ROASTED BELL PEPPER BRUSCHETTA

This is a great recipe and sure to impress company! I personally love roasted bell peppers and have recently been shown this amazing bruschetta- which is another one of my favorites!

1 yellow and red bell pepper

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp capers

1 Tbsp basil

1 Tbsp evoo

some cheese either mozzerella, blue cheese, goat, feta, or parmesan

some kind of bread. you can use a frozen garlic bread, or fresh itialian - I used a cheesy ciabatta bread

To roast bell peppers, put your broiler on high and put bell peppers on cookie sheet. Center the cookie sheet to the broiler and let peppers roast till the skin turns black or bubbles. you will have to watch it because you have to turn them every so often to get each side. you can also google this technique for a video. once they are roasted and each side is browned, take out with tongs and place in a bowl and cover with saran wrap to let rest for 15-20 min. Next take one pepper out and remove skin from it. You can cut or just pull the top of the pepper off and let the seeds and juice run out of it before you remove skin. once skin is removed lay the pepper flat on a cutting board and slice Do the same with the other pepper. This all might sound like a long process but it really isnt bad and absolutly worth it.

place the sliced peppers in a sauce pan with the evoo and sprinkle the sugar on the peppers. after a minute or two add capers and basil and warm through only for a few minutes as well.

next is just to put the pepper mixture over whatever bread you decided on sprinkle cheese over and ENJOY!!

TILAPIA WITH ROASTED PEPPER VINAIGRETTE

This is one of my favorite fish recipes, the pepper vinaigrette is amazing and so fresh! Its is not hard to make at all- maybe a little time consuming because you roasted the peppers, but it is so worth it, especially for company!! You will impress them with this one-

4 tilapia fillets (1 inch thick)
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
VINAIGRETTE
3 bell peppers (red, yellow and orange)
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons orange juice
2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grnd black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1. To make the vinaigrette, grill the peppers over direct high heat until the skins are blackened and blistered all over, 12 to 15 minutes. Place the peppers in a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap to trap the steam. Set aside for at least 10 minutes then remove the peppers from the bowl and peel away the charred skins. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Cut the peppers into 1/4 inch strips and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining vinaigrette ingredients. Add the peppers and set aside for as long as 1 day.
2
2. Lightly brush or spray the fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill over direct high heat until the flesh is opaque in the center, 5 to 7 minutes, carefully turning once. Serve warm with the vinaigrette spooned over the top

Chicken Stir fry

Made this for dinner last night- I love everything you can put in stir fry, the vegetables, any protein and of course over rice or soba noodles. my mom used to make it all the time in a wok; I don't have one so I just used a large pan- works great.

2-3 bonless skinless chicken breasts

1-2 zucchini

1 large onion

any other vegetable you would like

teriyaki, soy, or stir fry sauce- I have made my own sauce too- it is whatever you prefer

1 bag of rice

Cook chicken over med-high heat 4-6 min, set aside when done and add vegetable,s to same pan cooking for 5-10 min or until you get the right tenderness you want from them. boil water and cook rice as directed. Once vegetables are about done add the chicken back in and heat through. add whatever sauce you want to and stir. Serve over rice and enjoy. quick and easy weekday dinner

peanut butter and candy bar brownies

I just made these for my brothers birthday tomorrow and of course had to "test one". They are soo good. I called them candy bar brownies because I chopped up snickers for the brownie batter and then Reese's for the topping, but you can really use any candy bar in the batter of your choice!

1 box of brownie mix
chopped candy bars of your choice.
add the candy into batter and fill cupcake lines about 3/4 full

for the peanut butter frosting mix
1/2 c butter -at room temp
1 c peanut butter
2 c powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk
beat peanut butter and butter first then add in the rest and beat for a good 2-3 min.

bake brownies at 350 for about 15-20 min when cooled spread frosting and whatever chopped candy you desire on top!!

BEST LASAGNA EVER

THIS LASAGNA IS AWESOME - I LOVE HAVING A GREAT ENTREE THAT IS LARGE FOR COMPANY AND I UNFORTUNATELY ONLY HAVE ONE PHOTO BECAUSE I HAD TO LITERALLY BAKE IT AND LEAVE FOR A MEETING WHILE MY FAMILY GOT TO ENJOY IT!

1.5 LBS GROUND BEEF OR 1 LB GROUND BEEF AND HALF LB ITALIAN SAUSAGE

2 TSP MINCED GARLIC

COOK TOGETHER UNTIL MEAT IS BROWN AND DRAIN MOST OF THE FAT

ADD 1 (28 oz) CAN OF CRUSHED TOMATOES

1 (6OZ) CAN OF TOMATO PASTE

1/2 (14.5) TOMATO SAUCE

1/2 C WATER

3 TBSP SUGAR

2 TBSP DRIED PARSLEY

1 TBSP DRIED BASIL

1 TSP OREGANO

1 TSP SALT

MIX THOROUGHLY AND SIMMER FOR AN HOUR

COOK THE LASAGNA NOODLES AS SAYS ON BOX

NEXT COMBINED 3 C OF COTTAGE CHEESE

2 BEATEN EGGS

1/2 C PARMESAN CHEESE

2 TBSP DRIED PARSLEY

1 TSP SALT

HERE WE GO TO BUILD OUR LASAGNA! LAY DOWN 4 NOODLES DOWN SPREAD 1/2 OF THE COTTAGE CHEESE MIXTURE AND THEN POUR 1 C OR MORE OF SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE AND THEN 1/2 OF THE MEAT MIXTURE. JUST REPEAT AND YOU WILL END UP WITH THE MEAT MIXTURE ON TOP THEN YOU WILL SPRINKLE PARMESAN CHEESE OVER THE TOP AND BAKE FOR 25-30 MIN AT 350! AND YOUR READY TO EAT!!

slow cooker latin chicken

I made this tonight for dinner- if you like the ingredients you should enjoy this- my husband loved this, I thought it was pretty good. I added more chicken broth than recommended to cover most of the vegetables.

1 Tbsp olive oil

3 pounds skinless chicken thighs
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 (15.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
1 cup hot salsa
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
lime wedges, for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet; season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cilantro over the chicken thighs; brown the chicken in the frying pan, 3 to 5 minutes each side.
Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and black beans on top of the chicken. Mix together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, salsa, cumin, allspice, and garlic together in a bowl; pour into the slow cooker. Set slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4 hours. Garnish with lime wedges to serve.

S'MORES COOKIES!!

These are very good - s'mores + cookies- the best of both!!

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

Cream together butter and sugar until incorporated

Add:2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

beat thoroughly

Add:2 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips, or one giant Hershey's bar, chopped

1 cup mini marshmallows

Stir to incorporate.

SPOON ABOUT 1 TSP OF COOKIE DOUGH OVER HALF A GRAHAM CRACKER AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 10-11 MIN BUT NO MORE THAN 11 BECAUSE THE BOTTOMS WILL BURN! TRANSFER TO WIRE RACK ONCE THEY ARE OUT OF OVEN!

Chicken Cesar Salad

This is my favorite Cesar Dressing- I prefer mine over any restaurants, it is so good. I also make the croutons which are very simple i just butter slices of Italian, french, or whatever bread you have around and then cut into chunks and bake for 8-10 min at 400!! here is the dressing recipe

1/2 C mayo

1/4 C parmesan

1 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp hot sauce

just combined all the ingredients - it is very thick so just toss well in salad! Cook your chicken however you would like and throw it in. its GREAT!!

Pull apart Sticky buns!

hmmm- mmm these are good and so easy you don't even have to think about it. perfect for a breakfast, brunch, or just a simple dessert. You can also adjust to what you like- if you want more cinnamon add it. I added more syrup over top of the biscuits :)

1 tube of Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 C. pancake syrup
1/3 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 C. chopped pecans, opt.
1/4 C. chopped almonds, opt

Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the syrup. lay biscuits of on the syrup overlapping each other, until they meet on the other side. Top with the remaining syrup and sugar. Bake at 375 for 20 min. cool for 1-2 min and flip over on serving plate and enjoy!!

Chicken lettuce wraps

OK so I just worked 10.5 hours and dinner had to be quick- with that said I cheated tonight! I made these chicken lettuce wraps that I bought from costco- they are by ling ling and very good. All I had to do is throw in into a pan and pour sauce and its so much healthier than making a frozen pizza or take out!

Sweet chicken tacos

Holy yummyness- this was a great chicken taco and a definite keeper! Its a slow cooker meal so its quick and easy and perfect for any time!! The recipe is as follows!

• 3-4 chicken breast


• 1/4 C brown sugar


• 2 Tsp cumin


• 8 oz of sprite


• 1/2 C. salsa


• 1 4oz diced chilies
  

thaw and put chicken on bottom of crockpot, mix together brown sugar and next 4 ingredients and pour over the chicken and let cook for 5-6 hours. When chicken is cooked- take out and shred then put back in crockpot for another 1/2 hr to 1 hr. put in taco shell and top with your favorites, lettuce, cheese, avocado, sour cream and enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

The bread is smaller than it first was because my kids took 3 pieces out! Today out of my long day I decided to bake a chocolate chip pound cake; and it was good! I halved the recipe and did not make the chocolate frosting for the top and it turned out just great and sweet enough without it.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Chocolate-Chip-Pound-Cake

Beef Stew or Pot Roast

Tonight I made a beef stew with a new recipe- It was one of the easiest meals to make and very good to eat. I used beef stew chunks because they are easier for us to eat and I prefer them. I also used 2 cups of water because I like more juice in my stew to dip my bread!!

• 1 packet of env. ranch dressing mix
  


• 1 packet of env. Italian dressing mix
  


• 1 packet of brown gravy mix
  


• 1.5-2 C of water.



• bag of baby carrots



• potatoes



• 2-5 lbs beef stew chunks or pot roast

Put the carrots, beef, and potatoes in the crock pot and pour all 3 of the env. mixes over the vegetables and meat. Pour water over everything stir and cook 6-8 hrs on low in crock pot. enjoy!!

Penne with roasted Asparagus, Balsamic Butter & sliced Chicken

I seen this recipe in the food and wine magazine and it looked amazing! I made it tonight and it was very good, if you wan a quick and easy recipe this is it. I had to add chicken to it for my husband who has to have a protein or meat included in each meal :) but it was a nice touch.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/penne-with-roasted-asparagus-and-balsamic-butter

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKER BROWNIES

This recipes was two separate ones that I made into one. If you like the key ingredients of snickers, peanut butter, and brownies this is for you!!

-box of brownie mix - and the ingredients that it calls for

-1 or 2 snickers bars- chopped

- 1/2 C peanut butter

- 3 Tbsp brown sugar

- 2 Tbsp butter

Make brownies as directed on box then add the chopped snickers bars and pour into a 9x13 pan. Over med-low heat mix in Peanut butter, brown sugar, and Butter and stir until melted. Pour the mixture over the brownies and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, time may vary so check em. Enjoy!!

Chicken Parmesan Rollatini

Made this just tonight for dinner and wow was it good. It will probably be my go to chicken parm recipe. make sure you add salt to the sauce! I did not bread it the way it instructs, but just sprinkled bread crumbs over the rolled chicken. I also sprinkled parsley over the chicken and rubbed in some garlic! Enjoy, let me know what you think!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-parmesan-rollatini-recipe/index.html

orange glazed salmon or tilapia

Oh my goodness- this is one of my favorite fish recipes; and it is so simple! I used tilapia last night, but you can really use almost any fish, you can't go wrong. I just steamed broccoli and made mashed potatoes with heavy cream, salt, and butter! Try heavy cream instead of milk it taste much better!


makes 4 and total time is about 30 minutes

• 3 Tbsp Cajun seasoning


• 1 tsp brown sugar


• .25 tsp salt


• 4 fish fillets


• 2 Tbsp evoo


• 1/4 C orange marmalade


• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  

combine cajun seasoning, brown sugar and salt- rub all over fillets

saute fillets in oil in a skillet over med-high heat, I use more med heat. for 3-4 minutes on each side, * time may vary depending on the fish you use.

Blend marmalade and lime juice- swirl in skillet until mixture has melted. carefully turn fish to glaze on both sides. Fish is done when it begins to flake when tested with a fork. Transfer to plate and enjoy

elmo & cookie monster cupcakes

You can use any cake mix for this & bake as box says :) once they are done and cooled you can use already prepared frosting or make your own! Add either blue or red food coloring to it and frost! once that is done I cut large marshmallows in half and put them on for eyes, then added a small chocolate frosting dot for the pupil. Use an orange gumball for Elmo's nose and half an oreo for the mouth! walla. For cookie monster just make the eyes the same, no nose, and shove a chocolate chip cookie in for his mouth!

These are absolutly adorable for any kids birthday!

cinnamon roll cake

I made this on Tuesday January 17th. This is a great dessert to add to any collection. It was so easy and you would probably have everything on hand without having to run to the store! I liked it more the next day. I did have to bake mine for about 10 more minutes than recommended however. try it out and let me know what you think!!

http//www.chef-in-training.com/2012/01/cinnamon-roll-cake.html

Chili con carne

I made this last night and it was delish! I did omit and change a few things and they are as follows. I did not have an amber beer so I used a half cup more of beef broth. Also I have another recipe that calls for unsweetened cocoa powder and I always use less. I only used about 1 tbsp, instead of 2. the chili was great, the toppings of sour cream and cheese are a must!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chili-con-carne-recipe2/index.html