Archives for category: Recipe for a Crowd
« Older Entries

Mediterranean Salad (Keto/Low Carb/Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)

June 14, 2021 //
0

This Mediterranean Salad is one of the most easy and beautiful I’ve made. The colors and flavors are spectacular. It is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta and herbs.

This is a Greek inspired salad but I made it for a tropical themed party we had recently and know I made an excellent choice. The tomatoes combined with olive oil and vinegar added zest. While the cucumbers added crunch and the feta the perfect, tangy–saltiness for all the flavors from the Greek Isles.

Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2-3 large cucumbers, peeled and diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1 9.5 ounce jar Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced, such as Mezzetta Olives

1 6 ounce can green olives, pitted and sliced, such as Early California

12 ounce feta cheese cubed, such as Belfiore Mediterranean Style Feta in Brine

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup red or white wine vinegar

3 TBSP fresh oregano, chopped

3 TBPS fresh Italian Parsley

1 small lemon, juiced and zested

Salt and Ground Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Add all the diced and sliced veggies and olives to a large bowl.
  2. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, juice from the lemon, lemon zest, fresh oregano, parsley, salt and pepper to in another bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Add the liquid to the veggies and olives and mix well.
  4. Top the salad with the feta cubes and serve.

Note: This can be made up to up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve!

Enjoy! Jill XOXO

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Entertaining, #Family Dinner, #Gluten Free, #Main Dish, #Vegan, Gluten Free, Greek Salad, Keto, Low Carbohydrate, Mediterranean Salad, Recipe for a Crowd, Salad, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Mini Spinach, Pancetta and Cheese Frittatas

March 28, 2021 //
0

Easter Sunday is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a quick, easy and delicious appetizer this Mini Spinach, Pancetta and Cheese Frittata recipe is it! You can make these ahead and serve them room-temperature or cook them right before your guests arrive. Either way, you will not go wrong.

I used my @PerfectResults Premium Non-Stick Bakeware 48 cavity mini-muffin pan and served these at a baby shower. Then, I garnished the platter with edible flowers and a sprig of rosemary to give a pop of color.

Mini Spinach, Pancetta and Cheese Frittatas

Ingredients:

1 5 to 6 ounces pancetta, such as Primo Taglio, Columbus or Boars Head

1/2 large onion, diced

1 TBSP olive oil

12 medium to large size eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded such as Kraft or Lucerne

2 to 3 cups spinach, fresh or frozen

Leaves from 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1/2 tsp ground pepper

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use cooking spray to grease your mini muffin pan. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use a whisk or mixer to beat eggs until light and frothy about 6 minutes. Add the cheese and stir to combine thoroughly. Set aside.
  3. In a medium size sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the pancetta and onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and the pancetta is lightly browned about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the spinach (if you use frozen spinach, make sure it is completely thawed and all the water is pressed out. I put the thawed spinach in a colander and squeeze it out using my hands until all of the moisture is gone. Then, add the spinach to the sauté pan and combine thoroughly. If you use fresh spinach, you’ll need to double the quantity since it will shrink down. Cook the fresh spinach in the sauté pan for 3 minutes until it wilts down). Remove the mixture from the heat and let cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the cooled spinach mixture to the eggs. Then, add the fresh thyme, ground pepper and red pepper flakes stir until completely combined.
  5. Use a spoon to ladle the mixture into the sprayed muffin tin about 3/4 full. Do not overfill. Top each with the parmesan cheese. I had enough batter for about 40 mini frittatas.
  6. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges of the muffins are lightly browned.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool about 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to glide around the outside of the muffins until you can gently remove them.
  8. Serve immediately or place them on a serving platter and cover if you’re making them ahead. You can also put them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator if you are making them ahead. Serve within 6 to 8 hours.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Easy Appetizer, #Entertaining, Appetizer, Easter Recipes, Frittata, Hors-d'oeuvres, Mini Frittata, Recipe for a Crowd, Simple Appetizer

Fudge Brownie Ice Cream Cake

March 23, 2021 //
0

Anything that begins with “Fudge” Brownie Ice Cream Cake has to be devil-iciously scrumptious! This dessert calls out to all chocoholics and ice cream lovers. It is the perfect combination of brownie, two layers of ice cream, whipped cream and fudge.

It was a hit with our kids the other night and personally I had to take a cheat day from low-carbs to try it out. This recipe is quite versatile too.

You can use any ice cream flavor you want. I used a Chocolate Ice Cream with Fudge Cups and Swirls for one layer and Peanut Butter Chocolate Candy Crunch for the second. I also made homemade whipped cream and used Ghirardelli Fudge Sauce.

If you don’t feel like baking, you can buy a store bought brownie and Cool Whip as substitutes. You can even get crazy and do three layers of ice cream. The creativity is in your hands. You need will-power of steel to not have a piece though!

Fudge Brownie Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients:

Brownie Layer:

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

4 tsp vanilla

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup cocoa, such as Hershey’s, Ghirardelli or Guittard

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans or any of your choice), optional

Ice Cream Layer:

2 — 1 pint ice cream flavors of your choice such as Ben & Jerry’s, Haagen Dazs, Halo Top or any other choice

1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (heated) to drizzle over the top such as Ghirardelli, Smuckers or Hershey’s

Whipped Cream Layer:

2 cups heavy whipped cream

3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 TBSP vanilla

Cocoa powder to dust the top of the cake (such as Ghirardelli, Hershey’s or Guittard)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Use a Spring Form Pan such as Nordic or Wilton with removable sides or line a 9″ round cake pan with parchment paper leaving enough to hangover the edges of the pan. This will make it easier to remove if you’re not using a Spring Form Pan.
  2. Take out one of the pints of ice cream from the freezer and let it sit until softened. (I sometimes put it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to assist the process.)
  3. Then, make the brownies. Using a large bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid Mixer) combine the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Add in the cocoa, flour and nuts. Mix well until combined. Pour into the prepared 9×13 pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check on the brownies after 18 minutes to determine the remaining time. You want the edges to set and a skewer or toothpick inserted in the middle to come out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let sit until slightly cool.
  4. Using the softened ice cream spoon it over the brownie in the pan. Smooth the ice cream thoroughly removing any air pockets. Cover this with plastic wrap and freeze about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. While the brownie and first layer of ice cream is freezing, remove the other pint of ice cream and let it sit until softened.
  6. Remove the brownie from the freezer, top it with the next layer of softened ice cream. Smooth the ice cream thoroughly removing the air pockets. Cover this with plastic wrap and freeze another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. While the brownie and ice cream are in the freezer, make your whipped cream in a bowl with a standing mixer or an electric mixer. Add the heavy cream and whip until soft peaks begin to form (this can take several minutes). Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue whipping to the right consistency.
  8. Remove the cake from the freezer and spread the whipped cream all over the ice cream layer.
  9. Sprinkle the cake with a dusting of the cocoa powder. Then, use the hot fudge that you’ve heated to decorate the top in long ribbons from side to side. It’s easier to stream over the dessert if it is warmed.

You can cut it immediately after decorating or return it to the freezer. If it’s the latter, you can remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, cut with a long serrated knife that you wipe clean after each piece. You can also dip the knife in a glass of hot water between cuts to help make it easier. Be careful as it’s not easy cutting a half frozen cake. Make sure the surface the cake is on is stable while you cut. I often put the cake on a kitchen towel to keep it from moving.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Entertaining, Brownie, Cake, Chocaholic, Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Fudge Brownie, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Cake, Recipe for a Crowd

Corned Beef with Roasted Cabbage Potatoes and Carrots

March 17, 2021 //
1

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Here’s a fun fact: Corned Beef and Cabbage is an Irish-American meal served on St. Patrick’s Day but not in Ireland. It appears that it is an American tradition and one of the most served meals on March 17 in the U.S.!

Corned Beef is beef brisket that has been cured in ‘corn’ salt. This explains the reason we’re all very thirsty after eating it and need a pint to go along with it!

I have searched for the perfect Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe for 25 years. I have tried every technique from boiling, brining, dry-rubbing, slow-cooking and oven roasting. This recipe is one of my favorites and it is super easy making me realize that all the other methods are just too much work.

My secret is to braise the corned beef in the oven — baking it one hour for every pound. I use Guinness beer and beef broth as the liquids it cooks in while covered. A Dutch oven is perfect or a large roasting pan covered tightly with foil. Once you remove the corned beef from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into sliceable pieces. Another trick is to roast the cabbage on its own sheet pan to keep it from wilting. I’m not a fan of squishy cabbage, which often happens when it is cooked in the liquid.

This recipe is family approved. I also know my maternal grandma and spouse’s mom are smiling with Irish eyes as we feast on this tender and moist Corned Beef with Roasted Cabbage, Potatoes and Carrots dinner!

Corned Beef with Roasted Cabbage, Potatoes & Carrots (serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

For Corned Beef:

3-5 pounds corned beef (usually sold in a package with seasoning included if not use the dried seasonings below)

1/4 cups Dijon mustard

Dried seasonings such as fennel, coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, allspice and ground pepper (mixed together in a small bowl to use as the beef dry-rub)

3 TBSP canola or vegetable oil

3-4 bay leaves

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1 bottle of Guinness beer

1 32 ounces of beef broth

For Vegetables:

1 large onion, sliced

3-4 stalks of carrots, sliced

6 large potatoes (I like and use red potatoes), quartered

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1 32 ounces of vegetable broth

1 large head of cabbage, sliced

1/4 cup olive oil to drizzle over the cabbage

Salt and ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Remove corned beef from the package. Rinse off the meat thoroughly in cold water and completely pat dry.
  3. Place the beef on a large cutting board or surface and cover with the dry-rub seasoning prepared or provided in the corned beef package. Then, smear the Dijon mustard over the beef. (Many recipes called for the Dijon to be spread over the beef first but I reversed the order because I wanted the dry-rub to stick to the beef in all the cracks and crevasses).
  4. Add the 3 TBSP oil to a large frying pan or Dutch oven and heat on medium-high until very hot. Add the beef and sear on each side about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  5. In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven add the Guinness beer and broth along with bay leaves and garlic. Nuzzle the beef into the mixture and cover the pan tightly with the lid or foil. Cook 1 hour for every pound (if it’s a 3 pound piece of beef then you’ll cook it for 3 hours).
  6. While the beef it cooking, slice the onions and chop the potatoes and carrots. In a large pan with lid or Dutch oven, heat 3 TBSP oil on medium high. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes until translucent and slightly browned. Add the carrot slices, potato quarters and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes until combined. Then, add the vegetable broth and turn the heat to low or simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender when pierced.
  7. Slice the cabbage (you can also quarter it but I like the appearance when it’s sliced) and add to a sheet pan (i.e., cookie pan) and spread out. Drizzle the cabbage with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you wish. This will cook the last 30 minutes on a separate rack in the oven with the corned beef. Don’t forget to add it to the oven!
  8. Once the corned beef is done, remove it from the oven and pan. Place on a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes covered with foil. It’ll be easier to slice once it cools slightly.
  9. Add the roasted cabbage to a bottom of a large serving platter. Then, add the vegetables (onions, carrots and potatoes) on top. Slice the corned beef and serve on a separate platter or arrange on top of the vegetables. Be creative with the presentation.
  10. Serve with Irish Soda Bread and/or any other traditional dishes!

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Entertaining, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, Comfort Food, Corned Beef, Holiday Cooking, Recipe for a Crowd, St Patrick's Day

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

February 17, 2021 //
0

My love affair with New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Mardi Gras began over 25 years ago. Living in the South, while going to LSU, cemented my appreciation of Cajun, Creole and Southern cooking. I learned to make a proper Roux for etouffee and gumbo; throw a “crawfish boil” feast; Cajun-inject a fried turkey for a “Death Valley” football tailgate; and recreate every Tigerland Jell-O shot I remember.

Southern culture is second to none with rich music, hospitality and food. I will forever be a “Tiger” at heart — bleeding purple and gold — and a Southern/Comfort food aficionado. Even though, Fat Tuesday came and went for another year, this Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo can be made any season. You can also add or substitute the chicken with shrimp, crawfish or crab. The key is to ‘perfect’ the Roux, which means patience is your guide!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

3 ribs of celery, diced

1 cup canola oil

1 cup All-Purpose flour

1 1/2 lbs Andouille sausage, diced

8 to 10 boneless chicken thighs (dark meat adds much more flavor and do not recommend chicken breasts)

4 TBSP Creole seasoning such as Tony’s Creole Seasoning, Zatarain’s, or my favorite Slap Ya Mama (my kids bought it for me)

2 cups fresh okra sliced (optional — I do not like it, which means I leave it out)

3 TBSP garlic, minced

6 cups chicken stock (save the chicken stock from the thighs when you cook them in the oven)

3-4 bay leaves

2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce

Hot Sauce to taste such as Crystal or McIlhenny Tabasco

Cooked white rice, enough for 10 servings

Diced green onions for garnish

Directions:

  1. Dice the onions, celery and bell pepper — a.k.a. the “holy trinity” or “mirepoix.” Mix together and set aside.
  2. Brown the diced Andouille sausage in a large fry pan or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Remove once browned, but reserve the sausage grease to add to the roux.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to a baking dish or pan. Sprinkle each piece with salt, ground pepper and Creole seasoning. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. Once finished, pour the chicken broth into a glass bowl. Set aside both the broth and chicken until each is cool. Once the chicken is cool, you can shred or cut it into pieces.
  4. Begin making the roux, which will take about 25 to 30 minutes. The goal is a mixture that is the color of chocolate. Add the canola oil to a Dutch oven on medium heat. When the oil is hot (sizzles when you add a drop of water) slowly begin adding the flour 1/8 cup at a time. Each time you add 1/8 cup, whisk the oil and flour thoroughly to dissolve. You will only whisk continuously with each new addition of flour. Then, you’ll need to rest a minute or two before adding in the next portion. Continue this until you add all the equal portions of flour.Yes, you will need patience!
  5. Once the roux is dark enough, turn down the heat to medium low. Add in the sausage grease, remaining seasonings and the onions, celery and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add the okra, cook for another 3 minutes. (Skip this step if you leave it out like I do.)
  7. Add the sausage. Stir the mixture until thoroughly combine.
  8. Add the chicken stock from both the chicken thighs and any additional you’ll need to make 6 cups. Add the garlic.
  9. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower it to a simmer and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  10. About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the cut up chicken to the pot. Then, add the Worcestershire and hot sauce, if using.
  11. To serve, place the cooked white rice on the bottom of each bowl. Add a large soup spoonful (or two) of the gumbo mixture over the rice. Garnish with green onions.
Creole Seasoning and Hot Sauces

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Entertaining, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, Cajun, Comfort Food, Gumbo, Recipe for a Crowd, Soup, Southern Dinner

Homemade Mac and Cheese (Vegetarian)

February 15, 2021 //
0

Mac and Cheese is a comfort food that both children and adults enjoy and there are so many variations to make! Earlier this year, I posted my Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe that I learned to make while living in New England. Today, I’m posting a recipe for a basic homemade Mac and Cheese that our kids request often. It is super easy and loaded with Gruyere, that is a Swiss or Alpine-type cheese making it both sweet and slightly salty, and Cheddar that gives it a sharp, tangy flavor. Topping the macaroni with the Ritz Cracker crumble puts this recipe over the top making it a family favorite.

Homemade Mac & Cheese (Vegetarian)

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta (which means corkscrew in Italian)

1 quart milk

1 stick unsalted butter, divided plus 1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup flour

4 cups Gruyere cheese, grated

2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3/4 cups Ritz Crackers, about 17-18 crackers crumbled

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a large pot of boiling salt water, add a drizzle of oil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain well. Set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk on medium to low heat until hot but not boiled.
  4. In a large saucepan over medium to low heat, melt 6 TBSP butter. Add the flour. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened and smooth. Turn off the heat, add the Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses, 1 tsp salt, pepper and nutmeg. Combine thoroughly. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well.
  5. Pour the macaroni mixture into a 3-quart baking dish.
  6. Melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and combine thoroughly with the crushed Ritz Crackers. (I place the crackers in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them beforehand.). Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the macaroni. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top of the macaroni is browned.

I served this with Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs and Corn Muffins for a true Southern dinner that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , ,
Categories #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, Comfort Food, Football Food, Mac n Cheese, Recipe for a Crowd, Southern Dinner, Sunday Dinner, Vegetarian

Chocolate Fountain!

February 8, 2021 //
0
Tall, Dark & Chocolate!

I do not think any dessert can live up to the Chocolate Fountain…and that’s a lot for a true Choc-o-holic to write! We purchased our Chocolate Fountain for a birthday celebration. It was such a hit, we used it twice in one week and the days in between weren’t quite the same!

Q. What can you dip in the Chocolate Fountain?

A. Just About Anything!

We used brownie, pound cake, marshmallows, pretzel rods and strawberries. The choices are endless!

For our fountain, we melted 16 ounces of dark chocolate such as Guittard or Ghirardelli and 3/4 cups vegetable oil in a double boil pan. Once it was melted and the fountain was warmed up (per the instructions), we poured the chocolate in the bottom tier. It then works its way up before cascading over the fountain in a delicious sheet of chocolate decadence!

You’ll also need to purchase Natural Wooden Bamboo Skewers that are 10″ or 12″ and any of the following dipper suggestions of choice:

*Bacon, pre-cooked

*Beef Jerky (not my choice, but it’ll satisfy the sweet and savory tastes)

*Bread sticks

*Brownies, cut in cubes

*Dessert Cheese such as goat cheese, Gouda, blue cheese, fontina or pecorino, cut in cubes

*Dried fruit such as apricots, kiwi, bananas or apples

*Fresh fruit such as apple slices, bananas, cherries, grapes, kiwi, melon, oranges, pears, pineapple and raspberries

*Cookies such as biscotti, graham crackers, lady fingers, macaroons, Pepperidge Farm Milanos (or any flavor), shortbread or wafers

*Marshmallows large size such as Kraft or Smash Mallow

*Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, pistachios or walnuts

*Pound Cake such as Sara Lee or Angel Food Cake cut in cubes

*Pretzel Rods such as Snyder’s or Utz’s

*Rice Crispy Treats from Kellogg’s, cut in cubes

The choices and creativity are endless with a Chocolate Fountain!

Note: If you do not have a chocolate fountain and do not want to purchase one, you can melt the chocolate in a double-boiler pan. Then, pour the chocolate into a serving bowl with your items ready to dip. Serve immediately.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories #Entertaining, Chocaholic, Chocolate, Dessert, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, Recipe for a Crowd

Chicken Saltimbocca (Low Carb/Keto/ Gluten-Free)

February 5, 2021 //
1

One of our traditions is to let our kids pick their birthday menu. Chicken Saltimbocca was my step-daughter’s request for her celebration dinner. I’ve made this since 1999 and have shared it with many friends and family because it’s always a favorite. This time, I served it alongside Roasted Broccoli with Carrots and some Cauliflower Mash topped with toasted panko.

We learned from my son-in-law who is from Naples, Italy that “saltimbocca” means “to jump in (your) mouth.” I think that’s the perfect description for this delicious, versatile Italian chicken dish that was originally made with veal, sage and slices of ham.

Chicken Saltimbocca (Low Carb/Keto/Gluten-Free)

Ingredients for 6 servings:

3 large chicken breasts, cut lengthwise and flattened

Salt & ground pepper

3 TBSP olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 sprigs of rosemary, remove the needle-like leaves and chop fine

3-4 ounces of goat cheese

3 ounces of cream cheese

6 slices of proscuitto

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Cut the 3 chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Between two pieces of wax paper flatten each chicken breast with a mallet. Season the 6 chicken breasts on both sides with salt and ground pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl, add the olive oil, goat cheese, cream cheese and rosemary. Using a fork combine the mixture thoroughly.
  4. On a cutting board or work surface, lay a chicken breast down and spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the surface. Make sure to divide up the cheese evenly to have an equal amount for all 6 pieces.
  5. Roll-up the chicken breast and then wrap each one with a piece of prosciutto. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the chicken wrapped prosciutto breast closed. Lay the chicken seam side down in a baking dish. Repeat with each chicken breast.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is 165 degree F.
The chicken is done!

Notes: You can have a butcher prepare the chicken breasts outlined in number 2. Then, you’ll just need to season with salt and pepper before moving to numbers 3 through 6 in the directions.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , ,
Categories #Chicken Saltimbocca, #Dinner, #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Gluten Free, #Italian, #Main Dish, Elegant Main Course, Gluten Free, Keto, Recipe for a Crowd, Sunday Dinner

Spinach Lasagna (Meatless)

December 17, 2020 //
0

This is for my sister who is not a carnivore like me and asked for a Vegan lasagna recipe. I love a challenge and this prompted me to search several Vegan and Vegetarian recipes over the past few days. I wanted the perfect meatless lasagna that my family would eat. The recipe also needed to be simple. Although, it is Vegetarian, it’s not too far from my traditional meat sauce lasagna.

Greek yogurt or tofu is substituted for the egg that is traditionally used in the ricotta mixture. Spinach is used in place of the meat, which is an even better source of protein. This is a great lasagna and filling dinner for any Vegan or Vegetarian.

Here you go Heidi Lou!

Spinach Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 box no-bake lasagna noodles or fresh pasta sheets (my preference)

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and fresh ground pepper

1 tsp Italian Seasoning

2 packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained

3 cups ricotta cheese

1/4 cup Greek yogurt or silk tofu

1/2 cup Parmesan

3 cup mozzarella cheese

2 cups crushed tomatoes (such as San Marzano, Muir Glen or Cento) or jar of pasta sauce

fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat add oil, onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir in the thawed and drained spinach until completely combined. Turn off heat.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, Greek yogurt or tofu (depending on which you use), Parmesan, handful of parsley, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Set aside.
  4. You’re now ready to begin building the lasagna in a large baking dish or lasagna pan. Add a thin layer of the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce to the bottom of the pan to cover. Top the sauce with a layer of the no-bake or fresh lasagna pasta overlapping if necessary. Next, add another scoop of the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce over the noodles. Then, add about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture and spread evenly. Add 6 dollops of the ricotta mixture over the spinach and spread. Sprinkle with an even layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these steps again, ending with the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan on the top.
  5. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the lasagna slightly browned.
  6. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting in order for it to set. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve.

Add a Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread to complete this very meatless dinner.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , , ,
Categories #Dinner, #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, #Vegan, Casserole, Italian, Lasagna, Meatless Lasagna, Mozzarella, Pasta, Recipe for a Crowd, Spinach Lasagna, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

December 7, 2020 //
0

These are my daughter’s favorite cookies and another easy holiday addition to the dessert table. I included these as part of a Wedding Cookie Bar a year ago and they went quickly. I am a cookie-snob and prefer homemade over store-bought any day but don’t want to work too hard. If you agree, you’ll find that these are super easy and that the peanut butter cookie base is the perfect pair for a Hershey’s Kiss.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (I really wish they’d make a bag of unwrapped ones)

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a mixer, beat together both sugars, peanut butter, butter and egg until blended. Add the flour, baking soda and baking powder until the dough forms.
  3. Shape the dough into 1″ thick balls; roll in additional sugar spread on a plate. Place on ungreased cookie sheets 2 inches apart or use a mini-cupcake pan, sprayed with Pam or cooking spray (the mini pans come in 24 or 48 cups depending on brand)
  4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and place 1 Hershey’s Kiss in each cookie.
  5. Remove from the cookie sheets to a cooling rack. Makes 36.

Notes:

  • Use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of the Hershey’s Kisses for variation.
  • If you want to make it even easier, purchase the pre-made peanut butter cookie log found in the dairy isle of the grocery store and begin at step 3 above. We won’t tell. Either way, you’ll find these are delish!

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

Tags , , , , , ,
Categories Cookies, Easy Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Recipe for a Crowd
« Older Entries