easy

Four Cheese Garlic Spaghetti Squash

/ Jodi / 48 Comments

Four Cheese Garlic Spaghetti Squash.

I have always enjoyed spaghetti squash, but now that I have discovered this recipe…….. well…. now I LOOOVVVEE spaghetti squash!

This is absolutely the most amazing way to eat it!

Imagine a version of mac ‘n cheese without the macaroni carbs or calories and replaced with healthy spaghetti squash “noodles.”  (Macaroni carbs 78g/cup vs. Spaghetti Squash carbs 7g/cup – Macaroni calories 221/cup vs. Spaghetti Squash calories 31/cup!)

But…… it also has the most amazing flavor, you won’t even miss your macaroni!

When I saw a recipe at Eatwell101 for this amazingness, I knew I had to try.  I tweaked it up a bit, and here is how I made it.

Hope you will give it a try!  You won’t be sorry!

Four Cheese Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups Half and Half
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. chicken base or 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions or green onions
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheese – I used the following combination:
    • 1/4 cup Mozarella
    • 1/4 cup White Cheddar
    • 1/4 cup Parmesan
    • 1/4 cup Gruyere

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut both ends off of spaghetti squash and cut in half lengthwise.  Scrape out seeds.  Place both halves in a 9×13 baking dish flesh side up.  Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.

Combine half and half, garlic, chicken base (or bouillon), thyme, and scallions in a small bowl.

Sprinkle half of shredded cheese in the cavities of each halved squash.  Pour half of cream mixture into each squash half.  Top with remaining shredded cheese.

Roast for 40 mins, or until squash flesh is tender when poked with a fork.

Remove from oven and carefully scrape squash from skin with a fork creating spaghetti “noodles.”  Mix well with cheese and cream, and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Spinach & Goat Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops.

It is taking me a while to learn to cook for just two since becoming “empty” nesters.  Lately, it seems, we order in, go out, eat simple, or eat leftovers for days and days and days when I do cook.

I still try to make a nice meal on Sunday, even if it is just the two of us.  This past Sunday, I decided to make stuffed pork chops with a pack of (just two!) beautifully thick, center cut Iowa Chops I had picked up.

Instead of the usual bread stuffing, though, I wanted to do something different.  So after perusing the web and finding a number of interesting combinations, I came up with a combination of fresh iron-rich spinach, creamy goat cheese, garlic to kick it up, and ruby red roasted red peppers for their beautiful color and flavor.


It made a beautiful, delicious, and healthier stuffing for our chops, and I served them on a bed of zoodles (spiral cut zucchini noodles).

How do you like to stuff your chops?!  Hope you’ll give this version a try.  Simply double or triple depending on how many you are cooking for if you are fortunate enough to be serving a crowd.

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients

  • 2 thick boneless Pork Chops (I used Iowa Chops*)
  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Butter
  • 2 cups fresh Spinach
  • 1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 cup goat cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

 

Directions

Steam spinach in microwave with 1 Tbsp. water for 1 minute on High until wilted.  Drain, and squeeze water out.  Add chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and goat cheese.  Stir to combine.

Cut a slit in each pork chop to create a pocket, being careful not to cut through to other side.

Spoon half of spinach mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.

Mix breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, and seasoned salt in shallow dish.  Press stuffed pork chops  on both sides into the bread crumb mixture to coat.

Heat oil and butter in skillet over medium/high heat.  Add pork chops, and cook 4-5 minutes until nicely browned.  Flip over and brown on other side until now longer pink in the middle.  (If chops are extremely thick, you may want to put chops in preheated 375 degree oven for an additional 10 minutes once browned.)

*Iowa Chops:  The notorious “Iowa Chop” is a seriously thick and succulent pork chop cut from the lower back of the hog just behind the rib.   The thickness (1.25-1.5 inches) of this chop led it to be coined “The Iowa Chop” in the 1980’s by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

(P.S. If you are a subscriber and seeing this twice, sorry for the inconvenience!  I somehow scheduled it to publish in an incomplete state last evening, so have updated.  Thanks for reading!)

Pan Seared Lemon and Garlic Mahi Mahi

/ Jodi / 37 Comments

Pan Seared Lemon and Garlic Mahi Mahi.

I adooooore seafood!

When eating out, I will likely order seafood 80% of the time.

Chilean Sea Bass… Salmon…Lobster… Shrimp… Scallops…  Tuna…  Fish Sandwiches…  Fish and Chips… Fish Tacos!

And then there is Mahi Mahi!  Ohhhh  the light, mild, delicate flavor of heavenly deliciousness…..  no wonder you have to say it TWICE!

I don’t often cook seafood at home as Hubby is not nearly the fan that I am, but I snuck this yumminess in last night for dinner.  A couple of wonderful wild caught Mahi Mahi fillets pan seared with onions, garlic, thyme and lemon zest – this recipe is quick as a wink, healthy as all get out (did you know a 3-4 ounce serving of Mahi Mahi has 20 grams of protein, contains all the amino acides you need to survive, and is under 100 calories?!), and melts in your mouth better than butter!

Here is how I made it thanks to the inspiration from ChicFitChef:

Pan Seared Lemon and Garlic Mahi Mahi

Ingredients:

  • 2 3-4oz Mahi Mahi fillets, patted dry
  • 2 lemons, zested and juice reserved
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 Tbsp. freshly minced thyme (fresh is always preferred if possible)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 large sweet onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Olive oil

Directions:

Heat olive oil in skillet until searing hot!

Meanwhile, combine lemon zest, thyme, salt and pepper.   Coat patted-dry fish fillets on both sides with this seasoning.

Add onion slices to hot skillet.  Once onions are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes), add fish to sear for 3-4 minutes (without moving).

Turn fish fillets over with a spatula, and let sear for another 3-4 minutes on other side.

Lower heat, and add minced garlic and lemon juice.  Cover pan, and cook fish another 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and serve.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Quick and Easy Peach Puff Pastry Tartlets

/ Jodi / 39 Comments

Quick and Easy Peach Puff Pastry Tartlets.

This Sunday, we had the family over for dinner.  Hubby made the most amazing BBQ spare ribs, which we served with grilled sweet corn on the cob, cowboy baked beans and a caprese salad.  A fresh peach dessert seemed the perfect ending for this BBQ, but I didn’t feel like fussing much.

Knowing I had a package of puff pastry in the freezer, I quickly googled “peaches and puff pastry” and found this wonderful recipe at Natasha’s Kitchen.

These only took about 10 minutes to throw together and 15 minutes to bake for a beautiful and super delicious dessert.

Well – at least that is what I hear…. You’ll have to take my family’s word for how delish they were as I didn’t get to try one.  They’re gone (which is always a good sign).

When your sons ask for a second (or a third), you happily feed them and drink a glass of wine instead <wink>!  I can make these anytime I want again, but feeding my guys and daughter-in-laws and granddaughter and a bestie – – – seeing smiles, hearing yums, and getting hugs – – – well – that’s all this momma needs.

I’m pretty sure I’ll be making these again!  I’m betting sliced apples and walnuts would be a wonderful Autumn version as well as loads of other fruit and nut combinations.

Here’s Natasha’s recipe as I made it.

Quick and Easy Peach Puff Pastry Tartlets

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed 20-30 mins.
  • 1 egg
  • 2 large fresh peaches
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp flour
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400˚F.

Cut thawed puff pastry into 9 equal sized squares and place on parchment lined baking sheet or baking stone.

Beat egg in a small bowl and set aside.

Slice peaches and place in a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle with sugar,  flour, cinnamon, and vanilla.  Gently fold together.

Place 3 -4 peach slices in the center of each pastry square. Avoid getting peach juice on pastry edges. Brush edges generously with beaten egg. Sprinkle sliced almonds over pastry and peaches.

Bake at 400˚F for 15-18 minutes or until puffed and golden on the edges.  Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

While cooling, make the glaze by stirring together powdered sugar, vanilla and milk in a small bowl or measuring cup. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.   Drizzle over cooled tartlets.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

#Natashaskitchen

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

/ Jodi / 57 Comments

Zucchini Pizza Casserole.

Are you enjoying the abundance of garden fresh zucchini squash in new and creative ways?

There are oodles of zoodles.  There are breads and brownies.  There are soups and sticks,  fries and fritters  and frico.  There are even planks and boats.

Well – here’s one that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  It is Hubby tested and two thumbs up approved here!

A version of this recipe was recently posted by a friend on Facebook in one of those hyperlapse videos that make everything look easy.  And in this case, it was!

This is a wonderfully delicious, cheesy, gluten-free, low-carb way to get your protein and veggies all in one wonderful casserole.

Serve it with a fresh green salad, and you will be all set.

We really, really, really loved this, and it made enough that we’ll be happily enjoying it for a few days!

Give it a try, and let me know if you like it as much as we did.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole*

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded zucchini (do not peel)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 lb fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15oz.) jar of your favorite pizza or tomato sauce
  • 1 medium sweet red, yellow, orange, or green pepper, chopped
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 2-4 leaves fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with about  1 tsp salt.  Let set for 10 minutes.  Squeeze out water.

In medium bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.  Mix well and press into a greased 13×9″ baking dish.  Top with half of the mozzarella cheese slices.  Bake for 20 minutes.

While that is baking, brown ground beef or turkey with onion and garlic, and salt and pepper in a large saucepan.  Add pizza or tomato sauce, and stir well.

Spoon meat mixture over top of baked zucchini mixture.  Top with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup cheddar, sliced mozzarella and chopped peppers.  Sprinkle with chopped basil.  Bake for 20 more minutes until browned and bubbly.

Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

*Slightly adapted from Taste of Home.

Avocado Toast

/ Jodi / 53 Comments
Avocado Toast with Spicy Pico de Gallo

Avocado Toast with Spicy Pico de Gallo

Avocado Toast.

My latest obsession.

Skip the butter.
Skip the jam.

A perfectly ripe,
creamy avocado half
spread on toast.

Topped with a spoonful
of fresh pico de gallo
with a slight kick
and a dash of salt.

O M Geee!

When only using a half of an avocado, I’ve found a way to keep the other half fresh until the next day.  Leave the pit in and cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep out any bit of air that could touch it and turn it brown, then refrigerate.  I don’t refrigerate avocado before they are cut, but if you only eat half, I think it best to refrigerate the cut one.

Leaving the pit in is key too.  A friend whose son works in a restaurant that makes fresh guacamole shared this life-changing tip with me recently.  When making fresh guacamole, throw one of the pits in.  It keeps the guac from turning brown.  It really works!

How do you like your avocado toast?

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Fresh Blueberry, Pistachio, & Edamame Salad with Goat Cheese

/ Jodi / 33 Comments

Fresh Blueberry, Pistachio, & Edamame Salad with Goat Cheese.

Summer is such a glorious time of fresh bounty.

Salads become meals made from fresh fruits and vegetables.  Like this yummy salad I made for lunch one day with some plump sweet and tart blueberries, crunchy pistachios, protein and fiber-rich edamame, and creamy crumbled goat cheese piled on a bed of greens.

All of this drizzled with a honey red wine vinaigrette is heaven in a bowl!

What is your favorite summer salad?  There are so many wonderful combinations and possibilities!

Fresh Blueberry, Pistachio, & Edamame Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

  • Mixed Greens (Kale, Arugula, Spinach Swiss Chard – any of your faves)
  • Fresh Blueberries
  • Pistachio Nuts, shelled
  • Edamame, shelled
  • Goat Cheese, crumbled
  • Green Onions, chopped (optional)
  • Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing (homemade or your fave – this is how I make mine – it will make more than you need for one salad) 
    • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
    • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
    •  Tbsp Honey
    • Salt & Pepper

Directions:

In a bowl, place a handful of mixed greens.  Top with fresh blueberries, pistachios, edamame, goat cheese, and green onions (if desired).  Drizzle with Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin

/ Jodi / 28 Comments

Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin.

Pork lovers get ready to swooooon!  This might be the most delicious way I have ever prepared pork tenderloin!

I made this yummy recipe earlier this week to go with the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples I featured HERE.

It was like a match made in Yum Yum Heaven!  I have to admit I moaned a few times eating it!

Hope you give it a try!

Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin*

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin (approx. 1 1/2 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp dried thyme
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth/stock
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 Tbsp apricot preserves (heaping)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (as much as I LOVE salt, I always recommend low-sodium soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter and a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet.  When hot, add tenderloin(s).  Liberally season pork with salt and pepper and dried thyme.   Sear the pork on all sides.

When pork is beautifully seared and browned all over, add wine and chicken broth/stock to the skillet.  Cover and place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.

Remove pork and place on cutting board.  Cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

In skillet, add apricot jam, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and rosemary.  Cook over low heat for 4-5 minutes allowing the glaze to thicken.

Slice pork tenderloin and drizzle glaze over top.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

*Original recipe found at AGoudaLife.com.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples

/ Jodi / 28 Comments

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples.

When my friend, Janet shared a recipe yesterday on Facebook for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples by Mary from BarefeetintheKitchen, I knew I was making this for dinner last night.

I had just bought some fresh tiny, tender brussels sprouts, and I had bacon in the freezer and apples in the crisper.

And oh am I glad I tried this!  It was absolutely amazing!  A veggie side dish easy enough for an every night dinner as well as being delicious and “special” enough to serve to guests for a special occasion is perfection in my book!

Here is how I made it!  Please let me know if you try and how you like it.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
  • 1 apple, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place bacon in a single layer on stoneware baking pan or shallow baking sheet.  Roast 10 minutes.   Remove bacon from pan and set aside.

Place Brussels sprouts in pan and toss thoroughly in bacon drippings.  Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.  Roast for 10 minutes.

Remove pan from oven, and add apple pieces and bacon to Brussels sprouts in pan.  Toss to incorporate.  Roast an additional 10 minutes or until Brussels are browned and apples become tender.

Remove from oven, and sprinkle red wine vinegar on top of all.  Toss, and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

/ Jodi / 35 Comments

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots.

Are you looking for a quick, easy, beautiful, AND delicious vegetable to prepare for an any-night dinner that is fit for company too?

These beautiful, colorful carrots are just the ticket.  They are as delicious and nutritious as they are beautiful.

Grab a bag of carrots and roast them up.

I hope you love them as much as we did!

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Peel and cut carrots.  Place in shallow baking stone or pan.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Drizzle with honey.  Top with rosemary and garlic.

Toss gently and roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi