooking.

Easy Cheesy Sauce

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine
3 Tablespoons Flour
1 Cup Milk (1% works well)
1/4 Cup Shredded Cheese

Method:

1. Melt Butter/ Margarine over Medium heat in a nonstick skillet.
2. Remove from heat & add in 3 Tablespoons Flour & blend together. 
3. Slowly, add in 1/4 Cup of the Milk.
4. Stir together until smooth.
5. While stirring slowly add remaining 3/4 Cup Milk.  
6. Stir over Medium heat.
7. Constantly stir until bubbly & thickens.
8. Stir for 1 additional minute.
9. Add in Shredded Cheese.
10. Stir until Cheese melts.
11. If too thick, add 1- 2 Tablespoons additional Milk, as needed.
12. Serve over Crab Ravioli.

The Easy Cheesy Sauce was a wonderful topping for the ravioli.  It was also quick to prepare after baking in the afternoon.

Today much needed errands were done!  Our daytime temperature was in the 30's.  It was time to venture outside for a longer period of time other than a quick trip to the grocery store.  The single digit thermometer readings + wind chills are gone.  Woohoo!  

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Raisin Easy Cheesies

The changed landscape!

No doubt about it.  The light powdered snow fell last night.  Our temps were/ will continue to be low.  Last night & today snowplows were clearing the streets and also some driveways.  The sound of snow blowers could be heard in my neighborhood.

This AM before my DH headed outside to give our trusted snow blower a workout, a yummy breakfast was definitely needed.  After our great fam FuN filled holidays, our freezer is... well... empty of any pancakes.  However, Eggs, English Muffins & American Cheese are staples in my kitchen.

It took little time to whip up Raisin Easy Cheesies!  The quick breakfast that is filling & warm! 

Raisin Easy Cheesies  

Ingredients:
Eggs
Raisin English Muffins
Sliced American Cheese - Kraft is my choice.

Method:

1. Split Raisin English Muffins, ready to toast.
2. Fry 1 Egg in nonstick frying pan, turning over once.
3. While Frying Egg, toast English Muffin.
4. Place 1 slice American Cheese on 1 half of toasted English Muffin.
5. Top with Fried Egg & other toasted English Muffin half.

What a great breakfast sandwich!  The cheese slightly melts and tastes so yummy combined with the Raisins in the English Muffin.  The Egg + the Cheese = so good!

Yes, 2 Egg Whites only can be used rather than 1 whole Egg in each of the Raisin Easy Cheesies!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Simple Soup & Sandwich

Tomato Basil White Bean Soup & Grilled Cheese n Tuna Sandwich

This week we had a couple of days that were cold.  They were dreary, too.  They also contained the sound of "achoo" from me.  Wednesday evening an easy meal to prep at dinner was needed.  Hot soup with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich sounded really good!  Plain, simple, good! 

All of the ingredients for Tomato Basil White Bean Soup (recipe here) were found quickly.  As some of the ingredients including canned plum tomatoes cut in pieces, chicken broth, tomato sauce, Basil & Garlic Powder were simmering, my griddle pan was located.

Grilled Cheese on oatmeal bread is a fave here & sometimes I add tuna when making it - before grilling.  For a number of years, tuna packed in olive oil is our preferred choice.  Some of the oil is drained from the can, before mashing the tuna.  I skip adding the mayo here and just add the tuna into a sandwich.  Quite often when turning a Grilled Cheese n Tuna Sandwich over while grilling, a little tuna sneaks out onto my griddle.  No longer will that happen!

The magic?  Add a little shredded cheese into the mashed tuna before placing it on the bread slice.  The shredded cheese heats, melts and keeps the tuna together.  It's also a little extra cheese in the Grilled Cheese n Tuna Sandwich.  What a great taste!

It was so good along with the Tomato Basil White Bean Soup!  It was also very easy!

We did enjoy!

Yummy!

       

~Creamy Cheesy Pie~

 It's very peaceful...listening to the water trickle down into the gutters as the snow on our roof melts.  Today it was 40°F and the bright sunshine filled my Computer/ Sewing room as I was typing.  Yesterday, my hubby used our Snow Rake to remove snow from the edges of our roof.  We are not looking for a repeat of the winter of 2011!  The water moving downward is a welcoming sound today.

Hubby Working!

Tomorrow is a day of FuN!  It's always great to make a fave dessert for Valentine's Day!  So many to choose from.  Suddenly, the vision of a Creamy Cheesy Pie appeared!  It's an easy dessert that my mother-in-law tempted me with so many years ago.

Ingredients

We were visiting in the sunny state of FL during the winter.  The week before I had baked a delicious creamy Cheesecake.  Much Cream Cheese, Sugar, a homemade crust, and much prep time in my creation.  After sampling the first bite of her treat, I knew I'd never spend that much time again using my recipe.  Hers was so easy...hers was so tasty...hers was a lot less effort!  It was delicious!  From that time on I make it for a special occasion.  Valentine's Day is definitely a special occasion this month!

Creamy Cheesy Pie 

Ingredients:

(1) small pkg. Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding Mix
(1) pkg. 8 oz. Cream Cheese
(2) Cups Milk
(1) Pre-made Graham Cracker Pie Shell

Method:

1. Prepare Pudding according to package directions.
2. Place Cream Cheese in a medium bowl.
3. Pour hot Pudding over Cream Cheese and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into Graham Cracker crust.  Smooth mixture to crust edges.
5. Cool - maybe 30 minutes and cover with plastic wrap.  I leave small amount unwrapped on edge.
6. Refrigerate overnight.
7. Cut into slices.  Add whipped cream on top.
8. Place berries on the side.
9. Refrigerate remaining pie to enjoy again.  Yum!

• My family uses 1% Milk, so I add 1 Tablespoon powdered milk into pot before making pudding.
• Sometimes I substitute Neufchatel Cheese for Cream Cheese. 
• I use Jell-O brand pudding mix, because when using the Jell-O brand I do not burn the bottom of the pot.  :)

My older son has made a Chocolate Creamy Cheesy Pie - using Chocolate Cook & Serve Pudding. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

    

~Baked Mac & Cheese~

Baked Mac & Cheese with Salad

This AM a little after 9 AM the flakes started to float down.  Suddenly, the sky was filled with white powder falling.  Here in the northeast we did heed the precautions.  "Winter Storm Nemo" is in our future.  We've learned from the past two Octobers that Mother Nature rules.  We are "hunkering down".  Our snowblower is ready! 

Today my knitting needles will be clicking and my Janome will be humming.  Dinner will be a potpourri of entrees enjoyed earlier this week.  One is Baked Mac & Cheese!  Once or twice during the winter season I bake this "comfort food".  My ideal method when baking this family fave is to bake it in two 8"x 8" GLAD OVENWARE baking pans.  By doing this, 1 black container can be placed in the freezer... for dinner again on a busy evening or it may travel down the Mass Pike!  :) 

These baking containers are great!  *Follow the usage instructions on the package!*

Two 8"x 8" Pans... Out of the Oven!

Baked Mac & Cheese   click for printable recipe card


Oven:  350°F        Bake:  35 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 (16 oz.) Pkg. Elbow Noodles
1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Butter or Margarine
6 Tablespoons Flour
4 Cups Milk
8-10 oz. Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese, cut in cubes
2 Tablespoons Dry Bread Crumbs
2-3 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray PAM into Glass Baking Dish ( about 9” x 13”) 
3. Prepare pasta, cooking 7-8 Minutes.
4. After draining return pasta to large cooking pot.
5. While preparing pasta, make sauce.
6. Melt Butter/Margarine in a 3 qt. pot.
7. Add & stir in Flour 1 Tablespoon at a time.
8. Slowly add 1 Cup Milk, stir well.
9. Then, slowly add remaining milk.
10. Stir & cook until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
11. Add in cheese and stir until cheese melts.
12. Add this mixture to noodles in pot & stir.
13. Pour mixture into Baking Pan.
14. Sprinkle with dry Bread Crumbs, dot top with small slices of Butter/Margarine.
15. Bake for 35 Minutes.

***If using the GLAD OVENWARE, follow directions on package for usage!

Do you use Glad OVENWARE?  What is your "comfort food"?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

Grilled Cheese & Avocado

Grilled Cheese & Avocado

Grilled Cheese...yum!  The sandwich containing oozing warm melted cheese has been a fave of mine for years.  Usually, lunch for me is Yogurt over a sliced Banana along with a glass of Orange Juice.  Bananas are not a fave with me, so I hide them in other foods, whenever possible, to eat the fruit daily.  

Yesterday, as my DH & I were delivering "Meals on Wheels" to senior residents in town, the vision of the ripened Avocado sitting on my kitchen counter kept popping into my thoughts.  Suddenly, I knew how the green fruit would be enjoyed!  A Grilled Cheese & Avocado Sandwich!  I envisioned cheese topped with slices of green Avocado surrounded by Oatmeal Bread.

Driving up our driveway, we were famished!  It did not take long to defrost 4 slices of Oatmeal Bread and locate my griddle.  Good ole' plain Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese & Tomato, Grilled Cheese & Ham and Grilled Cheese & Tuna all taste great.  This change up using slices of Avocado is also yummy!

There was an extra large slice of Avocado remaining.  Cut into chunks it made for a very tasty garnish!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

         

Basil Parmesan Toast

It's always great to change things a bit!  Sometimes things change while cooking, because the needed ingredient is not to be found - easily.  Who wants to make that quick trip to the grocery store, when you need it right now?  I sure don't, even though my grocery store is 5 minutes away!  Other times, it's great to substitute and try something different.

Add Basil Before Toasting

That last scenario occurred when I was getting the Parmesan Toast ready to be placed in the Toaster  Oven.  I usually sprinkle Garlic Powder on top.  Well, Basil Parmesan Toast tastes absolutely wonderful!

This is a quick & easy substitute whenever dinner rolls are not at hand. Whenever a partial loaf of bread is not found on my counter, the chances are good that one can be located in my freezer.  This is especially true on these HHH days!  The needed slices can easily be defrosted.  However, I've learned that Hamburger Rolls (split in half) work quite nicely, also!

Basil Parmesan Toast

Ingredients: 

Slices of Bread
Softened Butter/Margarine
Parmesan Cheese
Basil (dried)

***A Toaster Oven is needed!

Method:

1. Lightly spread softened Butter/Margarine on desired bread slices.
2. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese on top.
3. Then, sprinkle on dried Basil. 
4. Toast bread slices in a Toaster Oven, as desired.
5. Cut on a diagonal and serve with dinner.

My fave bread to use is Soft Oatmeal.  This Basil Parmesan Toast is quick & easy to make!  Perfect for a summer meal when it would be great to have rolls with dinner, but there are none to be found!

Enjoy!
Yummy!