Hawaiian Pineapple Cheese Ball

 Tomorrow night's one of several appetizers.  Easy to make so make two!  Enjoy!

I was getting tired of the same old appetizers and wanted something light but tasty so I choice this rather easy recipe. Thinking light and refreshing this recipe can be made with only crushed pineapple or add some thinly chopped ham and green onion to it.  I was going to chop macadamia nuts but never did.  I think they would really made it even better.  Enjoy!

2- 8 oz. packages cream cheese softened
1- medium size can crushed pineapple, drained well
4 T. powdered sugar but you can add more if you like it really sweet
1  to 2 T. chopped green onion(optional)
4 to 5 T. chopped ham(optional)
1 cup chopped pecans

With an electric mixer mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy.  On low speed add crushed pineapple, onion and ham, just enough to mix.  Transfer to bowl and chill into it is almost firm but easy to make into a ball or balls.

12/17/15

On a large sheet of wax paper place chopped pecans.  Take mixed cream cheese out and make either one large size ball or two smaller size.  I opted for the two smaller size.  Roll in chopped pecans and refrigerate until ready to use.

Note:  After I rolled the balls I wrapped each one individually in clear wrap and refrigerated them  until I plan on using them.  I will be using them by Christmas.  Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour prior to serving. 

Serve as a spread with crackers. 

Rigatoni with chicken in a red sauce

When you have chicken and are tired of the same old recipes you can easily make red sauce with it.  Whether you add more veggies to it or make it with some fresh basil, onions and garlic it makes a light sauce that you can top some pasta with and add a green salad too to complete a meal.

I made the sauce as the below and  since I had a half box of rigatoni I decided to make this our meal today. Tender chicken breasts, yummy sauce topped the rigatoni while adding some grated Locatelli pecorino romano cheese. 

***Note:   If you opt out of pasta you can add some fresh veggies as carrots, celery, green beans and potatoes which are easily incorporated to complete a hearty stew.  

***If you decide to make it a stew you must allow a longer cooking time and I'd even try this recipe in a crockpot and allow to cook on low for 5 or 6 hours.  Carrots, celery and potatoes take a little longer to cook.  I would cook the green beans separately and add ten minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs

1 sweet onion grated
1 grated or finely chopped carrot or if you prefer cut the carrot in thirds and remove before serving.  Carrots sweeten your sauce so there is no need for added sugar.....

1 or 2  cloves minced garlic or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3 to 4 fresh basil leaves or 1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 large can Hunts Tomato Sauce

4 T olive oil
salt and pepper
10 oz. rigatoni cooked according to directions

In a large Dutch oven place olive oil. Add chicken. Saute on low then Add sweet onion, carrot and garlic. Saute slowly until chicken, onion, garlic and carrot start to sizzle. Cook for a few minutes more on low.

 When chicken is browned slightly on both sides add Hunts (or your favorite sauce) to the pot . 

Cook for approximately 1 hour or until tender.  Serve over pasta or make it a stew as mentioned below.

Today's choice pasta was rigatoni.

From my kitchen to yours,

Sunday

Happy and Blessed Sunday to you.🙏😘

It's been a very stressful winter for me and maybe you as well.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that if it were not for my FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS  who have helped and encouraged me to get through this most difficult time.  

Most of all I credit my parents ❤❤who set a wonderful example. They raised a strong woman. 

As I reflect back as a young girl/woman who at times didn't like all the responsibilities and expectations that were given to me.  I now realize how  their influence helped me deal with life's challenges.  I hope my children can say the same about me.❤

Have a wonderful day. ❤M.j.xo