This blog started as I cooked my way through Paula Deen's Family Cookbook...but now I found I love to cook and make tasty, easy recipes for my friends and family and I just can't help but share!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Grilled Cheeseburger Burritos
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Hamburger Goulash
My mom made this a lot while we were growing up and we always called it Goulash. It was not until a couple years ago when I took leftovers of this yummy delish dish to work when someone mentioned that it was not Goulash but called Johnny Marzetti instead. What ever you want to call it, go for it because it is one yummy dish not matter what! We like to add Chalula Hot Sauce and/or Ranch dressing!
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp. olive oil1 ½lb. ground beef
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small green pepper; seeded and chopped (optional)
2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped
8 oz. white button mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 15.5 oz can of light red kidney beans; drained
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1lb. elbow macaroni
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
3 oz. mozzarella, shredded
3 tbsp. bread crumbs (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef; about 8 minutes. Add garlic, green pepper and onions; cook until soft, about 8 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add in oregano, kidney beans and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and stir in parsley; let sauce cool.2. Heat oven to 325°. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, and add macaroni; cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and toss with butter in a bowl; set aside. Mix the macaroni and meat mixture together with the cheddar cheese and pour into a sprayed 9″ × 13″ baking dish; cover with mozzarella and bread crumbs. Bake until browned on top, about 45 minutes.
Chicken Jambalaya
Chicken Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil , divided
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs , cut into bite-size pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper , chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes , with juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Italian Sausage Pasta
Italian Sausage Pasta
I turned my dads awesome bulk sausage into Italian sausage to make this yummy flavorful dish! You can do the same!
Ingredients
16 oz. pasta (any type of your choice)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. mild Italian sausage, casings removed, or bulk sausage with an additional tablespoon each of garlic powder and oregeno
1 tblsp. olive oil
1 28oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook the pasta (I used Penne)per the directions on the box. Brown the sausage with the olive oil, drain if necessary. Add in onions and garlic cook until tender. Add in the can of tomatoes including the juice, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Add in the cheese and then add the cooked/drained penne. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Description
This is an easy bean salsa I got from my friend Va! I had a PD recipe similar to this but this by far is the best recipe we have found to date for this yummy LO CAL salsa! It is very simple and delicious. Serve as a dip, or over fish or chicken, etc.
Ingredients
4 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Directions
Stir the black beans, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, corn, olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, cumin, cilantro, garlic, and hot sauce together in a non-reactive container. Chill in refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional Information
Servings Per Recipe: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 115
Protein: 1.2g
Sodium: 149.9mg
Dietary Fiber: 1.0g
Carbohydrates: 8.2g
Fat: 9.3g
Cholesterol: 0.0mg
Energy Bites
No-Bake Energy Bites
(makes 18-20 bites)
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. These little yummy beauties pack about 125 calories per ball.
Jalapeno Cheddar BBQ Bacon Burger
Jalapeno Cheddar BBQ Bacon Burger - We created this on Fathers Day and it was a hit!
Burgers
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, minced (about 1 1/4 cups)
1 egg (beaten)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg thick cut bacon
On a foil lined cookie sheet, arrange the pkg of bacon strips and bake at 400 until desired done-ness. Typically 15-20 minutes. Mix all the rest of the ingredients and form patties. Grill the patties until done.
Garnish rolls with a slice of bacon, mayo, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. ENJOY!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Cheese Tortellini Tomato Soup

A great Taste of Home recipe!
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds plum tomatoes, seeded and quartered
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1 cup dried cheese tortellini
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Add the
tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a
boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool slightly.
Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain well and set
aside. In a blender, cover and process soup in batches until smooth.
Return to the saucepan; add tortellini and heat through. Garnish
with cheese. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups equals 114 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 14 mg cholesterol, 609 mg sodium,
© Taste of Home 2011
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tortellini with Vegetables

This is a great dish that can be used as the main meal or a yummy filling side dish for 180 calories! I did not have zucchini so I substituted frozen broccoli and added a small onion!
Ingredients:
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 medium bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)
2 cups chopped roma (plum) tomatoes (6 to 8 medium)
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into slices (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Steps:
1. Cook and drain tortellini as directed on package, using 3-quart saucepan. Wipe out saucepan with paper towel; wipe dry with paper towel.
2. Heat oil in same saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook bell pepper in oil 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
3. Stir in tomatoes, zucchini, Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender.
4. Stir in tortellini. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Makes 4 servings
Nutrition:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 180 (Calories from Fat 80 ),Total Fat 9 g(Saturated Fat 4 g,Cholesterol 60 mg;Sodium 250 mg;Total Carbohydrate 20 g(Dietary Fiber 3 g,Protein 8 g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 14.00%;Vitamin C 38.00%;Calcium 12.00%;Iron 10.00%;Exchanges:1 Starch;1 Vegetable;2 Fat;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Feta Topped Chicken

I tried this recipe thinking I would not like it and that the chicken would be dry. I couldn't be more wrong on both accounts! It was juicy and delicious and only 200 calories!
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 lb)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 large roma (plum) tomato, cut into 8 slices
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (1 oz)
Steps:
1. Set oven control to broil. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with dressing. Sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning and seasoned pepper. Place on rack in broiler pan.
2. Broil with tops 4 inches from heat about 10 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). Top with tomato and cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese is lightly browned.
Nutrition:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 200(Calories from Fat 80),Total Fat 9g(Saturated Fat 2 1/2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 80mg;Sodium 210mg;Total Carbohydrate 2g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 1g),Protein 28g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 4.00%;Vitamin C 2.00%;Calcium 6.00%;Iron 6.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;4 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:0;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Cheesy Beef Corn Chip Skillet
This recipe is a nice spin on tacos and very similar to a popular concession stand hit "taco in a bag". The calorie count isn't bad either at 270 calories per serving!
Ingredients:
1lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup water
1pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Taco Seasoning Mix
2 cups corn chips
1/4lb. (4 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 chipped green onion
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
Steps:
1. BROWN meat with onions in large skillet; drain. Add water and seasoning mix; cook as directed on package.
2. COVER meat mixture with chips and VELVEETA; cover. Cook on low heat 5 min. or until VELVEETA is melted.
3. TOP with lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream and salsa.
Nutrition:
Calories 270 Total fat 15 g Saturated fat 6 g Cholesterol 60 mg Sodium 740 mg Carbohydrate 13 g Dietary fiber 2 g Sugars 4 g Protein 18 g Vitamin A 20 %DV Vitamin C 10 %DV Calcium 20 %DV Iron 15 %DV
Italian Chicken Noodle Soup
Here is a soup that is a pick me up on a cold winter day and won't break your New Years Resolution at 170 calories per serving! It is quick and easy to make .... and yes, even the guys liked it!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso® chicken broth (4 cups)
2 cups water
3 medium carrots, sliced (1 1/2 cups)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Steps:
1. In 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in onion. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender.
2. Stir in broth, water and carrots. Heat to boiling. Cook 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in broccoli, noodles, basil and garlic-pepper blend. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables and noodles are tender.
3. Top each serving with cheese.
Makes 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 170(Calories from Fat 50),Total Fat 6g(Saturated Fat 2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 35mg;Sodium 710mg;Total Carbohydrate 13g(Dietary Fiber 2g,Sugars 3g),Protein 15g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 120.00%;Vitamin C 20.00%;Calcium 10.00%;Iron 8.00%;Exchanges:1 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;1 1/2 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Slop Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
2 packages (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 cup cut-up cooked chicken or 4 Chicken Breasts
2 cans (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
1/2 cup of half and half
1/2 cup of milk
2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix vegetables, chicken, half and half, milk and soup in ungreased 2-quart casserole.
Stir remaining ingredients in small bowl with fork/whisk until blended. Pour over casserole.
Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
(You can also use shredded roast beef and substitute cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken)

