Baked Spaghetti

Sorry for the hiatus – I got smacked upside the head by life and it took a while to recover all my marbles.

A twist on the traditional and one that will have you screaming “More! More! More!”  ‘Nuff said.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Spaghetti
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 – 26oz. jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 Cup grated Parmesan
• 5 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• 2 Cups Ricotta Cheese
• 4 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ Teaspoon Seasoned Salt

Preparation:

            Start by cooking the Spaghetti according to package directions.  Meanwhile, cook the Beef and Onion in large skillet until nice and browned.  Drain and add the Spaghetti Sauce, Seasoning Salt and set aside.

            Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the Eggs, Parmesan and Butter.  Add the drained Spaghetti to the bowl and toss to coat.

            Take half of the Spaghetti mixture and place along the bottom of a greased 13-in x 9-in baking dish.  Top with half of the Ricotta Cheese, half the Meat Sauce and half of the Mozzarella Cheese.  

           Repeat the layers.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Uncover and finish baking for another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

            This dish needs no further rationalization.  One bite and you’ll be smitten.  You're welcome.  

Italian Sausage, Onions and Peppers

Don’t you just love quick and easy meals?  This is one of them and so yummy to boot!  It has so many things I love – sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, pasta and wine.  How could this be wrong?

Ingredients:

• 5 Sweet Italian Sausage Links
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Yellow Onion, sliced
• ½ Red Onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of Garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Teaspoon dried Basil
• 1 Teaspoon dried Oregano
• ¼ Cup White Wine

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Preparation:

            First heat a skillet over medium heat and add the Links, browning all sides. 

            Remove the Links and slice – set aside.

            In the same skillet, melt the Butter.  Add in the Onions, Garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Stir in the Green and Red Bell Peppers.  Season with the Oregano and Basil.  Stir in the White Wine and continue to cook until the Peppers and Onions are tender.

            Return the sliced Links to the skillet with the vegetables.  Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

            I served this over a bed of bowtie pasta and it was scrumptious!  L'amore si!

White Chicken Lasagna

So I’m sure there’s a million different ways to prepare lasagna, but this has to be one of my favorites.  This recipe came to me via the best Christmas present ever, “Tailgating Indy Style 2010 Cookbook.”  Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Courthouse Canoodlers for driving all over the city just to get it.  And by the way, the automatic wine opener is so money – although it may be my new enabler.

Ingredients:

• 9 Lasagna Noodles
• ½ Cup Butter
• 1 White Onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced or pressed
• ½ Cup Flour
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 ½ Cup of Milk
• 4 Cups of Mozzarella, divided
• 2 Cups Parmesan, divided
• 2 Cups of Ricotta Cheese
• 1 Teaspoon dried Basil
• 1 Teaspoon dried Oregano
• ½ Teaspoon ground Black Pepper
• 2 Cups cooked, cubed, or shredded Chicken
• 2 – 10oz. packages of frozen, chopped Spinach, thawed and drained

Source: Tailgating Indy Style 2010 Cookbook

Preparation:

            First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bring a large pot of slightly salted water to boil.  Cook the Lasagna Noodles for 8-10 minutes, drain and rinse them under cold water, then set aside.

            To make the sauce, melt the Butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the Garlic and Onion and cook until tender, stirring frequently.   

           Now go ahead and add in the flour and salt, and stir for about a minute.  Add the Chicken Broth and Milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Next stir in 2 cups of the Mozzarella and ¼ cup of the Parmesan, until smooth. Season the sauce with the Basil, Oregano, and ground Black Pepper and set aside.

            In a 9X13 baking dish, spread 1/3 of the sauce mixture along the bottom.  Layer with 1/3 of the Lasagna Noodles, then the Ricotta and Chicken*.  (I choose to use rotisserie Chicken that I shredded – eliminating a step and I think it adds a depth of flavor!)  

            Arrange another 1/3 of the Noodles over that layer and top with 1/3 of the sauce, the drained Spinach and sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of Mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan.  Arrange the remaining Noodles over the cheese layer and spread the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the last ½ cup of Parmesan.

            Bake the Lasagna for 35-40 minutes, until the Parmesan begins to turn a lovely golden brown.

            This dish is too good to be true!  It’s tasty, hearty and perfect for the cold winter months.  Bonus- it feeds a bunch and freeze very, very well.  C’est tres bon! 

Balsamic and Wine Glazed Steak plus the Best Green Beans Ever!

Balsamic and Wine Glazed Steak

On my continual quest to incorporate mushrooms into my cooking, I stumbled upon this recipe.  I mean steak, balsamic vinegar, and wine – how can this be wrong?

Ingredients:

• 2 Teaspoons Cooking Oil
• 1 Pound boneless Beef Top Loin or Top Sirloin Steak, cut into ½ - ¾ inch thick strips
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/8 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• ¾ Cup dry Red Wine
• 2 Cups sliced, fresh Mushrooms
• 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 4 Teaspoons Honey
• 2 Tablespoons Butter

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Preparation:

            In a large skillet, heat Oil over medium-high heat.  Add the Steak strips and reduce the heat until medium.  Cook for 10-13 minutes, or until the Steak reaches desired done-ness, turning meat occasionally.  Once cooked, transfer the Steak to a platter and keep warm.

            Next add the Garlic and Red Pepper to the skillet and cook for 10 seconds and remove skillet from heat.

            Carefully add the Red Wine, return skillet to the heat and boil for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.  Now add the Mushrooms, Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Honey and return mixture to a simmer.  Cook for 4 minutes or until the Mushrooms are tender.  Lastly stir the Butter into the skillet until melted.  Spoon the Sauce over the Steak.  Oh-so-yummy – this dish is hearty with a slight tanginess that is simple, elegant and delicious to boot!

Best Green Beans Ever

So this recipe is courtesy of Aquaman’s mother and I could not be more thankful!  I request it at every holiday and could eat it everyday without fail.  Try it and see if you don’t agree…

Ingredients:

1 Pound Green Beans, ends snapped off, washed and drained

1 Onion, chopped

3 ½ Tablespoons Bacon Pieces

1-2 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke – mesquite variety

Preparation:

            First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add the Green Beans and boil until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

            Drain the Beans and return to the same pot.  Toss in the Onion, Bacon and Liquid Smoke.  Stir to combine and this side is ready to serve. 

I love the smoky flavor and crunchiness of the Onion.  This dish is almost too good to be true.

Saucy Pepper Steak Stir Fry

This recipe caught my attention because it combines a lot of ingredients I love and its super simple.  Plus I just love beef.  If you’re more of a chicken person, that’s great, but I absolutely adore cow and this quick recipe was my fix for a scattered weekday evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 small White Onion, cut into strips
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• ½ Cup BBQ Sauce
• 2 Cups cooked Brown Rice
• 1 Pound Beef Sirloin Steak, trimmed and cut into strips

Source: www.KraftFoods.com

Preparation:

            Spray a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.  Add the Bell Pepper and Onion strips.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes until the veggies are tender crisp.  Transfer them to a bowl and keep warm.

            Add the Sirloin, Garlic and Pepper to the same skillet; cook and stir about 3 minutes.  Next add the Soy Sauce and cook 1 minute until the meat is cooked through.  Add the BBQ sauce and cook until heated through.  Add back in the veggies and toss to coat.

Use the rice to make the perfect bed and spoon the meat, veggie mixture over top.  And you're done.  Quick, simple and absolutely delicious!

The Much Requested Zuppa Tuscana

This is hands down my most favorite soup ever and yes I do mean ever!  It may be pessimistic to say, but I do not believe I will ever have any other soup that will make me smile wider than this one.  I’ve tried several variations of this beloved Olive Garden soup, but I feel this is the best and probably the closest approximation to the original recipe.  I guarantee one spoonful and you’ll thank me!

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound Ground Italian Sausage
• 1 ½ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Large White Onion, diced
• 4 Tablespoons Bacon Pieces
• 2 Teaspoons Garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 10 Cups of Water
• 5 Chicken Bouillon Cubes*
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 3 Large Russet Potatoes, diced
• ¼ - ½ Bunch of Kale, torn into smaller pieces (about 1-2 inches)

Source: www.tuscanrecipes.com  - Thank you Lourdes Flores!

Preparations:

            In a large pot, sauté the Sausage and Crushed Red Pepper.  Once cooked, drain the excess the fat, remove to a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the other ingredients.  

            In the same large pot, sauté the Onions, Bacon, and Garlic for about 15 minutes – just until the Onions are soft.

            Mix together the Chicken Bouillon and Water.  *I prefer to use a bouillon paste, specifically “Better than Bouillon.”  They make several different kinds, beef, chicken etc.  I liken it to liquid gold and highly recommend you try it.  I think it gives a much richer, robust flavor overall.  If you do decide to go this route – I usually heat 2 cups of water to boiling in the microwave and add 2 Tablespoons of the Better than Bouillon to the hot water and stir to combine.

            Add the Water and Bouillon to the pot with the Onions, Bacon and Garlic.  Bring this to a boil and add the Potatoes.  Cook until soft, just about ½ an hour.

Once cooked, add the Heavy Cream to the pot and cook until thoroughly heated.  Now add back in the Sausage and stir to combine. Add the Kale just before serving and stir.

If you don’t fall in love with this soup and offer homage to the soup Gods, just stop reading this blog now.  There will be nothing else that I can offer you and that just makes me sad, sad, sad.  But then I think about this soup and I’m over it!

Meatloaf My Way and Dilled Carrots

Meatloaf My Way

I’m a total sucker for Meatloaf.  It has so many things that I truly adore, beef, vegetables and dare I say - ketchup!  It’s the perfect family meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients:

                                    

1 Pound ground Beef

2 Garlic Cloves, minced *I usually do 3-4

1 Large Egg

¼ Cup Dried Breadcrumbs

2 Celery Stalks, diced

½ large White Onion, diced

7-8 Baby Carrots, diced

Worcestershire Sauce to taste (I generally use about 1 ½ Tablespoons)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Ketchup

Preparation:

            First preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and blend together.  Just like with meatballs, the best tools you have are your hands - God gave ‘em to you, so use ‘em!  I used to just take a Pyrex dish and shape my meatloaf, but on a recent goodwill trip I found the cutest ceramic bread pan for a super low price and I must say, it was worth every penny!!

            Either way you choose, place the assembled Loaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.  After that add the Ketchup and bake for another 10-15 minutes.  Don’t stray too far – if your Ketchup begins to burn, tent the Loaf with foil.

            Can you say heaven on a plate?  Plus, I think meatloaf tastes even better the next day.  This truly is the ultimate comfort food.

Dilled Carrots

My mouth waters just at the mere mention of these carrots!  4 ingredients and you’ve got a perfect compliment to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound Baby Carrots, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Dill
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

            Add water to you steamer pan and heat until boiling.  Place the chopped Carrots in the steamer and cover.  Cook them until tender, about 10-12 minutes.  

            Next Drain the water out of the pan and add the Carrots and the Butter to it.  Cook for 1-2 more minutes, until all the Butter is melted.  Lastly add the Dill and Salt.

            That’s it.  They’re too good for words!

BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza

I find there are very few “bad pizzas”, but one of my all time faves is BBQ Chicken Pizza.  I have not made my own pizza since a childhood birthday many, many years ago.  Essentially I just got tired of spending the money on frozen varieties or delivery.  So here’s my simple and wonderfully delicious recipe for BBQ Chix Pizza…

Ingredients:

• 1 ready-to-use Pizza Crust – 12 inches
• 2 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1-1 ½ Cups Rotisserie Chicken, shredded
• ¼-½ Cup BBQ Sauce
• ½ Red Onion, sliced
• 2-4 Tablespoons Bacon Bits

Source: Modified from KraftFoods.com

Preparation:

            To start, preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  Place your Pizza Crust on a baking sheet and spread the BBQ sauce all over (personally, I used closed to ½ Cup) and cover with 1 Cup of the Mozzarella.  **My Pizza Crust called for Olive Oil to be spread down first - just follow your package directions!  Next spread the Rotisserie Chicken, add the Bacon Bits.

            Lastly, add the Red Onion and add the remaining Cup of Mozzarella.

            Bake 10 to 12 minutes, just until the Cheese is melted and the Crust is golden brown.  Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

            It’s pizza at a fraction of the cost and it’s ready to eat in less time than it takes to place and receive a delivery pizza!  Doubly satisfying, plus you can add, substitute, or remove any ingredients you want!!

Beef Tenderloin and Hash Brown Casserole

I have only prepared Beef Tenderloin one way, so I was very interested in trying new recipes.  This is one of them.  Obviously Beef Tenderloin is not an everyday meal, but should you chose, this is a very delicious meal!  I also found also found a very tempting recipe for a hash brown casserole that I decided to include and Aquaman was very happy that I did.

Ingredients for the Tenderloin:

• 1 Whole 4-5 Pound Tenderloin
• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 1/3 Cups Whole Peppercorns
• Lawry’s Seasoned Slat
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Olive Oil

Source: The Pioneer Woman

Preparation:

            First preheat the oven to 475 degrees.  Next rinse and trim the meat well.  Please don’t remove all the fat, remember it imparts a lot of flavoring! 

            Nest sprinkle the meat with Lawry’s, don’t be afraid to be generous.  Rub the seasoning into the Beef with your fingers.  Now sprinkle both sides of the Beef with the Lemon Pepper Seasoning.  

            Place the Peppercorns in a Ziploc bag and crush using a mallet or heavy can, set aside.  Now heat some Olive Oil in a large, heavy skillet.  Once the Oil begins to smoke, place the tenderloin in the skillet and sear it on all sides.  While doing so, add a couple of tablespoons of Butter to the skillet to give the meat a gorgeous butter infusion before going into the oven.

            Now place the tenderloin into the oven in an oven pan with a rack.  Sprinkle the crushed Peppercorns all over the meat and press them in.   

Place several more tablespoons of Butter all over the Beef.  Cook the Beef for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.  Once removed from the oven, allow the Beef to rest before serving.  After slicing, use the accumulated juices of the oven pan as a sauce.

            This is so, so, so, good.  The best part it that it is a very literal translation.  You can use as much, or as little of the seasoning as you like.  It can be tailor made to you and yours!

                

Ingredients for the Hash Brown Casserole:

• 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 8 Ounce Container of Sour Cream
• ½ Cup of melted Butter
• 1 32 Ounce Bag of Has Browns
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 8 Ounce package of Cheddar Cheese, about 2 Cups
• ½ Cup crushed Corn Flakes
• Ground Black Pepper

Source: The Pioneer Woman

Preparation:

                 Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees.  Next stir the Soup, Sour Cream, Butter, Hash Browns, Onion, and Cheese in a large mixing bowl.  Sprinkle the mixture with Pepper and transfer to a shallow 3 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle the dish with the Corn Flakes.

                 Bake the casserole for 45 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.  Aquaman absolutely loved it!

E-Dog's Buffalo Chicken Soup

I don’t typically get requests.  Aquaman is pretty much content to act as my recipe guinea pig – something I am eternally grateful for.  So I was a little nervous, but mostly honored when Aquaman’s brother, know known as E-Dog, called and asked that I make him Buffalo Chicken Soup.  Soup, what?!?  I mean, I’m sure a lot of us have had the dip, but not the soup.  Okay, okay, this being my first request I was super excited, the only down side, I’m no expert in Buffalo Chicken.  I love wings, but I don’t believe I’ve ever had a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. 

So where to begin?  Well, my co-worker, Mrs. F, and I looked at several recipes – I had no idea there were other crazy people that had already attempted this soup, goes to show what I know!  We got some really good ideas, but I decided I didn’t want to follow just one recipe, rather combine the best from all of them.  So here’s my take on Buffalo Chicken Soup…

Ingredients:

• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 large Carrots, chopped,
• 3 Celery Stalks, chopped
• 3 small Red Potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
• ¼ Cup Butter
• ¼ Cup Flour
• 2 ½ Cups Chicken Broth
• 2 ½ Cups Milk
• 2 Cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
• ½ Cup Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce
• 2 Ounces Velveeta Cheese, cubed
• 2 Ounces Cream Cheese
• ½ Packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
• ½ Teaspoon Cayenne
• ½ Teaspoon Celery Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Garlic Salt

Preparation:

            First, bring a small pot of salted water to boil and add the Potatoes to it.  Cook them until just about fork tender, drain and set aside.

            Go ahead and mix the 2 ounces of cream cheese with ½ of the Ranch Seasoning packet and set aside for later.

            Next, in a large skillet sauté the Onion, Carrots, and Celery with the butter until soft.   

                 Now stir in the Flour and stir to create your roux.  Once mixed thoroughly, add the Milk and Chicken Broth.  Stir to combine.  Add the Velveeta, Cream Cheese, Potatoes, Rotisserie Chicken, Cayenne, Celery Salt, Garlic Salt and Wing Sauce.   Why Rotisserie Chicken?  One part of me loves the convenience of it, while the other loves the texture and juiciness!

                Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.  Continue to cook until everything is heated through and the Velveeta is melted, about 8-10 minutes.  Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.

                I have to say, this turned out better than I would have thought.  Sometimes I surprise even myself!  It was warm, tangy and very hearty.  I just hope E-Dog likes it as much as Aquaman and I did!  In the future I think I might serve this with some celery sticks as garnish and if I'm feeling risky, maybe a swirl of ranch dressing on top!