This is a dish anyone can make, even newlyweds! When I first got married, my husband and I were eating at Pizza Hut one day (see, I wasn't very good at cooking yet), and we thought we could make the pasta dish we were then enjoying. So, we got creative and came up with this. You could say it was a team effort, and for that I am grateful. Too much pressure on the wife to be the perfect cook can be overwhelming and even lead to an avoidance of the kitchen altogether. But this blog is all about "entering the kitchen" and even enjoying your time in this delicious room. So, without further ado "Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta":
Ingredients:
1 jar Classico Alfredo sauce (you may prefer 1 1/2 or 2 cans)
1 pkg Rotini pasta
2-3 grilled chicken breasts
Add ins: Olives, chopped Green pepper, Tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, or any other veggie you like
Mozzarella cheese
Italian Seasonings
1. Grill chicken. Cut up in bite size pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook pasta according to package. Put into rectangular baking pan.
3. Mix in chicken pieces, alfredo sauce, any add-ins you want (we like olives, green pepper, and chopped fresh tomatoes), however much mozzarella cheese you want, and however much Italian seasoning you want.
4. Once everything is mixed together, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and put in oven at 350, for about 30 minutes (until it it hot throughout and the cheese is bubbly).
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pasta!
When I was finishing up my internship, my husband and I would often get home at the same time. On those days I have many fond memories of us making pasta together in our kitchen. Pasta is great for the days when you get home, you're starving, and you want a really delicious meal. That's because it is quick & easy to make and you usually have the ingredients already in your cupboard! It's also pretty cheap too!
So first, you need to pick the type of pasta you want to make. You should have several of your favorite types on hand at all times (and whenever I buy pasta, I try to buy an extra package to put in food storage): Rotini, Penne, Linguini, Spaghetti, Wide Egg Noodles, Elbow (macaroni), Manicoti, Shells...there are so many options! (Try to get the whole wheat kind occasionally too)
Next pick your sauce. I always have my cupboards stocked with marinara and some alfredo. I like Newman's Own Marinara Sauce because the ingredient list is pretty short (they use all natural ingredients, no weird chemicals and perservatives that I can't pronounce), and they give all their profits to charity, which I think is great. I like Classico Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce because that's basically all we have here in Guam (looks like they also have a "light" version too, with half the fat, maybe you can find that at your stores back in the states). Of course you could always make your own sauce, but you probably won't want to do that on a day you're starving.
Now you're ready to cook the pasta. Just follow the directions on the package. They will tell you to boil a pot of water then add the pasta and cook for about 6-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta (it's always a good idea to put a timer on as soon as you put the pasta into the boiling water, so you don't forget how long it's been in there).
Once the pasta is done, keep the stove on, and pour the whole pot (water and pasta) into a strainer over the sink to drain out the water. Then immediately pour the pasta back into the pot, put the pot on the stove, and add your sauce (however much you want). If you leave your pasta in the strainer or pot without any sauce, it will start to stick together. (Note: If your sauce isn't ready to add when the pasta is done, then put a tablespoon or two of olive oil over the pasta and mix to evenly coat. That way, it won't stick and you can add your sauce whenever you like)
If you want to add meat to your sauce, then before you make the pasta, cook the meat (ground beef, chicken, etc) and then pour the sauce into a smaller saucepan and add the cooked meat, heating on low while the pasta is cooking. Then when the pasta is ready, just pour the warm sauce over the pasta and mix together.
I like to put cheese (mozzarella) on top of my pasta, and make a simple salad to go along with it (if you don't have any fresh veggies on hand, you can always heat up some frozen ones to balance out your meal).
So if you are tempted to pick up some fast food on your way home from work or school, remember, you can always make pasta and it will be so much healthier! Plus, homemade meals always taste better to me too. :)
So first, you need to pick the type of pasta you want to make. You should have several of your favorite types on hand at all times (and whenever I buy pasta, I try to buy an extra package to put in food storage): Rotini, Penne, Linguini, Spaghetti, Wide Egg Noodles, Elbow (macaroni), Manicoti, Shells...there are so many options! (Try to get the whole wheat kind occasionally too)
Next pick your sauce. I always have my cupboards stocked with marinara and some alfredo. I like Newman's Own Marinara Sauce because the ingredient list is pretty short (they use all natural ingredients, no weird chemicals and perservatives that I can't pronounce), and they give all their profits to charity, which I think is great. I like Classico Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce because that's basically all we have here in Guam (looks like they also have a "light" version too, with half the fat, maybe you can find that at your stores back in the states). Of course you could always make your own sauce, but you probably won't want to do that on a day you're starving.
Now you're ready to cook the pasta. Just follow the directions on the package. They will tell you to boil a pot of water then add the pasta and cook for about 6-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta (it's always a good idea to put a timer on as soon as you put the pasta into the boiling water, so you don't forget how long it's been in there).
Once the pasta is done, keep the stove on, and pour the whole pot (water and pasta) into a strainer over the sink to drain out the water. Then immediately pour the pasta back into the pot, put the pot on the stove, and add your sauce (however much you want). If you leave your pasta in the strainer or pot without any sauce, it will start to stick together. (Note: If your sauce isn't ready to add when the pasta is done, then put a tablespoon or two of olive oil over the pasta and mix to evenly coat. That way, it won't stick and you can add your sauce whenever you like)
If you want to add meat to your sauce, then before you make the pasta, cook the meat (ground beef, chicken, etc) and then pour the sauce into a smaller saucepan and add the cooked meat, heating on low while the pasta is cooking. Then when the pasta is ready, just pour the warm sauce over the pasta and mix together.
I like to put cheese (mozzarella) on top of my pasta, and make a simple salad to go along with it (if you don't have any fresh veggies on hand, you can always heat up some frozen ones to balance out your meal).
So if you are tempted to pick up some fast food on your way home from work or school, remember, you can always make pasta and it will be so much healthier! Plus, homemade meals always taste better to me too. :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Enchiladas
After discovering that the cans of Enchilada Sauce contain MSG, I started making sauce with the McCormick Enchilada Sauce Mix
which I actually like better anyway!
I use the recipe on the back of the packet (if you click on the link above you will see it), however instead of ground beef or turkey, I use chicken. So before I start, I grill up and chop some chicken- usually about 6-7 chicken tenderloins, or about 3 chicken breasts. I also use flour tortillas because they are easier to handle and don't break as easily.
This recipe is a little more involved than most, and takes at least half an hour to make. It is fun to make with someone else because there are lots of little jobs to do (chop up the chicken, dip the tortillas into sauce, put the cheese and chicken on tortilla, roll up and put in pan, sprinkle cheese on top, etc).
Let me know if you have any questions!
which I actually like better anyway!
I use the recipe on the back of the packet (if you click on the link above you will see it), however instead of ground beef or turkey, I use chicken. So before I start, I grill up and chop some chicken- usually about 6-7 chicken tenderloins, or about 3 chicken breasts. I also use flour tortillas because they are easier to handle and don't break as easily.
This recipe is a little more involved than most, and takes at least half an hour to make. It is fun to make with someone else because there are lots of little jobs to do (chop up the chicken, dip the tortillas into sauce, put the cheese and chicken on tortilla, roll up and put in pan, sprinkle cheese on top, etc).
Let me know if you have any questions!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuna Noodle Casserole
A super easy, tried and true family recipe that always hits the spot.
Ingredients:
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 package wide egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Add in any or all of these:
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chopped celery
or whatever vegetable you feel like
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cook noodles in medium saucepan on stove (follow directions on package).
3. Heat up frozen vegetables (put in small glass bowl, add a couple tablespoons water, cover with plastic wrap or microwavable top, and microwave for 2-4 minutes until no longer frozen).
3. Combine these ingredients in casserole dish (or 8-inch square baking pan): cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup (add a couple tablespoons of milk to make the casserole more moist if you want), and vegetables.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top (you can also stir some of it up with the rest of the ingredients, but be sure to save a lot for the top).
5. Bake for about 30 minutes or until casserole is hot in center.
6. Enjoy!
Note: I recently became aware that Cream of Mushroom soup contains MSG! I will work on finding an alternative, or you can try to find one without it!
Ingredients:
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 package wide egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Add in any or all of these:
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chopped celery
or whatever vegetable you feel like
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cook noodles in medium saucepan on stove (follow directions on package).
3. Heat up frozen vegetables (put in small glass bowl, add a couple tablespoons water, cover with plastic wrap or microwavable top, and microwave for 2-4 minutes until no longer frozen).
3. Combine these ingredients in casserole dish (or 8-inch square baking pan): cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup (add a couple tablespoons of milk to make the casserole more moist if you want), and vegetables.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top (you can also stir some of it up with the rest of the ingredients, but be sure to save a lot for the top).
5. Bake for about 30 minutes or until casserole is hot in center.
6. Enjoy!
Note: I recently became aware that Cream of Mushroom soup contains MSG! I will work on finding an alternative, or you can try to find one without it!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What's wrong with processed food?
Here's an interesting article about some of the dangers of processed food (frozen, packaged, and fast food):
What's wrong with processed food?
What's wrong with processed food?
The many faces of TOAST
My husband will tell you, I love toast*. I think the reason is because it's extremely quick to make, a filling snack, and there are so many types of toppings. Here are some of my favorites:
Avocado Toast Supreme- Mash 1/2 of a ripe avocado, add a shake of Seasoning Salt, sprinkle in some shredded Mozzarella cheese, and place on top of a newly popped up piece of toast.
Applesauce Toast- Spread a small amount of butter on a piece of warm toast and add natural (unsweetened) applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon for a yummy treat.
Cinnabutter Swirl- I actually came up with this as a child. I don't think I ever told my sisters the "secret" recipe but I'm sure they figured it out by now. All you do is spread some peanut butter** on a piece of toast, drizzle on some honey, sprinkle some cinnamon, and then take your knife and make swirls in the toppings. Great for kids and adults alike! :)
Peanut Butter** & Banana Toast- Spread on peanut butter and top with banana slices, sprinkled with cinnamon
Toast with butter and honey
Toast with jam- blackberry, raspberry, & boysenberry are my favs
Toast with Nutella- for a special treat
Next time you're starving and can't figure out what to eat, make some toast!
Note:
*I always use whole wheat bread for the nutrients and high fiber content. And if I can, I buy organic (such as Rudi's Organic Whole Wheat Bread)
** I use Smart Balance Rich Roast natural peanut butter because it does not contain added sugar, has Omega-3s and other naturally healthy ingredients and tastes great!
Short Cut Meals
If you don't even have 30 minutes to cook, but you still want to eat at home, here are some short cut ideas to help you avoid resorting to fast or frozen food. I'm pretty sure you all know how to make these, but let me know if you don't and I will post more detailed directions.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Soup (from a can, like Progress without MSG)
Quesadillas (add avocado and chicken for extra yumminess)
Sandwich (PB & J, lunch meat, egg salad, etc)
Salad- bagged lettuce (add chicken to add protein if you have time to grill up)
Breakfast foods- pancakes (from a mix that you just add a couple ingredients to), scrambled eggs, omelet, waffles (frozen kind or real kind if you have a waffle maker), french toast
To be continued...
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Soup (from a can, like Progress without MSG)
Quesadillas (add avocado and chicken for extra yumminess)
Sandwich (PB & J, lunch meat, egg salad, etc)
Salad- bagged lettuce (add chicken to add protein if you have time to grill up)
Breakfast foods- pancakes (from a mix that you just add a couple ingredients to), scrambled eggs, omelet, waffles (frozen kind or real kind if you have a waffle maker), french toast
To be continued...
Sloppy Joes
This is one of those "combine all ingredients and let simmer" recipes. It's pretty hard to mess this one up, and it always hits the spot. Hope you like it!
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
Whole wheat hamburger buns
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
4 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Brown meat- place thawed ground beef in skillet (or large frying pan) and chop up with spatula and stir around while it cooks on medium heat. By the end, you should have small pieces of brown ground beef, with no red or pink showing. Then, drain excess fat/oil by pouring meat into a strainer in the sink and then returning meat back to pan.
3. Pour ketchup mixture over meat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes on low.
4. Scoop onto hamburger buns (you could add a slice of cheese too if you want)!
Goes great with a salad, corn on the cob & watermelon!
Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
Whole wheat hamburger buns
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
4 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Brown meat- place thawed ground beef in skillet (or large frying pan) and chop up with spatula and stir around while it cooks on medium heat. By the end, you should have small pieces of brown ground beef, with no red or pink showing. Then, drain excess fat/oil by pouring meat into a strainer in the sink and then returning meat back to pan.
3. Pour ketchup mixture over meat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes on low.
4. Scoop onto hamburger buns (you could add a slice of cheese too if you want)!
Goes great with a salad, corn on the cob & watermelon!
Lynleigh's Meatloaf
After testing out many different meatloaf recipes, I came up with my own version which I am very happy with. This goes great with mashed potatoes (the instant kind work well), and if you don't have any fresh veggies, just heat up some frozen ones (I like peas & carrots personally). Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (as lean as you can find)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 dried onions
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (I use Progresso Italian)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
ketchup (for topping)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients (best to wash hands, then mix with hands)
3. Put in 2 tin loaf pans (first punch holes through the bottom and spray with Pam).
4. Place loaf pans on a drip rack and place drip rack in larger pan.
5. Cook for 1 hour. (you can add ketchup on top in the last 10 minutes, or add after it's already done)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (as lean as you can find)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 dried onions
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (I use Progresso Italian)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
ketchup (for topping)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients (best to wash hands, then mix with hands)
3. Put in 2 tin loaf pans (first punch holes through the bottom and spray with Pam).
4. Place loaf pans on a drip rack and place drip rack in larger pan.
5. Cook for 1 hour. (you can add ketchup on top in the last 10 minutes, or add after it's already done)
The Perfect Cookie
I love homemade cookies. And I have tried many cookie recipes. I can honestly tell you that this one is perfect. You don't believe me? Try it! If you prefer gooey, doughy cookies, then these are not for you. These cookies are...well, they're perfect. There is no other word to describe them. And since you now have the perfect cookie recipe, you can add whatever you like to them, and i guarantee they will be delicious. If you like, divide up the dough into separate bowls at the end and add different add-ins to enjoy a variety of flavors in one batch.
So it is my privilege to divulge my secret, perfect, cookie recipe for the benefit of my sister and all mankind. Happy baking!
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
Your choice of add-ins- some of my favorites combinations include:
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips and Pecans
- White Chocolate Chips and Craisins (dried cranberries)
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Coconuts & Walnuts
- "Lynleigh's Cranberry Creations": Craisins, Coconut, & White Chocolate Chips
- (tell me which combinations you like and I'll add them to the list!)
1. Preheat oven to 375. Place butter (still in wrapper) on top of oven to soften.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In large bowl, beat (with electric mixer) butter and sugars until creamy and lightened in color (about 4 minutes).
4. Add eggs (one at a time) and vanilla, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
5. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture (using the electric mixer).
6. Stir in your desired add-ins.
7. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes (or until lightly golden brown on top). Leave on baking sheet for a minute or two until firm, then use spatula to transfer to cooling racks.
Makes 4 dozen cookies! Yum Yum! Don't forget to try a couple while they're still warm (you will be in heaven)!
So it is my privilege to divulge my secret, perfect, cookie recipe for the benefit of my sister and all mankind. Happy baking!
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
Your choice of add-ins- some of my favorites combinations include:
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips and Pecans
- White Chocolate Chips and Craisins (dried cranberries)
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Coconuts & Walnuts
- "Lynleigh's Cranberry Creations": Craisins, Coconut, & White Chocolate Chips
- (tell me which combinations you like and I'll add them to the list!)
1. Preheat oven to 375. Place butter (still in wrapper) on top of oven to soften.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In large bowl, beat (with electric mixer) butter and sugars until creamy and lightened in color (about 4 minutes).
4. Add eggs (one at a time) and vanilla, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
5. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture (using the electric mixer).
6. Stir in your desired add-ins.
7. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes (or until lightly golden brown on top). Leave on baking sheet for a minute or two until firm, then use spatula to transfer to cooling racks.
Makes 4 dozen cookies! Yum Yum! Don't forget to try a couple while they're still warm (you will be in heaven)!
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