Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Ella's Birthday

I left my camera at Julie and Al's when we were there for Everett's baby shower. So I will have to post those pictures when I get my camera back. I stole some pictures of Ella's 4th Birthday party off of Ken's Facebook page.

The theme for Ella's Birthday was a Hair and Nail Salon. Grandma Julie, Grandma Dee, Cousin Isaac, Cousin Rachel and Ella's mom, Emily, all got their hair done.

Grandma JuJu was up first. Here is Ella and her assistant Emma. Looks like a fun!








Grandma Dee was up next...











It was the most fun for me when Rachel was up. It was fun to "suggest" products. They were totally up for my suggestions of MORE hairspray, MORE gel, MORE hairspray, MORE mousse, MORE hairspray. What are little sisters for?!








Look at Ruby's hand......












Look at Ruby's hand again....













I guess she figured out what to do with the mousse.











It was shortly after this picture that Ella was getting tired of doing hair. Bummer! ;)










Rachel and I got Ella (and Emma) their Easy Bake Ovens. I can't wait to babysit and make something!











I *heart* Rachel.
Rachel, Your hair looks really pretty in this picture. It must be from all the "hairspray."







Ruby and Ella LOVE Ken. Here is Ruby taking a moment to read a magazine to Ken.










Happy 4th Birthday Ella!








I have made a TON of recipes since my last post. Some of them were really bad or wouldn't make again kind of recipes. I'm excited for some of you (Rachel) to try the ones we loved.
This past week I was getting really frustrated with my freezer. I had a 14 lb turkey and a 7 lb pork shoulder sitting in there and could not fit anything else in there. I NEED another freezer. So while Ken was swapping out light switches, I made my first Pork Shoulder.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
(I had to double this recipe because I had a 7 lb pork shoulder.)
3 lb pork shoulder
2 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 cup Ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 Tbsp. Tabasco Sauce
Put pork shoulder in crockpot. Mix everything else up in a bowl and pour over the pork. I added just a little bit of water to it. But I probably didn't need to.
Cook on Low 10 hours or on High 6 hours. (Or until Ken is done with the lights.)
Obviously, you put these on rolls. However, the first day we didn't have any rolls so we put it over rice. Yum! Try it, it's good.
We also made some more tasty recipes from my Rachael Ray cookbook. I changed some of them to make them my own.
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Spinach and Spicy Ham Pasta Bake
I was worried about using Capocollo - Spicy Ham. I loved it!
1 lb Cavatappi or any ridged pasta (I can't remember what I used but it wasn't Cavatappi)
olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped
3 tbsp flour
1 + 1/2 cup of skim milk
1/2 lb sliced capocollo, halved, then sliced into thin ribbons
1 - 10 oz box from chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung out in a clean kitchen towel.
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
1 lb ball of mozzarella
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook al dente.
While the waqter is coming up to a boil for the pasta, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 T olive oil. Add the onions and season with salt and peper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, then dust with ionions with the flour and continue to cook for 1 mintue. Slowly whisk in the milk. Gently bring the milk to a bubble, allow the mixture to thincken a bit, then stir in the ham, spinach, and parmesan. Season the sauce with nutmeg and cayenne and remove from the heat. Taste and add a little salt, if you like.
Combine the cooked pasta and the cubed mozzerella with the sauce, then stir to coat completely by turning over and over.
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Smoky Black Bean and Rice Stoup --
I try not to buy lean cusines too much. But when I do I almost always buy the Santa Fe Rice and Beans one. This recipe reminds me a lot of that one. A small portion really fills you up and it freezes really well.
3 bacon slices, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 med onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 - 15oz cans black beans -- (Rachael Ray's recipe calls for 1 can drained and smashed with a potato masher. I did this to both cans which might be the reason I was able to love this soup.)
1 T. ground coriander
1 T. chili powder
1 T. ground cumin
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. Tabasco
1 - 15 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes
1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 quart chicken stock or broth
2 c brown rice
Heat a medium soup pot over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook for 4 minutes to render the gross fat out of it. :) Add the bay leaf, onions and garlic and cook for 4 more minutes. Add the corn and the beans. Season the veggies and beans with coriander, chili, ground cumin, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce and stock , then cover the pot and raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Add the rice and cook over a rolling simmer until the rice is tender but has a little bite left to it, 15 minutes. Adjust the seasonings.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I'm back....

I decided that I had to get back to blogging because Jeff bought me a new Rachael Ray cookbook for Christmas and it is great! So I wanted to share the recipes that we have made already. I'll post those at the end of the blog. Ken has started up his blog again. Be sure to check out his 365 day picture project at http://entirelynameless.blogspot.com/ .

Ken and I had so much fun this past Christmas. We were lucky to have spent it with so many friends and family. Here are some pictures of the Holiday! Love you all!




Audrey, Gina, Me and Erica. I'm new family is a lot of fun!











We had the Zaffke Christmas at our house this year. Here I am stealing a hug from my nephew Oliver.










Oliver on Uncle Kenny's shoulders. Oliver seems to be liking Ken and I a lot more these days.












Our house on Christmas Eve.


























December 23rd is one of my favorite day's of the entire year. This we Lisa Marie Johnson joined the fun.











Our first Christmas!











The In-Law's and Lisa Marie Johnson.













The "Sansgaard" girl cousin's know how to have a fun time when we are together. Rook, Monopoly Deal, Banagrams were some of the games we played this year.








Aren't we a cute bunch? (Jeff is my favorite in this picture.)











Spending time together has really changed over the years. The "Sansgaard" boy cousin's were all REALLY into their electronic games.









Things have changed a lot for me in 2009. I love being married to Ken. I don't even mind the Yoda that tops my Christmas tree now.










Ok. Recipes. The recipes below are my versions of the recipes in the cookbook. For some I can't seem to follow the recipes. I just feel the need to change them and make them my own.

Mediterranean Chicken and Saffron Couscous -- This is adapted from Rachael Ray's recipe.

Cooking Spray - (Rachael calls for 4 T of olive oil. I try to make our meals as lowfat as possible.)
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 or 4 boneless-skinless chicken breast halves, cut into large chuncks.
salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups chicken stock or broth
1 pinch of saffron, or 1 single-use packet saffron powder
4 garlic cloves, 1 crushed, 3 chopped
1 cup couscous
1 large red onion, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme leaves.
1 15-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup dry white wine (I was bummed that I didn't have any on hand. I just used chicken broth but will use wine the next time we make it.)
10 -20 kalamata olives, pitted, cut in half
½ pint grape tomatoes
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped - (I used the parsley in a tube. I used about a tablespoon. The stuff in a tube is great! It has more flavor than dried and doesn't spoil as fast as fresh.)
1 Tablespoon dried basil

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking oil. Place the flour in a shallow dish, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and the cayenne, (Taste the flour to make sure you can taste all the seasonings. I added a lot more cayenne to mine.) Then transfer the seasoned chicken to the dish with the flour, toss around in the flour, then shake off the excess. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. While the chicken is cooking, make the saffron couscous.

In a sauce pot, bring 2 cups of the chicken stock up to a boil with the saffron, the crushed clove of garlic, salt, and pepper. When the stock is at a boil, add the couscous, cover with a lid, and turn the heat off. Let the couscous stand for 10 minutes.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and cover with a piece of aluminum foil to keep warm. Return the skillet to the heat and add more cooking oil spray. Add the artichokes and wine to the pan, bring up to a simmer, then add the remaining 1 cup of chicken stock, olives, and grape tomatoes. Return the liquids to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the grape tomatoes start to burst and the sauce has reduced by half. Give the sauce a taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper.

Add the chicken back to the skillet and warm through. Add the parsley and basil to the completed dish and stir to distribute the herbs.

To serve, fluff the couscous with a fork, remove and discard the crushed garlic clove, and transfer the couscous to serving plates. Serve the chicken whole or sliced on top of the saffron couscous. Top the chicken with some of the sauce and vegetables. Enjoy!

BBQ Sloppy Chicken or Turkey Pan Pizza

Adapted from Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats

2 boxes corn muffin mix (8.5 ounces each)

2 eggs

4 T unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup frozen corn kernels

spray oil for the pan

TOPPING

Spray Oil

1 lb. ground chicken (I used ground turkey because that is what my husband bought at the store. Would make it again with the turkey.)

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 small red bell pepper, diced

salt and pepper

1 T chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin - (After tasting the dish I ended up adding more cumin. Probably a total of 2 1/2 tsp.)

2 tsp. hot sauce

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 cup tomato sauce

3 T brown sugar

2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

3 chopped scallions

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

In a large bowl, mix the corn muffin mixes, eggs, milk, melted butter, and corn kernels. Spray cooking oil into a very large nonstick skillet. Pour the batter in the skillet and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until it is well set and brown on top.

In another skillet over medium-high heat, spray pan with cooking oil and add chicken. Once the meat starts to brown add onion, and red pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add garlic and good for 2 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and hot sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes or until veggies are tender to your liking. Add Wocestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and brown sugar; stir and reduce heat to low. Let simmer about 10 minutes or until your cornbread is done.Pour the chicken mixture over the cooked cornbread (leaving it in the skillet) and sprinkle with cheese and scallions. Return to oven for another 5 minutes or until cheese is all melted.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Weekend in Iowa

Years ago my Grandpa Reuben started a tradition for our family to visit the cemeteries of relatives that we have lost. This year we visited 4 cemeteries. This picture is the cemetery where my Dad and Grandpa Reuben are buried. It is in rural Iowa surrounded by cornfields, beautiful sunrises and stunning sunsets.

My Aunt Melody and her kids always come with us. My brother in law, Brian, came up with a cemetery scavenger hunt this year. Which was really fun.

It is hard to believe it has been almost 13 years. We miss him every day.

Ken brought his camera with this weekend and took some pictures. I know it isn't Disney World. But these pictures are of my favorite place on earth.



This is the farm that my Grandpa Reuben grew up on. His sister Jeanette still lives here.




This is about how close Rachel and I get to the tractors on the farm. ;)





Ken and I have been so busy the past few months trying to buy a house. It was nice to be able to relax and watch the sunset.






This is my cousin Megan. She was trooper on our picture tour. She kept trying to get me to come close to the cows. I got close enough.







My Uncle Brian has lots of farm equipment. I don't know how the farmers get into them. I was shorter than the tires alone. LOL!














It was a fun weekend! And I know that my Grandpa Reuben would be so proud of us to continue on his tradition. We love you Grandpa! Happy Memorial Day!!








Recipe:
Big Beef and Veggie Burgers
Makes 6 Servings
Points Per Serving: 4
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 medium zucchini, shredded
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced dill (I used 2 teaspoons dried.)
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 jalapeno pepper, deveined and minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 small whole wheat pita bread, halved crosswise
1 1/2 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 tomatoes, sliced
Spray the broiler or grill rack with nonstick cooking spray, set aside. Preheat the broiler, or prepare the grill.
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the beef, zucchini, onion, dill, mustard, jalapeno and black pepper. Form into 6 patties.
Arrange the patties on the rack, broil 5" from the heat 4-5 minutes on each side. Place the hamburgers in each pita and top with the lettuce and tomatoes.
(We used country hearth buns instead of pita and omit the lettuce and tomatoes to make it easier to reheat.)
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Saturday, May 16, 2009

At Long Last!!

I'm back........

Here are some pictures to fill in for the past two months. They include pictures of Smokescreen shows, a Car Show, Easter, Grandma Angie's 90th Birthday, Cousin Krista's Confirmation. I am also including a monster list of GREAT Weight Watcher friendly recipes. I hope you really enjoy them!!
















Recipes!!
Chicken-Vegetable Stir-Fry
Makes 8 Servings
Points Per Serving: 6
3 T. Soy Sauce
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1T. minced peeled ginger root
1 1/4 lbs. skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1'' pieces
3 T. cornstarch
1 t. Fish Sauce
4 t. canola oil
4 carrots, thinly sliced
4 cups broccoli florets
2 onions, sliced
8oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained -- Gross! I left these out!
6 c. hot cooked brown rice
To prepare the marinade, in a gallon-size sealable plastic bag, combine 2 T of the soy sauce, the garlic and ginger; add the chicken. Seal the bag, squeezing out the air; turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
In a medium bowl, stir the cornstarch, the remaining 1 T of the soy sauce and the fish sauce with 1/4 cup water. Add 1 3/4 cups more water.
In a large nonstick wok or skillet, heat the oil. Add the carrots, broccoli and onions; stir-fry until tender-crisp, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm. Add the chicken and marinade to the wok and cook, stirring as needed, until the chicken is cooked through, 8-10 minutes.
Return the vegetables to the wok; add the cornstarch mixture and the water chestnuts. (Gross) Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, 4-5 minutes. Serve the rice, topped with the chicken mixture.
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Serving: 4
1 t. canola oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. flour
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, cubed
10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 t. black pepper
4 cups hot cooked medium pasta shells
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the mushrooms, onion and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, 5-6 minutes.
Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the milk and broth; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken, spinach and pepper; return to a boil, stirring as needed. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring as needed, until the chicken is cooked, 6-8 minutes.
Place the pasta in a serving bowl; add the chicken mixture and toss to combine. Serve, sprinkled with the cheese.
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Grilled Turkey-Herb Burgers
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Serving: 4
1 lb ground skinless turkey breast
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup + 2 T seasoned dried bread crumbs
3 T minced Parsley -- (I used 1 T. dried)
3 T reduced calorie mayonnaise
1 T minced fresh basil or 1 t. dried.
2 t. Dijon mustard
1/2 t. black pepper
Preheat the broiler.
In a large bowl, lightly combine the turkey, onion, bread crumbs, parsley, mayonnaise, basil, mustard and pepper. Shape into 4 equal burgers.
Spray the broiler rack with nonstick cooking spray; broil the burgers 5'' from the heat, until well done, 4-5 minutes on each side.
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Spaghetti Turkey Pie
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Serving: 6
6 oz. spaghetti, broken in half
3 egg whites
2 T grated Parmesan Cheese
1 t olive oil
10 oz. ground skinless turkey breast
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 t dried oregano
1/4 t black pepper
1/3 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9'' pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Rinse under cold water for 30 seconds and drain. Transfer to a medium bowl; stir in the egg whites and Parmesan cheese. Pat into the bottom and up the sides of the plate.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the turkey, bell pepper, onion and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until the turkey is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, oregano and black pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Spread the mixture evenly over the pasta. Bake 25 minutes; sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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Turkey Lasagna
Makes 8 servings
Points Per Serving: 6
2 t. Olive Oil
10 oz. ground skinless turkey breast
1 onion, chopped
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. sugar
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 c. nonfat cottage cheese
1 c. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large nonstick saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil. Add the turkey and onion; cook, stirring as needed, until the turkey is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the flavors are blended, about 5 minutes.
Spoon 1/3 of the sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 baking pan; top with 3 of the noodles; spread with half of the cottage cheese, and top with 3 more noodles. Repeat the layering once more, ending with the sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake, covered 1 hour; uncover and back until cooked through and golden, about 10 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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Turkey Tortilla Casserole -- I posted a similar recipe back in Feb or Mar. Ken thinks this one is better.
Makes 4 servings
Points Per Serving: 5
2 t. canola oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 lb ground skinless turkey breast
14 1/2 oz can stewed tomatoes
1 c. fat free refried beans
4 oz. c. chopped green chilies, rinsed and drained
6 corn tortillas, quartered -- I used fat free flour tortillas instead.
1/3 c. shredded reduced fat Monterrey Jack Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a large nonstick skillet heat the oil. Add the pepper and onion; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the turkey and cook, stirring as needed, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, beans and chiles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Spoon 1/3 of the turkey mixture onto the bottom of a 10x 6 baking pan. Arrange half of the tortillas evenly over the top. Repeat the layering once more, ending with turkey mixture. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and back until heated through and golden, about 10 minutes longer.
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Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Hot Turkey Sausage
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Servings: 7
2 t. olive oil
4 hot Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 c. Chicken broth
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
1 bunch broccoli rabe, cleaned and chopped
4 c. hot cooked penne
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the sausages and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until the sausages are browned and crumbled, 6-8 minutes.
Add the broth and pepper flakes; bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the broccoli rabe; reduce the heat and simmer, cover, stirring as needed, until the broccoli rabe is wilted, 5-6 minutes, Serve the penne, topped with the sausage mixture; sprinkle with the cheese.
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Noodles with Turkey Sausage and Cabbage
Makes 4 servings
Points Per Serving: 5
4 hot Italian turkey sausages, cut into 1'' pieces
1 carrot, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 c. chopped cabbage
14 1/2 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 c. chicken broth
1/4 t. black pepper
2 c. hot cooked egg noodles
Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat. Add the sausages and cook, stirring as needed, until almost cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the carrot, onion, celery and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cabbage, tomatoes, broth and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, cover, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Serve the noodles, topped with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
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Linguine with Turkey Sausage
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Servings: 7
2 t. olive oil
4 hot Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
14 1/2 oz can Stewed Tomatoes
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 c. hot cooked linguine
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the sausages and onion; cook, stirring as needed until the sausages are browned and crumbled and the onion is softened, 6-8 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, pepper and celery; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring as needed, until the flavors are blended and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Serve the linguine, topped with sausage mixture; sprinkle with the cheese.
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Curried Shrimp
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Servings: 7
2 t. vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 T. flour
1 T. curry powder -- I LOVE curry so used more.
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 lb. cooked peeled medium shrimp
4 c. hot cooked brown rice
In a large nonstick saucepan, heat the oil. Add the pepper, onion and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the flour, curry, ginger and salt; cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broth; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 2 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook, stirring as needed, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve the rice, topped with the shrimp mixture.
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Penne with Shrimp and Mushrooms
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Servings: 7
1 T. unsalted stick margarine
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 c. minced parsley
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/4 t. black pepper
4 c. hot cooked penne
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the margarine. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and mushrooms; cook, stirring as needed, until the shrimp turns pink and the mushrooms have released their liquid, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice and pepper. Serve the penne, topped with the shrimp mixture.
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Penne alla Vodka
Makes 8 Servings
Points Per Servings: 5
2 t. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/4 t. crushed red peppers
1/4 c. minced parsley
1/2 c. evaporated skimmed milk
2 T. vodka
8 c. hot cooked penne
In a large nonstick saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes and pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the parsley, milk and vodka; cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Place the penne in a large serving bowl; add the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
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Beef in a Leaf
Makes 4 servings
Points Per Servings: 8
2 t. olive oil
1 lb. lean sirloin steak, cut into 2 in strips
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. Honey
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
4 c cooked angel hair pasta
1 head red leaf lettuce
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the beaf and cook, turning as needed, until browned, 5-6 minutes.
Add the soy sauce, vinegar, honey and pepper flakes; cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add the pasta and toss to coat; cook until the pasta is heated through, about 1 minute longer, Transfer to a serving dish.
Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter; place the serving dish in the center. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each lettuce leaf; roll up and eat with your hands.
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Beef Stroganoff
Makes 4 Servings
Points Per Servings: 9
2 t. vegetable oil
1 lb. lean round steak, trimmed and cut unto strips.
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T flour
2 c. sliced mushrooms
1 c. mixed vegetable juice -- I used a spicy version of v-8
1 c. beef broth
1 T Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 c Parsley
1/4 c. nonfat sour cream
4 c. cooked egg noodles
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the beef and cook, turning as needed, until browned, about 5 minutes; transfer to plate.
Spray the same skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat. Add the onions and garlic; cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Return the beef to the skillet and stire in the mushrooms, vegetable juice, broth and worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring as needed, until the beef is tender, about 45 minutes.
Stir in the parsley and sour cream; cook, stirring as needed, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve the noodles, topped with the beef mixture.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Who needs Cabo when you have Iowa?

Last weekend Rachel, Ken and I went to hang out with my Grandma Sansgaard and my cousin's Megan and Jon while my aunt and uncle, Melody and Brian, were in Cabo.

On our way down to Story City, IA we made a pit stop in Garner, IA to see my cousin Erik's basketball game. Ken has a new camera that takes really good action shots.




My good friend's, Chris and Kelly Dahl, recently moved to Story City, IA. I FINALLY made it over to their house. It was beautiful. It is so fun to have them in Story City.


This is the third year that we have hung out with Megan and Jon while Brian and Melody have gone on vacation. It has become a really fun tradition. We try to have lots of activities to keep them occupied. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

We made two really good meals this past week. Hope you enjoy these recipes.

Maren's favorite:

Chicken Enchilada Casserole
6 servings and 5 points per serving

Ten 6" fat-free flour tortillas, halved
3 cups cubed cooked skinless chicken breasts
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
One 14 1/2 oz can stewed tomatoes (no salt added)
One 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 c shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9'' baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Line the bottom of the pan with half of the tortillas; layer with chicken, corn, onion, pepper and stewed tomatoes and chilies over the top; cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes longer.

Ken's favorite:

Chicken Fajitas -- Note: Chicken needs to marinate 2 hours to overnight.
2 servings and 6 points per serving

1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 T fat free Italian salad dressing
1 onion, sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
Four 6" fat-free flour tortillas
1/4 c salsa
2 T nonfat our cream

In a gallon size sealable plastic bag, combine the chicken and salad dressing. Seal the bag, squeezing out the air, turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to overnight.

Spray a large nonstick skilled with nonstick cooking spray; heat. Add the chicken and any remaining marinade; cook, turning as needed, until the chicken is lightly browned, 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Spray the same skillet with more nonstick cooking spray, Add the onion and pepper; cook about 5-8 minutes.

Top the tortillas with the chicken, pepper mixture, salsa and sour cream; roll up and serve.

Enjoy!