What's for Dinner- Italian Spiral Meatloaf

This is a recipe out of a Taste of Home magazine. I love trying new recipes, especially ones from Taste of Home. I haven't met a bad one yet!

I made this meatloaf several months ago when we had company. It was a huge hit. Four adults and three kids (that includes my two who don't always eat big portions) almost completely devoured this dish. Did I mention it is supposed to feed 15?

When these friends had a baby recently I offered to bring them supper. When I asked the new Dad what he might want, he suggested this casserole. I ended up splitting the recipe and making two meat loafs. One for them, and one for us to keep. I couldn't give it all away, I mean it is just too yummy for that!

Here is your list of ingredient ( for the 15 servings)
2 eggs
1 cup pizza sauce, divided
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 tsp. Dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 lbs ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 lb sliced deli ham
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (6 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms

In a bowl combine the eggs, 3/4 cup pizza sauce, bread crumbs,onion, pepper, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Crumble the meat and sausage into the bowl and mix all the ingredients well.






On a piece of parchment paper pat the meat mixture into a 12x10 rectangle.



Layer the ham, 1 1/2 cups cheese, and mushrooms over the meat mixture to within one inch of the edge. Roll the meat mixture up jelly roll style, starting at one of the shorter ends. Peel the parchment paper away as you roll. Seal the seam and the edges of the meatloaf. Place seam side down in a greased casserole dish.




Brush with the remaining pizza sauce.



Bake at 375 uncovered for an hour. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature is 160. Using spatulas transfer to a serving plate.



Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Happy Baking!

Amy


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What's For Dinner Wednesday-Pineapple Casserole

This is a Paula Deen recipe. I mean if she made it it has to be good, right?

Last month we had dinner with some friends and she made this recipe, pineapple casserole. I have had this before at family reunions, but I never liked it. This recipe was different, it was GOOD!

My hubby requested that I take it to our church picnic on Sunday. I got tons of compliments too!

Here is how you can make this yummy goodness, and get compliments on your yummy dish.

2 -20 oz cans chunked pineapple, drained, 6 tbsp. reserved
1 cup sugar
6 tbsp. all purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp worker
1 cup cracker crumbs
1 stick melted butter

In a large bowl mix flour and sugar. Ands the pineapple and cheese. Mix well. Place in a greased casserole dish. In another bowl mix the melted butter, the cracker crumbs,and the pineapple juice. Place the cracker mixture on top of the pineapple mixture. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Once you take it out you get this sweet yummy goodness.





It is Almost like a pineapple cobbler. Warm, sweet, and delicious!

Happy Baking!

Amy

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What's For Dinner Wednesday-Ham and Cheese Quiche

I made this quiche a while back for a church potluck and got several comments on its tastiness.  I thought I would share the recipe with y'all as well. 

I really love a good quiche.  When the hubby and I were visiting France a couple of years ago I fell in love with Quiche Loraine.  I haven't tried making one myself for the fear that it won't be as good as the French version I had on many different occasions! 

Instead, I keep trying other quiche recipes to fulfill my love of baked eggs and cream!  The great thing about quiches is that you can just dump bunches of different things in and it will yield a yummy, creamy concoction.  Well, maybe not just any combination, but almost!

Here is the list of ingredients for this Ham and Cheese Quiche
Pie Crust:
either ready made or this flavorful homemade version
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. paprika
2 tbsp. cold water

For the filling you will need:
2 tbsp. all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
3 eggs
1 cup half and half
4 slices swiss cheese
1/2 cup chopped spinach
4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 cup diced ham
1 cup cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the crust ingredients in a bowl, all except the water. 

Mix together, add water as needed.  The crust holds together very well and is so soft that I just pat it out to size with my hands, no rolling pin needed.  I am telling you crust recipes with butter are the best all the way around.  Easy to make, easy to work with, and easy to eat!  Can't get much better than that!!  Pat your dough out to the size of your pie pan.

Transfer the crust to your pie pan.  Pat the edges us to to top of the pan.

Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then let cool.

In a medium bowl beat together flour, salt, pepper, eggs, and half and half.

Cover the bottom of the pie crust with swiss cheese.

Sometimes it is beneficial to have a little pajama clad helper to do a little extra beating of the egg mixture, just to make sure it is well blended!

Sprinkle spinach evenly over the cheese and place mushrooms on top of spinach.

Pour egg mixture over mushrooms.  Cover with ham and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. 

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Take that baby out of the over!  Let it cool slightly, then cut and serve.

This really is a very easy meal to make, with out a lot of prep work.  If you use a pre-made crust you cut about 5-10 minutes off the prep time.  So, this is a great option for busy Mom's who want something easy to fix when they come home from work.  This dish is so creamy and the extra seasonings in the crust really adds to the overall flavor of the quiche.  I think this dish is going to appear again at our house very soon! 

Happy Baking!

What's for Dinner Wednesday- Cake Mix Waffles

You may already know this handy trick, but it was new to me.

I spent Saturday morning checking interest and happened to come across a picture of a chocolate waffle covered in ice cream and strawberries. As I looked at the description it said it was made with chocolate cake mix!



I went about my rat killing, nit thinking to much about the waffles. Then later that day I remembered that I had told my MIL I would bring dessert to her house on Saturday. We ended p being gone all day and I didn't have time to whip up something. I remembered the waffles and thought that would be a good dessert!

I sent my hubby to the store for chocolate cake mix, ice cream, and fruit preserves.

To make these yummy little treats just make the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Pour a couple spoon fills into a heated waffle maker. Let cook for a couple of minutes, then remove. To with ice cream and your favorite topping. Mine was raspberry preserves.

I had left over batter so I decided to bake the rest of the waffles and freeze them for future use. When you bake the waffles in the waffle maker they are very light and fluffy. If you pop a frozen waffle in the toaster to reheat they will be a little crispier. Excuse me just a sec, promise I'll be right back...




Sorry about that, I had to stop and go make one. I am telling you they are just the right amount of chocolate! Then adding on the toppings just makes it blissful!!

Happy waffling!

Amy


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What's for snacking Wednesday

I guess you could make a meal out of this, I am sure I could. It probably wouldn't be considered the best meal, but it is definitely a tasty treat! Oh, and it is a great way to add some veggies to your diet!

So, now that your curiosity is peaked i guess I should tell you what this wonderful snack it's.....Zucchini Bread.

My grandmother brought me some zucchini this summer. One of my favorite things to use it for is zucchini bread. I have seen and tried several different zucchini bread recipes and this one is my favorite. It sweet, moist, and delectable.

Here is what you will need:

3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup oil
2 cups zucchini grated
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
Chopped nuts (optional)

Heat your oven to 325 degrees. Then beat the eggs until frothy. Stir in the sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla.




Combine dry ingredients.



Stir into zucchini mixture until well mixed. Add nuts if desired. I didn't add them this time, but they do add a nice crunch to the bread.



Pour into 2 well greased bread pans.



My favorite thing to use is the spray with the flour added in.



Bake for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes in pan, remove to wire rack. Cool thoroughly before slicing.



If you aren't going to eat both loaves immediately then wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them moist.



Enjoy!

Happy Baking!!

Amy


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What's For Dinner Wednesday-Apple Pie

I love pie, well I love anything sweet. Apples are definitely a good sweet treat We have an apple tree in our back yard and I love cooking with them. The apples aren't ready yet, but making an apple pie increases my anticipation for all the yummy apple dishes I can make this fall!

Let's make a delicious, scrumptious, mouthwatering apple pie!

Here's what we need:

Filling
6 cups thinly sliced apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon all spice

Crust
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

We need to start by peeling the apples, this is the most time consuming part for me! I used 8 medium red apples.



Add the sugar, slour, spices, and lemon juice. Mix well. I added a little more flour to my mix. The extra tablespoon of flour makes the filling stick together and not as runny.



Now to make the dough for the crust (double crust, one for the bottom and one for the top)

Start by putting the flour and cold pieces of butter in a bowl. Mix them with a pastry mixer, or by hand (that is the messy way). Blend together to get the butter worked into the flour. Add the water, one to two tablespoons at a time. Mix until all the flour forms a ball. Separate the dough into two balls. Roll one ball into a circle the size of your pan on a floured area. The butter crust is easy to roll out, I actually just pat it out to my desired circumference with my hands.



Transfer the crust to the pie pan.



Pour the apple mixture into the pan. I had to press the apples down to get them all in the crust.



Roll out your second crust and place on top if the pie. Pinch the seams together to seal the crusts. Cut a few slits in the top to allow the steam to escape while baking.



Cover the edges with foil and bake 375 for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for 20 more minutes.

Take the pie out and enjoy! Especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Yum! Yum!



Happy Baking!

Amy

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What's for dinner Wednesday-Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole

This is a yummy recipe!

It is good to take to large gatherings or to fix for picky eaters!

My kiddos love this dish, I never hear a peep of complaint at meal time. I usually do hear some fussing, so this gives me a nice break!

You are gonna need:
1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup or more cheese whiz
1/2 cup milk
1 medium onion
1/2 stick butter
1 package broccoli cooked and drained

Sauté onion in 1/2 stick butter.



Mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.



Add the onions, stir together, and then pour into a casserole dish.



Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.



This is a wonderfully cheese dish. I know you are gonna love eating this dish!

This is really a simple fix! If you try it out I would love to hear what you think!

Happy Cooking!!

Amy


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What's for dinner Wednesday-Mexican Lasagna

I found this recipe in a 2009 Woman's Day magazine my Mom gave me a while back.

The picture looked so good! I am a sucker for pictures when it comes to food.

See what I mean? All those yummy layers of Mexican goodness!

Here is what you need to make this at your house:

2 tsp Olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 lb diced zucchini
2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 can diced tomatoes and chilies
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can corn niblets
1 can mild enchilada sauce
1/2 chopped cilantro
5 (8in.) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, to garnish

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 3 quart, or two 1 1/2 quart casserole dishes, with nonstick spray.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add zucchini and cumin, and sauté 5 minutes or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Stir in tomatoes, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Put 1 tortilla in a baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups zucchini mixture; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat 4 times. If you use two casserole dishes you won't have enough to repeat 4 times. So repeat as much as you can.

Cover with foil and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly around edges and cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, if desired.

Hope you enjoy!

Happy Cooking!!

Amy


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What's for Dinner Wednesday- Chicken Pot Pie

I love this recipe!!

First, it is a quick fix.

Second, it is an easy fix.

Third, and most importantly, it is DELICIOUS!!

Here is what you are gonna need.

2 chicken breasts cooked, and cubes
1 can mixed vegetables
1 can cream of potato soup
1 box of ready made pie crust, at room temperature
Salt and pepper yo taste

You can already tell this is easy. Only 4 main ingredients!!

Start by cooking and cutting up the chicken. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients, except the pie crust.

Mix well.

Place one pie crust in a pie pan.

Add the chicken mixture.

Top with remaining pie crust and press seams together. I cut a few slits in the top of the crust for venting.

Bake it in a 350 degree over for 25-30 minutes. Until the crust is golden brown.

Remove from the oven, cut, and enjoy!!



Happy Baking!!

Amy

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What's for Dinner Wednesday-Coconut Chicken Salad

This just might be the best salad I have ever eaten.  I had originally planned on cooking the chicken strips with some vegetables, but the head of lettuce in my fridge was just begging to be used.

I started this meal by preparing the chicken strips.  Here is what you need.

12 chicken strips
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup bread crumbs
1-2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Combine the coconut, bread crumbs, and spices.  Mix well.

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and the egg in another small bowl. Beat the egg slightly.

Dip the chicken in the flour, then the egg, and finally  in the coconut mixture.  Coat thoroughly.  I like to spread the remaining coconut mixture over all of the strips when they are on the baking sheet.  I like the extra crunchies!!

Place the strips on a foil lined baking sheet that has been lightly greased.  I am all about easy clean-up and lining a baking sheet with foil is one of the easiest ways I know to accomplish this.

Drizzle with olive oil and then bake for 20 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking start on the salad.

Chop one head of lettuce and place in a bowl.  Add your favorite veggies!  I used 1/4 cup of sliced carrots, 1/4 cup of halved grapes, and 2 Roma tomatoes diced. 

When the chicken is done place the salad on a plate and top with two or three chicken strips.  Add your favorite dressing if you wish.  I ate mine without any.  The sweet coconut and grapes added just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.  I am salivating now thinking of this yummy dish.

Happy Baking!!

What's For Dinner Wednesday-Broccoli Stromboli Sandwiches

This is a recipe that I cut out of a  magazine at least two years ago, but just hadn't tried until now.

Here is the stuff on your grocery list for this meal.
1 lb pizza dough (I used thin crust, but I wouldn't recommend, mine turned out to be a little too thin).
all-purpose flour, for work surface
1 lb frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
2 minced garlic cloves
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
2 ounces sliced salami ( I used pastrami)
1 tbsp olive oil

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.  Then line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for a simple clean up. 

Divide your pizza dough into 4 sections.  Roll or press each section in to a 6x8 in oval. 

Place the broccoli in a strainer, and press to remove the excess water.  Transfer to a double layer of paper towels to pat dry. 

Divide the broccoli among the four sections of pizza dough.  You want to leave a 1/2 in border all the way around the dough.  Sprinkle with the garlic, salt, and pepper.  Top with mozzarella, salami, and 1/2 cup marinara.

Now roll the Stromboli, starting with the shortest end.  Seal the ends and place seam side down on the baking sheet. 

Drizzle with the oil and then pop those bad boys in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve each Stromboli with 1/2 cup of marinara for dipping.

Enjoy!!

Happy Baking!!