Cavatelli and Broccoli

 A simple, classic Italian dish!

(photo from Pinterest)

"Broccoli and pasta" has always been a favorite meal for me. It's a classic, rustic Italian dish featuring fresh or frozen cavatelli pasta, tossed with sauteed broccoli florets, garlic, olive oil and sometimes, red pepper flakes or cheese. 

Mom and Grandma didn't use a  "recipe", because they just knew what tasted good and how much to add, and were experts at taking simple ingredients and turn them into something special!

Now, this dish is still around with a simple recipe to share for everyone to make and enjoy.

Ingredients:

3 heads fresh broccoli, cut into florets

1 1/2 lbs. cavatelli

1/2 cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook broccoli in boiling water for about 5 minutes or until tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove broccoli to a large bowl; set aside.

Bring that water back to boiling in the same pot; season with salt.  Cook cavatelli in th1at water until tender yet firm to the bite, 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic in hot oil until lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Add broccoli; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet crisp to the bite, about 10 minutes.

Add cooked cavatelli to the skillet; toss well with broccoli mixture until warmed through. Season with salt and hot pepper flakes. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 10-12 servings

 

A Tip from Grammy:

-Add cooked sausage or chicken

-Add a pat of butter, white wine or a little lemon juice

-Use your favorite pasta such as penne, cavatappi, rotini, fusilli...

Be encouraged!

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."   -Psalm 9:1

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Classic "church potluck" supper!

We all know that casseroles aren't considered a "fancy" meal, but I love making (and serving) them.  I also enjoy a good chicken casserole, and this one is a great combination that turns into comfort food for the whole family.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cozy baked dish that is especially popular in southern-stye American home cooking. The chicken is tender and folded into a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy layer and baked until bubbly and golden.

I made this yesterday, and they loved it!  Let me tell you, it smelled so good baking, and I was really glad they waited long enough, before digging in, to let me take a couple of pictures. And, as you can see, they opted out of a veggie. Haha!

Ingredients:

5 cups of cubed or shredded rotisserie or left over chicken

1 sleeve (2 cups) Ritz Crackers, crushed (or your favorite buttery crackers)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds 

1 (10.5 oz. can) cream of chicken OR cream of mushroom soup

1 (8 oz.) container sour cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I use extra sharp)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with Pam.

Mix crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds together in a large bowl until combined; set aside.

Stir condensed soup and sour cream together in a medium bowl; add chicken and mix together well. (I added a little Worcestershire Sauce and garlic powder too.)

Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, then top with cracker mixture.

Bake in the preheated 350' F. oven until cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.  

Serves: 6

A Tip from Grammy:

-Use 4 boneless, skinless boiled and shredded chicken breasts in place of precooked.

-Spice up the sour cream/condensed soup mixture with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice or pepper, if desired.

-Serve as is or over rice or egg noodles, and with a salad, green vegetable and rolls.

-Exclude the cheese and it will still taste great!

Be encouraged!

"All the law is fulfilled in one word;...LOVE your neighbor as yourself.  -Galatians 5:14

Sun-dried Tomato, Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Sandwich

A real twist on a grilled cheese sandwich!

(This is the photo that caught my attention.)

Oh my goodness! All I had to see was the picture of this sandwich and I knew I had to find the recipe. I know it sounds funny to have to use a recipe for a sandwich, but sometimes, I just have to know exactly how they made it. I haven't been disappointed with this method because it tells me what I like about it or don't like. Then, I can have fun experimenting with my own ingredients!

I want to thank "Sylvia Recipes" for posting this delicious looking sandwich!  It looks like she has some pretty tasty and creative recipes on her blog. 

Ingredients:

2 oz. shredded unsmoked Provolone cheese

1/3 cup whole milk Ricotta cheese

3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1 small clove garlic, minced

Salt and Pepper, to taste

3 cups Baby Spinach, lightly steamed

4 slices Sarah Lee Artisan Golden Wheat Bread

 2 Tbsp. fresh Basil, chopped

3 Tbsp. Sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry if in oil and minced

8 tsp. butter, softened

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, shredded provolone, parmesan and minced garlic.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Set it aside to let the flavors marry.

Bring 1/2 inch of water to a simmer in a small pot with a steamer basket. Add spinach, cover, and steam for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Transfer to a paper towel and press out excess moisture.

Butter one side of each bread slice. On two slices, layer spinach, chopped basil, and then spoon over the ricotta mixture.  Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes on top and gently press them into the cheese.  Cap with the remaining slices of bread and spread with butter on the outside slices.

Place sandwiches in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and continue cooking, uncovered for 2-3 more minutes, adjusting heat as needed.

A Tip from Grammy:

-No ricotta? Cream cheese works well too and adds a little tang.

-Mix up the cheese by using mozzarella or feta.

-Steam, don't sauté the spinach, this keeps it bright and less greasy

-Softened butter spreads more evenly and gives a better browning.

Be encouraged:

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  -John 14:6

Beef and Cheddar Sliders

Great tasting and super easy to make!

Photo from Pinterest

Here's a recipe I found on "Cooking in the Midwest" and it so happens that I know  some wonderful cooks, who also became life-long friends, when we lived in Michigan. There was always good food with great people whenever we were together! 

If you love Arby's Beef & Cheddar sandwiches, you're going to love this homemade version that is so quick and easy to make. Just layer the ingredients, spread the seasoned melted butter over the rolls and bake! Seriously, that's it!

Ingredients:

12 package of Kings Hawaiian Slider Rolls (do not separate)

1 lb. roast beef lunch meat, sliced very thin

1 (15 oz.) can cheddar cheese sauce (you won't use it all)

4 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. each of minced onions, garlic powder, onion powder

Arby's sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350' F.

To start making the beef and cheddar sliders, start with the pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls. I like to carefully slice these in half. Spray a baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray and add the bottoms of the sliders to the pan.

Next, add your roast beef to the sliders. You can use any of your favorite roast beef lunch meat. I used about 3/4 of a pound of roast beef lunch meat.

After all the meat is on the sliders, add a spoonful of the cheddar cheese sauce to each of the sliders, about a tbsp of cheese sauce on each slider.

After adding the cheese sauce, add some Arby’s sauce on top of the cheese. (No exact measurements here, just add a thin layer to the top.)

Next, place the tops of the rolls on the sandwiches. Melt 4 tbsp of butter, then stir in 1 tsp each of dry minced onion, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a basting brush to brush the butter mixture all over the tops of the sliders.

Before placing them in the oven, add just a little bit more of the dry minced onion over the tops of the sliders or sprinkle with poppy seeds, sesame seeds...even Everything Bagel seeds work great.

Bake at 350'F. for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Ready to Serve:

Once the beef and cheddar sliders are golden brown and finished baking it’s time to eat! Serve with curly fries or your favorite sides, and extra Arby’s sauce for dipping! 

Be encouraged!
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  -Romans 12:12

Baked Cranberry Chicken

A family favorite for sure!

(Photo from Cook'n website)

This delicious chicken recipe is from the Taste of Home Family Favorites Cookbook and it's a keeper! It really covers all the senses; sounds, smells, tastes and IS DELICIOUS! LOL!

I wasn't sure how cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce would come together, but I was definitely intrigued by this recipe and now I'm so glad I tried it...what a winning combination! 

Ingredients:

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-4 lbs.), cut up

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced celery

1 can (14 oz.) whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 cup barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350'F. 

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 

Heat butter in large skillet; cook chicken until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remove the chicken to a greased 13x9" baking dish.

In the same skillet, cook onion and celery in drippings until tender, 3-4 minutes.  Combine the cranberry and barbecue sauces; mix well.  Pour over chicken.

Bake, uncovered, until chicken is fully cooked, basting every 15 minutes. Total baking time is about 1 and 1/4 hours.

A Tip from Grammy:

-Exchange the cut-up chicken for 4-5 chicken breasts or 3-4 lbs. boneless thighs.

Be encouraged!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  

                                                                                                            -Matthew 11:28

Baked Lasagna

Homemade Lasagna, and a family favorite!

photo from Pinterest

Homemade lasagna is one of those classic Italian dishes that looks like you spent a lot of time preparing. Well, I've got a secret to share...it's so easy to make! LOL!

With that said, the measurements are a guideline and if you like more or less of an ingredient you can easily change the amounts to your own tastes. 

If you want to use your favorite jarred tomato sauce, go for it! If you want to make your sauce from scratch, do it! And, if you want to lighten it up with cottage cheese or a béchamel, that's fine too. It's one of those recipes that you can easily make your own and please your family's tastes!

This is my family's recipe for making this cozy, warm and filling lasagna. I hope you'll  give it a try, because it's always a hit! This recipe will make a large, deep 9x13" pan.

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage (opt.)

1/2 onion, diced

1-2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. basil

salt & pepper to taste

2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

Brown ground beef with onions, garlic until there is no pink in the meat; salt and pepper to taste.  Drain off extra grease, then add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. (Your house is going to smell soooo good! )

Cheese Filling:

32 oz. Whole milk Ricotta cheese 

2 large eggs, beaten

3/4 tsp. salt (you can add more salt and pepper to taste)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley OR 1-2 tsp. dried parsley

3/4-1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese (save for the layers)

1-2 boxes of lasagna noodles (I love the "oven-ready" ones)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix Ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. DO NOT add the mozzarella to the mixture.

Preheat oven to 350'F.

Spread about 2 cups of meat sauce into an ungreased 13x9" baking dish. Cover with noodles, then 1/3 of ricotta cheese mixture.  Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 Tbsp. Parmesan. 

Repeat the layers twice more with layering sauce, cheese mixture, mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with more lasagna noodles, sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake at 350'F., covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 25 minutes longer or until bubbly.  Let stand 15 minutes before serving. If desired, top with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

A Tip from Grammy:

-If using the Oven-Ready noodles, let the meat sauce cool down before spreading. Otherwise the noodles curl up and it's difficult to spread the layers. (speaking from experience...LOL!)

Be encouraged!

"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." 

-Proverbs 15:33

Stuffed Artichoke Casserole

Absolutely delicious!

Photo from Pinterest

Stuffed artichokes are one of my family's most favorite dish, but, with the cost of artichokes being so high, it's a struggle to afford them for my large troop.

Using all the same ingredients that are in my stuffed artichokes, this casserole presents all the same delicious flavors with much less cost per person. But, guess what the best part is? It takes just about 5 minutes to prepare and then let the oven do the rest. Yes, my kind of recipe! 

Ingredients: 

1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, cut into quarters and drained (rinse lightly to remove the briny taste)

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped or 2/3 tsp. dried parsley flakes

Pinch of oregano (if desired)

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 Tbsp. Parmigiano cheese, grated

3-4 Tbsp. olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375'F. and spray a casserole dish with cooking spray

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, Parmesan cheese. Now add the olive oil, salt and pepper, stir again. Make moist enough to form a  small ball when formed. Lastly, add the artichoke hearts and gently mix all together.

Pour into a small casserole dish, spread out evenly. Sprinkle with a little more olive oil and grated Parmesan.  Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375'F. for 20 minutes.

Increase the oven temperature to 400'F.  Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes or so until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

It's that easy!

Yields: 4 servings

A Tip from Grammy: 

-Double the recipe for a larger group

-If you like a more briny flavor, don't rinse the artichoke hearts

Be encouraged!

Because Christ is alive, we have "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled...reserved in heaven."  -1 Peter 1:4