Week of Sept 30, 2014

Scalloped Potatoes

Mon - Spaghetti
Tue - Grilled Cheese and Soup
Wed - Crock Pot Pot Roast
Thur - Scalloped Potatoes
Fri - Hot Beef Sandwiches

Spaghetti and Meatballs
1 lb dried spaghetti
1 (25 oz) jar of marinara sauce

1 lb ground Italian sausage OR ground beef/turkey (or combination of those)

1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs

1 egg

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1/2 cup grated parmesaen cheese
Prepare spaghetti according to package directions.
Meatballs:
Combine ground meat, bread crumbs, cheese, egg, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl (I like my Batter Bowl for this), mix just until combined. Do not over mix. Using small or medium size scoop, spoon out scoop-fulls of mix, roll into ball and drop meatballs in large nonstick skillet - all should fit. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and internal temp of 165F is reached. Add sauce to skillet. Simmer until hot.  Serve with pasta

Grilled Cheese and Soup

8 slices of bread

16 slices of cheese (I like cheddar or american)

butter, softened OR mayo OR margarine

1 can Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup (made according to directions with water)

Goldfish crackers for soup (optional)

Lightly butter both sides of bread. Place 2 pieces of cheese on 4 of the bread slices. Top cheese with another slice of bread. move to a large non-stick skillet. Cover and cook on medium for 5-10 or until the bottom piece turns golden brown. Uncover. Turn sandwiches over and cook until golden brown on other side, about 3 minutes. Serve hot with hot soup. Serves 4.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

4 medium baker potatoes, thoroughly washed

1 cup cooked, diced ham

3 cups sharp/medium cheddar cheese

3 tbsp butter (not margarine)

3 tbsp AP flour

1 1/2 cups 2% milk

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp dried parsley flakes

1 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional; don't substitute yellow mustard)

2 tbsp chives, chopped and/or fresh parsley, chopped, for topping (optional)

Slice potatoes thinly, with or without skin, (I prefer using a Mandolin or food processor for this).  Place in "Microcooker" or other microwave steamer (you can also use a microwave-safe bowl partially covered with plastic wrap) with 2 tbsp water. Cook in microwave on high for 7 minutes, or until ALMOST done. You may have to do this in 2 batches.

To make sauce, melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in flour with a whisk (that is safe for non-stick, such as silicone coated). Reduce to low heat and let cook for about 2 minutes or until there is a nutty aroma. Increase temp back to medium-high, and stir in milk. Add 2 cups cheese, 1/2 cup at a time, letting each batch melt before adding more. After all cheese is incorporated, add in seasonings and parsley. Taste sauce, add salt and/or pepper if necessary. Take off heat. THIS WILL HARDEN/THICKEN UP QUICKLY! MAKE WHEN READY TO ASSEMBLE CASSEROLE!

To assemble, in a greased 9 in square baking dish or 2 qt casserole dish, layer potatoes, ham then cheese sauce, and continue until you run out of potatoes, about 4 layers. On the top layer, spread any remaining sauce and top with the other 1 cup of cheese. If baking immediately, bake at 375F for 30 minutes, or until cheese on top is browned and potatoes are completely cooked. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Serve with with chopped chives and/or parsley.

(NOTE: You can also let this cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months to cook later. Make sure to allow the casserole to completely defrost before baking, and allow to warm up with the oven, do not pre-heat.)

Week of Sept 21, 2014

Sun - Ham Pie

Spaghetti alla Margherita (blended sauce)

Mon - Spaghetti alla Margherita 
Tue - Slow Cooked Chili
Wed -Coconut Thai Chicken
Thur - Game Day Chili Dogs
Fri - Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ham Pie

Crust: (use pre-made, fresh pie crust if desired)

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

8 tbsp butter

8 tbsp Crisco shortening

1 tsp white vinegar

2 tbsp - 1/4 cup water

Filling:

2 cup diced ham

1 can condensed cream mushroom soup

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

4 pats of butter

1 can whole corn

Pie

To make crust: using a fork or a pastry blender, mix butter, shortening, salt, and flour together until it looks like small beads. Add vinegar and 2 tbsp water and mix until dough forms. If it is too dry to mix add water, a tbsp at a time until it comes together. Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest 20 minutes (can be refrigerated for up to 3 days). After resting, roll out into 2 circles for your pie.

To make pie: Put 1 circle of crust in the bottom of the pan. Add 1/2 the ham to the bottom, then 1/2 the cheese and 1/2 of the corn. Spread 1/2 the soup on top. Repeat 1 more time. Put the butter on, then the top crust on. Make sure to slit a few hole on top for venting. Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until crust is golden brown. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Spaghetti alla Margherita 
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 garlic cloves in skin
1/2 cup loosely packed, fresh basil
1 tbsp fresh, Italian parsley
1 cup diced or shredded mozerrella
1 lb spaghetti pasta
Sauted Mushrooms (see below)Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 425F. Top, cut in half, and seed tomatoes. Lay out tomatoes and garlic on a sheet pan, coat with a few tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until tomatoes are soft and shriveled, and garlic is browning but not burnt/black, 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool 5 minutes. Remove garlic skin by squishing with a fork.
Cook pasta according to package. (Retain 1 cup of pasta water if blending sauce) Chop basil and parsley. Dice or shred cheese. Mash garlic.
You can either eat as is or blend sauce. AS IS: Stir ingredients together with spaghetti and balsamic vinegar, enjoy. BLENDED SAUCE: blend tomatoes, garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar together. Add water 2 tbsp at a time until desired thickness. Mix with pasta. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and herbs, enjoy.

Hearty Oven Chili (pampered chef recipe)
NOTE: I will be doing this in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours, instead of in the oven. just replace "baking bowl" with slow cooker. If you are baking it, use a casserole dish with a lid.
INGREDIENTS

3 pounds boneless beef chuck pot roast (arm, blade, chuck eye or shoulder) or 2 1/2 pounds boneless beef stew meat
4 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups onions, coarsely chopped
2 cups green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (15.5 ounces) kidney, pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed  
Optional Toppings: such as shredded cheddar cheese, sliced ripe olives, sliced green onions, chopped white onions, and/or sour cream
DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Trim excess fat from meat with Chef’s Knife. Cut meat into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in Stoneware Baking Bowl. Press garlic over meat using Garlic Press. Sprinkle with seasonings; stir to coat meat. Chop onions and bell pepper using Food Chopper. Add to Baking Bowl along with tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans. Cover Bowl with Deep Dish Baker. Bake 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Carefully remove Deep Dish Baker from Baking Bowl, lifting away from you. Using Magic Mop™, skim any fat from top of chili. Top with desired toppings when served (optional).
Yield: 12 servings of 1 cup. Nutrients per serving: Calories 340, Fat 10 g, Sodium 570 mg, Dietary Fiber 6 g

Game Day Chili Dogs
8 hot dogs (the kids and I like cheese dogs! Husband likes all beef)
8 whole wheat hot dog buns
1 cup shredded Cheddar
1/2 onion, chopped
Sour Cream, for topping - optional
Directions
Heat hot dogs follwoing package directions OR if you have a George Foreman Grill, use to cook until hot.  About 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and place each hot dog in a bun. Top with a generous serving of the chili. Top with cheese, onion, and sour cream, if desired.

Chicken and Rice Casserole
4 skinless, boneless breast filet
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I perfer Campbell's Healthy Choice)
1 1/2 cans of water
2 cups dry Long Grain White Minute Rice
2 tsp+ each Salt and Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Salt
Grease a 9x13 pan with butter. Sprinkle Chicken Breasts with salt and pepper - both sides. Mix rice, salt, pepper, garlic, soup and water in the pan. Evenly spread out rice. Place chicken on top. Cover with foil. Bake in 350F oven for 40-60  minutes, or until rice is done and chicken is no longer pink and liquid is adsorbed. Serve with a vegetable or salad.

Week of Sept 14, 2014

Sat - Grilled Steak

Bacon and Spinach Strata

Sun - Ground Beef Sliders "Mini Man Burgers"
Mon - Red Beans and Rice
Tue - Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Wed - Ham Dinner
Thur - Ham and Spinach Strata

Red Beans and Rice
I will be doing this in the slow cooker. 6-10 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
http://www.johnsonville.com/recipe/red-beans-and-rice.html

Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

1 cup cooked, diced or shredded chicken or turkey

1 can cream of chicken soup (or 2 cups chicken gravy)

1 (12 oz) bag of frozen mixed veggies or peas and carrots

1 cup cooked, diced potatoes (optional)

1 cup pearl onions

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Pepperidge Farm 2 Ready-To-Bake SheetsPuff Pastry, 17.3 oz

Egg wash: 1 egg and 1 tbsp water beaten together

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 1 pie crust in a 9 inch pan. In a 9x13 baking dish or 2 quart casserole dish, combine chicken, soup, veggies, potatoes, onions, and salt and pepper. When well mixed top with 1 sheet of pastry. Poke with fork on top for venting. Brush top crust with egg wash. Cook for 20-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Ham Dinner 
1 large ham (7+ lbs, this ham will be used in 4 recipes through out next week) cook according to directions on packaging - usually 20-30 minutes per pound in a 350F oven. I cover with foil except for the last 30 minutes, which is when I put on the glaze.  For glaze recipes click here. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
4 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
4 roasted garlic cloves, pressed (roast garlic at 350F wrapped in foil for 15-20 minutes or until browned)
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt and pepper
Boil potatoes in a large stock pan until tender, do not over cook. Mash with potato masher or a ricer keep in pan. Add garlic, butter, sour cream and salt and pepper. Mix over low heat until butter is melted and everything is incorporated. Serve in a serving bowl immediately. 

Ham and Spinach Strata
8 eggs
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsely, chopped
1 cup ham
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Grease 9" round pie pan. Preheat oven to 350F. Mix cream cheese and milk together until incorporated. Add eggs and beat until mixed thoroughly. Put 1/2 cheese, the spinach, parsley and the ham in the bottom of the pie pan. Pour egg mixture over the ham. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until golden brown on top and set up.

Week of Sept 6, 2014

Sun - Mickey Mouse Pancakes with sausage

Mickey Pancakes

Mon - Bacon Linguine Toss
Tue -  Tequila Chicken
Wed - Pork Roast Mushroom Gravy
Thur - Chicken Primavera Pizza
Fri - Italian Sups








Mickey Pancakes
Prepare pancake mix according to package directions. Use a small scoop to scoop out the batter on a hot (medium heat) greased griddle or skillet. Full scoop in center for mickey's head, 1/2 scoops one on each side for ears. Work fast, so the batter cooks evenly. When bubbles form flip - a few minutes. Cook for a few more minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Bacon Linguine Toss

Bacon Linguine Toss Pampered Chef Recipe

Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe

1/3 cup tequila

1 tbsp lime zest (about 1 lime)

6 limes, for freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tsp chiplote chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)

2 tps kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

6 split boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions

Combine the tequila, lime juice and zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock freezer bag. Add the chicken breasts. Shake to coat chicken. Zip closed. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but up to 24 hours.

Remove chicken from marinade. Throw away marinade. Grill (on BBQ grill or on grill pan) on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. 165f with a meat thermometer.

Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Recommended: Serve with rice, warm tortillas, and lime wedges.

Pork Roast with Mushroom Gravy Slow-cooker version
3-4 lb pork loin roast
1 can condensed mushroom soup
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 can full milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp each salt and pepper
 In the slow-cooker mix mushroom soup with 1 1/2 cans full of milk until combined. Add Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper, mix. Place pork in soup mix. Add in mushrooms. Cook in slow cooker on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-9 hours. OPTIONAL SIDE: an hour before serving, place a steamer basket on top of roast, add fresh whole green beans to steamer. Cover and cook for the last hour.

Chicken Primavera Pizza
I will be using cooked chicken sausage instead of chicken breast and jarred Alfredo instead of ranch.
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/chicken-pizza-primavera/b1916b70-ad7d-4b72-8dcd-06ec157305db