Pizza Monkey Bread

When my family gets together we love to ask each other questions like "If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?" or "if you could pick your real dream job, not having to worry about making enough money etc, what would you do?" or "what is your honest opinion about ."

It makes for some riveting discussions and I always end up learning something new about the very people who I grew up with.  One day someone (probably me) asked, "if you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?"  Tough question!  Especially for a person who essentially likes everything, with the exception of goat cheese, I know, I know.

But truth me told, I'd have to say pizza.  Not a very foodie answer, but I've got to be honest.  I LOVE pizza.  And I love how versatile it is, there are endless combinations which would keep it from ever getting boring.  Plus, I mean, c'mon, it's pizza.  It's hot, gooey, comforting, full of flavor, and always ready for a party. 

I got really excited when Barbara from Barbara Bakes posted her Pizza Monkey Bread.  Not only does it have all the great elements of a food I already love, but it's in a different and fun form that kids love.  Who wouldn't want to tear off a piece of this and dunk it into it's warm, homemade marinara.  It really is a party.

Click here for the original recipe and for a great video on how to make them.  Enjoy!

Creamy Enchilada Soup with Black Beans

My heart goes out to the victims and families in Boston.  I hope that they find peace and healing during such a difficult time. 

It's finally starting to warm up out there!  The sun is starting to come out and I'm sure we can all relate when I say that it feels like Prozac from the sky!  Oh how I love the sun.  But, it's still not too warm for another rich and creamy soup to keep us company during the cooler evening.  I made this after discovering a random block of cream cheese in my fridge.  I'm sure at some point I had a reason for purchasing it, but it had long escaped me, never to return.  However, I'm glad I did, because otherwise this soup never would have made it's grand entrance into our home.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I love salsa verde.  I love ANYTHING that calls for it, so I knew that I would love this soup before ever trying it.  It's got such a smooth texture, but a nice tangy flavor, making for a very satisfying meal.  The rice and beans really bulk it up too.  The only change I would make for next time is only adding a half a block of cream cheese instead of the entire thing.  It would be enough to make it creamy, but not quite as thick.

Creamy Enchilada Soup with Black Beans
Adapted from Scattered Thoughts of a Craft Mom

Ingredients

32 oz chicken broth
2 cans of green enchilada sauce (I used Trader Joe's salsa verde.  It packs a punch, but I liked it.)
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup corn, canned, fresh or frozen
 24 oz chicken breast, cooked and shredded, or chopped
1 can black or white beans, drained and rinsed
1 block cream cheese (I used reduced fat), cut into cubes
3/4 cup dry rice
salt and pepper to taste

Garnish
cilantro
tortilla chips
cheddar cheese
avocado
green onions

Directions

In a large pan, combine broth, enchilada sauce, water, cumin, chile powder, onion powder,  and garlic powder.  Bring to a boil.  Add rice and lower heat to a simmer.  Cook for about 30 minutes, until rice is cooked through and soft.  Add corn (no need to thaw if frozen), beans, and chicken.  Cook for about five minutes.  Add cream cheese, stir until melted and combined.  Remove from heat, and serve.  Garnish as desired.

Spinach and Smoked Gouda Quiche

 After a lot of contemplation, my husband and I have concluded that we eat enough eggs in this house to make it worth owning a few chickens.  Seriously, if the end of days were to come, we will have to be sure to have a cellar packed with nothing but eggs, and perhaps a bit of chocolate, and we would be just fine.  Every single morning all of us enjoy eggs, cooked a variety of different ways.  My son relies on them so much that if for whatever reason he misses them in the morning, he will insist on eating them for lunch.

So when I sat this savory pie in front of them and told them it was "egg pie," there was rejoicing around the table, and everyone ate happily ever after.

The flavors in this are just lovely, slightly smoky, and ever so creamy with the smoked Gouda.  The spinach gives it a perfect pop of color and texture that really brings it all together.  I served this with a salad and sauteed veggies for a delicious meatless meal.

Spinach and Smoked Gouda Quiche
From The New Way to Cook Light
(Be sure to either start the crust early in the day so it can chill, or make the night before)

Ingredients

CRUST:
6 tablespoons butter softened
2 tablespoons 1% milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cup flour

FILLING:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
3/4 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
dash of grated nutmeg
3 large eggs

Ingredients

1.  To prepare crust, place butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.  Combine 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and egg yolk in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk.  Add milk mixture to butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.  Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.  Add flour to milk mixture; beat just until combined.  Press mixture into a 4-inch circle on plastic wrap cover.  Chill for 1 hour.

2.  Preheat oven to 350�.

3.  Unwrap and place chilled dough on a lightly floured surface.  Roll dough into a 10-inch circle.  Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate.  Freeze 15 minutes.  Bake at 350� for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool.

4.  To prepare filling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add oil to pan; swirl to coat.  Add onions; saute 5 minutes or until tender.  Add spinach, saute 2 minutes.

5.  Combine 1 cup milk and next 4 ingredients (through eggs) in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk.  Stir in spinach mixture.  Pour filling into crust.  Bake at 350� for 35 minutes.

Serves 10

Per Serving: 205 cal, 12.9g fat, 7.3g prot, 15.4g car, 11g fiber

Linked with Taste and Tell Thursdays

Mushroom, Corn and Poblano Tacos

My husband and I went to The Melting Pot last night to celebrate his good news.  He's been wanting to go FOREVER, and thanks to some wonderful friends who provided a gift card, we were finally able to.  I was a little hesitant about it, not that I don't love dipping a variety of tasty morsels into delicious hot grease, please, that's what dreams are made of!  But, since the holidays, I've been trying a lot harder to eat healthier, and cheese and chocolate fondue, unfortunately, do not fit into that category.

But, as the young kids are saying, YOLO!  This was, after all a celebration!  So I dunked, and dipped and laughed the night away with my husband, sans kids, an absolute treat that we do not get to enjoy often.

But now the cheese and chocolate high has worn of and I'm suffering from what can only be described as a Fondangover.  You pretty much treat it like a regular hangover, take Advil, no loud noises, lots of water and keep the lights down.  And now the only thing I'm craving are crispy, cool veggies that have not been swimming in a vat of oil and wine (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

These veggie tacos are just the ticket to feeling like myself again.  Meaty mushrooms and flavorful black beans, corn and poblano peppers, topped with a soft, salty queso fresco make for a mouthful of freshness and nutrition.  They are quick to make and delicious for any time of year, but especially for days when you may be waking up with shame from late night fondippery.

Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos
Cooking Light November 2011

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1 cup prechopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 poblano chile, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
 1/4 cup salsa verde
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled queso fresco
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup light sour cream
8 lime wedges

Directions

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add mushrooms to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to mushrooms. Stir in onion and next 5 ingredients (through poblano); cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat; stir in salsa and next 3 ingredients.

2. Heat tortillas according to package directions. Divide vegetable mixture evenly among tortillas. Top each tortilla with 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro, and 1 1/2 teaspoons sour cream. Serve with lime wedges

Per Serving (one serving is 2 tacos): 390 cal, 14.4g fat, 15.6g prot, 56.6g carb, 9.8g fiber, 

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

I'm going through a bit of a Buffalo Chicken obsession right now.  If it even slightly resembles the flavors of the classic chicken wing, I have to have it, or pin it :)  Who in the world though that chicken, drenched in hot sauce, smothered in blue cheese would be so good?  I don't know, but I sure would like to give whoever it was, one heck of a high five.

I found this wonderful salad on Shelbys page a few months ago and I've been in love ever since.  I've been known to whip up a huge bowl, and enjoy it for lunch every day until it runs out.  And I'm always sad when that day comes.

The flavors of this salad go so perfectly together.  The sauce has a great kick, thanks to the hot sauce and is balanced out with the pungent blue cheese.  It's spicy, but not too spicy for kids.  It's creamy, it's crunchy, and it really hits the spot when you need a savory dish full of flavor.  It's the perfect side dish for pot lucks and picnics, even if they are on your living room floor in front of the TV :).

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
By Grumpy's Honey Bunch

Ingredients

8 oz dried rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions
2 stalks celery, diced
1 green onion, thinly sliced, including green top
1/3 cup roasted red pepper
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (I used canned chicken once when I was in a hurry, it turned out great)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I used low-fat)
2-3 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Sauce (use according to taste, I like a lot, but if you're feeding a crowd, you may only want to do 2)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon roasted red pepper brine (the juice the peppers are in)
2 tablespoons crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Mix pasta, celery, onion, roasted red pepper and chicken in large mixing bowl.  Set aside.

Mix together Mayonnaise, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper brine and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. 

Toss mayo mixture with pasta mixture and chill.  Enjoy

Southwestern Red Beans and Rice

I've had a tougher time re-adjusting to real life than I expected.  For two weeks life came to a complete standstill.  No school, no church, no real routine, just surviving.  To be completely honest it was kind of nice.  We read a lot of books, caught up on our favorite shows and enjoyed some much needed quiet time that wasn't filled with darkness.

But now school has started, life has commenced, and I'm having a hard time remembering what exactly I was doing before Sandy hit.  I'm ashamed to admit that it made me a bit lazy.  Most of our dinners were something I could quickly throw into the oven or the microwave.  No real preparation.

But now that life is back at full force, I'm grateful for recipes like this.  Warm, homemade bowls full of flavorful food, that won't weigh you down, or wear you out.  Rice and beans doesn't sound like the most exciting dinner, but believe me when I say that we all scarfed this down as if it was our last meal.  Add beef or chicken if you need a bit more protein, but I doubt you'll miss it if you don't.

Southwestern Red Beans and Rice
Adapted from Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast

Ingredients

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 cup brown or white rice, prepared according to directions
1 16 oz can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with zesty mild green chiles (Rotel)
salt to taste
pepper to taste
4 flour tortillas, or tortilla chips
1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

1.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; coat pan with cooking spray.  Add mushrooms to pan; cook 6 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.  Stir in rice and next 4 ingredients.  Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

2.  While rice mixutre cooks, warm tortillas accordingly to package directions.  Sprinkle rice mixture iwth cheese and cilantro.  Serve immediately with tortillas.

Serves 4

Pepper Jack Pasta Salad

Considering how often I make this, it's a wonder that I haven't posted it before.  This has become my absolute favorite "go-to" side dish for parties, barbecues, or if I just want to eat it for lunch all week (which happens, often).  This salad is packed with a delightfully tangy punch, and for some reason, I just love eating those little tiny Acini Di Pepe.  They tickle my mouth!  It makes me giggle!

Pepper Jack Pasta Salad
Adapted from Cooking Light April 2009

Ingredients

6 ounces uncooked acini di pepe pasta (about 1 cup)
2 1/4 cups diced plum tomato (about 14 ounces)
1/3 cup capers, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup sliced pickled banana peppers
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (16-ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 ounce salami, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

1.   Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.

2.   Combine tomato and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add pasta to tomato mixture, tossing well to combine.

Tex-Mex Pinwheels

We're big sandwich people at our house.  My husband always keeps a fresh loaf of homemade bread in the box, and sandwiches are made on an almost daily basis.  It's nice that my kids like them so much, packing lunches for them in the morning is a snap.  But every now and then we all need a change.

These little pinwheels were a total hit with kids and adults.  They are full of flavor, but still mild.  They are soft, bite sized and will go a long way when feeding a crowd.  You can't go wrong with favorites like chicken, cheese and olives.  Serve them as an appetizer, or one of the main dishes, you can't go wrong.


Tex-Mex Pinwheels
A Blog About Food

Ingredients

8 ounces light sour cream
8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
4 oz can chopped green chiles
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon cumin (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chili powder (or to taste)
garlic salt to taste
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced into very small pieces
1 cup olives, diced
5 10-inch flour tortillas

Directions

In a mixing bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese, green chiles, cheddar cheese, green onions, and seasonings to taste.  Then gently fold in olives and chicken.

Divide evenly and spread over each tortilla, leaving about half and inch of space at the edge.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours (I made mine the day before).  Unwrap, cut into 1-2 inch pieces and serve either cold or at room temp.

Chicken Provolone

I find weeknight meals to be a bit tricky sometimes.  After a long busy day, I rarely want to spend an hour plus in the kitchen.  However, I also don't want to always be turning to boxed pizzas or takeout whenever I've had a long day.  I just want a delicious, home cooked meal that I can whip up in twenty minutes or less, with little cleanup afterwards.  Is that asking too much?

The good news is, thanks to amazing bloggers such as yourselves, AND an endless variety of cookbooks and magazines, there are a ton of ideas out there.  This I found from an old Taste of Home magazine that I'd managed to hold on to.  Seasoned chicken breast, baked with basil, ham and provolone makes for a gooey and flavorful main dish.  Throw in some rice and a side of seasonal fruit and dinner is served in no time.  Now, back to homework, dishes, reading to the kids, cleaning the house, bathtime...

Chicken Provolone
Taste of Home, Healthy Cooking July 2008

Ingredients

4 skinless boneless chicken halves 4 oz each
1/4 teaspoon pepper
cooking spray
8 fresh basil leaves
4 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham
4 slices Provolone cheese

Directions

1.  Sprinkle chicken with pepper.  In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.

2.  Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet: top with basil, prosciutto and cheese.  Broil 6-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Mediterranean Vegetable, White Bean and Feta Penne

 There may be no scarier word to us Carnivores than Meatless.  No meat?  Surely I will starve!

And while I don't think I'll ever be a Vegetarian, lately two or three meatless meals a week have been suiting us just fine.  I think a break from meat every now and then is good for the body, not to mention the wallet.  The trick is to find recipes that are hearty and flavorful enough, that meat is not even missed.  And as long as I just don't mention the fact that it is meatless to my husband, I can usually get away with it.  Shhhhh.

I really enjoyed this dish.  Initially I wasn't sure about the pasta/bean combo, but it really works.  The pasta is filling, while the beans add hearty flavor and creaminess.  A sprinkling of tangy feta on top and you have a plate of comforting goodness.

I noticed the day after that the flavors of the dressing had greatly subdued.  A few tablespoons of Italian Dressing and this also turned out to be a delicious cold lunch.

Mediterranean Vegetable, White Bean and Feta Penne
The Best of Clean Eating 2

Ingredients

6 oz whole-grain penne pasta
1 cup cooked white beans of your choice
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp extra extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium zucchini, cut into eighths lengthwise, then cut into 2-inch pieces
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips, then cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese

Directions

1.  Cook penne according to package directions, adding beans during the last minute of cooking.

2.  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, vinegar, basil, pepper flakes, and salt; set aside.

3.  Heat 1 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high, tilting skillet to coat bottom lightly.  Add zucchini and bell pepper and cook for 4 minutes, or until edges begin to brown, stirring frequently.  Add remaining 2 cloves garlic and cook for 15 seconds, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, stir in tomato mixture and drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp oil.  Cover to keep warm.

4.  Drain penne-bean mixture, place in a serving bowl, sprinkle evenly with rosemary and all but 1/4 cup feta.  Spoon zucchini mixture over top and finish with remaining feta.

Per 1 1/2 cup Serving:  353 cal, 12g fat, 44g carbs, 11g fiber, 6g sugar, 18g protein.

Turkey, Bacon, and Scallion Stuffed Potatoes

Living in the east, people often don't know how to respond when they hear I'm from Idaho.  Sometimes I get the occasional, "oh yeah, I've been to Idaho.  We drove through it on our way to..."  Other times I'll get the loud "Idaho?  Don't you guys live in log cabins and live like pioneers?"  But the most common response is "So, did you eat a lot of potatoes?"

Yes, Idaho and The Potatoes.  Unfortunately it's our one claim to fame, but it's true.  We love our potatoes.  In fact, certain Visitor Centers throughout the state will offer you a free bag just for stopping by.  Growing up, we often went to a neighbors potato farms to pick off all the potatoes the trucks may have missed, to take home for free.  There were always more than we could pack into boxes, and put in the right climate, they would last forever.  Laugh all you want, but potatoes are awesome.  They fill the belly, are loaded with fiber, and are incredibly versatile.

So, the answer is yes, we did eat a lot of potatoes.

This recipe is for anyone who loves the turkey-bacon combo, which I know I do.  It's usually the only way I make my sandwich, with lots of cheese of course.  You do need to have the time to bake your potatoes before assembling these oozy, flavorful, spuds, but the rest of the assembly is a snap.  We served these as the main course with veggies on the side.  They were a hit!

Turkey, Bacon, and Scallion Stuffed Potatoes
Adapted from Rachel Ray's Big Orange Book

Ingredients

4 big Idaho Potatoes (traitor that I am, I used Yukon Golds, I like their texture a lot better)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
6 strips bacon
1/4 pound deli-sliced smoked turkey breast, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425.

Scrub the potatoes and prick them each several times with a fork.  Place them on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper, rolling them around on the sheet to coat them with the oil.  Bake the potatoes until tender, 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.  Let the potatoes cool for 5 or 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle, leaving the oven on.

While the potatoes are cooling, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil.  Add the bacon and cook until crispy golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.  Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease and cool.  Add the chopped turkey to the same skillet and toss over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through, then remove from the heat and reserve.  Chop up the cooled bacon.

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half length-wise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of flesh intact.  Try not to pierce the skin of the potato.  Add the sour cream, stock, and scallions and about 1/2 cup of the cheddar to the bowl and mash the potatoes; season with the salt and pepper.  Fold the turkey and bacon into the mashed potatoes and mount the filling into the potato skins.  Top with a little extra cheese, a couple of tablespoons per skin.  Return them to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.  Serve them up with your favorite salad alongside.

Skinny Sour Cream Enchiladas

 Sometimes there is nothing better than tastes and smells from your childhood.

And for me, that means opening cans and boxes that I normally never would.

Cans full of Cream of Chicken Soup and such.

I know, I know.  It's not ideal.  But when one is in need of something, creamy, comforting and deliciously nostalgic, one does what must be done.

Besides, I did serve it on a bed of lettuce.  And that makes everything okay, right? :)

Skinny Sour Cream Enchiladas
Slightly adapted from Skinny Mom

Ingredients

 16 oz. fat free sour cream
1 can fat free cream of chicken soup
1 tbls. fresh chopped cilantro (1/2 tbls. dried)
2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1 cup chopped olives
1 can Mexican Rotel
1 cup chopped onions (optional)
8 low carb tortillas
1 cup shredded pepper jack and colby cheese blend
1 can diced green chiles

Directions


In a saucepan, mix together sour cream, soup and cilantro. Heat through and set aside.
This is will get to the bubble up/boil stage quickly and make a huge hot mess if you don�t keep stirring.

Combine the chicken, rotel, olives, onions and green chiles in a pan sprayed with cooking spray. Heat until onions are transparent. Or if you omit onions like I have done, for a few minutes to blend the flavors and juices.


Warm the tortillas until flexible. (I microwave them for 10 seconds sandwiched between two dam paper towels.)  Fill each tortilla with about 2 tbls. of the chicken mixture.  Top each with about a tablespoon of cheese.  Roll the tortilla up and place seam side down in a 8�11 dish sprayed with cooking spray.

Pour and spread remaining sauce over the enchiladas.  Top with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Deep Dish Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe

One food that I don't think I'll ever get enough of is pizza.  How can you not love pizza.  It's protein, carbs, dairy, and veggies (kind of), all melted together to make a glorious slab of happiness.

Also being a fan of bacon cheeseburgers, I was very excited to see Shelby's Bacon Cheeseburger pizza and knew it would not be long until I'd be whipping this up.

It meets every expectation of deliciousness, and is quick and fun to make.  I think my favorite part is the whole wheat flour in the crust.  It adds a sweet and soft element to the pizza that I just loved.

Deep Dish Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe
By Grumpy's Honeybunch

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1-3//4 cups white flour
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 packet rapid rise yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
Cornmeal to coat the bottom of pan

For the sauce:
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the toppings:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large left over hamburger, cooked (I just browned and crumbled 1/2 lb ground beef)
4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and broken into pieces
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion to garnish, if desired

Directions

To make the crust, combine the whole wheat pastry flour and 3/4 cup of white flour with the salt, sugar, and yeast.  Pour the warm water and tablespoon of olive oil over flour mixture and stir to combine.  Mix in remaining 1 cup flour.  Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, adding more flour as needed.  Spray a mixing bowl (I usually use the one I mixed the dough in - I just wash it out first) with cooking spray.  Place dough in bowl and then turn over. Cover with a towel and let rise approximately 45 minutes or until dough doubles in size.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Punch down dough and let rest for 10 minutes.  While dough is resting, make sauce.  Mix together in a small bowl the ketchup, mustard, worchestershire sauce and mayonnaise.

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.  I use a glass pan, I like how the crust turns out crispy in this dish.  Sprinkle with cornmeal.  Place dough in pan and press the dough out, making sure to have the dough go up the sides of the pan to create the dish effect.

Spread sauce over top of dough.  Layer toppings as follows:  Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, spread broken up hamburger over top of cheese, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and then lastly top with cheddar cheese.

Bake in oven approximately 20 minutes or until crust is browned and topping begins to brown lightly. Remove from oven and top with bacon pieces.  Garnish with lettuce, tomato, onion and more bacon if desired.

Risotto with Pesto and Peas

 How can you not love risotto?  It's like giving your tummy a big warm hug.  The creamy, rich, goodness is enough to make anyone feel loved and well cared for.  Which is why I mourn the fact that NO ONE IN MY FAMILY likes it!

 Never mind them.  Usually I try to be accommodating, selecting only dishes that I know will be enjoyed by all (or at least by most).  However, as the designated cook of the family, every once and a while, I'm making what I want.  And if they really can't get behind it, well, that's why God invented PB&J.

I think this has been my favorite risotto so far.  I love just about anything that is blanketed in pesto.  Add cheese, wine, ham and peas, and you have heaven in a bowl.  And I'm happy to add that my family did eat this one, my Risotto Reluctant Husband even said he wouldn't mind if I made it again.

Risotto With Pesto and Peas
Food Network Magazine April 2012

Ingredients

3 leeks (white and green parts only) thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup diced ham
3/4 cup pesto
1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.  Make the broth:  Bring 6 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add the leeks and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl.  Adjust the heat to keep the broth at a gentle simmer.

2.  Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute.  Add the wine and cook, stirring, until almost evaporated, about 1 more minute.

3.  Add 2 cups of the hot leek broth to the rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until almost absorbed, about 6 minutes (adjust the heat to keep risotto at a simmer).  Add 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes.  Add the leeks, peas, and 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes.  Taste the rice: if it is not fully cooked, add a little more broth and continue to cook, stirring, until al dente.

4.  Stir in ham and remaining 1 tablespoon butter.  Remove from the heat; stir in 2/3 cups pesto, the mozzarella and Parmesan.  Season with salt.  Divide among bowls, and top with the remaining pesto.

Guacamole Taco Burgers

I have a confession to make.

I'm done with the summer. Done. I need cooler weather, homework for the kids, and soup on my stovetop. Right now, more than anything, I need my routine back.

As much as I love the summer, sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing.  After almost three straight months of playing, swimming, packing, flying, moving, beaching, eating (a lot), and road tripping, I'm EXHAUSTED!  I love you summer, but it's time to slow down.

 Fortunately, just because summer is coming to an end, doesn't mean that we have to hibernate in the kitchen.  There is still plenty of time to enjoy fresh summer food and outdoor grilling.  And while you still have time, might I recommend these killer burgers. Reeni, who has an amazing blog at Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice (seriously, I pin almost everything she posts), came up with these, and they are as delicious as they sound. A taco flavored burger, topped with cheese and guacamole, nestled in a homemade cornbread foccacia bun. Gooey, cheesy, heaven.

So when it does finally cool down and you're wishing you had your summer back, throw these on the grill. The bright flavors will satiate your summer appetite, for an evening at least.

I'll direct you to Reeni's page for the recipe because her pictures and descriptions do this burger way more justice. Enjoy!

Club Pasta

 Not near as embarrassing as a wardrobe malfunction, it seems as though I have suffered a pasta malfunction.  You see my friends, what you see before you started as bowtie pasta, but clearly it did not turn out that way.  Does anyone know if dried pasta actually expires?  Is there a date when your pasta will fall to pieces in your boiling pan?  I don't remember buying bowties in 2001, but maybe I did.

Fortunately tastes was not compromised and this still ended up being a delicious dinner.  I posted this recipe For-E-VER (name that movie) ago, and now I'm re-posting it because it's so simple and delicious.  All the great flavors of a club sandwich tossed together in a warm pasta?  You can't beat that with a stick.

Club Pasta

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of oil
4-5 slices of center cut bacon, chopped, cooked and drained
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups of cooked and chopped chicken or turkey breast
8-10 roma or compari tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup shredded parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone
1 12 oz box bowtie pasta, cooked according to directions
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Directions

In a large skillet heat oil and add garlic.  Cook for 1-2 minutes and add chopped tomatoes.  Cook for another four to five minutes until tomato skins are softened.  Add pasta, chicken and bacon.  Cook in pan for five-eight minutes until all ingredients are heated through and well combined.  Add cheese and parsley and stir until cheese melts.  Serve immediately.

Gorgonzola Chicken Salad

I would love to be more of an innovator in the kitchen and invent my own recipes. I have a lot of respect for those that are. Most of my creations are at least inspired by recipes that I find in books or online. It's rare that I'm able to come up with anything on my own, and when I do, it's usually out of necessity. This was one of those times. Right before we moved I was desperate to eat every morsel out of our fridge before I took a trip to the grocery store. I didn't plan to move a bunch of food, and I absolutely hate to throw food away, I honestly lose sleep over wasted food. So with some leftover chicken and Gorgonzola cheese, this lighter and tasty salad was born. Protein seekers rejoice, with all the chicken, cheese and yogurt, this salad packs a serious punch!  

Gorgonzola Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
1 apple, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
 2 green onions, or one shallot, chopped
3/4 cup fat-free greek yogurt
2 tablespoons low fat mayo
1 teaspoon worchestershire sauce
3 tablespoons blue or gorgonzola cheese (more or less to taste)
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

In a medium sized bowl, combine chicken, apples, celery, almonds and dried cranberries, and onion.  In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients except salt, pepper and parsley.  Mix dressing into chicken mixture and combine.  Add salt and pepper to taste and fresh parsley.  Serve either chilled or at room temperature, as sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of lettuce.

Cheesy Ham and Potatoes

You may notice a trend here at A Blog About Food. Most posts will be clean and healthy, since that it how we strive to eat in our home. And then every once and a while I post a not so healthy recipe like this when I hit a "healthy brick wall" and lose my freaking mind.

I've been asked a few times what I miss the most since eating healthier. While it seems natural to say things like "chocolate, cake or french fries," what I have missed more than all of those things is CHEESE. Cheddar, Mozzarella, Havarti, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Brie, to name only a few. I am a total cheese head and I LOVES my cheese.

So, during Christmas, whilst I was on my brief healthy eating hiatus (I refuse to use the word diet, it's a lifestyle, right?) I made these potatoes. We had a ton of ham leftover and this was the perfect thing.

The tangy and delicious flavor is actually inspired by my blog buddy Kim at Stirring the Pot. She talks often about her love for mustard, and has even featured an amazing Dragon Ale mustard cheese from Whole Foods, which I now purchase every Christmas. While I was making the potatoes I felt the sauce was a bit bland and definitely needed a kick. In goes the rest of that creamy Dragon Ale cheese, along with a couple tablespoons of yellow mustard and we were all in cheesy, hammy (it's a word), heaven. Thanks Kim, your love for mustard saved our meal!



Ham and Potatoes
Adapted from Cooking Light June 2005 (see, it's Cooking Light, not too bad, right?)

Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter
1 medium onion (about 5 1/2 ounces), thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2/3 cup)
6 ounces extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups), divided (or Dragon Ale mustard cheese if you have it)
1-2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard, to taste
6 ounces diced ham (about 1 1/4 cups)
3 pounds peeled baking potatoes, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 350�.

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saut� 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Combine milk, salt, pepper, and flour, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan. Bring to a simmer; cook until slightly thick (about 2 minutes), stirring frequently. Add 4 ounces cheese, mustard and ham, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in potatoes.

Place the potato mixture in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle potato mixture with remaining 2 ounces of cheese. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350� for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until lightly browned and potatoes are tender. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

What I'm Reading

Technically I'm not reading this, I read it a few months ago, but even if I'd read it a few years ago, I'd be completely remiss not to share it with as many people as possible. It's easily one of the best books I've ever read.

Usually after a read a book, I smile, close the book, and start thinking about my next one right away. This was one of those books that I closed and then sat on the couch for about fifteen minutes absorbing the amazingness that was this book. I then had to get online and find any extra info, photos or interviews that I could.

Whether you are a WWII buff or not, read this book. It follows the life of Louis Zamperini from childhood, into the war, and then his life after the war. It is gripping, intense, inspiring and so touching. His experience as a bombardier, fighting on the Pacific side are just incredible. I also loved learning more about what happened in Japan during the war, where most of my WWII books are centered around the Holocaust.

Read it, and then let me know so we can cyber-highfive about how great this book is.

Pasta Rollups

Well, this is it, the final week! After four months (okay three, I did take December off), I'm finally closing in on this program. It's been fun, it's been hard, it's been intimidating, but I'm so glad I did it. I'm also glad to almost be DONE!

So what comes next? Maintenance sounds nice and easy, but it's almost scarier then being on a strict program. At least with the program there are rules, definite do's and don'ts. I plan to continue eating good clean foods, but hey, should a slice of cheese end up on my sandwich, so be it. Should a cookie land on my plate, oh well. Now I learn the ever going art of balance, and it really is an art isn't it.



And now I introduce to use these fantastic pasta rolls. I've seen similar things like these in the blogosphere for a while now, and I always thought they looked a bit intimidating. Oh my gosh, they are the easiest thing you'll ever make. I think these puppies took me all of three minutes to throw together. Once you have the filling and sauce ready, you're set. I made these when I was not eating cheese, but cottage cheese actually makes a wonderful creamy substitute and more protein, so if that's what you're looking for, give it a try, I posted both options in the recipe.



Pasta Roll-ups
Best of Clean Eating, by Clean Eating Magazine

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb extra-lean ground turkey breast
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I omitted)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (I omitted)
1 28-oz jar tomatoes in juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
8 sheets dried high-protein or whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 10-oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 (15 oz) container low-fat ricotta cheese (I used cottage cheese)
1 egg (I used three egg whites)
3/4 cups shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese, (I omitted)

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Turn heat to medium-high and add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until meat show no sign of pink. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg, then add tomatoes, their juice and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring and breaking up tomatoes with a wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse and allow to cook in a colander.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Squeeze all moisture possible from thawed spinach and place in a large bowl. Add ricotta cheese, egg, and a quarter-cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until combined.

Spread one cup of cooked tomato sauce into bottom of a 9x10 inch casserole dish. Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat in front of you. Use your fingers to spread one-eighth of ricotta mixture across the noodle and roll it up. Place rolled pasta, seam side down, into the casserole dish. Repeat with remaining noodles. Spread remaining tomato sauce over roll-ups, then top with remaining half-cup mozzarella.

Bake, covered with foil, for 20 minutes. Remove foil adn broil for five minutes or until rool-ups are browned and bubbly.

234 cal, 3g fat, 27 carb, 3g fiber, 7g sugar, 28g prot

Creamy, Light, Macaroni and Cheese

If there was ever a dish that could be defined as one of the most over-the-edge sinfully delicious meals of all time, Macaroni and Cheese just might be it. It's an absolute blessing from heaven to the pasta and cheese lovers, and I am always on the lookout for fun ways to make it.

This is something I made before I started the Livefit program, but the good news is that it's still light and packed with nutrients. It reminded me a lot of Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious' concept. The majority of the "cheese" was sweet, creamy butternut squash, and the kids were none the wiser. We all gobbled up our mac and cheese and were delightfully satisfied.


Creamy, Light, Macaroni and Cheese
Cooking Light September 2011

Ingredients

* 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 [1-pound] squash)
* 1 1/4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
* 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
* 2 garlic cloves
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons fat-free Greek yogurt
* 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Gruy�re cheese
* 1 cup (4 ounces) grated pecorino Romano cheese
* 1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
* 1 pound uncooked cavatappi
* Cooking spray
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375�.

2. Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Place the hot squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruy�re, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.

4. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.

5. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.

6. Bake at 375� for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.