Chicken Crescent Rolls

2 c. cubed cooked chicken or turkey (some skin okay)

2 T butter (helps if softened)

1 T chopped onion (any kind you have on hand)

½ t salt

2 T milk

3 – 4 oz cream cheese (helps if softened)

1T Choice of seasoning (lemon thyme, paprika, 1 T curry powder +2T dried fruit, italian, greek , herbs de Provence or poultry seasoning). Plain okay, too.

1 pack refrigerated crescent rolls

Combine in a bowl ahead and lit sit in the fridge at least 20 minutes so flavors meld. Great to do when you have a break and then just wrap them while the oven heats.

Roll out crescent rolls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Cut either into 4 blocks or 6. Divide chicken among rolls, place in center. Bring opposite corners together across top of chicken. Could drizzle with butter or top with pretty spice (paprika) for color. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves 4 adults.

Nothing has to be measured exactly, okay to eyeball and to experiment. Could also be done with a purchased chicken salad and just add a little cream cheese. This is great for leftover rotisserie chicken or thanksgiving turkey.

N.CarolinaGirl

Quesadilla Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1/2 c chopped onion
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
8 3/4 oz can whole kernel corn, undrained
4 1/2 oz chopped green chiles, undrained
2 t chili powder
1 t cumin
1 t minced garlic
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t crushed red pepper (optional)
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
2 c shredded cheddar cheese

1. Brown beef and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat; drain. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn, and green chiles; mix well. Stir in all of the spices except red pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Add red pepper to taste, if desired.

2. Spread 1/2 cup of the mixture on bottom of 13x9 baking dish (sprayed with no-stick cooking spray). Top with 3 tortillas, overlapping as needed. Layer with 1/2 of the remaining beef mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.

3. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.


kem717

Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower and Parsley

From: Martha Stewart Everyday Food

I saw this on the Everyday Food show on PBS, it looked so good that I tried it out and it was great. There is a video on marthastewart.com site that shows how to make it- just type in the recipe in the recipe finder search box on the site.

Ingredients

Serves 4.

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
• 1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), cut into large florets
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook chicken, skin side down, until skin is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip chicken and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
3. Place cauliflower around chicken, turning to coat in pan juices; season with salt and pepper. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until chicken is cooked through and cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in parsley, vinegar, and capers.

JAM2000

Lemon Fusilli with Arugula

From: Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 lemons
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch broccoli
• 1 pound dried fusilli pasta
• 1/2 pound baby arugula (or 2 bunches of common arugula, leaves cut in thirds)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic, and cook for 60 seconds. Add the cream, the zest from 2 lemons, the juice of 2 lemons, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until it starts to thicken.

Meanwhile, cut the broccoli in florets and discard the stem. Cook the florets in a pot of boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain the broccoli and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the package, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta in a colander and place it back into the pot. Immediately add the cream mixture and cook it over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, until most of the sauce has been absorbed in the pasta. Pour the hot pasta into a large bowl, add the arugula, Parmesan, tomatoes, and cooked broccoli. Cut the last lemon in half lengthwise, slice it 1/4-inch thick crosswise, and add it to the pasta. Toss well, season to taste, and serve hot.

JAM2000

Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup

From: Barefoot Contessa

This is so yummy. I went out and bought tomatoes for it, but I can't wait to make this again when the tomatoes in my garden are ready. I didn't use a food mill- I used a stick blender that I put right in the pot, it came out fine.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped red onions (2 onions)
• 2 carrots, unpeeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 4 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, coarsely chopped (5 large)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves, plus julienned basil leaves, for garnish
• 3 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup heavy cream ( I used light cream)
• Croutons, for garnish

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and carrots and saute for about 10 minutes, until very tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, basil, chicken stock, salt, and pepper and stir well. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are very tender.

Add the cream to the soup and process it through a food mill into a bowl, discarding only the dry pulp that's left. Reheat the soup over low heat just until hot and serve with julienned basil leaves and/or croutons.

JAM2000

Zesty Chicken with Shallots, Capers and Olives

From the book Weight Watchers: Make It in Minutes: Easy Recipes in 15,20,and 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound thin-sliced skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can dried tomatoes, with their juice
• 5 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. Sprinkle the chicken with rosemary, salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side; transfer to a plate.
4. Add the shallots and garlic to the skillet and cook until the shallots are soft, about 1 minute Stir in the vinegar; continue to cook until the vinegar evaporates, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the wine, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
6. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 8 minutes.
7. Stir in the basil.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook about 1 minute longer to heat through.

Serve the chicken over your favorite thin-strand pasta with a tossed green salad on the side.

JAM2000

Chicken-Pasta Salad

Adapted from Cooking Light

Any kind of short pasta can be substituted for farfalle.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked farfalle (about 8 ounces uncooked bow tie pasta)
• 2 cups diced ready-to-eat roasted skinned, boned chicken breasts (about 2 breasts)
• 3/4 cup sliced carrot
• 3/4 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup frozen petite green peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the olive oil and remaining ingredients, and stir mixture well with a whisk. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad, and toss gently. Cover salad and chill.

Ok, I didn't follow the recipe that closely but the part I did follow closely was the dressing and that was the best part! My modifications:

- Used grilled chicken breast from the night before

- Omitted celery and peas (didn't have them) and added green onion

- Used baby spinach as a lettuce base

- Used orzo pasta in place of farfalle

- Doubled dressing recipe but you could do at least that much - we almost ran out for just 2 servings.

lms_bride

Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups dry elbow macaroni

1 -2 cans Campbell's condensed Cheddar Cheese soup (I used 2 but had too much - it depends how creamy you like your mac n cheese)

1 cup shredded extra sharp Cheddar Cheese

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon margarine or butter - melted

2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs (I made my own from whole wheat bread)

Directions:

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.

2. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray casserole/baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, if desired.

3. For quicker prep, while macaroni cooks, combine cheddar cheese soup, milk, & pepper in a pot on stove top.

4. When cheese mixture is warm and well combined, sprinkle in 3/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

5. Add drained, cooked pasta into cheddar cheese sauce and toss/stir to coat.

6. Pour combination into casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Combine melted margarine with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over top of mac n cheese .

8. Bake until hot & bubbling - approx. 20 minutes if sauce prepared on stove top.

Kitten80

Cheesy Potatoes and Ham Casserole

Ingredients:

1 package (2 lbs) frozen southern style hash browns (the cube ones)
2-3 cups shredded cheese (I like a Mexican blend, but plain cheddar would work too)
1 pint sour cream
2 cans cream of potato soup
2 tablespoons minced onion (or one packet of onion soup mix)
1/2 cup milk
1-2 ham steaks cut into small pieces/cubes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat soup and cheese until cheese is completely melted in large saucepan.

Take off heat and add other ingredients (leaving a little cheese out to top).

Bake at 325 for at least 2.5-3 hours in covered, greased/buttered casserole dish.

Remove cover and sprinkle cheese on top.

Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until cheese on top is browned.

This makes a lot so I usually split the recipe in half before I put it in the oven. I put half in a disposable foil pan covered in foil and in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. The other half, I cook as the recipe says. To cook the frozen one, put it straight in the oven frozen and cook for 3 hours on 325.

Ciarrai

Taco Soup

1lb ground beef

1pkg Ranch Dressing Seasoning

1pkg of Taco Seasoning

1 cup of water

Brown ground beef, drain. Add seasonings mixes and water, simmer for a couple of minutes.

Then add:

1 can Rotel

1 can Corn

1 can Kidney Beans

1 can Pinto Beans

1 can Diced Tomatoes
1/4 small yellow onion diced

Let simmer. The longer you let it simmer the better it is!

Ciarrai

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked

1 pkg. (9 oz.) fresh spinach leaves (you can sub frozen- I've done it and it's fine)

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp. dried basil leaves

1 jar (14-1/2 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Neufchatel Cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

2 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

COOK pasta as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water the last minute.

COOK and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 3 min. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer on low heat 3 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel.

DRAIN pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole or 8-inch square baking dish.

BAKE 20 min.; top with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

JAM2000

Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

This sounds weird, but it is so yummy.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix for Chicken

1 can (21 oz.) apple pie filling

6 boneless pork loin chops (1-1/2 lb.), 3/4 inch thick

Directions

Heat oven to 375ºF.

Prepare stuffing as directed on package.

Spread pie filling onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with chops and stuffing. Cover with foil.

Bake 40 min. or until chops are done (160ºF), removing foil after 30 min.

JAM2000

Italian Sausage and Pasta Bow

Ingredients

3-1/2 cups farfalle (bow-tie pasta), uncooked

4 Italian sausage links (1 lb.), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

2 green peppers, cut into chunks

2 cups spaghetti sauce

1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions

Cook pasta as directed on package.

Meanwhile, cook sausage and peppers in large skillet on medium-high heat 15 min., turning sausage for even browning. Add sauce; cover. Cook on medium heat 10 min. or until heated through.

Drain pasta; mix with sausage and peppers in skillet. Sprinkle with cheese.

JAM2000

Bruschetta Chicken

Ingredients

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix for Chicken

1/2 cup water

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp. dried basil leaves

1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix tomatoes, stuffing mix, water and garlic just until stuffing mix is moistened.

Layer chicken, basil and cheese in 3-qt. casserole or 13x9-inch baking dish.

Top with stuffing. Bake 30 min. or until chicken is done.

JAM2000

Pulled Pork (Crock Pot) Recipe

SERVES 10

Ingredients

4 lbs pork roast (shoulder or butt)
2 large onions
1 cup ginger ale
1 (18 oz) bottle favorite barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's)
Extra barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Slice one onion and place in crock pot.

2. Put in the roast and cover with the other onion, sliced. Pour over the ginger ale. Cover and cook on LOW for about 12 hours.

3. Remove the meat, strain and save the onions, discard all liquid. With two forks, shred the meat, discarding any remaining fat, bones or skin. Most of the fat will have melted away.

4. Return the shredded meat and the onions to the crock pot, stir in the barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 1 hour on LOW – or until heated thoroughly.

5. Serve with hamburger buns or rolls and additional barbecue sauce. Any leftovers freeze very well.

TIP: freeze ready-made sandwiches - a scoop of meat on a bun, well-wrapped. These make a great quick meal or snack. To reheat, remove wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and zap 1-2 minute in the microwave.

Note: Shoulder or butt are recommended because the meat shreds very well. Other cuts do not shred as readily. It is a fattier cut, but the fat melts away in the cooking and is poured away when you discard the liquid.

JAM2000

Roasted Plum Tomatoes

Serve right away- these lose their heat quickly. But they are so yummy. Goes great with steak.

Ingredients

8 (about 1 1/2 pound) plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Core tomatoes; halve each lengthwise. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet; toss with olive oil, dried thyme, coarse salt, and ground pepper until coated.

2. Arrange in a single layer, cut sides up. Bake until soft, about 30 minutes.

JAM2000

Zucchini Pie

This is a family favorite. It is like a quiche. I add lots more veggies, like red peppers, carrots, and spinach when I want my son to get lots of vegetables.

Ingredients

3 cups zucchini, diced
1 onion, chopped
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10x6 inch pan or a 12 inch pie plate.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine zucchini, onion, eggs, buttermilk baking mix, vegetable oil, Parmesan cheese, marjoram, parsley and pepper; mix well. Spread into the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly brown.

JAM2000

Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
2/3 cup heavy cream (half and half or light cream work just as well, and are healthier)
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
8 slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces total), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, about 1 cup
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)


Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.

2. Meanwhile, make sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat; add shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cream, peas, and prosciutto; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer until peas are heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour sauce over pasta; add Parmesan, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add enough reserved pasta water to thin sauce as desired. Serve immediately; top with additional Parmesan, if desired.

JAM2000

Linguine with Turkey Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients

1 pound linguine
1 pound turkey sausage, casings removed
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 yellow (or red) bell peppers, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons arugula, torn
Coarse salt and ground pepper, for seasoning

Directions

1. Cook linguine. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups pasta water; return pasta to pot.

2. Meanwhile, cook sausage and 2 tablespoons water in a large covered nonstick skillet over medium until fat renders, 5 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium-high. Brown sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, 7 minutes.

3. Add garlic, bell peppers, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; cook until peppers soften, 6 minutes. Add 3/4 cup pasta water and butter; swirl to combine.

4. Transfer to pot. Add arugula; season with salt and pepper. Toss; add more pasta water as desired. Serve.

JAM2000

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Apples and Onions

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 medium red apples, halved and cored, each cut into 8 wedges
1 large red onion, halved and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 pork tenderloins, (12 ounces each), trimmed of excess fat

Directions

Place one oven rack in top third of oven, and another rack in bottom third. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Make glaze: In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and maple syrup to a boil over high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture has reduced to 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; transfer 1 tablespoon to a small bowl for drizzling, and set aside. Reserve the rest of the glaze in saucepan.

On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss apples and onion with oil. Season with salt and pepper; arrange in a single layer, and roast until golden, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and toss.

Meanwhile, line another rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; place pork on foil. Season generously with salt and pepper; brush with glaze from saucepan. Return apples and onion to oven, on bottom rack. Place pork on top rack; roast 10 minutes. Remove pork from oven; brush with glaze (discard any remaining in pan). Roast until pork registers 150 degrees.on an instant-read thermometer, and apples and onion are tender, about 10 minutes more.

Transfer pork to a cutting board, and let rest 10 minutes. Slice 1/4 inch thick; drizzle with reserved tablespoon glaze. Serve with apples, onion, and, if desired, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes.

JAM2000

Italian Potpies

This is the original recipe. It is an Italian version of a Shepard's Pie. You can make the meat mixture ahead of time and freeze it (its has a similar consistency to chili) then make the topping the day of. An even faster way to do this is to use Bisquick and doctor it up with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound ground beef sirloin, thawed if frozen
2 cups homemade or best-quality store-bought tomato sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with rack in lowest position. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onion and carrots; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add beef, and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce; bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meat mixture has thickened, 8 to 10 minutes; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, Parmesan, baking powder, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; make a well in center, and add butter and milk. Stir just until dough comes together.

3. Spoon meat mixture into four 8-ounce ramekins; mound dough on top. Place on a large rimmed baking sheet; bake until topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in topping comes out clean, 10 to 12 minutes.

JAM2000

Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb. spinach - washed & torn
1 qt. strawberries, sliced

Dressing:
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 c. cider vinegar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 Tbs. sesame seeds (optional)
1 Tbs. poppy seeds (optional)

Blend first 5 ingredients slowly. Then add oil while still blending. Pour into container and add seeds. Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve. Pour dressing over salad right before serving.

JAM2000

Vichyssoise (Potato Leek Soup)

2/3 cup of leeks, thinly sliced, white portion only

1 small onion, sliced

2 tablespoons of butter or EVOO

2-1/2 cups of potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (if you have a salad shooter that works)

2 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken)

1-1/2 cups of milk (skim is okay)

1 cup of heavy cream (or you can use corn starch as a lower calorie option thickener just add more milk or broth)

2 gloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup of green onions/chives, sliced thinly

Salt & Pepper to taste (you will need this otherwise it may taste bland - add 1/4 of a tsp at a time of each until you find the right flavor)

In a saucepan over medium high heat saute leeks and onions in butter/oil until tender but not brown.

Add potatoes, broth and some salt/pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 35 minutes (stir from time to time) to check for tenderness of potatoes.

Remove about 1 cup of the potato mixture and set aside. Puree the rest of the soup mixture in a food processor (in small batches) or use an immersion blender until smooth. Return to the saucepan and add back in the 1 cup of un-pureed mixture. Add milk and cream/thickening agent to the soup. Warm soup thoroughly if you desire to serve it hot. Garnish soup with chives.

This soup may be served cold or hot.

jacksjerseygirl

California Avocado Sandwich

(my take on the Atlanta Bread Co's version)

Ingredients:

24 hours in advance: In a bowl mix together 4 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or 2 tablespoons of dried dill with 4 tablespoons of mayo - this is enough for about 1-2 sandwiches - I recommend slathering this on though - it's yummy. Now you can whip this together the day of making the sandwich but the dill flavor will not be as intense.

2 slices of Russian Rye Bread (yes, the "Russian" part is important, IMO, but you could use any fresh sliced bread)

2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil

2 slices of tomato

1/2 of an avocado sliced thinly

Heat oil in a pan. Add the two pieces of bread - ensuring they soak up the olive oil - cook until lightly browned/toasted on both sides.

Slather on the dill-mayo to both sides. Add the two slices of tomato and avocado. Cut in half - enjoy! Especially good with basil tomato soup.

jacksjerseygirl

Blue Cheese Spinach Salad

Not really a recipe, since you just literally dump everything together, but I love this one.

bag of baby spinach
crumbled blue cheese
Craisins
candied pecans (chopped)

light raspberry vinaigrette

This is just fresh and delish!

tmrtink

Champagne Shrimp and Pasta

(courtesy of TKF123 at allrecipes.com with additions)

Ingredients:

8 oz angel hair pasta

1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms (I also prefer to use 1 oz of rehydrated dried mushrooms for a more intense flavor)

1 pound of medium shrimp (peeled/deveined - I prefer to use precooked shrimp)

1 1/2 cups of champagne (very important - don't skip)

salt/pepper to taste

2 tbs of minced shallots (or as much as you like)

1 clove of garlic minced (or as much as you like)

2 plum tomatoes diced (or any kind of fresh tomato)

1 cup of heavy cream (you could also make a lower calorie thickener with cornstarch)

Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Cook and stir mushrooms in oil until tender. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside in a large bowl.

3. Combine shrimp and champagne in pan, cook over high heat when liquid begins to boil remove the shrimp from the pan (add to the mushroom bowl).

4. Add shallots, garlic and tomatoes to the champagne, boil until liquid is reduced to about 1/2 cup. Stir in the cream or other thickening agent. Let boil until slightly thick (continue to run your whisk through the mixtures so that it doesn't stick or clump). Add the shrimp/mushrooms back in to the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and heat thoroughly (but don't over-cook shrimp).

5. Plate up and add parmesan cheese to the top.

Notes: I also added broccoli at the same time as the tomatoes/shallots/onions.

jacksjerseygirl

Gorgonzola Pizza

Ingredients

12 oz pizza crust (make your own, buy the crust pre-made, or buy the dough pre-mixed in the cooler section)

2 large vidalia onions

10 medium sun-dried tomatoes, without oil (you can leave them whole or dice them)

3 oz of Gorgonzola (I buy the container with a mixed gorgonzola/blue cheese)

Fresh spinach leaves

1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup of chopped green onion

1 teaspoon olive oil

1. Add olive oil to a pan and cook onions over medium-low heat (do not brown). After about 15 minutes add in the garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Prepare pizza crust - bake for about half the time recommended (you can start baking the pizza crust while you are preparing the onion/garlic mixture). Add the onion mixture to the pizza crust and top with the tomatoes, spinach and cheese.

3. Continue baking until the dough is thoroughly baked and the cheese has melted. Garnish the top with green onion.

Notes: The tomatoes and Gorgonzola can be VERY STRONG so don't add more than recommended. I do suggest dicing the tomatoes.

jacksjerseygirl

Pesto-Coated Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup of pesto (typically can find next to marinara)

1 tablespoon of sour cream

1 tablespoon of mayo

1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese

1 - 2 tablespoon of pine nuts

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Place chicken in a sprayed glass baking dish.

3. Combine pesto, sour cream and mayo in a bowl. Brush/spoon over the chicken breasts.

4. Sprinkle the tops of the chicken breasts with the parmesan cheese and pine nuts.

5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until chicken is done.

Notes: You can also use the pesto mixture as a marinade. Use your hands and massage the mixture into the chicken breast and let sit for up to 24 hours. Reserve some of the pesto mixture to add a fresh coating to the tops of the chicken breasts before baking. This can also be frozen.

jacksjerseygirl

Mushroom-Manchego Quesadillas

(courtesy of Vegetarian Times)

Ingredients:

2 jalapeno chiles (or you can use a small can of green chilies - depending on your taste)

2 tsp of olive oil

6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

4 (8 inch) tortillas (your call - wheat/flour)

6 tbs. manchego cheese (seriously use this cheese - so yummy)

1/2 cup of salsa verde (green salsa)

Cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat boiler. Broil jalapenos on a foil-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes, or until blackened - turn once. Transfer to a bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. Then peel and remove the seeds. Chop coarsely.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and pepper, and saute for 3 minutes, or until browned.

3. Sprinkle 2 tortillas with the cheese - evenly. Top with jalapenos, mushrooms, and cover with the remaining tortillas.

4. Broil on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with salsa verde and garnish with cilantro.

Notes: You can make this for any number of quesadillas you want. Handle the jalapeno with care - recommend wearing gloves. You can also add other ingredients such as onion, garlic, etc. This is actually really tasty with the Creamy Mushroom Soup recipe.

jacksjerseygirl

Creamy Mushroom Soup

(courtesy of Vegetarian Times)

Ingredients:

1 oz of mixed dried mushrooms (such as oysters, porcini and chanterelles)

8 oz (2 cups) of fresh chopped mushrooms (such as cremini and white button)

1 1/2 cups of low-sodium broth (vegetable or any meat based is fine too)

1 tbs. olive oil (divided)

1/2 cup finely chopped shallot

1/4 tsp. salt and pepper (to taste)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup of sherry

1 tbs. all-purpose flower

1/2 cup soy creamer (or heavy cream)

1. Place dried mushrooms in medium bowl. Cover with 2 cups of hot water, let stand for 30 minutes (this softens them up and releases their beautiful flavor). Then, drain the mushrooms and reserve the water.

2. Simmer the reserved water and broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rehydrated mushrooms with some salt. Saute for about 2 minute or until mushrooms are tender. Transfer mushrooms to a plate - set aside for later.

3. Heat remaining 1 1/2 tsp of oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh shallots, mushrooms and pepper/salt. Cook for about 2 minutes (do not brown the shallots) and then add the garlic - cooking for about 30-60 seconds.

4. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in the sherry. Simmer about 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.

5. Remove about a half of a cup of the both liquid, place it in a bowl and add flour - whisk together and then re-add to the pan.

6. Combine the mushroom/shallot/garlic mixture with the broth mixture. Add about half of the rehydrated mushrooms as well.

7. Transfer the soup mixture to a blender or soup processor (or use your immersion blender) and blend until creamy. The soup is now ready to serve - add a few of the rehydrated mushrooms as garnish.

Notes: This recipes sounds complex with a lot of steps - but it isn't. If you love mushrooms this will knock your socks off. If you won't or can't use any of the dried mushrooms - don't make the soup. The intense smoky and woody flavor of those dried mushrooms make this soup. You can also double the ingredients so that you have leftovers. This is a wonderful low-calorie soup.

jacksjerseygirl

French Bread

This is a fantastic freezer recipe that I found a few months back from a book called Once-A-Month Cooking: A Proven System for Spending Less Time in the Kitchen and Enjoying Delicious, Homemade Meals Everyday by Mary Beth Lagerborg and Mimi Wilson It is a great book full of great recipes, definitely one to take out of the library!

The recipe makes 4 smallish loaves of french bread (enough for 4 or 5 people each).

3C Warm Water
1 1/4oz package active dry yeast
3Tbls sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
7 1/2-8C all purpose flour

1. In a large bowl dissolve yeast in 1C warm water.

2. Add sugar and salt, let stand 5 minutes.

3. Stir in 2C water and 3C of the flour-beat with the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. Add remaining flour 1C at a time.

4. Knead with dough hood attachment for 4-6 minutes.

5. Cover with a towel and let rise until tripled in size.
Note: You can make the dough in the morning and let it rise all day.

6. Shape into 4 "loaves" and place on a baking sheet sprayed with Pam.

7. Let rise 45 minutes until doubled in size.

8. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake another 30 minutes or until golden.

To Freeze:
Wrap each baked loaf in foil

To Reheat:
Loosen one end of foil, and bake frozen loaf at 375 for 20-30 minutes (mine usually takes 30)

This bread is delish! Very crunchy on the outside, and soft and squishy on the inside.

tmrtink

Mock Cheesecake Factory Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad

mixed greens
flour tortillas (1 per person)
1 can black beans
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch scallions
1 can corn (or fresh when in season)
tomatoes
sour cream
avocado
1 lime
grilled chicken


Take flour tortillas and fry them in a little oil (healthier version-cut tortillas into strips and bake in the oven until crisp). Put fried tortilla on bottom of plate. Top tortilla with black beans. Top beans with salad mixed with chopped cilantro, scallions, corn, and tomatoes. Place sliced grilled chicken on top of salad

Optional:
Top salad with an avocado cream- mash avocado and mix with sour cream, and juice of 1 lime

For the dressing, I use Newman's Own Light Lime Vinaigrette -it's amazing!

tmrtink

Chicken Durango

1/2 cup melted butter
5 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
4 boneless chicken breasts

Combine all ingredients except the chicken in a small bowl. Put the chicken into a labeled 1-gallon freezer bag, pour other ingredients over it, and freeze.
To serve, thaw the ingredients. Place in a baking dish treated with non-stick spray. Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes at 325 degrees.

JAM2000

Sour Cream Chicken

2 cups (16oz) Sour Cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp chopped garlic (I grated it- ala Rachael Ray tip)
2 tsp pepper
6 boneless. skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs *
2 tblsp parsley *
1/4 cup melted butter*

Mix the sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce, paprika, celery salt, garlic and pepper. Pout into 1- gallon freezer bag and add chicken. Completely covering the chicken with the sauce. Label and freeze
To serve, pour thawed chicken into baking pan treated with non-stick spray. Sprinkle top with breadcrumbs, parsley and drizzle with melted butter. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes

Note- I cubed the chicken and split this recipe into two freezer bags for two separate dinners.

JAM2000

Chicken Dijon

3 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts- cut in half
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup half & half
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tomatoes - cut into wedges *
2 tablespoons parsley flakes *

Melt the butter in a large skillet. Cook the chicken breast pieces in the butter over medium heat until cooked through and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool.
Stir flour into drippings in the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and half & half. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Stir in the mustard. Cook the sauce. Pour the chicken and cooled sauce into a la bled 1- gallon freezer bag and freeze.
To serve, the the chicken. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet, cover and heat for 10 minutes. Garnish with tomatoes and parsley flakes.

Note- I split this recipe into 2 freezer bags for 2 servings.

JAM2000

Spinach Ricotta Sauce

This is great to make if you have some leftover ricotta after making a lasagna or baked ziti.

10 oz frozen spinach- thawed and well drained
2 tbsp olive oil
1 med onion- chopped
4 garlic cloves- minced (I do that Rachael Ray thing and grate the garlic- so easy)
1/2 cup of water
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
dash of nutmeg
1 lb short pasta (like a bowtie) for day you serve

Thaw and drain spinach. Pat dry with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Chop onion. Mince garlic.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is softened. Add 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Place in a labeled freezer bag and freeze.
To serve- thaw. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reheat sauce over low heat until through and recombined, stirring frequently. Spoon over pasta.
I like to add a chopped tomato and toasted pinoli nuts to this when I serve it.

JAM2000

Chicken Scampi

1/4 cup chopped green onion (I used an onion I had on hand)
3 tsp chopped garlic (or garlic powder)
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts- cut into 1/2 in strips
2 tbsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp pepper
fettuccine, other pasta or rice for day you serve
1 chopped tomato for day you serve

In a large skillet, saute the onions and garlic in butter and oil. Add the lemon juice, chicken, parsley and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes, until no longer pink inside. Cook. Pour into a labeled 1- gallon freezer bag and freeze.
To serve, thaw the mixture. Cook pasta or rice according to directions. In a large skillet, cook the chicken mixture over medium heat for 6-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Spoon over pasta or rice and garnish with tomato.

JAM2000

Upside down fettuccine & sausage bake

8 ounces fettuccine noodles, freshly cooked
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Brown sausage in a medium skillet. Add onion during the last few minutes,. Drain off excess fat. Cook the fettuccine according to directions. Add entire can of tomatoes (including liquid) to the sausage mixture. Add the oregano and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese over tomato mixture.

Mix the eggs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley and garlic powder together in a separate bowl. Toss the noodles with the mixture. Spread noodle mixture in a 10-inch quiche or cake pan. Pour the sausage mixture over the top. Cover with heavy duty aluminum foil and freeze

To serve, thaw & bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired. Cut into wedges, serve.

JAM2000

Salmon in a Caper Lemon Cream Sauce

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1 medium lemon (approximately 3 tablespoon lemon juice)
Pinch of sea salt (or kosher)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup half and half cream
1/4 cup 1% milk
2 tablespoons capers
4 boneless, skinless salmon filets
2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon rosemary leaves

Directions

1. Add butter and olive oil to a small saucepan at medium-low heat. Once butter is melted and whisked add lemon juice. Whisk constantly to combine.
2. Gradually whisk in cream and then milk.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of capers. Keep whisking. Sauce will reduce to 2/3.
4. Add additional tablespoon of capers. Whisk constantly to make sure the sauce stays incorporated and does not separate.
5. Wash salmon under cold water, pat dry with paper towel and season with Mrs Dash, lemon pepper, and rosemary on one side.
6. Spray a flat frying pan with a lid with cooking spray.
7. Sauté salmon, spice side down over medium-high heat. Flip over when salmon is nicely seared. Season top, turn and sauté other side. Once salmon is seared on the other side, turn to the lowest heat and cover for approximately 15 minutes.

JAM2000

Baked Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Prosciutto

This is adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food. I love this. It's so yummy.

Ingredients

1 pound of tri color rotinni
6 ounces sliced prosciutto
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
2 cups milk
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta a few minutes less than package instructions suggest. Cut prosciutto into thin strips.
2. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss pasta with spinach, half of prosciutto, milk, ricotta, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining prosciutto and Parmesan. Bake until golden, 30 to 40 minutes.

JAM2000

Prosciutto and Carrot Bundles

This is the easiest appetizer. I saw it on the Food Network when Giada made it on Everyday Italian. Its so easy and everyone loves it.

Ingredients

2 carrots, shredded, about 1/2 cup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
4 slices prosciutto
4 whole fresh basil leaves

Directions

In a medium bowl, toss together the carrots, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Lay out the 4 slices of prosciutto. Top each with 1/4 of the carrot mixture. Place a basil leaf on top of each and roll the prosciutto up and around the basil and carrots. Secure the bundles with toothpicks and serve.

JAM2000

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Note: This recipe makes 10 enchiladas, I normally prepare all 10 but only bake 5. I stick the other 5 in the freezer for another meal. I just make the sauce and bake them once they're thawed.

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 c. water
2 c. cooked rice
16 oz. refried beans
2 c. shredded cheese, divided (I use Mexican)
10 - 8 in. flour tortillas
16 oz. salsa
10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1. Brown meat, drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

2. Stir in rice. Cook and stir until liquid is gone.

3. Spread beans on tortillas, add meat mixture, and cheese. Place seam side down in a greased 13x9 dish.

4. Combine salsa and soup. Pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

5. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

kem717

Cabbage Patch

2 lbs. ground beef
1 c. uncooked Minute rice
26 oz. can tomato soup (or 3 small cans)
1 c. shredded cabbage
12 oz. milk (you're needing half as much milk as soup)
salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown meat, drain.

2. Add cabbage, soup, and milk.

3. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.

4. Add rice, remove from heat, and cover. Let sit for 10 minutes.

This is basically an unstuffed cabbage.

kem717

Salsa Chicken

5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
24 oz. salsa
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Optional:
tortillas
shredded cheese
rice (Spanish, Mexican, Taco, etc.)
sour cream
olives
jalapenos

Combine ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours (or until fully cooked). Shred chicken.

I make a wrap using the optional ingredients. Depending on the salsa, it could get pretty spicy.

kem717

Sticken Chicken

4 chicken breasts
1/2 c. flour
1 t. garlic salt
1 t. paprika
1/2 t. ginger
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. water
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c. soy sauce

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat chicken with flour, seasoned with garlic salt, paprika, and ginger.

2. Arrange chicken in baking dish. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.

3. Mix remaining ingredients (brown sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce) in a small pan over low heat. Pour over chicken and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Baste half-way through. Sauce will be very sticky!!

I usually serve with noodles or rice.

Enjoy!

kem717