Texas 2024

Texas April.  We spent a wonderful time with our baby!

Self tanning!  Gotta get us ready for the cruise.  For sure adding sun protection!

A few photos at her house.  Very little cooking this trip.., lol

My Birthday binge!  Delicious and fun.

2024 Early Texas Birthday

Shortcut taco lasagna or casserole

Easy shortcut recipe!

Craving Tacos?

This easy recipe can be made and on the table in 60 minutes.

I lb. Ground beef , turkey or chicken)cook until browned.

I package taco seasoning (cook according to directions)

1/2 can refried beans ( save other half can as your side)

4 oz. Softened cream cheese

6 to 8 Small tortillas 

1can Red Enchilada sauce 

8 oz. Shredded cheddar cheese

Salad, corn , refried beans or rice are great sides .

Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking with cooking spray.  Add  1/2 of the can of red enchilada sauce to baking dish.

Layer first layer of tortillas (you may have to cut to size).

Top layer with approximately 1/4 cup seasoned meat.

Add several tsp. Softened cream cheese and refried beans

Keep layering until you feel the casserole is full enough or if you are running out of ingredients.

Note: leaving enough of meat mixture, sauce and cheddar cheese to cover casserole.  Cover with foil and bake 350° for approximately 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and bake an additional 5 minutes if necessary.

Enjoy!

Chicken stuffed Rigatoni

This recipe fills approximately 20 jumbo rigatoni.

3/4 lb ground chicken cooked

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup cooked spinach

1/4 cup seasoned Breadcrumb's

1/4 cup Grated pecorino Romano

1qt. Jar sauce for convenience or homemade sauce 

Sauté chicken until lightly browned in olive oil ,salt and pepper.  Add cooked spinach,bread crumbs and cheese until blended. Allow to cool completely.  Place all in food processor until

Slightly crumbly.  If too dry add a teaspoon of water.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add large rigatoni and cook approximately 10 to 12 minutes until

A dente’.  Do not overcook.  Drain rigatoni and rinse slightly with cool water not to have rigatoni stick together.

Layer some red sauce in a 13” x 9” baking pan or a pan of similar size. Place filled rigatoni in pan and top with more sauce , grated cheese and grated mozzarella.

Bake covered  350° for appt 30 minutes. Remove cover .  Check to see if mozzarella is melted and serve.  If mozzarella isn’t melted bake uncovered another 5 minutes.

Add a healthy salad to make it a meal,

Enjoy!

Stuffed French toast stove top

This recipe takes minutes to prepare.  The only ingredient you need to prepare ahead is to soften the cream cheese.  

Have a happy day!

The last time I made Stuffed French toast I made it on top of my stove in my grill pan.

In the deep grill pan on low I put a few tablespoons of butter.  While my butter was melting In a large bowl I cracked 3 eggs , added cinnamon  and a little maple syrup ( pancake syrup)and 3 cups whole milk and whisked them well.

In a separate bowl place 8 to 12 oz. Softened cream cheese, 1tsp. vanilla and about 3 or 4 tablespoons powered sugar.  Use a large spoon to blend them  well.

Here what the next steps are;

Then Dip first slice of thick bread in egg milk cinnamon mixture.  One at a time.  Placed 4 slices of dipped bread in buttered pan. Top with heaping tablespoons cream cheese mix.  Spread it a little)  Dip other 4 slices of bread and place on top of cream cheese mixture.  Cook on medium heat, turn over when browned and cook until browned and cream cheese is warmed.  You can slightly cover with foil until ready to serve.

Top with syrup or fresh fruit.

Questions just text .