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Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

 

3 onions, sliced

1/4 C. white wine

1 C. heavy cream

1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese

4 T. butter without salt

3 T. olive oil

1 tsp. powdered garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sliced onions with olive oil, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast onions for 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Change temperature of oven to 450º F (230º C) and remove the roasted onions. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, white wine, butter, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook until butter melts and bubbles form on the cream’s edge.

Steak and Mushroom Cobbler with Gruyere Biscuit Topping

Steak and Mushroom Cobbler with Gruyere Biscuit Topping

Steak and Mushroom Cobbler with Gruyere Biscuit Topping

 

1 3/4 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 T. olive oil

1 T. yellow onion, chopped

3 T. garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 pound portabella mushrooms, medium diced

3 pound carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

2 T. all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup hearty red wine, such as shiraz

1 T. dijon mustard

1 T. finely chopped fresh thyme

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

2/3 C. shredded Gruyere cheese (2 ounces)

6 T. cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup heavy cream

2 T. freshly grated parmesan cheese

 

To make the filling: Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet over high heat. Add 1 T. of the olive oil, then add the steak pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until browned. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 T. of the olive oil to the skillet, then add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the skillet, for about 2 minutes, or until the onions soften. Transfer the onion mixture to the bowl with the beef. Heat the remaining 2 T. olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, or until tender and beginning to brown. Add the carrots and cook for about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Return the beef and onion mixture, with any juices, to the skillet. Stir in the broth, wine, mustard, and thyme and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened into a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the beef mixture to a 13 » 9 x 2-inch baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°F. To make the biscuits: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Using a pastry cutter, cut half of the Gruyere cheese and the 4 T. butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly, with pea-size pieces of butter. Pour the cream over the flour mixture and stir with a fork just until moistened but still lumpy. Fold in the remaining Gruyere cheese with the Parmesan cheese. Divide the dough into 6 equal mounds and place the mounds over the steak and mushroom filling, spacing them evenly, and press the tops to flatten slightly. Brush the tops of the mounds generously with some of the melted butter; set the remaining butter aside. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are dark golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven. Brush the biscuits with the reserved butter. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

 

Preheat the oven to 35O°F and lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. Cook the starch according to the package directions. Place the sauce of your choice in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in 1/2 cup milk (skim, low-fat, evaporated, or whole). Place the vegetables in a medium-size saucepan, cover with water, and bring just to a boil. Drain. Stir together the starch, sauce, vegetables, cheese, meat, and seasonings in a large bowl. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and bake until bubbly, 30 minutes. Add a topping, if desired, and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Stacey’s Mexican Chicken Casserole

Stacey’s Mexican Chicken Casserole

Stacey’s Mexican Chicken Casserole

 

Cooking spray

4 C. chopped cooked chicken (about 2 pounds)

2 C. uncooked instant rice

1 recipe Cream of Chicken Soup or 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup diced onion

1 can (10 ounces) Ro*tel diced tomatoes and green chiles

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 C. chicken broth

8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 3 50°F. Lightly coat a 9 – by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the chicken, rice, soup, sour cream, onion, Ro’tel, cumin, garlic powder, chicken broth, and half of the cheese in a large bowl and stir well with a large spoon to combine. Turn the mixture out into the prepared baking dish and top it with the remaining cheese. Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbly, 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

 

1 (16-oz) loaf French bread

⅓ cup honey mustard dressing

20 slices Canadian bacon

20 slices very thin Swiss cheese slices (Sargento’s)

8 eggs

2 C. half-and-half

1 cup milk

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Powdered sugar

Raspberry jam

 

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. Brush both sides of bread slices with honey mustard and arrange the slices in the baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. Place one slice of cheese and one slice of Canadian bacon between each slice of bread. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over bread slices. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Remove casserole dish from refrigerator and uncover. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until slightly puffed and eggs are set. Sprinkle casserole with powdered sugar and top with raspberry jam, if desired.

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

 

10 slices bacon, chopped

4 cups frozen diced potatoes with peppers and onions, thawed

1 (10-oz) pkg spinach

1 (4-oz) pkg gluten-free seasoned croutons

10 large eggs

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup sour cream

1 tsp. garlic salt

1½ cups shredded colby-Jack cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook bacon in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Add potatoes to hot drippings; cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are browned and tender. Gradually stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle with croutons. Whisk together eggs, cream, sour cream, and garlic salt in a large bowl; pour over croutons. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set.

Beef and Scalloped Potato Casserole & Romaine Salad 

Beef and Scalloped Potato Casserole & Romaine Salad 

Beef and Scalloped Potato Casserole & Romaine Salad

 

1 ½ lb ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

2 T. all purpose flour

1 cup less sodium beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (4.7-oz) pkg scalloped potatoes

2 cups boiling water

⅔ cup milk

1 T. butter

 

1 (10-oz) pkg chopped romaine lettuce

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

½ cup balsamic vinaigrette

 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Cook beef and onion in large skillet over medium heat 8 minutes or until beef is browned and crumbly. Drain and return to skillet. Add flour, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in broth; cook until mixture is slightly thickened. Spoon beef mixture into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Arrange dry potatoes from box over cheese. Whisk together boiling water, milk, butter, and cheese seasoning packet from box in a bowl. Pour mixture over potatoes. Bake 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crisp. Toss together all ingredients in a large bowl

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

 

1 (16-oz) pkg bacon, chopped

1½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces

1 (8-oz) pkg sliced mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10-oz) pkg baby spinach

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

12 large eggs

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain, reserving 4 T. drippings in skillet. Cook potatoes in hot drippings in skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet, and place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Add mushrooms and garlic to skillet; cook 5 to 6 minutes or until mushrooms are browned and tender. Gradually add spinach, stirring until wilted. Spoon mushroom mixture over potatoes in baking dish; sprinkle with green onions, bacon, and cheese.

Whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until blended. Slowly pour egg mixture over cheese in baking dish. Let stand 15 minutes. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

 

6 large day old croissants or 9 mini croissants

1/2 lb sliced ham

1/2 lb sliced Gruyère, or Swiss cheese

3 large eggs

1 c milk

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

2 T. flour

2 T. butter

1 1/2 c milk

2 T. mustard dijon or whole grain

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

First, make the béchamel. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking continuously until the butter and flour are well combined and foaming but still very pale in color, about 2 minutes. Slowly stream in the milk whisking continuously until the mixture is pale and smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat, whisk in the mustard, salt and freshly cracked pepper. Set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter. Slice the croissants in half through the middle so you have a top and bottom. Brush each half with a generous layer of béchamel then layer 1-2 slices each of ham and cheese, reserve a few few slices of cheese to top the croissants at the end. Put the tops and bottoms back together and arrange them into the baking dish. Depending on the size of your croissants they may not fit perfectly you will have to play around with it a bit. You can cut a few in half if you need to. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Whisk together the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the croissants. Press down on the croissants to help them absorb the eggs and milk. Let sit for 30 minutes (or up to 12 hrs) before baking. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the croissants, bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately!

 

Croissants: Day old, slightly stale croissants are best because they will soak up more liquid from the custard.

Ham : any type of ham will be just fine for this recipe.

Gruyère Cheese: If you can’t find Gruyère use swiss cheese instead.

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

 

Extra virgin olive oil

½ stick unsalted butter

2 onions, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 fat leek, cleaned and sliced into rounds

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

pinch chili flakes

1 large bunch white-stemmed Swiss chard

2 T. fresh thyme leaves

1 T. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. white wine vinegar

2 cups cooked white or brown beans with some of the cooking broth

1 cup grated hard sheep’s milk cheese, like Pecorino

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (pulse a couple of slices of good bread in the food processor to make coarse crumbs)

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a heavy-bottomed pan heat 2 T. olive oil and 2 T. butter, then add the onions, garlic and leeks. Season with salt and pepper and add the chili flakes. Sauté slowly until onions are softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes but as long as 30; you want them to turn a deep golden brown. While the onions cook, strip the leaves of the Swiss chard; chop the stems and slice the leaves, keeping them separate. When the onions are about halfway to brown, add the Swiss chard stems to the pan, stirring to combine. Once everything is a nice golden brown, add the sliced chard leaves, the herbs, and the vinegar, tossing to wilt. Butter the bottom of a ceramic oval baker or casserole dish and spread the onion and chard mixture at the bottom. Layer on the cooked beans and pour in enough liquid to come about halfway up the casserole (this helps the beans not to dry out in the oven). Sprinkle the grated cheese over the beans and then spread the breadcrumbs on top. Dot with the remaining butter, season again with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

 

1 14-oz can coconut milk

2 c reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 T. garlic, minced

1 stalk fresh lemongrass, cut in 1-in. pieces

1 c mushrooms, sliced

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. Thai fish sauce

1 tsp. Thai chili paste or chilis

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 C. fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

1/4 C. fresh cilantro, finely chopped

 

Combine coconut milk, broth, ginger, and lemongrass in a medium pot over high heat and bring. Add mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add shrimp and continue to simmer until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in basil and cilantro and serve.

Cheesy Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

Cheesy Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

Cheesy Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

 

For the Chicken Pie Filling:

 

1 large carrot, diced

1 small potato, diced

5 tablespoons (2 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 cup peas, thawed if frozen

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Cheese and Green Onion Biscuits:

 

2 cups (9 ounces) all-purpose flour, spoon and sweep method)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

7 tablespoons (3 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 large egg yolk, mixed with 2 teaspoons of water, for topping

 

Put the diced carrots and potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside. In a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt the 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the onions and celery and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and continue cooking, stirring, until the chicken pieces are opaque. Add the 5 tablespoons of flour to the chicken mixture and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and thawed frozen peas. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Add the potatoes and carrots, thyme, salt, to taste, pepper, and heavy cream. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes longer. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Heat the oven to 350 F. In a food processor, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Pulse to mix well. Add the pieces of chilled butter and pulse several times, or until the mixture resembles ​coarse meal. Pour the flour mixture into a large bowl and add the cheese, green onions, and cayenne, if using. Mix well.  Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture and mix with your hands or a spoon just until the dough begins to hold together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times, just to combine. For the softest biscuits, take care not to overwork the dough. Pat the dough into a rectangle and cut out as desired using a knife, pizza cutter, or biscuit cutters. Place the biscuits on the chicken pie filling. Combine the egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of water; brush lightly over each biscuit. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Frito Casserole

Frito Casserole

Frito Casserole

 

10 oz. bag Fritos Original corn chips

10 oz. cooked and shredded white meat chicken (pulled from a store-bought roasted chicken)

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dry oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

16 oz. can refried beans, any flavor

8 oz. jar salsa or picante sauce

4 oz. can diced green chiles

2.25 oz. can sliced black olives, drained

12 oz. bag shredded cheese (Mexican, cheddar or Colby/jack)

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a deep (at least 4 inches) casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour approximately one-third of the Fritos into the bottom of the casserole, and crush them down slightly with your knuckles. They don’t have to be flat; just break them enough so that they’re not all sticking up. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the chicken, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well, breaking up the large chunks and coating the chicken well with the spices. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes, or until spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside in a medium bowl. In the same skillet (no need to clean it), combine refried beans and salsa. Stir until hot and combined, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Drop half of the bean mixture over the top of the Fritos in the casserole dish, in dollops. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the beans, as evenly as possible. Sprinkle half of the green chilis and half of the black olives over the chicken. Spread half of the cheese over the top. Reserve a couple of handfuls of the Fritos for garnish; pour the rest over the top of the cheese (crushing in your hands as you drop them in). Repeat the layering of the beans, chicken, chilis, olives and cheese.

Baked Rigatoni with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Baked Rigatoni with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Baked Rigatoni with Fresh Tomato Sauce

 

9 medium (1 kg) roma tomatoes

½ small (60 g) small onion, peeled

1½ small (125 g) carrots, peeled, halved

3 Tablespoons (45 g) tomato paste

1 small garlic clove, peeled

¾ teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt, optional

1 pound (454 g) pasta, rigatoni or ziti, dried

2 cups (225 g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded, or provolone

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place tomatoes, onions, carrots, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, and salt, optional into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Hot Soup program. Start the machine and slowly increase to its highest speed. Allow to complete programmed cycle (5:45). While the sauce is blending, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain. Transfer pasta to a 9 inch x 12 inch prepared baking dish. Top with 4 cups (960 ml) warm tomato sauce and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Low Carb Baked Zucchini Casserole

Low Carb Baked Zucchini Casserole

Low Carb Baked Zucchini Casserole

 

40 ounces (approximately) Zucchini, large, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 tsp. Salt

2 T. Butter

5 ounces Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

½ C. Heavy Cream

6 ounces Gruyere Cheese, grated and divided

4 ounces Parmesan Cheese, grated and divided

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare zucchini by slicing it and then lightly salting it on both sides. Place the salted zucchini slices on a layer of paper towels and let sit for 15 minutes before flipping and letting sit for another 15 minutes. This will remove the excess water from the zucchini before baking. In a baking dish place the prepared zucchini slices in rows one on top of another until the dish is filled. Set dish aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Then add garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Pour the heavy cream into the pan stirring until it begins to bubble. Add 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese and 4 ounces of Gruyere cheese to the heavy cream, onions, and garlic. Stir together until the cheese melts. Pour the cheese sauce over the zucchini spreading it evenly over the zucchini. Cover the casserole dish with foil and place in the oven and bake at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil, top with the remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheese and bake for 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the zucchini is tender. Remove from oven and serve.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

 

Cooking spray

2 (103/4-ounce) cans chicken stock, or homemade

4 boneless, skinless whole chicken breasts

1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 medium onions, chopped

1 (8-ounce) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix

1 T. dried sage

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, or 2 1/2 C. homemade

Chopped Parsley, for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large saucepan set over low heat, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts, cover with a lid, and poach them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender, and the meat no longer shows sign of pink when sliced at the thickest part. Remove the pan from the heat and let the chicken cool in the poaching liquid. Reserve 2 C. of the cooking liquid. Cut the chicken into small cubes. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 1 C. of the reserved poaching liquid, the stuffing mix, sage, salt, and pepper. In another medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the cream of chicken soup and the remaining 1 C. of poaching liquid. Heat for about 5 minutes. Put the chicken in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and top with the stuffing mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the edges are bubbling.

Savory French Onion Tart Casserole

 

This simple onion tart is a perfect example. It has a thin, flaky crust, a creamy caramelized onion filling, and a delicious topping of Gruyere cheese. With a “touch” of crumbled bacon, this meal is over the top! And even though tarts are great cut up into small pieces for use at parties, we prefer serving ourselves a larger slice along with a simple green salad dressed in our homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

Queen’s Puffs

Queen’s Puffs

Queen’s Puffs

 

About 2 T. vegetable oil, divided

About 3 C. mashed potatoes

12 ounces breakfast sausage links

5 ounces baby spinach leaves

12 large eggs

1/3 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

¾ tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves

¼ C. chopped green onions

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

 

Heat oven to 375° with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Oil a 9- by 13-in. baking dish with 1 T. oil. Drop 1/2-C. scoops of mashed potatoes into dish, spaced about 2 in. apart. Heat remaining 1 T. oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook sausage, turning often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Scatter cooked sausage in pan, laying over and between potato mounds. Add spinach to frying pan and wilt, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute. Sprinkle spinach over sausage. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl until broken up. Whisk in flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, and onions. Pour mixture over sausage and potatoes. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake until potatoes are bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

 

8 servings, 373 calories; fat 28g; fiber 1.4g

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

 

1 lb orecchiette (or rigatoni)

1 fennel bulb (OR 1 1/2 tsp. ground fennel seed)

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound mild Italian sausage, ground

1 small onion, diced

1 tsp. sugar

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 C. of your favorite tomato sauce (I love Rao’s marinara or tomato basil)

1 1/2 C. heavy cream

2 C. shredded fontina cheese

1/4 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

 

Preheat an oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch (24-by-33-cm) baking dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. When the water is boiling, season generously with salt (you want to make it “salty like the sea” which means you should add about 1/4 C.). Add the pasta and cook 3 minutes less than the cook time on the package. Because you’re going to finish this off in the oven, you want to undercook the pasta just a bit, so it retains a bit of a bite and doesn’t get mushy. Drain and place back in the same pot you cooked it. Add about a T. of butter. Remove and discard the stalks and core from the fennel bulb and dice the bulb. In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, heat 1 T. of the olive oil. If you’re using ground fennel seed, add it with the sausage right away. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the fennel to sausage and cook, stirring, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add sausage and fennel to the pot with the pasta. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil to the same sauté pan and then add the onions and pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar and vinegar and cook until the vinegar has reduced, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and cream and simmer, stirring, until lightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the pot with the pasta, add the fontina and stir well. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared dish and top with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve directly from the dish. NOTES: To save some time, start boiling the water first. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, start cooking the sausage and fennel. By the time the sausage and fennel is finished, the water should have boiled, and while the pasta is cooking, chop the onion and mix the sugar and vinegar in a small dish. Now it will be time to add the sausage/fennel to the pasta. Give it a stir. Next step is to cook the onion and get the tomato cream sauce cooking. While the sauce is simmering, grate the fontina on a piece of parchment paper (makes cleanup SUPER easy!), and the Parmesan (on a separate piece of parchment).

Simple Sausage Casserole

Simple Sausage Casserole

Simple Sausage Casserole

 

6 sausages

1 pint grape tomatoes

3 sweet potatoes

2 large bell peppers chopped

1 large red onion chopped

1 cloves garlic minced

thyme (a few sprigs fresh)

salt

pepper

 

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Combine the grape tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic in a large baking dish. Brown the sausages on all sides in a skillet placed over high heat, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Place the sausages on top of the vegetables, toss in the thyme, and season everything to taste. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Paleo Spaghetti Pie

Paleo Spaghetti Pie

Paleo Spaghetti Pie

1 large spaghetti squash (about 600 grams)

1 pound Italian sausage

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1 cup pizza sauce (no sugar added)

1 teaspoon dried basil

salt and pepper, to taste

3 eggs, whisked

(Optional: add anything you like with pizza: veggies, basil, even cheese if you do primal)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Place spaghetti squash cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the skin of the squash gives when you press on it. Then reduce oven heat to 350 degrees. Once squash is done cooking, remove threads and place in an 8×8 greased baking dish. Place a large pan over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and onion. Cook until pink no longer remains in the sausage and it is broken up into pieces. Add pizza sauce, dried basil and salt and pepper to the pan and mix well. Add sausage mixture to the 8×8 dish and mix well with spaghetti squash threads. Lastly, add whisked eggs to the baking dish and mix everything together until you can no longer see the eggs. Place in oven and bake for 1 hour or until the top of the mixture forms a slight crust that doesn’t give when you press on it in the middle of the dish. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Wood Sorrel Cream Tarts

Wood Sorrel Cream Tarts

Wood Sorrel Cream Tarts

 

2 cups of wood sorrel

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of sour cream

1/2 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt

1 cup of graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup of butter

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

 

Remove stems from your wood sorrel leaves. Place in a food processor with sugar, then blend thoroughly. Remove sugar and place in a bowl with sour cream & yogurt. (Save about 2 tablespoons of sugar for garnish) ​Line a sieve with cheesecloth and put in your mixture. Place the sieve in the fridge overnight -with a bowl underneath – to drain.

 

​Crust: ​Preheat oven to 350 F. ​Melt butter on low heat. Mix melted butter, ground cardamom into graham cracker crumbs. Blend well. ​Press firmly into mini-cupcakes tins to form tarts. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool.

​

Tart Assembly: Remove your drained wood sorrel cream from the sieve. Dollop about a tablespoon in each tart shell. Sprinkle with wood sorrel sugar. Ready to serve!

Cheesy Pierogi Casserole

Cheesy Pierogi Casserole

Cheesy Pierogi Casserole

 

1 package (16 oz) frozen potato and cheese pierogies

7 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced (chicken sausage also tastes yummy)

2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

4 oz cream cheese, soften

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup chicken broth

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

optional topping: fresh parsley

 

Heat oven to 375°F Prepare a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Place frozen pierogies evenly in casserole. Top with sausage. In medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, pepper and garlic salt. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over sausage and pierogies and pour in broth. Cover and bake for bake 30-35 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining cheese. Continue baking for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Sausage & Rice Casserole

Sausage & Rice Casserole

Sausage & Rice Casserole

 

Using a stove-to-oven pan (enameled cast iron is my choice), crumble and brown 1 pound bulk sausage.  If excessive fat is produced, pour some off.

 

Add:

1 green pepper, chopped

2 scallions, chopped

2-3 celery stalks, chopped

2 cups chicken broth (homemade or commercial)

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

(if using unseasoned sausage), black pepper

 

Mix, cover, and cook in a 300° oven for one hour.

IQS Breakfast Casserole

IQS Breakfast Casserole

IQS Breakfast Casserole

coconut oil or butter for greasing

3 turnips, peeled (or 2 rutabagas or 1 large sweet potato)

2 sausages or a large handful of ground pork or beef

3 scallions, green parts only, chopped

4 eggs, beaten

½ C. shredded Cheddar or Gruyere

 

Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a small glass or ceramic baking dish. Grate the turnips, using a food processor. if you have one. If using sausages, remove the meat and discard the casings. Brown the meat with a little oil in a large hot frying pan until not quite cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Toss in the rest of the ingredients and stir, then spoon into the baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake for 45 minutes. Let it stand for a few minutes so the casserole sets before you cut into it. Serve warm.

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

 

Nonstick cooking spray

1 32 ounce package frozen fried potato nuggets

12 eggs

1 cup milk

1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 8 ounce package shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 16 ounce jar thick and chunky salsa

1 8 ounce carton dairy sour cream

Snipped fresh cilantro

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange potato nuggets in dish. In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, milk, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Beat with a rotary beater or wire whisk until combined. Pour egg mixture over potato nuggets. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Sprinkle cheese evenly over egg mixture. Bake about 3 minutes more or until cheese melts. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Makes 12 servings.

Cauliflower Bacon Cheese Casserole

Cauliflower Bacon Cheese Casserole

Cauliflower Bacon Cheese Casserole

 

1 large package of frozen Riced Cauliflower 20 – 24 ounces

2 Tablespoons of butter – melted

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

2 Tablespoons of Chives – dried

1 teaspoon of garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon of seasoned pepper

1 pound of bacon – cooked and crumbled

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup of sour cream

Minced Parsley – to top

 

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine the riced Cauliflower, butter, garlic, sour cream, chives, and stir well to blend. Add the garlic salt, and seasoned pepper, and stir well.  Add half the shredded cheese and mix well. Pour into a 9 X 9 inch casserole dish – butter the bottom of the dish before adding the mixture. Add the remainder of the shredded cheese, and top with crumbled bacon. Bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with minced Parsley. Serve, and Enjoy!

 

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

 

3 cup chicken broth

¼ cup black bean garlic sauce

2 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sambal oelek

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

8 ounce lap cheong (Chinese sausage) (optional), sliced

1 pound ground pork

5 – 6 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (about 1 cup total)

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup Shaoxing cooking wine, dry sherry, or chicken stock

6 cup coarsely chopped Napa cabbage

3 cup cooked jasmine rice

1 5-6 ounce container crunchy chow mein noodles

1 tablespoon chili crisp (stir to make sure to get a nice mix of chili and oil)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. For sauce: In a 4-cup measuring cup whisk together broth, garlic sauce, cornstarch, honey, sambal oelek, and sesame oil. In a 4- to 6-qt. pot cook sausage (if using) over medium-high 2 minutes or until sausage is browned, some of the fat is rendered out, and the edges are dark. (There is a lot of sugar in Chinese sausage so be careful not to burn it.) Add ground pork and season with a pinch salt and a couple turns of black pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until pork is no longer pink and any liquid is cooked off. Add scallion whites, ginger, and garlic; cook 1 minute. Deglaze pot with wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is gone. Stir sauce and add to pot. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in cabbage and rice. Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover; bake 25 minutes or until bubbly and hot. In a bowl toss crunchy noodles with chili crisp until fully coated. Uncover casserole and top evenly with noodles. Bake 10 minutes more or until noodles are toasted and a shade darker. Remove from oven; sprinkle with scallion greens. Makes 8 servings.

Rice & Chicken Casserole

Rice & Chicken Casserole

Rice & Chicken Casserole

 

2 whole chicken breasts, split in half about 2 lbs. total weight (4 pcs.)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 T. butter

1/2 C. finely chopped onion

1tsp. chopped garlic

1/3 pound fresh mushrooms, left whole if very small, otherwise sliced or quartered, depending on size

1 bay leaf

1/2 C. dry white wine

1/2 C. raw rice

1 C. chicken broth

 

Do not skin or bone the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the butter in a skillet and add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Brown about 5 minutes and turn. Scatter the onion and garlic between the chicken pieces and add the mushrooms and bay leaf. Cook about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until it is almost all evaporated. Add the rice and broth, taking care that the rice does not rest on top of the chicken pieces. Cover closely and cook about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

2 cups diced, cooked chicken

1 cup halved grape tomatoes (can substitute with a can of undrained diced tomatoes)

1 small zucchini (about 1 cup), diced

½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen is fine)

12 ounces (about 3 cups) uncooked uncooked penne pasta

3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

8 ounces about 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup chopped or torn fresh basil leaves, divided

2 teaspoons minced garlic

½ teaspoon salt

 

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.  In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together cooked chicken, tomatoes, zucchini, corn, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, about half of the basil leaves, minced garlic, and salt. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; stir. At this point you should check the pasta to make sure that it is al dente (firm but just about finished cooking). If it’s still too hard, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is al dente. Then move on to the next step.  Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender). Garnish with remaining basil leaves just before serving.

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

 

24 oz. pkg. frozen hash browns, thawed

5 eggs

2 chopped green onions

1/2 c. cottage cheese

½ C. grated Cheese

1/4 t. pepper

1/2 t. garlic powder

1 t. Tabasco sauce (or other pepper sauce)

8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

 

In mixing bowl combine hash browns, eggs, cottage cheese, cheese and spices and mix very well. Pour into large casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Add bacon and cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

 

2 tablespoons butter

1-1/4 pounds beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 package (16 ounces) frozen vegetables for stew

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 jar (12 ounces) mushroom or beef gravy

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls

 

Preheat oven to 375°. In a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches; remove from pan. Sprinkle with pepper; keep warm. In same skillet, combine vegetables, water and thyme; stir in gravy. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are thawed. Stir in beef; remove from heat. Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll up a third of the length and place over beef mixture with pointed ends toward the center. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 16-18 minutes.

 

Serving Size: 1/8 recipe

Calories: 365

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Chicken Casalinga

Chicken Casalinga

Chicken Casalinga

 

1 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed

21/2  lb. frying chicken, cut into 8 pieces

salt and pepper

paprika

1/2 cup flour

1/3 cup oil

1 garlic clove

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 tsp. dried marjoram leaves

1 bay leaf, crumbled

½ green pepper, seeded and cut into strips

½ sweet red pepper, seeded and cut into strips

4 tomatoes, quartered

1/2 lb. large fresh mushrooms sliced

 

Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and paprika and dredge them with flour. In a skillet, heat the oil, add the garlic clove and brown the chicken pieces. When the chicken is brown, remove it and the garlic. Set the chicken aside in a warm place. In the same skillet, cook the onion until soft. Add the stock, marjoram, bay leaf, 1/2 tsp. salt and1/4 tsp. pepper. Scrape the skillet with a spatula until this sauce is well blended. Layer the chicken, green and red pepper strips, tomato quarters and sliced mushrooms in a 2-quart casserole. Pour in the sauce, cover the casserole and bake it in a preheated 350″ F.  oven for 45 minutes. Add the clams and bake the casserole for an additional 10 minutes, or until the clams open. Serve over buttered rice or noodles.

Instant Pot Sausage & Broccoli Bread Pudding

Instant Pot Sausage & Broccoli Bread Pudding

Instant Pot Sausage & Broccoli Bread Pudding

 

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

6 ounces sweet or spicy Italian sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 C. diced (1/2-inch pieces) broccoli (6 ounces)

2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary */2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed

3 large eggs

1 1/2 C. whole milk

1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley

1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce tsp.

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Large pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

2 C. dry white bread cubes (1-inch pieces)

1/4 C. grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese

 

Using the sauté function (on low, if possible), heat 1 T. of the oil in the pressure cooker pot. Add the sausage and cook until browned, 7 to 10 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it up, scraping up the browned bits as it cooks. Transfer the meat to a bowl. Add the remaining 1 T. oil to the pot. Stir in the onion, broccoli, rosemary, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook until the onion starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed. Scrape into the bowl with the sausage. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire, pepper, nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Toss in the bread, then the sausage/broccoli/onion mixture. Pour the bread and custard mixture into a porcelain or ceramic (not glass), 7-inch 1 1/2-quart soufflé dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Pour 2 C. water into the pressure cooker pot (no need to rinse it out first). If your steamer rack has handles, place the soufflé dish on the rack and lower everything into the pressure cooker pot. If your rack does not have handles, first place the rack in the pot, then lower in the soufflé dish using a homemade sling. Lock the lid into place and cook on low pressure for 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. Heat the broiler. Carefully remove the soufflé dish from the pressure cooker, using the sling or oven mitts. Place on a small baking sheet. Sprinkle with the pecorino. Broil until the top is golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Nonstick cooking spray

3 10 ounces zucchini

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz.)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 T. cornmeal

1 8 ounce can pizza sauce

½ cup miniature sliced pepperoni

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 3-qt. rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Using a vegetable spiralizer, julienne cutter, or mandoline, cut zucchini into long, thin noodles (zoodles). Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt; toss gently. Let stand 15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. In a large bowl combine eggs, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, flour, and cornmeal. Stir in zoodles. Transfer to prepared dish. Bake 10 minutes or until set and no excess liquid remains. Spread with pizza sauce. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Bake 15 to 20 minutes more or until cheese is light brown.

 

If you don’t have a spiralizer, julienne cutter, or mandoline, coarsely shred the zucchini, or halve the zucchini lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Continue as directed.

 

8 servings. 191 calories, (5 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat), 75 mg cholesterol, 678 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 13 g protein.

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Nonstick cooking spray

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

16 ounces dried orzo pasta

6 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped, or 6 slices bacon, chopped

1 cup chopped onion (1 large)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup shredded provolone cheese (4 ounces)

½ cup chopped roasted red sweet peppers

½ cup whipping cream

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 12 ounce package (12) refrigerated cooked turkey Italian meatballs

½ cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)

â…“ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

2 T. olive oil

Snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a 4-quart Dutch oven bring broth to boiling. Stir in orzo. Cook, uncovered, for 6 to 7 minutes or until orzo is almost tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. In a large skillet cook and stir pancetta over medium heat until brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove pancetta and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 T. drippings in skillet. Add onion to the reserved drippings; cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add wine, stirring to scrape up crusty brown bits. Return to heat and simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until wine is reduced by half. Add wine mixture to orzo in Dutch oven. Stir in pancetta, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, whipping cream, salt, and black pepper. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add meatballs to baking dish, pressing lightly into orzo mixture. In a small bowl combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle mixture over meatballs and orzo mixture. Bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

 

Servings: 6

743 calories, (12 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat), 81 mg cholesterol, 1211 mg sodium, 72 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 35 g protein.

Spinach and Tuna Stuffed Shells Pasta Casserole

Spinach and Tuna Stuffed Shells Pasta Casserole

Spinach and Tuna Stuffed Shells Pasta Casserole

10 jumbo pasta shells cooked to al dente according to the instructions on the package

For the filling:

5 ounce Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil  (no need to drain)

6 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out and drained

1/2 C. whole milk ricotta cheese

1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. whole milk

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Salt, to taste

For the topping

1 T. unsalted butter, melted

1/2 C. panko breadcrumbs

1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the filling then set aside. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat then whisk in flour and cook for 30-45 seconds to cook off any raw flour taste. Carefully add in milk, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Add the nutmeg and salt, to taste. Let mixture thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add about 2-3 T. of the sauce to the bottom of an oven-safe casserole dish and spread in a thin, even layer. Using a spoon, fill the pasta shells with filling and continue until all the filling has been used. Place into the casserole dish. Pour the rest of the béchamel sauce on top of the shells. In a small bowl, stir together ingredients for the topping then sprinkle evenly on top of the pasta shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pasta is cooked through and the topping is browned.

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large head of broccoli, about 1 1/2 pounds, cut into small florets

3 cloves garlic, peeled

3/4 pound rigatoni

1 T. olive oil, plus more for pan

1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage with fennel (removed from casing if uncooked or thinly sliced if precooked)

1 can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

2/3 pound skim mozzarella, grated, 1/4 C. reserved

3/4 C. skim ricotta cheese

1/2 C. chicken stock

1/2 C. Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated, 1/4 C. reserved

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground pepper

3 T. breadcrumbs

1 T. olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 9-x-13-inch gratin or baking dish. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 tsp. of salt, broccoli and garlic. Simmer the broccoli and garlic for 5 minutes, until softened. With a slotted spoon remove the broccoli and garlic to a large bowl. Bring the water back to the boil, add the pasta, and cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest, about 11 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, a little firm. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add sausage and the garlic cloves from the broccoli bowl, and cook, stirring frequently until meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes, if using fresh sausage. (If using fully cooked sausage, cook until surface is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.) With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to the broccoli, and drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 2 T.. Discard the garlic. Toss drained pasta with sausage mixture. Add beans, stock, 3/4 C. of grated mozzarella cheese and all of the ricotta. Add remaining salt and pepper. Gently toss. Transfer to prepared gratin or baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 C. of grated cheese and 1/4 C. mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with olive oil. If making this in advance, allow the mixture to come to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Bake for 25 minutes, until heated through and crusty on top

 

From Cook Yourself Thin. 8 servings, 529 Calories

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

 

1/4 C. sugar

3 T. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. table salt

6 large eggs

2 C. heavy cream

1/2 C. butter, melted

6 C. fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen)

Vegetable cooking spray

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl; whisk in cream and melted butter. Gradually add sugar mixture, whisking until smooth; stir in corn. Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until mixture is deep golden and set. Let stand 5 minutes.

 

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 tsp. olive oil

1 medium red onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 C. vodka, (optional)

1 medium red onion, chopped

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 lb. rigatoni

10 oz. baby spinach

12 oz. smoked chicken sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick

6 oz. fontina cheese, ; 4 oz. cut into 1/2-inch cubes and 2 oz. coarsely grated

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic. Remove from heat; add vodka, if desired. Return to heat; cook until almost evaporated, 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and oregano; cook until tomatoes are falling apart, 10 to 15 minutes. Add cream; cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta in the boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted. Drain, and return contents to pot. Add tomato sauce, sausage, and cubed fontina to pot; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide evenly between two shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dishes. Top with grated fontina and Parmesan. Bake until browned and edges are crisp, 20 to 30 minutes.

Fiesta Stuffed Shells

Fiesta Stuffed Shells

Fiesta Stuffed Shells

18 large pasta shells (stuffable kind)

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (12-ounce) jar picante sauce

1 cup water

1 pound ground round or lean ground beef

1 small white onion, chopped

Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

1 small can chopped green chiles

1 cup grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided use

1 small can french-fried onion rings, divided use

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook pasta shells according to directions. Drain them when cooked and let cool a few minutes until they’re cool enough to handle. Separate them carefully so that they don’t tear or stick together. Set aside.  In bowl, combine tomato sauce, picante sauce and water. Set aside.  Brown meat with onions, salt and pepper. Add green chiles, 1/2 cup cheese, half a can of onion rings and 1/2 cup prepared sauce. Stir well and cook a minute or two, stirring. Stuff shells with meat mixture. Pour remaining sauce over the shells and bake for 30 minutes uncovered. Sprinkle on rest of cheese and onions and cook another 5 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.