50 Shades of Summer

cuz that's just funny!

So it seems like forever since I've had some time to sit long enough to put any blog-worthy thoughts together.  OK, so that's not entirely true.  I've had plenty of time, I've just lacked the energy for the follow-through.  I'd like to be able to impart some newly acquired wisdom since my 50 Shades of Grey blackout AND the start of summer, but it's really much of the same:

50 Shades...

• Christian Grey can (wishfully) pretzel you into positions your mother never knew the words for.
• 50 Shades of Grey is full of shit.  Penis + vagina + endless amounts of of sex = UTI... no matter how you hash it (or in what position...)
• It IS possible to read the 50 Shades trilogy 4 (or more) times WITHOUT getting sick of it.
• You never, I repeat NEVER, have to clean the bathroom if you are married to Christian Grey.  
• You would never have 2 kids if you were Mrs. Grey. Don't be ridiculous.  (Kids just ruin shit like that.)
• Women everywhere, married or not, are looking at the hot guy at the next table wondering if he likes to dole out a good spanking.
• More and more men are driving Audis.  Wishful thinking, fellas..
• More and more women are walking around randomly biting their bottom lip.  Wishful thinking, ladies... (Ouch! I think I'm bleeding...)
• Many home equity loans were taken for the construction of "Playrooms". 

Of Summer.

• Beach sand can be found in parts of your body your mother never taught you the words for.
• Those commercials with the bitches bragging about their super-duper tampons are full of shit. Period + tampon + bikini + beach = Shark Bait... no matter how many times you hash it.
• It IS possible to go to the beach 4 (or more) times WITHOUT getting sick of it.
• You never have to clean the bathroom if you make everyone pee outside and bathe in the pool.
• Getting to the beach with 2 kids in tow would be easier with a U-Haul.
• Women everywhere, married or not, are looking at the hot lifeguard wondering if he likes to dole out a good spanking.  (OK, so maybe this isn't just a summer thing...)
• More and more men are wishing they drove Audis instead of their minivans full of sand and moldy cheerios.
• More and more women are walking around randomly biting their bottom lip... wondering if that piece of cheesecake they just wolfed down is directly relevant to the bikini triangle holding their private parts in.
• Playroom = just another room to clean.

50 Shades of.... what the f@#$ was that???

Yes, I did it. I broke down and read it.  I bought the book, actually, because the thought of someone else's hands on something so sexy disturbed me; the last thing I wanted was a "used" copy.  Of course I'm talking about E L Jame's book 50 Shades of Grey.  I mean, this book has, supposedly, saved marriages. Created babies.  Or, in my case, caused me to ignore my children. Even my husband (though, that was temporary... if you know what I mean).  I spilled supper on the floor. Dropped an egg. I even dropped a knife on my foot, I was so distracted.  I sat in the tub until the water went cold. Ice cold.  I knocked over a candle, spewing hot wax everywhere.  I even forgot a load of laundry in the dryer. I NEVER do that. Ever. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning (4:46a.m. to be exact) transfixed, not caring what kind of shape I would be in to parent with just a couple of hours sleep. I never even got off the couch to pee.  And based on the kink in my neck, I probably didn't move much at all.  I tried to put it down. I really did.  Many times.  I just couldn't... But why?
It wasn't just the sex. It couldn't be.  Or could it?  I mean, the sex was good. Very good.  I even caught sight of myself in the mirror a few times, blushed (flushed?) when no one was around.  I giggled like a school girl every time my husband asked "How's your book?".  But it wasn't just the sex that kept me reading.  I kept asking myself why I couldn't put it down.  This was totally not my type of read... Or was it?  I like psychological books.  You know: what makes a sociopath tick.  Books that explain why people do what they do; why we turn out the way we do. Those kinds of reads. Oh, wait a minute... I get it now.  This is totally THAT kind of book.  (I'm slightly relieved to realize that it's not just about the sex.  The hot, passionate, deviant sex.  I was starting to feel like a dirty,dirty girl.  But I digress...)
Christian Grey is hot, demanding.  And broken.  (And yes, I know: fictional).  Yet, I still want to "fix" him.  Cradle him. Touch him.  Typical woman:  "Here, let me find out what makes you tick... " and mend it. Change it. Quite possibly, ruin it.  I went from one chapter to the next to the next wanting to find out WHY?  Sure, the sex was great.  Mind-blowing.  But WHY was he this way?  Mommy issues? Did he hate women?  Even Anastasia couldn't help herself.  She wanted to break him... which we all know would lead to a lot of nose blowing and tear drying.  The next thing you know, they'd be getting married and making babies... and who the hell wants to read about that??  And let's face it, if she had succeeded, there would be no book two.  Or three.  (Which is what I'm off to buy next:  Even I need my fix.)
I hear there is talk of a movie.  I'm not looking forward to it.  I don't want anyone type-casting Mr. Grey.  (And realistically speaking, who, on this earth, could do him justice?  I mean, really??)
We all have a Mr. Grey hiding somewhere.  Someone broken. Mysterious. Deviant. Tangible.  And NOT in need of repair.

What's for lunch?

Not that this is the best example of what I should be eating, but here's what I threw together for lunch today:
(I would have taken a picture to post, but I was so hungry I just couldn't take the time to do it!)

Grilled Chicken with Baby Spinach & Swiss 

6 oz Baby Spinach
Sesame Seeds
1 leftover Grilled Chicken Breast (I had filleted it and pounded it thin, sprinkled w/olive oil and salt & pepper before grilling on medium/high heat for a few minutes on each side).
1 wedge Creamy Swiss Cheese (I use Laughing Cow)
Olive Oil & Balsamic Salad Dressing

Saute spinach in 1 Tbsp of Coconut Oil (or Butter) over medium heat.  Sprinkle with garlic salt, ground pepper and 1 tsp +/- Sesame seeds.
While the spinach is wilting, reheat chicken (I do it in the same pan alongside the spinach).
When everything is heated through, slice the cheese wedge thin and place on the chicken breast.  Serve alongside the spinach. Drizzle both with some dressing and ENJOY!

Seriously, I think this took me all of 5 minutes.

Now, ordinarily I would have sauteed some garlic and onion along with the spinach but I'm not supposed to use either of them.  Since I haven't been following my new "lifestyle" too well lately, I decided not to chance it today.  Have some for me, will ya?

Is that a MilkyWay in your pocket?

It's been a while; I know.  I blog hard-core for a while and them... BAM! Nothing. Nada. Zip.  No recipes. No insight. No awe-inspiring nuggets of much needed wisdom.  Wait... what were we talking about?  Anyway, I'm still here. Lazy, as usual.  But... I have a good reason.  I think.  I was recently (and finally!) diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO, for short).  It's also known as Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome.  Sounds sexy, no?  I'm not really going to try to educate you on this snooze-fest of a "condition".  It's a lot of bowel talk... you know: gas, bloating, diarrhea.  Plus, I'm still learning about it myself so I don't want to risk dishing out any misinformation.  In simple terms: I have a shit-load (pun intended) of unnecessary bacteria in my small intestine which wreaks havoc on my body causing a host of symptoms like the ones I mentioned earlier.  Now don't go telling me to "just fart" like my husband tells me to.  It's not that simple.  First of all, I don't fart (I mean, really, what lady does??? hehehe) and secondly, it's not really the same kind of gas issue.  The nasty little bacteria (those fuckers!) feast on things like lactose, carbohydrates and sugar and produce gas in an isolated part of the intestine.  The bacteria have a party and blow up my abdomen so much that I can't even wear old maternity clothes.  It also produces side effects like brain-fog, hot flashes, restless leg syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a shit load of other fun things.  So after a heavy round of antibiotics, I'm now trying my best to live lactose free, sugar free, low-carb and, as of recently, gluten free.  Yeah, I'm a boat load of fun these days...BUT. I. FEEL. GREAT! Seriously.  I've been struggling with this (undiagnosed) for 16 years and I finally (finally!) have a diagnosis that I can work with.  Yes, it sucks.  Yes, I complain sometimes. Yes, I'll stab you in the face for a fucking candy bar.  BUT... it could always be worse.  I'm learning to really enjoy the foods I can eat.  I've even turned into one of those assholes who makes her own yogurt.  My apologies to any other assholes who also do such things... It's just a little ironic.  I've always believed in "everything in moderation" (IE: Happy Meals do not kill kids. Pepperoni is OK. Sure, you can have a lollipop before breakfast... )  Now, I'm one petticoat away from milking my own cow.  But I love it. I need it. And, I'm in control.  Why am I telling you all this?  Certainly not because I want any sympathy.  I don't handle that well.  I appreciate it; but it's not necessary.  I just want you all to be prepared when I start posting delicious, easy recipes that include VEGETABLES (eek!) and FISH (what, no sausage?). 
My family still enjoys bread, cake, cookies, etc. without incurring any bodily harm from me.  I will never force them to embrace my new way of eating (unless they HAVE to or CHOOSE to), but I do expect them to respect it.  No "ewww, that's gross" talk when I'm eating something they wouldn't choose to experience.  It has opened the doors to some experimentation and I'm proud of that. 
I'm not sure where this new way of life will take me, but I'm enjoying the relief I'm experiencing and praying that I maintain the willpower to continue.  In the meantime, don't be alarmed if you see recipes for things like "Kale Chips" and "Lactose-free Homemade Yogurt".  Aliens did not inhabit my brain.  I haven't gone off the deep end (yet).  I'm just enjoying life... without having to unzip my pants at the dinner table.  And for that, I am thankful. 
Be well, my friends.  And if you see me, you better hide the fuckin' cheesecake. 

PS: At some point, you may see posts like Fuck my life, I want toast! or Slip me a Twizzler and no one gets hurt.  Ignore those.  I'm just venting...

Spicy Fish Stew

1 small onion

3 cloves garlic

3 celery hearts

1 Tbsp. butter

1 beer

4 c. water

4 chicken bouillon cubes

3 large red potatoes w/skins on, cut into 1" pcs.
1 14.5oz. can Italian diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. +/- salt
1/2 c. corn kernels, frozen
1 lb. Cod fish fillet

Chop fine (mince) onion, garlic, and celery.
In a large pot, melt butter.  Saute onion, garlic, and celery 5 minutes. 
Add beer, water, bouillon and potatoes.  Simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add tomatoes (with juices), parsley, red pepper, salt, corn, and whole fish fillet.
Simmer over medium/low heat until fish is cooked through and breaks apart easily with a wooden spoon.  Stir until all fish is broken up into bite-size pieces.  Remove from heat.
Serve with crusty Italian bread or Portuguese rolls.

Panko Crusted Turkey Burgers w/Caramelized Onions

OK, so this recipe came about in an attempt to get my family to eat healthier.  Honestly, they won't even try it, but my friends and I LOVE this recipe!  I KNOW you will too...

1 Lb. Ground Turkey

1 Egg

3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (plus more for coating)

2 Tbsp. Real Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper

Cheddar Cheese (shredded or sliced)

6 Whole Wheat Rolls

Combine all ingredients, (except cheese and rolls).  Roll into 6 even-sized balls.  Coat with additional Panko crumbs & flatten into patties.

(Refrigerate while making Caramelized Onions.)

To caramelize onions:

Slice 1 large onion into thin rings.  Saute in 2 Tbsp. butter until deep brown, stirring often to prevent burning.  Set aside.

Drizzle patties generously with olive oil and grill on medium heat until cooked through (burgers will be firm when you press on the center).  Top with cheddar cheese.

To serve: 

Lightly grill buns.  Spread maple butter (recipe below) generously over each bun (top & bottom). 

Place pattie on bun and top with caramelized onions. 

Maple Butter:

Combine 2 Tbsp. softened butter, 2 Tbsp. Real Maple Syrup and 1 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper.   

Happy (Healthy!?!) Eating!

Chowda

New England's finest... and easiest.

3 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion
2 celery ribs
2 large garlic cloves
2 Tbsp. flour
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bit-sized pieces
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 Bay leaves
2 cans chopped clams
1 cup half & half (or heavy cream)
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. dried dill weed

Boil 5 cups of water.  Add potatoes, bouillon, clams (with juices) and Bay leaves.  Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.  Once cooked, strain broth into a large measuring cup or bowl, reserving potatoes and clams (remove bay leaves).
In the meantime, chop fine the onion, celery and garlic (I pulse all 3 together in a food processor until minced). 
Melt butter in stock pot.  Add onion, celery and garlic.  Cook until onion is translucent, approximately 3 - 5 minutes.
Add flour and stir, making a roux... (Listen to me... all fancy & shit!!) 
Slowly add approximately 1 cup of broth, stirring constantly, allowing mixture to thicken slightly.  Continue adding remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, thickening in between.
Carefully add potatoes and clams, dill, and half & half.  Heat through, but do no boil.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Want to really impress 'em?
Serve in little edible bread boules (I know! I'm just so fancy now!)
Simply cut off the top.  Hollow out the center and fill with chowder. 
Dinner is served!

Gahhhlic Rigatoni with Kielbasa

1 lb. Rigatoni, cooked al dente & drained
2 Tbsp. butter
1 link Kielbasa, sliced to 1/8" thickness
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
handful of grape tomatoes (pierce each one w/a fork before cooking)
1 tsp. red pepper, the wet kind
3/4 cup half & half or milk
salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large skillet, melt butter.  Saute vegetables and garlic over medium/high heat for 5 - 7 minutes or until tender, yet crisp.  Add kielbasa and cook additional 10 minutes.  Add milk, red pepper, and a dash or two of salt.   Heat on low until milk begins to bubble.  Remove from heat and add to rigatoni.  Toss to combine.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Hamburg Pot-Pie

1 lb. ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 small potatoes, diced

1 large carrot, diced

1 10.5 oz can turkey gravy

1 pkg. refrigerated roll-out puff pastry

Salt &Pepper to taste

Boil carrots and potatoes until fork tender.

Brown ground beef with onion. 

Add gravy to beef mixture and simmer for 3 minutes.

Add potatoes, carrots, salt and pepper to taste. 

Pour mixture into a 9 x 11 casserole dish.

Top with pastry dough (cut and arrange to cover mixture).

Bake at 425’ until brown and bubbling.

Variations: Out of Turkey gravy? Use any creamed soup.  I use Cream of Chicken soup for just about everything!  Just thin it out with a little milk (approx. 1/4 cup). Don’t have any puff pastry handy? Top with any refrigerated dough product:  biscuits, refrigerated pie crust, pizza dough, crescent rolls, etc. Not in the mood to peel and chop onions, carrots and potatoes? Add 2 cups of your favorite frozen veggies and call it a day.  (We all know this is how I get dinner on the table...)

Classic Beef Stew

1 lb. Stew Beef, cut into 1” pieces

3 Tbsp. flour

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 medium onions

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups water

4 beef bouillon cubes

3 large carrots, cut into ¼” pieces

2 large russet potatoes, cut into 1” pieces

3 celery stalks, cut into ¼” pieces

¾ cup frozen green beans, cut

1 Tbsp. water

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 Tbsp. parsley flakes

Pat beef dry.  Coat with flour.  Heat oil in large pot.  Brown beef for approximately 5 minutes, or until no longer pink on the outside.  Add onion and cook for 2 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add water and bouillon to pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 ½ - 2 hours, until meat is tender. 

Add remaining vegetables and parsley and simmer until vegetables are tender.

In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth.  Add to stew and bring to a boil for 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

Serve with crusty French bread for dipping.

Want the more realistic Lazy Wife way??

Throw everything, except the 3 Tbsp. cornstarch and water, into the pot and simmer on low for 3 hours, or until tender. Add cornstarch mixture, boil 1 minute & serve. 

Or put it all in a crock pot before leaving for work.  Set it on low for approximately 6 – 8 hours.  By the time you get home, the meal is ready to enjoy!

Fiery-Hole Turkey Chili

Ok, I didn't name this dish; my darling family did, and it is one of their favorites... Enjoy!

1 lb. ground turkey

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion
1 Tbsp. +/- salt
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. Allspice
1/2 c. +/- hot sauce
(I like Frank's)*

In a 3 qt. saucepan brown turkey; add diced tomatoes, dehydrated onion, salt, parsley, and allspice. Simmer 10 minutes.  Add hot sauce; simmer additional 5 - 10 minutes.

To serve:  Ladle into soup bowls.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

* Start off slow with the hot sauce.  We like things hot n'spicy here.  Start with 1/4 cup and add from there. 
Remember: A little goes a long way.

Tortellini & Tomato Soup

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 lb. ground beef or ground sausage
1 small onion, diced
8 cups water
1 Tbsp. Salt +/-
1 tsp. fresh ground pepper +/-
1 lb. frozen cheese tortellini
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes

Melt butter in large pot.  Saute onion 3 - 5 minutes.  Add beef; brown.  Drain.  Add water; bring to boil. Add pasta and return to boil.  Cook approximately 7 - 10 minutes or until tortellini rise to the surface.  Reduce heat to low.  Add salt, pepper, and parsley flakes.  Stir in tomato paste and sugar.  Stir gently until well blended.  Remove from heat.
Ladle into soup bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Serve with bread sticks.

Chourico & Peppers Stuffed Peppers

4 large green peppers (or red, or yellow, or orange...)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground chourico
1/2 c. white rice, uncooked
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

Cut tops off of peppers; put tops aside.  Clean out inside of peppers, removing seeds.  Remove stems from pepper tops; dice remaining green pepper.
In a large bowl combine ground beef, chourico, rice, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and green pepper until blended.  Do not over-mix.
Stuff each pepper with mixture.  Stand peppers in a large pot.  Pour can of diced tomatoes, including juice, over the top of each pepper.  Add 1 - 2 cans of water (depth of water in pan should be about 1").  Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer, covered, for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked through.
To serve:  Place one pepper in a soup bowl; spoon broth over top.  Serve with some crusty, homemade French bread.  Yeah, that's right... I said homemade.  Hey, some days are lazier than others...

Baked Penne with Meat Sauce

1 lb. Penne (or Ziti)

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes with Garlic & Onion 

1 26 oz. can Roasted Garlic & Onion Pasta Sauce

2 lbs. Ricotta Cheese

2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1 Egg

1 tsp. Nutmeg

1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta al dente; drain.
Pour pasta into a 10 x 14 baking dish.  Pour in pasta sauce; stir to coat pasta.
In a large skillet, brown beef; drain fat.  Add diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp. of each salt and pepper; remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, nutmeg, parsley flakes and 1/2 tsp. each of salt and pepper.

Spread evenly on top of pasta.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Pour meat sauce on top of cheese layer.

Top with remaining cup of Mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350' approximately 45 minutes, until mixture is bubbly.

Remove from oven; let sit for 20 minutes then enjoy!

Tip:  Make this recipe in two smaller pans...

Freeze one for a quick dinner at a later date.

Super-Crispy Chicken Wings

Hey, I'm not afraid to fry...

2 lbs. Chicken wings & drumettes

Milk

1 cup Flour

1 Tbsp. Salt

1 Tbsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper

1 Tsp. Baking Powder

Vegetable oil

Place chicken in a baking dish and add enough milk to cover.  Soak for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
In a large (gallon size) sealable bag, add flour, salt, cayenne and black pepper, and baking powder.  Shake vigorously to be sure that all of the chicken gets coated.  (Depending on the size of the chicken wings, you may need to do this in two batches).  Place chicken on a plate, shaking off any excess flour.
In a large cast-iron skillet, pour enough oil so that it is approx. 1/2" deep.  Heat on high until ready for frying. (To test this, drop one small cube of bread into pan.  If the oil is ready, the bread should brown immediately).  Carefully place one piece of chicken at a time in skillet.  Do not overcrowd the pan.  Fry until nice and brown on one side; turn and brown other side.  You may need to turn the chicken a few times to get it nice and dark.  Transfer to plate; blot with paper towels.  Serve with some Ranch dipping sauce.

TEQUILA! Lime Shrimp

It has Tequila in it... of course it's yummy!

1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled

1 Tbsp. butter

1 Tsp. minced garlic

1 Tsp.red pepper flakes

1/4 cup Tequila

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 tsp. salt

Melt butter in medium skillet over med/high heat.  Add garlic.  Saute for 3 minutes.  Add Tequila, lime juice, red pepper flakes, parsley and salt.  Bring to near-boil.  Add shrimp and simmer 7 - 10 minutes (turning shrimp once) until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Serve as an appetizer or over rice.  Hey, Tequila!

For my friend Erin...

Fried Egg Thingies...

6 large eggs

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup ground beef, browned & cooled

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. +/- salt
fresh, ground pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, beat eggs.  Add remaining ingredients. 
In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. 
Using a (small) ladle carefully pour mixture into skillet (approx. 1/4 cup of egg mixture at a time) .  Fry until set on one side; turn and fry until golden brown.  Continue with remaining mixture.  Blot on paper towels and serve.

* Whenever I brown ground beef for another recipe, I always put some aside and freeze in 1/4 cup measurements so it is ready when I need it. 

No Leftovers Left Over

So, in my attempt to get rid of any leftovers that were taking up space in my refrigerator this weekend, I came up with, and thoroughly enjoyed, the following:

Roasted Chicken & Vegetable Soup

Using whatever chicken that is left over from the Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe: place chicken in large pot and add enough water to cover.  Simmer chicken for approximately 1.5 hours until chicken is tender.  Turn off heat.  Remove chicken from pot and let cool.  Cut up leftover roasted potatoes, onions, garlic, etc. (I do not use the sweet potatoes because I do not usually have any left over and I feel that they are too soft in texture for soup... but hey, if you like that sort of thing go nuts!)  Add to chicken stock.  Remove bone from chicken and cut into bite size pieces (including the skin).  Add to stock.  Cook until hot... DO NOT BOIL.  Toss in a tablespoon +/- of dried parsley flakes, a cube of chicken bouillon, some fresh ground pepper and 1/4 cup of milk and Enjoy!!

Boiled Dinner Casserole

This is for my New England fans who know what a "boiled dinner" is....

Take any leftovers from a traditional boiled dinner (cabbage, corned beef or pork, chourico, potatoes, onions, carrots) and chop into bite-sized pieces.  Place in a buttered casserole dish.  In a (2 qt.) saucepan, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat.  Whisk in 2 Tbsp. flour.  When the butter and flour are incorporated, slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly.  (You will need enough sauce to cover the casserole.  Add a little more milk if you feel you need more sauce).  When mixture has thickened to the consistency of cream, remove from heat.  Add 1/4 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and some fresh, ground pepper.  Pour over cabbage, potatoes, etc.  In a separate pan, melt 2 Tbsp. butter.  Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and toss to coat.  Sprinkle over the top of the casserole and bake at 400' for approximately 30 minutes or until the crumbs are nice and brown and the casserole is bubbling. 

Chourico and Potato Pie

Using 3 left over boiled potatoes:  Mash in a large pot.  In a large skillet,  heat 1 lb. ground chourico, 1 small onion, chopped, and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat.  Cook until water is almost evaporated.  Add to mashed potatoes, along with 1/2 tsp. salt and some fresh, ground pepper.  Pour mixture into one roll-out pie crust.  Add top crust; crimp edges.  Cut slits in the top of the crust.  Bake at 425' for approximately 30 minutes or until pie-crust is golden brown.

Roasted Chicken & Veggies... Seriously???

(OK... the veggies were for me and the cherubs... we all know the big guy is "allergic".) 

This recipe probably doesn't even need to be posted because it's such a no-brainer, but I figured it may be a good reminder for those crazy days when you need a nice, easy meal... and it makes the house smell soooo good!!

Honestly, this is so easy, even hubby could do it... (but he won't). 

Roasted Chicken & Veggies

Use whatever quantities you wish:

Chicken Breasts, bone-in, skin on
Assorted Veggies:  I use white potatoes, peeled and cut; sweet potatoes, peeled and cut; onions, cut in half; large garlic cloves, whole; carrots, peeled; rib celery; cherry tomatoes, whole.

Place everything on shallow baking pan (DO NOT use one without an edge...  you'll set your damn house on fire!)  Sprinkle GENEROUSLY with salt and ground, black pepper (and/or any other seasoning blend you enjoy).  Drizzle with olive oil.  Place in pre-heated 400' oven.  Roast for approx. 45 minutes (until chicken is dark brown and crisp).  Remove chicken from pan.  Increase oven temperature to 450'.  Carefully turn over vegetables and cook for additional 15 minutes. 
   
 I am convinced that there is nothing yummier than beautifully caramelized sweet potatoes.... absolute heaven!

Yummy Mega MeatBalls Parmesan

2 lbs. ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion
1 Tsp. minced garlic (from a jar)
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
1 cup bread crumbs
Salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 cup Panko crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
(or 6 slices of American)
1 jar/can of your favorite Spaghetti Sauce (I use Hunts)

Pre-heat oven to 350'
Combine ground beef, egg, ketchup, onion, garlic, parsley flakes, bread crumbs, salt & pepper.  Do not over-mix. 
Shape into 6 baseball-sized meatballs.  (Ladies: resist the urge to play with the balls...  over-stimulating them will cause them to get mushy).
In a shallow dish, combine Panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese. 
Roll each meatball in mixture to coat and place on large baking sheet.
Bake for 45 - 60 minutes (or until cooked through.) 
Top with cheese and return to oven until cheese is melted and bubbly. 
Spoon sauce over the top and serve with pasta.

* While I'm not knocking the deliciousness of Mozzarella cheese, I prefer to use a slice of American cheese on each meatball.  It's smoother to the taste and melts nicely.