NEW RECIPE

I haven't posted any new recipes in a while, but I have been cooking quite a bit since I made the original declaration back in August. The kitchen is definitely not as intimidating as it used to be, which means, I don't have to call Marc everytime I start to work on something. Like the old saying goes - "Practice makes Perfect". Well, maybe not perfect, but no one has gotten food poisoning yet.

I whipped this super easy recipe up last night. I think it was called "Lasagna Style Ziti Bake". Basically, you brown some meat with onions, cook some pasta, and mix it together with pasta sauce, spinach, ricotta cheese, and parmesean cheese. Then put it all in a 9x13 dish, cover with Mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes. YUM!!!!

A 9x13 dish yields a LOT of food, so we froze half of it, and will be having leftovers of the first half tonight.

CHICKEN, SPINACH, FETA BURGERS

This recipe is definitely becoming one of our regulars.

A nice juicy "burger" served on pita rounds.

PIZZA

This one is an oldie but a goodie.

Veggie Pizza

LATEST RECIPES

I'm still on my quest of trying a new recipe every week. I was on a short hiatus while we traveled, but before we left on that trip, I did three or four recipes to make up for the weeks I would miss.

But now, I am back on track.

Of course, you've already seen the adorable Cheesburger Cupcakes I did for the Bunco ladies, and this first recipe shown, is one I've done before for our Friday Night Happy Hour.

It's a new take on the Quesadilla.

Ham and Sharp Cheddar w/ Granny Smith Apple

Adding to the flavor is Spicy Brown Mustard

and Fig Preserves on the side for dipping

This next recipe, was not a big hit. It turned out a little dry, but Marc and I agreed, that the next time I prepare it, it needs to be a little less healthy, and have butter added.

Couscous w/ Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Adding to it's unique flavor are Cinnamon and Cumin

I prepared this recipe last week, and received kudos all around.

You can't go wrong with Sharp Cheddar and crushed Cheez-its.

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

with crushed Cheez-its sprinkled on top and served with rice.

Best part...

Prepared in the Crock Pot.

Haven't decided on what to attempt for next week,

but you'll know what it is as soon as I accomplish it.

p.s. Last night I was quite proud of myself, when I created a pretty tasty Tomato sauce.

Started with a jarred sauce and added to it. Marc

does this all the time, but this was the first time I tried it.

RECIPE #4

The recipe book had this recipe under a section called

"New Take on Lasagna".

Spinach-Ravioli Lasagna

YUMMY!!!!!!!!! Another big hit. VERY easy!!

RECIPE #3

Sourdough Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders.

Pretty tasty!!!!

I have gotten a couple of requests for the Cauliflower recipe, so here it is:

INGREDIENTS

(for cauliflower and sauce)

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 small head cauliflower( about 1.25 lbs.), cut into florets

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (I used salted)

2 tablespoons flour

1.5 cups whole milk

1.5 teaspoons horseradish

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (we didn't have any, so it was not included in my dish)

3 oz. (3/4 cup) grated Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)

(for topping)

8 Ritz crackers, crushed

1/2 cup of Panko

1 tablespoon butter

1 oz. (1/4 cup) grated Gruyere cheese

1). Heat oven to 450. In medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the Kosher salt and the cauliflower. Partly cover the saucepan and let the cauliflower simmer until just tender - about 6 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and rinse it under cold water. Drain it well again.

2). Melt the butter over moderate heat in a large heavy saucepan. Add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking often, for about 1 minute, then simmer for 1 minute more, still whisking, to thicken it.

3). Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the horseradish and mustard, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the nutmeg. Stir in the cheese, then the cauliflower. Pour the mixture into a 2.5 qt. casserole dish.

4). To make the topping, combine the crushed crackers and panko in a small bowl. Melt the butter and stir it into the mixture.

5). Sprinkle the once of cheese over the cauliflower, then top with the crumb mixture. Bake the gratin on the bottom oven rack until it's bubbling and golden, about 15 minutes. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6.

Let me know how many of you tried this recipe, and what you thought of it by commenting on this post.