Dinner

Pineapple Blueberry Salsa

/ Jodi / 50 Comments

Pineapply Blueberry Salsa

It was HOT here in Mars this past weekend, so Sunday supper called for something light and fresh.  I rarely make fish as Hubby is a bit skeptical about it, but I had some frozen Hake loin filets in the freezer that needed to be used.

Pineapple Blueberry Salsa on Whole GrainTostitos Scoop

I was still OOGLING the amazing Fish Tacos I had the night before at Breakneck Tavern – O M G – and thought I’d try some type of version at home.

Pineapply Blueberry Salsa 2

So I made this super yummy, bright, fresh, fruity and savory (with just a touch of heat) Pineapple Blueberry Salsa to accompany the fish, but it also tastes AMAZING on tortilla chips.  I had some Tostitos Wholegrain Scoops, and they were just the ticket to balance out the flavors and allow for a healthy scoop of fruit and veggies in every bite!

This salsa and chips would be a great company or party snack to go with white wine spritzers or some white sangria (and everything goes with Gin and Tonics in the summertime!).

Here is the recipe.  Hope you’ll give it a try, and let me know what you think.

Pineapple Blueberry Salsa*

  • Servings: approx. 4 cups
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Ingredients:Pineapply Blueberry Salsa

  • 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup chopped sweet red and/or orange peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 fresh lime, juiced (or lemon)
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped or 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

Combine all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips (especially yummy with Frito Lay Whole Grain Tostitos Scoops, or alongside chicken or fish for a fresh and light, summery accompaniment.

Tastes bests when chilled for several hours to allow flavors to fully blend.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

*slightly adapted from Jen @ CarlsbadCravings

Best Ever Meatballs

/ Jodi / 35 Comments

best ever meatball

Who doesn’t love a great meatball?!  Perfect little rounded balls of meat and cheese and bread and seasonings can be simmered in a rich tomato or marinara sauce served over a heaping plate of pasta.

They can be served on a soft Italian roll  smothered in melted mozzarella or provolone cheese.

They can be made into great party appetizers when simmered in a sauce of grape jelly or cranberries and chili sauce and eaten from tasseled toothpicks.

They can even be simmered in a cream and beef Swedish Meatball broth served over buttery egg noodles or eaten just as is from a fork for a tiny delectable delight.

best ever meatballs with spaghetti

Sometimes I just crave a nice plateful of spaghetti and meatballs.  When I do, this is my go-to best-ever perfect meatball recipe.  I’ve been known to substitute veal for the turkey or simply divide the recipe’s meats half and half with beef and pork.  It just depends on what I have on hand.

This week’s had turkey, beef, and sausage simmered in a spicy Puttanesca Sauce filled with chunky tomatoes, black and kalamata olives, capers, onions and garlic.  (Trader Joes’s makes a great base sauce that I “doctor up.”)  I served it atop whole wheat thin spaghetti, and we sprinkled with fresh, salty shaved Parmesan cheese.

If you are looking for the best-ever, perfect meatball recipe (that is baked, not fried) – look no further.  Here it is!

Mangia! Mangia!

Best Ever Meatballs

  • Servings: approximately 4 dozen
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Ingredients:best ever meatball

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb ground Italian pork sausage
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 cups tap water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Combine ground turkey, ground beef and sausage in a large bowl.  Add minced garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, cheese, and parsley.  Combine thoroughly.   Add bread crumbs and water, and combine well using your hands.

Shape into meatballs.  You can make whatever size you like, but I make mine about 1 inch in diameter.

Line meatballs in a single layer on a baking stone (I love to use my Pampered Chef Stoneware Bar Pan) or any other shallow baking pan with sides.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

If you are making with sauce for spaghetti and meatballs, add fully cooked meatballs to sauce and simmer for several hours.

Leftovers make great meatball hoagies when served on fresh Italian rolls and topped with mozzarella or provolone cheese.

You can also use as cocktail meatballs by simmering in a sauce made from 1 32-oz jar of grape jelly or 2 cans of Jellied Cranberry Sauce and 2 12-oz jars of Chili Sauce.

No matter what sauce you like (or don’t) with your meatballs, this recipe will provide you with the best-ever perfect meatball.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Tuscan Chicken & Penne Pasta

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

Tuscan Chicken and Penne Pasta 2

I have another Winner Winner Chicken Dinner to share with you today.

This is a great, quick recipe that uses a rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.

Tuscan Chicken and Penne Pasta

It really is bursting with flavor, full of tomatoes and spinach and chicken, and pulled all together with a simple chicken stock based sauce and incorporated with pasta to make it a full meal deal!

Serve it with a salad and some crusty bread if you dare!

Tuscan Chicken & Penne Pasta*

Ingredients:Tuscan Chicken and Penne Pasta 2

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1 box frozen chopped spinach or 4 cups fresh chopped spinach
  • 1 small sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 (14 oz ) cans diced tomatoes (or fresh if in season and plentiful)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 rotisserie chicken chopped or 2-3 cups chopped leftover grilled chicken
  • 1/2 cup half and half or skim milk
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • Garnish:  Fresh diced tomato, fresh chopped basil, shredded fresh parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a 6 qt dutch oven, saute the garlic, spinach, and onion in the olive oil.  Add the spices, salt and pepper, tomatoes and chicken stock.  Bring all to a boil.  Add chicken.

Whisk together half and half and flour until no clumps remain.  Stir into boiling pot until combined.

Allow all to simmer about 10 minutes.  Add the pasta and mix well.  Garnish and serve.

This recipe is super yummy fresh, and it is delicious reheated the next day too as leftovers for lunch or dinner as the flavors have had time to truly meld.

Hope you give it a try and enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

*Recipe originally found and slightly adapted from http://www.galonamission.com.

 

 

Nick’s Chopped Chicken & Veggie Wraps

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps 3

This past Sunday, my son Nick took over the kitchen for dinner and made us his amazing Chopped Chicken & Veggie Wraps.

Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps

Nick likes anything chicken and anything that can be wrapped up in a tortilla and eaten by hand.

This recipe requires a bit of chopping ahead of time, but throws together quick and easy and tastes so delish!

Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps 1

Starting with marinated grilled skinless, boneless chicken breasts and adding your favorite veggies makes for a healthy, quick, and oh so yummy dinner or lunch or anything in between!

Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps 2

The secret is in the double chopping.  Once you pile all the chopped ingredients together, you chop again.

Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps 4

And the thing that really kicks this wrap up for me is the Peach Mango Salsa!  OOOOO LAA LAA!

Throw in anything you like, but here is how Nick made these for us.

Nick's Chopped Chicken & Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:Nicks Chopped Chicken and Veggie Wraps 3

  • I lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs
  • 1/2 bottle Wishbone Italian Dressing (or your favorite marinade)
  • 1/2 lb bacon, crisped and chopped (option – but oh so yummy!)
  • Lettuce, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 seedless English cucumber
  • 1/2 chopped sweet red pepper
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped hamburger dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeno slices
  • 1/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts (or banana peppers)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
  • 1/3 cup Herr’s Peach Mango Salsa
  • 4-6 Large Burrito-Sized Flour Tortillas

Directions:

Marinade chicken in Italian salad dressing for approximately 24 hours in Ziploc bag in refrigerator.  When ready to eat, grill chicken and chop.  Chop all veggies and ingredients you plan to use.

To assemble, heat flour tortilla in microwave for 20 seconds to make more pliable for wrapping and prevent cracking.  Heat George Foreman Grill or Grill Pan.

Place all ingredients together for each wrap, top with a heaping spoon of salsa, and re-chop all together.  Mound in center of warmed tortilla and wrap tightly.

Place on grill to heat, crisp, and seal.

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Shredded Bacon Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot

/ Jodi / 47 Comments

Shredded Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich

Another winner of a chicken dinner recipe to share today.

Anyone who knows me or has followed here for very long knows I love chicken.  It is so versatile, and I love finding ways to throw it in the crockpot in the morning, forget about it all day, and have a yummy dinner.

This one is so easy and very versatile too.   We made it into sandwiches, but it would be really delish served over noodles or rice too.  You could throw it in a tortilla wrap or even make a quesadilla with it.

Make a big batch and serve it several ways or freeze some for a “rainy” or busy day.

Shredded Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich 2

Shredded Bacon Ranch Crockpot Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb bag frozen chicken breasts
  • 2 blocks of cream cheese (I used 1/3 Less Fat Neufchatel cheese)
  • 1 envelope of Hidden Valley Ranch Powdered Dressing Mix
  • 1 lb bacon

Directions:

Place frozen chicken breasts in crockpot.  Place cheese and ranch dressing mix on top.

Cut bacon into small pieces and partially cook in skillet to render off most of the fat.  Drain fat and pat bacon bits dry.  Add to crockpot.  Turn on High and let cook for 6-8 hours.  Shred chicken with a fork and stir into sauce.  Let cook for a bit longer for chicken to soak in sauce and blend.

Serve as a sandwich on your favorite roll and top with dill pickle slices or banana pepper rings, or serve over noodles or rice, wrap in a tortilla or create a quesadilla.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Jodi’s Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

Jodis Meditteranean Crockpot Chicken 1

I love chicken, and I love easy crockpot recipes – especially for days you know you are going to be busy, but want a nice, healthy meal at the end of the day.

Crockpot recipes are often thought more about in the winter and often with heavier, creamier sauces, but I love how light and healthy this recipe turned out that was born out of simply searching the pantry one morning last week for what to throw together.

Jodis Meditteranean Crockpot Chicken

I daresay this is good enough for company, yet simple enough for any ole’ weeknight dinner.

Best of all, you can throw it together in about 10 minutes in the morning and forget about it until dinnertime.

Hope you give it a try and enjoy!

Jodi's Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken

Ingredients:Jodis Meditteranean Crockpot Chicken 1

  • 6 frozen chicken breasts (or your favorite cuts – thighs, legs, whole cut up parts)
  • 1 12 oz. jar Marinated & Quartered Artichoke Hearts ( I used DeLallo)
  • 1 12 oz. jar Sweet Roasted Red Peppers (I used Mancini)
  • 3 oz. (1/4 cup) Capers (I used Roland Capers in Sherry Vinegar)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning (oregano, basil, parsley, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 cup white wine (I used a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that was open, but any kind would do, or you could substitute chicken broth)

Directions:

Layer all ingredients in crockpot in order listed above.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve alone or over pasta, rice or with a side of new boiled potatoes. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves minced and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Easy – Right?!

Delicious?  You’re going to love it!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Chessy Caprese Tarts

/ Jodi / 43 Comments

caprese tarts 2

In honor of National Cheese Lovers Day today, (you knew that – right?!) I am sharing a yummy new Cheesy Caprese Tart recipe I made this past weekend for the family while we got together to watch football playoff games.

caprese tarts cut

This recipe could also be great for brunch, lunch or even a light dinner.   It would be a well-received snack to take to a Super Bowl Party too, I am certain!

caprese tarts

Does anything beat ooey, gooey, chewy fresh melted mozarella cheese?!  Especially when topped with sweet juicy tomatoes and some lovely fresh basil?!  And everything is yummy when on top of golden, flaky puff pastry – right?

This recipe is really simple, yet it turns out looking so impressive, you are going to be a Cheese Lover’s ROCK STAR when you make this!

Caprese Puff Pastry Tarts

  • Servings: depends on how hungry you are!
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Ingredients:caprese tarts 2

  • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh ripe Campari  (my favorite!) or cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into four squares.  Top with sliced fresh mozarella and then sliced tomatoes.  Drizzle with olive oil, then salt and pepper to taste.  Bake in 375 degree F oven for approximately 15 minutes or until puff pastry begins to puff and turn golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly brown.  Remove from oven and top with freshly chopped basil.  Tastes wonderful hot or cold.

For small bite-sized tarts, you could cut into 16 squares and do same.  You could also do one large “pizza” by not cutting the pastry sheet at all.

ENJOY, and Happy Cheese Lover’s Day!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

 

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

/ Jodi / 34 Comments

Spicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Are you ready for a party in your mouth?

Looking for a versatile recipe that can be a main course, a sandwich, serve a crowd, be made into a great nacho platter?

Look no further!

I present:

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

ENJOY!  (We sure did)

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Ingredients:Spicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

  • 5 lb boneless pork loin (or your favorite pork roast)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Half of a 16-oz. jar sliced banana peppers rings with juice
  • 1 10-oz. can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis
  • 2 12-oz cans Dr. Pepper soda
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Place all in crockpot and cook on High for 6 hours.  Remove pork and shred with fork.  Place back in juices and let set at least a half hour.  Even better the next day when the juices and meat all mix and mingle even more!

Serve on Hard Rolls, over mashed or fried potatoes, with rice, in a tortilla wrap with your favorite fillings or over tortilla chips with queso and shredded cheese and pickled jalapenos for the most amazing Pulled Pork Nachos!

Wouldn’t you be the hit of the party serving these nachos for the Super Bowl or a Playoff party this weekend?

Spicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork nachos

Want to see a little closer?!

Spicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork nachos 2

This recipe might be fun to try with beef or chicken too.

Have some fun in the kitchen.  Creativity is everywhere!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

*Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s recipe.

Healthy and Oh So Yummy Italian Spaghetti Squash

/ Jodi / 41 Comments

spaghetti squash 1

I know I often post yummy cookie and dessert recipes (and do I ever have an amazing Cinnamon Chip Brown Sugar Cookie recipe I will be posting later this week that I think has become my ALL TIME FAVORITE cookie ever!  Get READY cinnamon lovers!)…

But I had to share this amazingly delicious, totally healthy, guilt-free recipe for SQUASH (of all things squash!) that has even won over hubby and son despite it’s “healthiness!”  Yahoo!

spaghetti squash 2

It is spaghetti squash – Italian style, and it barely has any calories despite it’s full-flavor and filling-ness.  You can eat oodles of this and not feel a bit guilty!

spaghetti squash

You can serve it as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish with a protein.

We had it as a side with dry-rubbed pork tenderloin on the grill and a fresh salad for Sunday dinner.

Here’s the recipe as I make it.  Hope you will try, and let me know what you think.  I would love to hear how you make it too!

Italian Spaghetti Squash

  • Servings: approximately 6
  • Print

Ingredients:spaghetti squash

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large can diced tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp dried Italian Seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese to taste

Directions:

  • Pierce whole squash 3-4 times with a fork, and microwave for approximately 12 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly until manageable to work with.
  • Cut squash in half and remove seeds.
  • Scrape squash with fork forming strands of “spaghetti,” and set aside.
  • In a large skillet saute chopped onion in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt until “sweated” out – 2-3 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add spaghetti squash and saute all together.
  • Add diced tomatoes and seasonings and saute all together.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!  It sure is great when you can find a recipe that is healthy, hearty, and full-flavored too!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Smoked Gouda Penne ‘n Cheese

/ Jodi / 24 Comments

smoked gouda penne 'n cheese mac n cheese

With the Fall nip in the air, comfort foods like Mac ‘n Cheese come to mind and come to our table!  This kicked up version is super simple, yet amazingly delicious.

This is not your pantry’s boxed macaroni and cheese!  This is a gourmet version to make for your family without having to be a gourmet chef.

smoked gouda penne 'n cheese close up

I pretty much wing it to taste, but I will do my best to list ingredient measurements that you can work with.

This could be served alone with a salad for a vegetarian/meatless meal or you could serve it alongside your favorite protein.  You can even throw some grilled chicken or shrimp or seafood in for a heartier meal.

smoked gouda penne 'n cheese

We had it Sunday with chicken sausages on the grill and some homemade coleslaw with a fresh vinaigrette dressing.

Don’t like smoked gouda cheese?  For shame!  But…. you can throw any kind of your favorite cheese in – cheddar, muenster, brick – or a combination of all!

Have fun and enjoy!

Smoked Gouda Penne 'n Cheese

Ingredients:smoked gouda penne 'n cheese mac n cheese

  • 1 lb Penne Pasta
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk (I use Skim)
  • 8 oz. freshly grated smoked Gouda cheese
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente,  Drain in colander and rinse with cold water.  Set aside.
  • In medium saucepan, prepare a rue by melting butter, then stirring in flour.
  • Bring to a simmer, then gradually whisk in milk slowly to thicken the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until melted.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir all but 1/4 cup cheese sauce into pasta.
  • Pour all into greased baking dish.
  • Top with reserved cheese.
  • Bake for 20 -30 minutes until browned and crispy on top and edges.

Cheers & Cheesy Hugs,

Jodi