Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

I didnt have enough of one type of pasta in my pantry so I used the remaining pasta in 3 different boxes.
3 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup fat- free half- and- half
4 oz process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 tsp garlic-herb seasoning blend
1/4 tsp salt
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to pkg directions, adding the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking, drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter. Combine flour and broth until smooth; stir into pan. Add half-and-half. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 min or until thickened. Add the process cheese, seasoning blend and salt; stir until smooth. Stir in pasta mixture and chicken; heat through.
Remove from heat; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 min or until cheese is melted.

Oh Soooooo Good!

Really easy to make and better than what you can buy.

1 prebaked 12 in thin whole wheat pizza crust
1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
6 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (I used one cut up chicken breast instead)
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced or chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced or chopped
1 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese



Place crust on an ungreased pizza pan; spread with salad dressing. Top with provolone cheese, chicken, tomato and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 for 10-12 min or until cheese is melted and edges are lightly browned.

Gobble Gobble Pot Pie

I used left over seasoned turkey that made this so good!

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup onion, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup carrot, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

1/2 cup celery, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup half and half or milk

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

4 cups cooked chicken

Saute vegetables in butter 10 min. Stir in flour and add milk and broth. Add chicken and put in a 2 qt shallow baking dish. Roll pastry to cover dish and brush with 2 egg yolk beaten with 1 T cream or milk. Bake at 375 for 35-40 min or until bubbly and crust is golden brown.

Pastry

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup shortening

Mix until crumbly and add 1/3 cups cold water, 1 beaten egg and 1 T vinegar. Roll on floured board.

Pizza Pizza!

This recipe was simple, quick, and pleased all 3 of us. You can put whatever toppings you like.

2 cups Original Bisquick mix

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 pkg sliced pepperoni, cut in half or whatever meat topping you like

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Any other toppings desired

Pizza sauce, heated, if desired

Heat oven to 400. Generously grease bottom and sides of pan (9x9x2 works well) with shortening.

Stir Bisquick, Parmesan cheese, water, Italian seasoning and meat of choice until moistened; spread on bottom of pan. Sprinkle with mozarella cheese. Top with remaining toppings.

Bake uncovered 18 to 20 minutes or until edges are light golden and cheese is melted. Serve warm with pizza sauce if desired.

Best-Ever Chicken Fajita Chowder

The name of this dish says it all. We ate the leftovers so fast that I almost forgot to take a picture. This is what was left in my daughters bowl. Hope this gives an idea of how tasty it really is.

1 pound boneless chicken breasts, chopped

1 EACH medium green, sweet red and yellow peppers, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 TBSP olive oil

3 cups water

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup uncooked brown rice

1 cup green enchilada sauce (I used mild)

1/4 cup canned chopped green chilies

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 cup (8 oz) sour cream

tortilla chips

Over medium-high heat, cook and stir chicken, peppers and onion in oil until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the water, corn, rice, enchilada sauce, chilies, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; over and simmer for 40 min or until rice is tender. (Probably because of the rice I used, it took a lot longer to cook than 40 min).

Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and sour cream until cheese it melted. Top with tortilla chips.

Barley Beef Skillet

Healthy and filling are two words I would use to describe this dish.

1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey would probably taste ok

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 can (14-1/2 oz) reduced-sodium beef broth

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup water

2 small carrots, chopped

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped

1 small zucchini, chopped

1 cup medium pearl barley

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the broth, tomato sauce and water; bring to a boil. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 min or until barley is tender.

Bacon Chicken Alfredo

My husband made this recipe and did a good job. It took him a lot longer than he wanted it to. He left out the spinach because he thinks cooked spinach is gross all wilted.










1 pkg (16 oz) whole wheat fettuccine (I didnt use that much cause it makes a ton!)
8 bacon strips, chopped (use turkey bacon to be healthier) My husband used regular bacon and cooked it real slow so it turned out good and not all fatty.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp salt, divided
1/4 tsp pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 TBSP butter
3 TBSP cornstarch
3 cups milk
1 cup half and half cream
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided (I substituted another kind of cheese)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over low-medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.

2. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Cook chicken in garlic in butter over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; remove and keep warm.

3. Combine cornstartch and milk until smooth; stir into skillet. Add cream and remaining salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Add the spinach, chicken, 3/4 cup cheese, Italian seasoning and half of bacon; cook and stir until cheese is melted.

4. Drain the fettuccine; add to chicken mixture. Cook and stir until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These are a good snack or guilt-free treat.

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 TBSP sugar

3 TBSP water

1 egg white

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup raisins

1. In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugars, water, egg white and vanilla. Combine the flours, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well. Stir in oats and raisins.

2. Drop by scant 1/4 cupfuls onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray; flatten slightly. Bake at 350 for 10-12 min or until golden brown. Cool for 1 min before removing from pan to wire racks.

Calzones

I took a risk making these. I am not very good when it comes to homemade dough, but they turned out ok for my first time. Cant wait to make them again. Totally worth the effort and time!

Calzone dough

3 1/4 cups unbleached a.p. flour

9 oz tepid water

3/4 tsp active dry yeast

1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle and mix, low, until mixture comes together. Switch to the dough hook and continue mixing, medium-low, another 3-4 minutes. Guess what? I dont have a mixer so I mixed it by hand/spoon and it worked just fine. Check dough - if too dry, add a bit more water, if too sticky, add a bit more flour.

2. Dump dough onto a lightly floured countertop or board and continue to knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Let rest 1/2 hr to 45 minutes until risen.

3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and press down to deflate. Cut the dough into 6 portions or however many you desire, and form into tight balls to press air out. 6 portions made pretty good sized calzones.

4. At this point, you can place the balls of dough on a floured surface covered with oiled plastic or a towel, and let rise one hour if you want to use the dough today. Alternately, place the dough on a lightly floured tray, cover with oiled plastic and refrigerate overnight. Allow dough to sit at room temp 10-15 min before shaping/baking.

Calzone filling

However many pizza dough balls you will be making

mozzarella

ricotta

grated parmesan

chopped cook ham, italian sausages, pepperoni (whatever meat you want)

Sauteed sliced onions and green, red and cubanelle peppers

marinara sauce of your choice

1. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat oven to 475 ( I dont have a pizza stone)

2. Pat/roll/stretch dough into 8" circle. Lift round onto floured peel (I used cornmeal). Working quickly, arrange the filling of your choice down the center nearest to you, leaving 1/2 border. Gently fold top of dough over, stretching as needed to meet edges of other half. Pinch edges to seal with fingers, or with tines of a fork. Cut 2 small vents in the top.

3. Shake the calzone onto the pizza stone. Bake until nice and brown, 8-10 min. Using a peel, remove from oven.

Cran-Orange Streusel Muffins

"Orange" you in love with these muffins?! "Cran" you say easy to make!? Happy Valentine's Day!

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup fat-free milk

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

2-1/2 tsp grated orange peel

Streusel Topping:

2 TBSP all-purpose flour

2 TBSP brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 TBSP cold butter

In a large bowl , beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg. Beat in milk, applesauce, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture just until moistened. Fold in cranberries and orange peel.

Coat muffin cup (I used paper baking cups instead) with cooking spray; fill three-fourths full with batter. For topping, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 400 for 18-22 min or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Hearty Breakfast

This is a well rounded meal with a fruit smoothie:)
This was super easy to make. My family likes having breakfast for dinner. The recipe calls for 4 eggs but I only cooked two to meet my families needs.

1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp butter
2 tsp olive oil

4 eggs
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. cubes
1 large Yukon Gold potato, cut into 1/2-in. cubes
1 medium red potato, cut into 1/2-in. cubes

1. In an ovenproof skillet, saute the potatoes, onion and seasonings in butter and oil until vegetables are golden brown and tender. With the back of a spoon, make four wells (I only made two) in the potato mixture; add an egg to each well. Remove from the heat; sprinkle with cheese.

2. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for a few minutes or until eggs are completely set.

For cold, chili nights

Gnocchi with white beans

I am not a big fan of gnocchi, but this still tasted ok.

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBSP olive oil

1 pkg (16 oz) potato gnocchi

1 pkg (6 oz) baby spinach

1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, rinsed and drained

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

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

3 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add gnocchi; cook and stir for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Stir in spinach; cook until spinach is wilted.

2. Add the beans, tomatoes and pepper; heat through. Sprinkle with cheeses; cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This ones for my daughter

Baked Mostaccioli

My daughter requests to eat pasta everyday. She loved this meal! I couldn't find whole wheat mostaccioli pasta. Any pasta will do really, so choose whatever kind of pasta you want. Whole wheat will just make it that much more healthy.

8 oz uncooked mostaccioli

1/2 lb lean ground turkey

1 small onion, chopped

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

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1/3 cup water

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 cups (16 oz) fat-free cottage cheese

1 tsp dried marjoram

1-1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook mostaccioli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain if necessary.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, and marjoram; set aside. Drain mostaccioli.

4. Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into an 11x7 in baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Layer with remaining mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (dish will be full).

5. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Slice of Heaven

Enchilada Pie

Crock pot style, love it!

1 lb lean ground beef (omit or substitute)

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

2 tsp canola oil

1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (16 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1/2 cup water

1-1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp pepper

6 whole wheat tortillas (8 in)

2 cups (8 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1. Cut three 25-in x 3-in strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 5-qt slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.

2. In a saucepan, cook meat, onion and green pepper in oil until vegetables are tender. Stir in both cans of beans, tomatoes, water, chili powder, cumin and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

3. In slow cooker, layer about 3/4 cup bean mixture, one tortilla and 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers five times. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

4. Using foil strips as handles, remove the pie to a platter. (I just served mine out of the crock pot).

Pizza Pizza

Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza

I did not love the steps and the amounts of ingredients given, but it turned out to be my husbands favorite pizza ever! I thought there was too much of some things but I made it work.

1 pkg (1/4 oz) quick-rise yeast

1 cup warm water

1 tsp sugar

1-1/2 tsp salt, divided

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 TBSP cornmeal

1 TBSP olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 TBSP butter

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp pepper

4-1/2 tsp all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups 2% milk

3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts

2 large tomatoes, chopped

2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach

4 cups (16 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic; about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

3. Sprinkle cornmeal over huge or 2 small pizza pans coated with cooking spray. On a floured surface, roll into a circle. Transfer to prepared pan(s). Build up edges slightly. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork; brush with oil. Bake at 425 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

4. In a small saucepan, saute garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the parsley, pepper and remaining salt. Combine flour and milk until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

5. Spread over crust(s) (I thought there was too much sauce so I didn't use it all); top with chicken, tomatoes, spinach, cheeses and Italian seasoning. Bake 10-12 minutes longer or until crust(s) are lightly browned and cheeses are melted.

oink oink

Teriyaki Pork

Next time I am going to make this dish with chicken instead of pork.

3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 TBSP red wine vinegar

2 tsp honey

2 tsp garlic powder

1 lb boneless pork loin chops, cut into thin strips

1 TBSP canola oil

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

3 medium carrots, sliced

4 cups shredded cabbage

6 green onions, sliced

1 TBSP cornstarch

Hot cooked brown rice

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup broth, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and garlic powder. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the pork. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

2. Drain and discard marinade. In large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry pork in oil for 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.

3. In the same pan, stir-fry broccoli and carrots in reserved marinade for a few minutes. Add celery; stir-fry for a couple more minutes. Add cabbage and green onions; stir-fry for a few minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

4. Combine starch and remaining broth until smooth; stir into vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Return pork to the pan; heat through. Serve with rice.

Soup for the Soul

Zesty Hamburger Soup

WARNING: May be too spicy for kids.

1 lb. lean ground beef

2 cups sliced celery

1 cup chopped onion

2 tsp minced garlic

4 cups hot water

2 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 cups frozen corn

1-1/2 cups uncooked small shell pasta

4 cups V8 juice

2 cans (10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 to 2 Tbsp sugar

1. Cook the beef, celery, and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the water potatoes, corn and pasta.

2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in the remaining ingredient. Cook and stir until heated through.

Good way to start the day

Whole Wheat Pancakes

These are so filling! Top them with anything you want and they will still be yummy.

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 cups buttermilk

1 TBSP canola oil

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until blended.

2. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown.

Bon Appetit

So I have decided to start this little blog to share healthy recipes with family and friends. I will try to post every week but I can't make any promises. Bon Appetit!

Healthy Snack Mix

This snack is good for dads who need a little snack at work, great for moms on the go, and kids will love it! I took a bag of this stuff to work and a guy loved it so much he wouldn't give the bag back and finished the rest off. It's good!

3 cups Corn Chex

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Wheat Chex

3 cups Multi Gran Cheerios

1 cup salted peanuts

1-1/2 cups pretzel sticks

1/3 cup olive oil

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp seasoned salt

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1. In a bowl, combine cereal, peanuts, and pretzels. In another bowl, combine remaining ingredients; pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat.

2. Transfer to two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container after cooling.