CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo is here and we all have a little latino in us.  Here is my version of Chicken Fajitas with rice, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.  Easy to do and delicious to eat!  Arriba!

Bolognese Sauce

Easy Bologease Sauce with your choice of pasta is a great, quick weeknight meal.  Easier than you think to make.   I made this tonight in less than 40 minutes.  Ground beef, onions, carrots, garlic, basil, tomatoes in can and tomato sauce.  Simmer in a pot, add red wine and allow to cook about 10 minutes more.  Cook your noodles and serve a delicious meal with some fresh italian bread and grated parmesian.  Yummmm.

New Grocery in Town

A new chain of Groceries has moved into our area.  It is called Marrianos.  It is a very beautiful, upscale grocery store that also carries some good bargains.  Piano player welcomes you when you arrive,  samples are given out as you walk,  full bakery, deli, fresh meat and fish counters, as well as a complete exotic cheese section.  If you don't buy anything this store is a pleasure to walk through.  I love going to different grocery stores (my hobby) and I was so impressed with this store, I thought I'd share it.  It is new to the Chicagoland suburbs and they are building them everywhere.  This store will even cook your dinner for you, while you wait.  Honestly,  purchase chicken or steak or anything, and they will prepare it for you right there in the store.    I'm sure stores like this exist everywhere, but, I never saw one in my area.  It's worth a shot if you have time to walk and enjoy your surroundings! 

Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Here's a great way to use up some leftover mashed potatoes that is easy and delicious.  Shepherds Pie.
Ground beef, onions, garlic, parsley, frozen peas, beef broth and leftover mashed potatoes!
Here's the recipe for an easy casserole.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion
1 small can tomato sauce
1 T chopped parsely
1 c frozen peas
1 c beef broth
4 c mashed potatoes

Saute the meat and onion,  add parsely, peas, and tomato sauce.  Simmer about 14 minutes.  Add the beef broth.  Pour into casserole dish.  Mash the potatoes or use leftovers, and spread over the meat mixture.  Bake 30 minutes or until potatoes begin to become golden.  350 degrees.

Enjoy

It's Hopping just around the corner!

Spring is going to pop and Easter is right around the corner.  Do you bring goodies to your family like I do?  I don't do the cooking, I bring something fabulous for dessert.  Try a different type of dessert,  Italian Ricotta Cheese Pie.   A subtle, yet delicious taste of rum in this dessert makes it a real hit among the family.  My mom used to make it all the time at Easter.   Tomorrow we'll have more to offer. 

Quick and Easy Supper.

An easy dinner idea for you.  Pizza Roll and salad.  Make your favorite mixed green salad to serve along with a delicious veggie pizza roll.  This is so easy to make you will love it. 

1 package refrigerated pizza dough (rolled)
3 tablespoons tomato sauce
3 mushrooms chopped
1/4 onion,  chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried pizza seasoning.

Unroll the pizza crust, put the tomato sauce spread over the whole thing.  Add the chopped veggies and the seasoning.  Roll it up and bake it at 375 for 25 minutes.  Slice and serve.

My Attempt at Mexican Food!

Chicken and cheese enchiladas made to taste authentic.  Easy to do using tortillas, canned chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn and  a can of enchilada sauce. 
Spanish rice and shredded lettuce, onions and tomatoes topped with avocado slices accompany the enchiladas.  This dinner served 4 people having 2 enchiladas each.  I was very surprised how really good they tasted.  Cooks in 30 minutes 350.  Delicious.....enjoy.

Easy Poached Salmon

This time of year a lot of meals consist of fish.  Salmon is one of my favorites.  It is very healthy containing "good" fats for our body.  Poaching salmon is the easiest way I know to cook it and it will never fail.
All you do is put the fillet of salmon on aluminum foil, top it with thinly sliced lemon, thinly sliced onion, and any other type of veggie you would like.  I made it tonight using green olives, onions and lemon.  I use two tablespoons of  white wine, salt and pepper and that's it.  Fold the foil up to make air tight packages and put in the oven on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.  Be careful when you open the packets, as the steam will rise up and give you the best smell of delicious salmon you have ever smelled.  Serve it with fresh veggies and enjoy.
Easy, delicious and healthy meal. 

We're waiting.....

Well spring is almost here.  Can't wait for the trees to bloom and turn green again.  Kids are getting anxious for spring break, and are looking for some new treats to eat.   Here is an easy recipe for Peanut Butter Oreo Brownies.    They are really easy and fun to make.  Have the kids help.  See the recipe below.

1 family size package regular oreo cookies

1 jar of smooth peanut butter (use as much as needed)

1 box brownie mix (9x13) size

Bake 350 for 20 minutes

Bakes about 24 brownies

Line cupcake tins with papers.   Prepare brownie mix as stated on box.  Layer one oreo with peanut butter and lay another oreo on top.  Add peanut butter to that cookie and place the "decker" into cupcake cups.

After you have filled all cups with cookies and peanut butter,  with a spoon,  pour brownie mix on cookies an allow it to dribble down the sides of the cookies. 

Bake and enjoy!!!

Coconut Shrimp

Mardi Gras is just around the corner and then comes lent.  Here's a great, easy coconut shrimp recipe that your family will love.  They are not fried,  they are baked. 

  You will need raw shrimp, devained and peeled.  Coconut, cornstarch, salt, pepper and 2 egg whites.

Brush a 9x13 pan with a little oil.   Clean and pat dry your shrimp (approx 1 lb).  Slightly beat 2 egg whites.
Toast 1 cup coconut for 8 min in 400 degree oven.  Mix together the coconut - 1 - cup, cornstarch - 1/4 cup, 2 T sugar, salt and pepper.   Dip the shrimp into the egg whites and then into the coconut mixture.  Lay in single layer in pan.  Bake about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.  Serve with a pineapple cream dip and enjoy.  1/4 c crushed pineapple drained, 1/2 cup mayonaise.  Mix together and serve.

I served it with mashed potatoes and fresh tomatoes and olives.  Something different to try!  Enjoy!  

New Year 2013

A new year has come and one month is already gone!  I haven't posted since Thanksgiving....wow,  I have been really busy baking and cooking!    I will start posting now every other day and keep everyone up to date with new recipes and photos.  Glad to be back....