Orecchiette, sausage and spinach a one pot meal

An easy recipe that can be from stove to table in about an hour. Using sweet or hot Italian sausage is the perfect meat for this meal.

A Great combination by using dense Orecchiette pasta which allows the sauce to well into the center of the pasta in every bite. A delicious evening meal.  



8 oz. Orecchiette pasta cooked according to directions
1 lb. sweet loose Italian sausage
1 onion grated coarsely
1/2 lb. baby spinach
1 -15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes juice too.
1/2 to 3/4 cup beef broth
Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan brown sausage and onion breaking up sausage while cooking.  Add tomatoes and continue to simmer slowly, add beef broth and spinach.

While the above is simmering cook orecchiette according to directions and drain thoroughly.  Add  pasta to tomato sausage sauce. You may have to add more beef broth to keep pasta moist.

Garnish with cheese before serving

Break up sausage while browning into smaller pieces.

Shrimp and cheesy grits

I've been wanted to make shrimp and grits for months.  I personally love grits and if you aren't sure if you'd like them try a small amount.  They are similar to polenta or cream of wheat in texture although I think grits have a little more texture.  

I came across this recipe online on the Food network.  It did call for sausage and bacon using the bacon drippings to saute the veggies but since I only had shrimp available I adjusted the recipe to my liking.  Hubby and I both totally enjoyed this but if you would like add the cooked sausage and bacon to this recipe.  All in all this is a very tasty and delicious recipe. Serves 2 generous servings.

 Enjoy!

I lb. cooked  peeled and deveined medium shrimp
1/2 cup each  diced, red, green and orange pepper
1 medium onion diced or sliced
1 clove minced garlic
1 small lemon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 T butter
4 T oil
2 chopped scallions (green tops too)optional for garnish

Saute vegetables in butter and olive oil until tender.  Add shrimp and saute until shrimp are heated through.  

1/2  cup grits
1  1/2 cup water
1/2 cup half and half

Add cheddar cheese
Salt to taste


Bring water, grits and salt to a boil in a 3 quart sauce pan with a lid.  Stir in half and half and simmer until grits are thickened.  Add cheese and stir.  Set aside.

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1. Sprinkle cooked shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper; drizzle with lemon juice. Set aside in a bowl. 
2. Saute  green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion,in butter and olive oil until tender. Add seasoned shrimp and stir until shrimp is warmed.






3. Serve shrimp mixture over cheese grits.

Pistachio/Cranberry Biscotti

Updated photo.  

Note:  these biscotti have chopped pistachios , chopped cranberries and mini chocolate morsels!  Fabulous!

Original 9/2015


Did you know that you can buy already shelled Pistachio's?

  I never knew it until last week and I indulged.  They are salty and crunchy and I would eat way too many if I allow myself and then I'd be talkin uncomfortable so I decided to make a few Biscotti with some of them. 

 We nibbled while they were baking and OMGoodness they are Yummy!  I think my Biscotti recipe is one of the easiest and so buttery and light.  If you like Biscotti this recipe can be basic or loaded with lots inside.  Just be sure to use a very sharp knife to slice them so they won't tear.   I use an electric knife but have used a regular sharp one too!

Happy Baking!

M.J.

****I used my mini chopper and coarsely chopped about 1/2 cup pistachio's.

Here's what I did:

I cup softened butter
2 cups sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios

Using my upright mixer I placed softened butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Beat all at medium speed.  When blended add flour and baking powder a little at a time until mixture sticks to beaters. Total 4 1/2 cups flour, 4 tsp. baking powder.  Mixture will be thick.  Using a large wooden spoon add pistachios and cranberries to mixture.

Step 1

On a cookie sheet place aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray.  Drop by tablespoons onto foil in a line. Illustration:

Step 2 With a large knife or icing spoon close sides.

Step 3 Brush with milk

Step 4 Sprinkle with sugar

Baked at 375 degrees for approx. 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch. Look at those pistachios and cranberries...yum

Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes and then slice diagonally in 1/2 inch slices.

Turn oven to 300 degrees and bake each side an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely and store in air tight container. 

Note:  My grandchildren prefer not to have theirs toasted and they eat them when they are still slightly soft.  If you choose not to toast them make sure they are thoroughly cooled and dry them on rack overnight lightly covered with waxed paper.

12/12/12

I'm baking Breakfast Breads and they're freezeable!!

I'm happy to be doing some baking today..(:  My grandchildren were on a summer vacation so what better to greet them with(of course after a big hug) some of their favorites..Banana Bread,Blueberry Muffins and Easy Cranberry Scones!!!!!

Here are the easy recipes:
Banana Bread (my daughter's recipe)  Kids and adults love it!
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt(if using salted butter eliminate it)
1 cup mashed bananas(2 bananas)
1/3 cup butter (softened)
2 tablespoons milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped walnuts(optional)
Combine dry ingredients.  Set aside..Beat eggs,sugar and butter..Add dry ingredients alternating with milk..Add  mashed bananas..Beat slowly until well blended..  I grease my pans.

Bake 350degrees in loaf pan approx. 45 minutes..I use muffin pans or muffin loaves and bake approx. 30 minutes until lightly golden..Test center with toothpick ..


Blueberry Muffins(my sister in laws recipe) Great one!!
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter(1 stick)
3/4 to 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) I 've used both with great results!

Combine dry ingredients, set aside..Beat sugar, eggs and butter..Alternating with milk add dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full....Bake 375 degrees approx. 20 minutes

***Now for my hubby and my favorite! I found this recipe years ago in a magazine and have used it since then.

Easy Cranberry Drop Scones..We love them and they are so wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea!  Oh yes and they are mighty fine alone...yummy!

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar  plus one tsp..divided
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt(if using salted butter eliminate)
6 tablespoons cold butter(no substitutes)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg beaten..
almonds, pecans and walnuts are a great addition..

Heat oven to 425 degrees..Grease cookie sheet..Pulse flour, 1/3 cup sugar,baking powder, salt and butter
in food processor until texture of fine meal.  Transfer to large bowl. Add milk- egg mixture to mix...Stir in fresh and dried cranberries..Mix  with fork until dry ingredients are evenly moistened..Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden..Transfer to wire rack and cool..Makes 12 muffins..I make 9 because mine are a little larger..Great Recipe!!!No fail recipe and of course you can try blueberries or any other dried fruit..!Happy Baking!!

Note:  I use all purpose flour in my recipes...Most times Pillsbury Pre Sifted but I have used others with no problem.

From my kitchen to yours,

M.j.

6/24/11

Pancake Hearts! Zucchini Sweet or Onion flavored

Happy Valentine’s Day!



Super easy recipe that I have made many times before.  You can add or eliminate onion depending on how you decide to serve them.  You'll have them on your table in no time.  Enjoy!

  Happy Baking and Cooking!

1 pkg. Betty Crocker Cornbread and Muffin Mix
1 egg slightly beaten
1/3 cup water or skim milk(use milk if you are using these as regular breakfast type pancakes)
1 cup grated zucchini ( washed thoroughly) I leave the skin on for color
1 tsp. grated onion or onion powder(optional)
pinch salt
canola oil
scallion garnish

Mix above ingredients in mixing bowl except canola oil. Allow to set a few minutes.

In a large frying pan on medium heat place canola oil(about 3 tablespoons)..When warmed place silicone hearts in oil and put approx. 3 tablespoons of cornbread mix.  Cook until pancake starts to bubble around corners.  Several minutes..Turn over and cook several minutes more..

Note:  These pancakes can be served with syrup if you have eliminated onion or with sour cream if you have added onion..Delicious!


Happy Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

8/21/12
8/22/13
1/23/16