Cheesy Pasta and greens!

The "I like to bake and cook" lady shares this easy recipe courtesy of Woman's Day Magazine.  Enjoy

I enjoyed this.  I made it as the recipe called and I didn't care for the nutmeg.. so Next time I'm eliminated the nutmeg!

12 oz. medium pasta shells or any medium size pasta(I used occehiette pasta)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg(optional)
pinch cayenne(optional)
6 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese grated (1 1/2 cups)
salt and pepper
1 bunch spinach, cleaned and stems discarded, roughly chopped

Cook pasta according to directions.
In a pot melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes, whisk in milk.
Cook stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
Whisk in the mustard, nutmeg, cayenne if using, 1 cup cheddar, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper..Add the pasta and spinach..and toss to combine. Note:  If you don't like nutmeg..eliminate it!

Heat broiler..Transfer mixture to 1 1/2 qt. broiler proof baking dish..Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and broil until golden brown..3 to 4 minutes.

11/20/11
1/14/13

Sesame Chicken and veggies

Another great Better Homes and Garden recipe that  I adapted to my liking.  Theirs sounds fine but their recipe added diced carrots and canned green beans so I decided that 2 pkgs of   Birdseye Steamfresh veggies and rice would cut some time from this recipe and it would be just if not better than theirs..

I also used boneless chicken breasts (I cut them in chunks) which made more sense to me than what they suggested( chicken thighs).  Enjoy!

I lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup sesame seeds
2 eggs, lightly beaten
vegetable oil(I used peanut oil)
1 T soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
3 T cider vinegar
2 pkgs. veggie rice mixture (I used frozen Birdseye Steamfresh which had carrots, broccoli and rice all in a package).

Cut chicken into cubes.  In shallow dish combine flour, sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper.  Place eggs in another shallow dish.  Dip chicken pieces into flour mixture, then into eggs and back in flour mixture again to coat. Set aside.

In a skillet heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium high heat.  Add chicken in batches; cook 4 minutes or until cooked through.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to paper towel; drain.

Meanwhile in a large skillet, combine honey, vinegar, soy sauce  and 1 T water.  Bring to boil.  Add rice/ veggie mix and heat thoroughly. Yummy! 

Frosted Banana Oatmeal Cookies

In our house banana bread, muffins and the like are something we consider favorites so why not try some banana cookies?

I found this recipe (chef in training) and altered it a bit to my liking and they are delicious.  Moist, light and chewy these cookies are delicious and cutting back on a little sugar and butter in the recipe did not alter the taste a bit.

Here is my recipe:

1 1/2 cups all purpose pre sifted flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup softened butter
4 oz. unsweetened apple sauce
2 bananas, mashed
1 egg
1/3/4 quick oats
1/4 cup chocolate chunks (optional)  I did half of the recipe with chocolate chunks and the other without.

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Place dry ingredients in large bowl or upright mixer.  Add butter, egg, applesauce, bananas and oatmeal.  Beat on low to medium until blended. Batter will be soft and spoon able.

Drop by tablespoons on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly browned.

Frosting:

8 oz. confectionery sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 to 4 T milk (start with a little at a time until desired consistency)

Using a wire whisk blend above.

Note:  These cookies are very moist so allow to dry thoroughly before storing.