Easy Watermelon Tea Spritzer!

 I have found that I really enjoy carbonated beverages so this is my solution to getting my carbonated beverage without all the sugar calories.  Check it out!! 

Easy Beverage Spritzer

1 large(23 oz) Arizona Watermelon Sweetened Ice Tea
1 qt. Club soda(for the carbonation)
Frozen raspberries, blueberries or any other frozen fruit
Ice Cubes or crushed ice

Mix all and you have a great refreshing beverage that doesn't have a lot of calories!  and you don't have to use diet anything!

Low in calories and so refreshing. 

Note:  I have done this tea spritzer with other juice combo's.  It works well with Cran/Rasp. or Tropical Punch juice.  Use approx. 23 oz or less of juice and the equal amount or more of the club soda.  Frozen berries for a garnish..

xo
M.J.  


9/12/12

Pesto

I have a huge basil plant in a container and pine nuts left from when I made cannoli so I am putting together some pesto.  Add some to your pasta and you have a great meal.  I also add it to veggies or quick meals to give it a boost of flavor.  Here is the recipe.  I plan on using it on some toasted french bread as an appetizer but you can use it for pasta dishes as well.  Enjoy!   

Note: You can freeze it too!  Put in small containers or ice cube trays for winter so you'll have a touch of summer in your meal.  I think you can tell I have lots of basil!!!!

From my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

Lots of garlic make this pesto...perfect

Grinding coarse or

I poured mixture into ice cube trays and frozen them.  When frozen removed and placed in resealable bag for later use.

 Pulse in processor until desired consistency

Basil started to seed!  I needed to get making some pesto.

1 1/2 to 2 cups fresh basil (washed and stems removed)
3 garlic cloves
1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/2 cup light virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Pecorino Romano cheese 

Place all in food processor and pulse until desired consistency. Add more olive oil if necessary.  

original 7/7/12 updated 7/23/12

Chicken Enchilada Bake: One of my favorite recipes :)

A family favorite from my kitchen to yours,

Creamy and just the right amount of cheese makes this one of our families favorite Mexican dishes.  It may not be traditional Mexican flair (no salsa) but it's oh so yummy!


I love most Mexican food but sometime tire of the same things so today I found a recipe for some chicken enchiladas and  there was no salsa involved so I decided to try it..Yummy!!and a nice change..Here is the recipe and pictures..Happy Cooking!

A tablespoon of sour cream to garnish the top.

8 Flour Tortillas ( I used Azteca) or if you prefer use corn Tortillas 
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup green onions chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 sliced black olives
1- 4oz. drained diced green chillies
1/2 cup sour cream
1 10 3/4 oz. cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups chicken (use canned chicken if desired)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees..In medium saucepan melt butter, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender..Stir in 1/2 of the sliced olives(reserve the other for top),
 green chillies, sour cream and soup; mix well..Set aside 3/4 cup of the soup mixture..To remaining sauce in pan, stir in chicken and 1/2 cup cheese..

Warm tortillas as directed on package. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture; roll up..Place seam side down in ungreased baking dish..In a small bowl, combine reserved 3/4 cup soup mixture and milk; spoon over tortillas..Bake for approx. 30 minutes until bubbly..Serve, sprinkle with remaining cheese and black olives..Enjoy!!!!

You can make them in a 13x9 inch pan or as I have done this recipe many times I switch baking dishes for fun. I change my pans depending on who I'm having to dinner or if it's the two of  us :).

About 7 filled this pan

Baked in a quiche pan. 

I was very generous in filling of enchiladas so I only was able to make 5 .  this is my 13x9 inch pan

Pretty to look at and delicious to eat.. Pyrex 13x9

1/30/12
3/14/13