Week of June 25, 2012

Mon - Cheesy Penne Bake
Tue - Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Wed - Lemon-Sage Cutlets http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/lemon-sage-chicken-cutlets-recipe/index.html
Thur - Loaded Baked Potatoes
Fri - Pizza


Cheesy Penne Bake
1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage, browned
2 cups penne pasta, cooked according to package
15 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz (2 cups) shredded Italian Cheese Blend 
1 jar marinara sauce (your favorite flavor, 25 to 26 oz)
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
In a large mixing bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup shredded cheese, salt and pepper. In a 2 qt casserole dish, put a thin layer of sauce on bottom. Then layer 1/2 the pasta, 1/2 the meat. Use a small scoop to dish out the 1/2 cheese mixture around pasta. Layer 1/2 the remaining sauce. Repeat. Top with the shredded cheese. Bake at 350F until all cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.


Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
1 package Italian Sausages (links)
5-7 hoagie or hot dog buns
5-7 slices of cheese
2 bell peppers (any color)
1/2 sweet onion
1 tbsp olive oil
Cut peppers and onion into strips. Cook sausages according to package in a large skillet. remove when done. Add oil, peppers and onions to skillet and cook on medium. Meanwhile, cut sausages on a bias; toast buns. Return sausages to skillet when veggies are almost tender. Cook together until onions and peppers are tender and meat is hot. Serve on buns with cheese.


Loaded Baked Potatoes

3-4 large baking potatoes
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled1 tbsp butter, FOR EACH POTATO
1 tsp chives or scallions, chopped, for EACH POTATO
Salt and Pepper to taste
Wash and poke holes in potatoes. Cook potatoes in microwave on high until fork tender, about 5-6 minutes each - OR wrapped in foil and bake at 350F for about an hour.  Allow to cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes. Break open, top with butter salt and pepper first. Then add cheese, bacon and 1-2 tbsp sour cream for each potato. Serve hot.