Setting: My humble abode, Saturday April 10th, 4 P.M.
Characters: Me, the doting mother and girlfriend who aims to please; Darling Boyfriend, the indecisive yet voraciously hungry man; Gamer Boy, the indifferent food critic; Dancing Queen, the refined lady with an exceptionally discriminating palate; and Little Buddy, the avid, enthusiastic, albeit stubborn, food connoisseur.
Conflict: Bella di Cucina (that's Me) is pitted against her family as the tension rises over what to fix for Saturday dinner
Plot: Bella di Cucina knows that she has a freezer full to the brim with enticingly versatile chicken breasts. She announces to her family that Saturday dinner must include the poultry. Darling Boyfriend announces that it makes no difference to him what is served, but Gamer Boy insists upon gumbo. Dancing Queen fiercly cries for beef stroganoff, while Little Buddy clamors for anything with tomato sauce. What to do? Bella di Cucina must keep her family happy and well fed, and yet, the task ahead seems impossible. Suddenly, it comes to her: a meal that will save them all. Enough to satisfy Darling Boyfriend's taste buds, Gamer Boy's need for a Creole connection, Dancing Queen's love of noodles covered in creamy sauce, and Little Buddy's desire for tangy tomato:
Bayou Pasta
8 oz Turkey Smoked Sausage, sliced into 1/4" pieces
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken, cubed
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp coarse ground peppercorn
1 tsp ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 tsp crushed basil
1 lb Roma tomatoes, diced OR 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 30-oz can tomato sauce (I use Hunt's spicy)
1/2 tbs oregano
1 pint fat free half and half cream
16 oz whole-wheat penne, cooked accordng to package directions
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional)
1. Heat large stock pot over medium high heat. Spray liberally with cooking spray. Add sausage, chicken, cayenne, black pepper, cumin, garli, onion, green pepper, and basil.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until clear juices run from chicken. Add tomatoes. Increase heat to high; bring to boiling. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce. Stir in oregano Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15-20 minutes.
4. Add fat free half and half. Increase heat to medium high. Heat through. Add pasta, stirring to coat. Serve garnished with Monterey Jack cheese if desired.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
5-minute Chocolate Mug Cake
I made hot dogs for lunch. There were only four left. This is a very big mistake when you have 3 children. I split the last hot dog into three equal parts and somehow, one piece ended up in the stomach of my beloved dog instead of Little Buddy's mouth.
Whoooopsie. To fix this major blunder, I offered her instant gratification in a cup:
5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tbs flour
3 tbs cocoa powder
4 tbs sugar
1 egg
3 tbs milk
3 tbs apple sauce OR oil
2 drops vanilla extract
Chocolate sauce
1. In a large coffee mug, mix flour, cocoa, and sugar. Add egg, milk, apple sauce or oil, and vanilla.
2. Blend with fork until smooth.
3. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes. Cake will rise over sides of cup, but will fall when removed from microwave oven.
4. Loosen cake from mug with butter knife and turn cup upside down onto plate. Cover in chocolate sauce. Serves 3-4.
Whoooopsie. To fix this major blunder, I offered her instant gratification in a cup:
5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tbs flour
3 tbs cocoa powder
4 tbs sugar
1 egg
3 tbs milk
3 tbs apple sauce OR oil
2 drops vanilla extract
Chocolate sauce
1. In a large coffee mug, mix flour, cocoa, and sugar. Add egg, milk, apple sauce or oil, and vanilla.
2. Blend with fork until smooth.
3. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes. Cake will rise over sides of cup, but will fall when removed from microwave oven.
4. Loosen cake from mug with butter knife and turn cup upside down onto plate. Cover in chocolate sauce. Serves 3-4.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham -- Easy Comfort
Rain, rain go away, come again some other day...
My spring break is ending with an overcast sky and a long to-do list. Blah. This calls for an EASY ultimate comfort food!
Luckily, I still have ham in the freezer from Easter -- so pulling out one of my mom's tried and true favorites:
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
5 lb bag white or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cups cooked ham, cubed
8 tbs light margarine
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dry mustard OR 1 tbs prepared mustard
4 tbs corn starch
4 cups skim milk
Optional: 2 c dry bread crumbs and 2-4 tbs light margarine
1. In oven-proof 3 qt heavy sauce pan melt margarine over medium heat. Add onions, pepper, garlic, dry mustard, and rosemary. Cook 3-4 minutes, until onions are tender.
2. Add corn starch. Stir until smooth. Allow to cook until bubbly.
3. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium high. Cook and stir continuously until mixture boils. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in potatoes and ham. Cover. Bake at 300 degrees 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent scalding, until potatoes separate easily when pierced with fork.
5. Optional step: mix dry bread crumbs with melted margarine until all crumbs are moist. Sprinkle over top of ham and potatoes last 10 minutes of baking.
**If you prefer, you can bake in a roasting pan or casserole dish!**
My spring break is ending with an overcast sky and a long to-do list. Blah. This calls for an EASY ultimate comfort food!
Luckily, I still have ham in the freezer from Easter -- so pulling out one of my mom's tried and true favorites:
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
5 lb bag white or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cups cooked ham, cubed
8 tbs light margarine
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dry mustard OR 1 tbs prepared mustard
4 tbs corn starch
4 cups skim milk
Optional: 2 c dry bread crumbs and 2-4 tbs light margarine
1. In oven-proof 3 qt heavy sauce pan melt margarine over medium heat. Add onions, pepper, garlic, dry mustard, and rosemary. Cook 3-4 minutes, until onions are tender.
2. Add corn starch. Stir until smooth. Allow to cook until bubbly.
3. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium high. Cook and stir continuously until mixture boils. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in potatoes and ham. Cover. Bake at 300 degrees 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent scalding, until potatoes separate easily when pierced with fork.
5. Optional step: mix dry bread crumbs with melted margarine until all crumbs are moist. Sprinkle over top of ham and potatoes last 10 minutes of baking.
**If you prefer, you can bake in a roasting pan or casserole dish!**
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Impromptu Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche
There are few things in life that send dread coursing through my very soul more than the words, "Oh crap" followed by a crash.
Today the source of that crash was a full carton of eggs. Darling Boyfriend opened the fridge and they attacked him, most likely because they were afraid of becoming another batch of Deviled Eggs for his pleasure and enjoyment. Luckily four survived the tragedy and were transferred back to their prison...I mean the fridge.
So I now had eight broken eggs and a choice to make: sentence them to the trash can, or turn them into something mouth watering. Well...living La Vita Piccante! After rummaging around the fridge and cabinets for inspiration, I turned them into:
Impromptu Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche
8 eggs
4 oz fat free sour cream
1 c skim milk
1 c cooked ham, chopped (mine is leftover from Easter Dinner :D)
4 oz shredded cheese (I'm going to be honest: mine were string cheese twists of mozzarella and cheddar...oh the shame)
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbs dried minced onion
1/2 tsp paprika
1. Spray glass pie dish (or 8X8 glass dish) with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In mixing bowl beat eggs with a wire whisk until frothy, about 3 minutes. Add sour cream, milk, pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika.
3. Stir in ham and cheese.
4. Pour into prepared dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
5. Allow to sit 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Serves 8.
Today the source of that crash was a full carton of eggs. Darling Boyfriend opened the fridge and they attacked him, most likely because they were afraid of becoming another batch of Deviled Eggs for his pleasure and enjoyment. Luckily four survived the tragedy and were transferred back to their prison...I mean the fridge.
So I now had eight broken eggs and a choice to make: sentence them to the trash can, or turn them into something mouth watering. Well...living La Vita Piccante! After rummaging around the fridge and cabinets for inspiration, I turned them into:
Impromptu Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche
8 eggs
4 oz fat free sour cream
1 c skim milk
1 c cooked ham, chopped (mine is leftover from Easter Dinner :D)
4 oz shredded cheese (I'm going to be honest: mine were string cheese twists of mozzarella and cheddar...oh the shame)
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbs dried minced onion
1/2 tsp paprika
1. Spray glass pie dish (or 8X8 glass dish) with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In mixing bowl beat eggs with a wire whisk until frothy, about 3 minutes. Add sour cream, milk, pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika.
3. Stir in ham and cheese.
4. Pour into prepared dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
5. Allow to sit 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Serves 8.
Good Morning Sunshine Pancakes
Yesterday Darling Boyfriend got the best idea ever: run to WallyWorld for a tent and have a a Big Backyard Jamboree with the kids as part of their Best Spring Break Ever Extravaganza. He got the tent, I took care of the food (naturally).
When he got home with his splendiforous purchase, we all oooohed and aaaaahed...and then scratched our heads as we tried to figure out how in the heck the thing was supposed to go together. One hour, six squabbles, and 2 butterknives turned into tent stakes later: and VOILA! A tent fit for...ummm...well...us.
Fast forward to 10 PM: s'mores eaten and movie over (I decided that Moulin Rouge was perfect camping faire). Tent time!!!
We snuggled in with about 8 billion blankets and assorted animals. Dancing Queen and Little Buddy insisted they couldn't sleep without at least 20 of their fuzzy animal friends. We spent the entire day coaxing Gamer Boy out of his hidey-hole and into the tent, and were immediately sorry we had when he decided it was prime time to scare the crap out of his sisters. Every 30 seconds.
After an hour of the girls screaming and Gamer Boy laughing hysterically, everyone finally nodded off to beddy bye. Things were going swimmingly (albeit uncomfortably so...ground = hard ladies and gents).
A scratching noise outside the tent woke up me up. I figured it had to be some wild outdoors-induced dream and closed my eyes. Heard it again. Hmmm...nodded back off and then the entire tent shook. My eyes shot open, I screamed, and jumped back onto Darling Boyfriend. Something had landed on top of the tent and slid off.
Whatever it was started walking around the outside of the tent. It was stalking us. By this time all three kids were awake. Little Buddy was crying, Dancing Queen was clutching my leg like it was her stronghold on life, and Gamer Boy was trying to poke at the shadow of The Thing Outside the Tent. Being the amazingly brave one of the family, I peeked out the front door.
It was a cat. A cat I didn't recognize. Immediately Darling Boyfriend said, "It's probably trying to get in here and eat us." The girls screamed and cried louder. Thanks...I said it couldn't be OUR cat because I had left him in the house. It wouldn't budge. Dang thing just sat outside the tent, staring at us.
Of course at this point, Dancing Queen piped up, "I have to peeeeeeee." Little Buddy seconded this motion. Gamer Boy announced he wanted to go inside, too. Darling Boyfriend jokes, "Yeah, go outside and let the rabid cat bite you." I handed him a pillow and elected him our official Rabid Cat Liason.
He unzipped the tent and the cat ran to the center of the yard and stared at us. By this time, I'm sure it really does want to eat us. Darling Boyfriend stepped out of the tent and tiptoed toward the pint sized predator while the girls clutched me and whined, "Mommmmmyyyyyyy."
"It's Playful!" Dang. It was our cat after all. We all took a field trip to the bathroom. I tossed the cat back into the house lest he should try to join our Jamboree again. We woke up this morning with the joy that only sleeping on the ground and breathing in pollen can give a person.
I decided that after all that, we deserved pancakes. Not just any pancakes would do -- nope: needed my Good Morning Sunshine Pancakes slathered in butter and drenched in syrup. Comfort on a plate, lemme tell ya.
Good Morning Sunshine Pancakes
1 1/2 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbs sugar
2 egg white or 1 egg
1 1/4 c skim milk
3 tbs canola oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Cooking spray
1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Turn oven to "warm" and place oven-proof plate on center rack.
2. In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with wire whisk until all ingredients are combined and no dry remains. Batter will be slightly lumpy. Don't over-mix!
4. For each pancake spray skillet with cooking spray. Use a 1/4 c measuring cup to scoop out batter and drop into pan. Turn with spatula when bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Allow to cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until cooked through and bottom is lightly browned.
5. Transfer to warm plate in oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Yields approximately 12 pancakes. Serve with butter, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or any other favorite pancake topping.
When he got home with his splendiforous purchase, we all oooohed and aaaaahed...and then scratched our heads as we tried to figure out how in the heck the thing was supposed to go together. One hour, six squabbles, and 2 butterknives turned into tent stakes later: and VOILA! A tent fit for...ummm...well...us.
Fast forward to 10 PM: s'mores eaten and movie over (I decided that Moulin Rouge was perfect camping faire). Tent time!!!
We snuggled in with about 8 billion blankets and assorted animals. Dancing Queen and Little Buddy insisted they couldn't sleep without at least 20 of their fuzzy animal friends. We spent the entire day coaxing Gamer Boy out of his hidey-hole and into the tent, and were immediately sorry we had when he decided it was prime time to scare the crap out of his sisters. Every 30 seconds.
After an hour of the girls screaming and Gamer Boy laughing hysterically, everyone finally nodded off to beddy bye. Things were going swimmingly (albeit uncomfortably so...ground = hard ladies and gents).
A scratching noise outside the tent woke up me up. I figured it had to be some wild outdoors-induced dream and closed my eyes. Heard it again. Hmmm...nodded back off and then the entire tent shook. My eyes shot open, I screamed, and jumped back onto Darling Boyfriend. Something had landed on top of the tent and slid off.
Whatever it was started walking around the outside of the tent. It was stalking us. By this time all three kids were awake. Little Buddy was crying, Dancing Queen was clutching my leg like it was her stronghold on life, and Gamer Boy was trying to poke at the shadow of The Thing Outside the Tent. Being the amazingly brave one of the family, I peeked out the front door.
It was a cat. A cat I didn't recognize. Immediately Darling Boyfriend said, "It's probably trying to get in here and eat us." The girls screamed and cried louder. Thanks...I said it couldn't be OUR cat because I had left him in the house. It wouldn't budge. Dang thing just sat outside the tent, staring at us.
Of course at this point, Dancing Queen piped up, "I have to peeeeeeee." Little Buddy seconded this motion. Gamer Boy announced he wanted to go inside, too. Darling Boyfriend jokes, "Yeah, go outside and let the rabid cat bite you." I handed him a pillow and elected him our official Rabid Cat Liason.
He unzipped the tent and the cat ran to the center of the yard and stared at us. By this time, I'm sure it really does want to eat us. Darling Boyfriend stepped out of the tent and tiptoed toward the pint sized predator while the girls clutched me and whined, "Mommmmmyyyyyyy."
"It's Playful!" Dang. It was our cat after all. We all took a field trip to the bathroom. I tossed the cat back into the house lest he should try to join our Jamboree again. We woke up this morning with the joy that only sleeping on the ground and breathing in pollen can give a person.
I decided that after all that, we deserved pancakes. Not just any pancakes would do -- nope: needed my Good Morning Sunshine Pancakes slathered in butter and drenched in syrup. Comfort on a plate, lemme tell ya.
Good Morning Sunshine Pancakes
1 1/2 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbs sugar
2 egg white or 1 egg
1 1/4 c skim milk
3 tbs canola oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Cooking spray
1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Turn oven to "warm" and place oven-proof plate on center rack.
2. In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with wire whisk until all ingredients are combined and no dry remains. Batter will be slightly lumpy. Don't over-mix!
4. For each pancake spray skillet with cooking spray. Use a 1/4 c measuring cup to scoop out batter and drop into pan. Turn with spatula when bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Allow to cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until cooked through and bottom is lightly browned.
5. Transfer to warm plate in oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Yields approximately 12 pancakes. Serve with butter, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or any other favorite pancake topping.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Perfectly Sloppy Sloppy Joes
Tonight my family is having a backyard campout. To make it seem a little more like we're out facing the perils of a woodland life, I made a campfire fave: sloppy joes. The kids inhaled them...of course now I have an extra mountain of sloppy laundry to show for it, but ya only live once.
Perfectly Sloppy Sloppy Joes
2 lbs 97% lean ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced OR 1 tsp dried minced garlic/garlic powder
1 dash Tobasco
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 c Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1/8 c brown sugar
12 oz tomato paste
1. Combine ground turkey, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Tobasco, black pepper, and paprika in a skillet. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until meat is brown and juices run clear.
2. Add Worcestershire and beef broth to skillet. Increase heat to high. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 15-20 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar and tomato paste. Heat through.
4. Serve on toasted buns or bread with plenty of napkins on the side.
Perfectly Sloppy Sloppy Joes
2 lbs 97% lean ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced OR 1 tsp dried minced garlic/garlic powder
1 dash Tobasco
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 c Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1/8 c brown sugar
12 oz tomato paste
1. Combine ground turkey, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Tobasco, black pepper, and paprika in a skillet. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until meat is brown and juices run clear.
2. Add Worcestershire and beef broth to skillet. Increase heat to high. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 15-20 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar and tomato paste. Heat through.
4. Serve on toasted buns or bread with plenty of napkins on the side.
Rocky Road Cake
My son just turned 12. Yes...I feel amazingly old. And amazingly scared. Pre-teens are no joke, folks!
He loves rocky road ice cream -- and since life with him IS a rocky road, I came up with a cake recipe that was right up his alley...errr road?
Rocky Road Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
4 eggs
8 oz fat free sour cream
1 4-serving pkg fat free, sugar free chocolate pudding
1/2 c apple sauce OR vegetable oil
1/2 c water
5 oz milk chocolate chips
10 oz miniature marshmallows
1/2 c chopped pecans
1. In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, pudding mix, canola oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on low about 30 seconds, and on high approximately 2 minutes.
2. Transfer to greased 13X9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees 30-35 min, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
3. Turn oven off. Sprinkle cake with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Return to oven for 5-8 minutes, until marshmallows puff.
4. Use a butter knife, or icing spatula, to spread melted chocolate and marshmallows over cake. Sprinkle with pecans.
5. Serve warm!
He loves rocky road ice cream -- and since life with him IS a rocky road, I came up with a cake recipe that was right up his alley...errr road?
Rocky Road Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
4 eggs
8 oz fat free sour cream
1 4-serving pkg fat free, sugar free chocolate pudding
1/2 c apple sauce OR vegetable oil
1/2 c water
5 oz milk chocolate chips
10 oz miniature marshmallows
1/2 c chopped pecans
1. In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, pudding mix, canola oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on low about 30 seconds, and on high approximately 2 minutes.
2. Transfer to greased 13X9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees 30-35 min, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
3. Turn oven off. Sprinkle cake with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Return to oven for 5-8 minutes, until marshmallows puff.
4. Use a butter knife, or icing spatula, to spread melted chocolate and marshmallows over cake. Sprinkle with pecans.
5. Serve warm!
La Vita Piccante -- The Spicy Life
My life is spicy.
That is to say, it's filled with spices. Oh yes. Mustard and coriander, garlic and thyme, even curry and peppercorn, and when I I'm feeling really froggy it might include bergamot or cardamom. I have a passion for cooking -- when I have time, anyway. Because when I'm not in the kitchen, I'm teaching English to 11th graders or running around after my own three (very busy) bambinos.
In the past 6 years I've given birth to my 3rd child, earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education, certified and practiced as a CAPPA labor doula, lost 80 lbs, gotten a divorce, moved across the state of North Carolina with 2 weeks' notice, and started my career as a teacher. Through it all, I've kept up my obsession with cooking.
I figure now it's time to share with everyone else...spread the spice so to speak. I'll offer some recipes, some laughs, and at the very least, make everyone else feel better about their own lives.
That is to say, it's filled with spices. Oh yes. Mustard and coriander, garlic and thyme, even curry and peppercorn, and when I I'm feeling really froggy it might include bergamot or cardamom. I have a passion for cooking -- when I have time, anyway. Because when I'm not in the kitchen, I'm teaching English to 11th graders or running around after my own three (very busy) bambinos.
In the past 6 years I've given birth to my 3rd child, earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education, certified and practiced as a CAPPA labor doula, lost 80 lbs, gotten a divorce, moved across the state of North Carolina with 2 weeks' notice, and started my career as a teacher. Through it all, I've kept up my obsession with cooking.
I figure now it's time to share with everyone else...spread the spice so to speak. I'll offer some recipes, some laughs, and at the very least, make everyone else feel better about their own lives.
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