Thanksgiving Meatloaf

Thanksgiving Meatloaf

Meatloaf is the ultimate American comfort food, and Thanksgiving is the official day for Americans to indulge in comfort food. Combining the taste of Thanksgiving with some ground beef, chicken, or turkey, is sure to bring comfort to any one's table during the cool seasons.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2-2 lbs ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 box chicken, turkey, sage, or cornbread stuffing mix
• 3 ribs celery finely chopped
• 1 small or medium red onion finely chopped (optional)
• 1 can jellied cranberry, or grape jelly, or 1 cup dried cranberries(optional)
• 1 -1 1/2 cups ketchup or chili sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (if using chicken or turkey)
• Salt and Pepper for taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a food processor or blender, finely chop the stuffing mix, celery, and onion on high.
3. In a large bowl, combine the meat, 1 cup of the chopped stuffing mix, all the celery and onion, egg, poultry seasoning, dried cranberries, and some salt and pepper. If using the jellied cranberry or grape jelly, place it and the ketchup or chili sauce in a small pot over medium heat until it is melted (about 10 minutes) and stir constantly. Once melted take off heat and add 1/2-1 cup to the meat mix.
4. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and form meat to fit. Pour the remaining cranberry sauce mix over the meat and spread the remaining stuffing mix on top.
5. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, drain after 30 minutes of cooking if necessary.

This can also be turned into a Thanksgiving leftover recipe, which I will share later on. It is great along side buttery rice or mashed potatoes. Best of all, it is definitely a great comfort food for fall and winter.

Mama's Easy Pumpkin Bread

Easy Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread recipe is absolutely fabulously delicious! It is a definite keeper for any autumn lovers recipe cards.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cup pumpkin pie mix
• 1 small package instant vanilla pudding
• 1/4-1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter, plus 2 tablespoons to rub over top of cooked bread
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and soda
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Beat the eggs and place in a mixer. Mix the eggs, milk, sugars, vanilla pudding, and pumpkin pie mix together for 1 minute on medium speed.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves together. Pour into the wet ingredients, and mix on slow to medium speed for about 2 minutes.
4. Fold in the walnuts.
5. Spray a bread pan with nonstick baking spray and pour mix into the pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes-1 hour and 30 minutes (until tooth pick stuck in middle of bread comes out clean).
6. After the bread is done cooking, rub butter on top of the bread and let cool for 3-4 minutes. Then take out and place on cooling rack.
7. Wait 10-15 minutes before cutting and enjoy.

This bread is so moist and wonderful. It is the perfect fall pumpkin bread for a gathering or as a compliment to morning coffee.

Pasta for Fall

Autumn Pasta

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, comfort foods start to cook. By mid to late September, autumn foods will fill the stores (along with Halloween candy). There are numerous ways to enjoy seasonal foods, one being mixed with pasta.

This pasta recipe is extremely simple, features seasonal ingredients from the garden or store, and an easy dressing for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large or 2 medium zucchini's
• 1 butternut squash
• 1/2 red onion (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

(For an Alfredo sauce, use 1/4-1/2 stick butter instead of olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2-1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella, garlic salt to taste and add the walnuts and pecans and maybe, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning for a kick of autumn flavor)

Directions:

1. Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. While pasta cooks in boiling water to al dente, cut the zucchini and squash into thin slices, then in half. Place in a bowl. Finely chop the onion.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion, squash and zucchini, along with the spices. Cook until softened (8-10 minutes, covered or uncovered).
3. Drain pasta and vegetables and prepare the sauce in a food processor. Finely chop the walnuts and pecans in a food processor, then add the olive oil and combine all the ingredients together. Toss together and serve.
4. For the Alfredo sauce, finely chop the nuts and set aside. Heat the butter, cream, cheeses, and spices together over medium to medium low heat, stirring constantly, until blended and somewhat thick. Take off the heat, add the nuts and toss with the pasta.

This is a great autumn dish and wonderful way to get kids to eat their veggie. It is also good in a casserole.

Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino

Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino!

Craving a pumpkin spice cappuccino? Try this sure to please recipe, using ingredients at home.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup hot coffee
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup cool whip (lite, regular, or french vanilla)
1-2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
1-2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

Using a blender or a small food processor, blend all the ingredients together on low speed until blended together. Prepare to pour into a coffee cup. When pouring, use a large spoon or lid of the processor or blender to hold back the frothy part. Once the liquid is in, pour the froth on top and top with cinnamon if desired.

This would make a great autumn party drink, and is perfect for any time of the year when craving a pumpkin spice coffee drink.

Leaf Lettuce Salad

Easy Leaf Lettuce Salad

Putting a salad together is not complicated, and this recipe is a sure win as a light side dish for almost any meal.

Ingredients:

A bunch of leaf lettuce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1/2 cup honey
salt for seasoning
(add ins could include, cubed pears, apples, peaches)

Direction:

Wash and shred the lettuce, toss together with the cheese of choice, honey, oil, and salt. Serve.

This is just simple, no fuss, but makes for a good healthy and filling side dish. If desired, turn it into a chicken salad with cooked chicken pieces, some crunchy fruit, walnuts, and honey mustard dressing (combine 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 cup honey (more if desired), and about 1/4 cup yellow mustard and toss with the salad).

Easy Crab Salad
Crab salad is great by itself, on a roll, or in a wrap. The best part is, it's easy to make and can be varied.
Ingredients:

• 1 package crab meat (found at the seafood in the grocery store)
• 1 large cucumber, sliced and quartered
• 1 box grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chives
• 1/2 -1 teaspoon dill
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
Mix the mayo, olive oil, dill, salt, chives, and pepper together. Then toss in the crab, cucumber, and cherry. Toss well, and serve by itself or in a roll or on top of some lettuce.

This can also be made into a spread. Instead of chopping, simply combine all ingredients (except the tomatoes) in a food processor and blend together. Then use as a spread or a dip. Another way to make this is add chopped celery or take away the cucumber and use celery in its place.
No matter how its made, it is a good summer recipe and great for entertaining.

Homemade Halloween Rice Krispie Treats

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats

This is a fun way to add Halloween color and character to rice krispie treats for a party.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Rice Krispy Cereal
• 1-2 bags of miniature marshmallows
• 2-4 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 drops orange food coloring
• 2-3 drops black food coloring
• 1 cup candy corn (optional)
• 1 cup orange sprinkles (optional)
• Orange or Black Frosting (optional)

Directions:
Prepare two batches of the rice krispie treats as directed on the box in two separate pots. While stirring in the rice krispies add orange food coloring to one and black to the other. Mix well. If desired add candy corn or sprinkles into the mixes, or mix it up. Turn one set into pumpkin, cat, or vampire faces.

No matter how it looks, it will taste great and be a wonderful addition to any Halloween table.

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

This casserole is great for summer or for a holiday side dish. For anyone who plants squash and is looking for a good casserole recipe, this one is for you.

Ingredients:

2-3 large zucchini's, washed, dried, cut into slices and then cut in half
4 summer squash (2-3 if they are large), washed, dried, cut into slices and cut in half
1 box of stove top stuffing for turkey or chicken (or even sage or cornbread)
2-3 cups cheese
1/2-1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter
1-2 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 tablespoon pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once melted, add half of the squash into the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 the seasoned salt (stir occasionally). After 12-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened, drain using a strainer (a noodle one will do. Then pour into a large casserole dish. Repeat this step with the second batch of squash, butter, and seasoned salt.
3. While the second batch of vegetables cook, pour the bag of stove top stuffing into a food processor and finely chop.
4. Once all the squash is in the dish, add pepper, cheese, sour cream, and 1/3 of the stuffing. Stir together well. Then add the remaining stuffing on top, and cook for 30 minutes.

This is a great summer or autumn side dish. If desired, add onions or celery to the stuffing or even chopped apples with some olive oil or apple cider vinegar.

Sweet Honey Tea

I know this recipe is probably out there, but here is my simple recipe for some good southern honey sweet tea.

Ingredients:
2-3 family size tea bags
1 1/2-2 cups sugar, more if desired (but don't go too crazy because it could get syrupy)
Honey

Directions:

Place tea bags in a large pasta pot of water and bring to a boil. Let boil for 10-12 minutes, then turn to low and add the sugar to taste. Let sit for about 5 minutes then take out the tea bags and turn off the heat. Add 1/4-3/4 cup honey (just depends on taste preference), and stir. Let cool for an hour in the pot, then pour into a large enough pitcher filled halfway with ice, and let sit for another hour on the counter. Once it has cooled off, place in the fridge and let chill till ready to serve (it's good hot as well).

For a fall honey tea, add a packet of apple cider to the tea after it boils and stir till dissolved. Then place 2 cinnamon sticks into the pot while it is still hot.

Stuffed Sweet Potato Apples

Okay, so Autumn is a ways out (almost 2 months out), but yesterday was one of those rainy, cool (75 degrees) summer days that made me think of the coming of autumn. As I stared at my newly planted and hopefully soon to be large pumpkin patch, the want for something with the flavor of autumn came to mind. With a sweet potato and apple, this is what I came up with:

Ingredients:

• 4 Macintosh or Braeburn apples, cored to the middle (not all the way through) with about a teaspoon to tablespoon size hole cut out at the top
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses or honey
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon, plus some for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4-1/2 cup walnuts or chopped pecans

Directions:

Stuffed Apple

1. Preheat oven to 350. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a square baking dish.
2. Bring potatoes to a boil in a large pot, until softened. Then mash in a small to medium mixing bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, half the brown sugar, half of the nuts, and half of the molasses or honey. Mix together till blended.
3. Place the remaining butter inside each of the apples, along with some of the brown sugar. Then stuff the apples a teaspoon at a time with the sweet potato mix until filled. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top, along with the molasses or honey, and brown sugar. For some added flavor, take a few pinches of cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.
4. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour, until the apple is nice and soft. After 30 minutes of cooking, drizzle some of the melted butter from the dish over the apple skins and continue cooking.

Once they are done, serve with ice cream or whipped cream and a side of apple cider or some tea. This is a great dish to get one in the mood for fall or for an autumn event.

Holiday Party Menu

Creating a holiday party menu is easy and no stress with these easy to make recipes. Cheese and sausage balls are so simple to make, and the peppermint cake adds just enough sweetness to the spread.

Cheddar Cheese Ball and Ranch Cheese Ball

The secret to these cheese balls are Worcestershire sauce and the right amount of cheese.
Ingredients:

• 12 oz of Philadelphia whipped or regular cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/2-1 tablespoon worchestshire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box Ritz holiday crackers

Directions:

1. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature, just to soften.
2. Mix sauce, garlic salt, pepper, and 3/4 cup cheese into the cream cheese.
3. Pour the remaining cheese onto a serving plate. Form the cream cheese mix into a ball, and roll in the shredded cheddar till evenly coated.
4. Place ball on a serving platter surrounded by chips.

For the ranch cheese ball, use all the same ingredients, except the shredded cheddar. Simply add 1/2 to 1 whole packet ranch dip into the mix, and use a four cheese mix.
These would be a great addition to a holiday party.

Sausage Balls

The best sausage ball (and easiest) has proven to be Paula Deen's. Three ingredients are needed: sausage, cheese, Bisquick, and a pinch of pepper. For a neat variation, use maple sausage and sharp cheddar (it is awesome).

Of course, using the base recipe, spices could be added to give the sausage balls more kick, and a great seasonal sauce to dip them in would be hot cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 can jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (or a spicy BBQ sauce)

Directions:
Simply heat the cranberry sauce till liquefies, and add hot sauce to taste. Add some salt and pepper if desired. Pour into sauce dishes and serve with meatballs or sausage balls.

Peppermint Cake

This peppermint cake is easy prep and bake, and requires no crazy mixing.

Christmas Tree, Monterey, CA 2010

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow or chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients labeled on box)
• 2 bags Andes peppermint baking chips
• 2 cans white or chocolate frosting
• Several pieces of peppermint bark
• 1 bag peppermint Hershey kisses (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven and prepare the cake mix according to instructions on the box.
2. Fold in 1/2 bag of baking chips into the mix. Pour the batter in 2 sprayed 9 inch cake pans, and bake according to packaging.
3. Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then take out of pans and finish cooling completely on cooling rack.
4. Place the bottom layer onto a cake tray and ice the top. Sprinkle with peppermint chips, and decorate the top with peppermint bark.
5. Put unwrapped peppermint kisses around the bottom of the cake (or on the top), and serve.

This cake could be sprinkled with coconut, and if using a chocolate cake, frost with white icing and sift cocoa on top.

The cheese balls, sausage balls, and peppermint cake would make a great spread or addition to any holiday or Christmas get together. These are great, no fuss recipes, and sure to be a holiday success!

PATRIOTIC FRUIT DESSERTS
Chocolate Covered Bananas and Banana Pudding Popsicles

4th of July is around the corner, and that usually means cookouts, potlucks, and gatherings which involve food. These simple desserts are great for the family while watching fireworks or a parade, or fun for a gathering.


Chocolate Banana's with Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles

Ingredients:

6-8 Bananan's, cut in half
4 oz. unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 to 1 1/2 cup sugar (do not use if using semisweet chocolate
Patriotic sprinkles
12-16 popsicle sticks

Directions:

1. Cut banana's in half, and place the popsicle sticks in the center of the cut part.
2. Pour sprinkles on a plate .
3. Melt the butter and chocolate in a sauce pan over medium or medium low heat.Once melted, stir in the sugar.
4. Once melted, dip the banana's into the chocolate, let some drip off, and then roll in the sprinkles.
5. Place the banana's on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in freezer until ready to serve.

Banana Pudding Popsicles

Ingredients:
6-8 banana's, cut in half
12-16 popsicle sticks
4 cups of milk
2 packets of instant vanilla pudding
24 crushed nilla wafers
whipped cream

Directions:

1. Cut banana's in half and place the popsicle sticks in the center of the cut part.
2. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the box.
3. Pour crushed nilla wafers onto a flat plate.
4. Dip the banana's into the pudding and roll in the wafers.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze.
6. When ready to serve, use whipped cream for dipping.

These are easy, somewhat patriotic and a hit with the kids. Happy 4th of July!

Guacamole Chicken Pizza

Avocados are wonderful fruits originating from Mexico. These delicious fruits have provided the world with flavorful dressings, dips, sauces, and as a topping on salads, fish, or other foods. It is even good in tomato and ham sandwiches. The Haas Avocado is most widely known in America and is popular worldwide. In fact, it is probably what is used in most all dips, dressings, sauces, sandwiches, and toppings, and why not? It ripens nicely and offers savory flavor to any dish.

One such dish for which it can be used is, pizza. Just whip up a simple guacamole recipe using 2-3 Haas avocados and prepare to try something new and yummy.


Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough (preferably a recipe, Alton Brown's is suggested)
• 2-3 ripe Haas Avocados
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 package pepperoni
• 1 cup cooked bacon, broken to pieces (optional)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 red or white onion, finely chopped (food processor suggested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups ranchero or panela cheese (if unable to find, use Monterrey jack or Mexican four cheese)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1 lime (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare dough as directed. Cook chicken until temperature is 165, shred, and set aside. If using bacon, cook the night before and break it into pieces or use it as strips.
2. Cut the avocado, pit it, spoon the mesh out into a bowl, along with cilantro, and slightly mash. Place in a food processor to puree.
3. Preheat oven to 400. Brush olive oil over prepared pizza crust. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
4. Spread the guacamole over the crust, leaving about half an inch from the edges.
5. Sprinkle chopped onion and tomato (use food processor to finely chop) onto the pie. Followed by the cheese.
6. Place remaining meat ingredients on pizza, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until done.
7. Squeeze lime juice around the pizza and enjoy.

This is a great recipe for summer. It is different and delicious. Not to mention versatile.

BBQ Chicken Pizza (minis)

As I mentioned in the Oven BBQ Chicken recipe, it is versatile. If the thought of eating the same thing the next night or week is not appealing, then be creative. This chicken is not only good by itself, but also paired with other items on a pizza (or even a casserole, salad, or sandwich).

BBQ Mini Pizza

For the basic mini pizza recipe this is all that is needed:

• Cooked BBQ Chicken, shredded
• 1-1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or cheddar and mozzarella cheese (try using the blocks of cheddar and fresh mozzarella)
• 6-10 flat bread sandwich breads (Nature's Own) or pita bread, bagel halves, English muffins, and flour tortilla's (note: if using bagels or English muffins, spread a thin layer of butter on before adding the toppings).

Directions:

Turn the oven on broil and place the flat bread halves on a pizza pan (with holes preferrably). Sprinkle on the cheese and place chicken on top. Pour a spoon of extra sauce over each, and put under broiler for 1-2 minutes (until cheese is melted and bubbly).

It's that simple!

Now for add-ons. In the case of our family, we had left over black eyed peas. So, I sprinkled on some cheese, placed a tablespoon full of black eyed peas on top, and then the chicken. Cooked under broiler, and the kids loved it! Even my son who never eats the peas had a 2nd piece.

Other suggestions would be: sliced peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, parsley, spinach, feta cheese or even spread a layer of cream cheese on the bottom.

Overall, this is a great quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Warm weather brings out the want for some good tasting BBQ. The best (personal opinion) is grilled, but sometimes pulling out the grill and preparing it isn't always convenient for some. This recipe is perfect for the oven or the grill. The ingredients are simple, the taste is great, and it can be used for more than just the main dish on the plate (as will be shown in future posts).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast, cut in half)
2 (1 1/2 if want) tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
Pepper for sprinkling and taste
1 bottle of original BBQ sauce of choice (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix all the spices and the brown sugar together in a large bowl.
2. Rinse chicken under cold water, dry with paper towels, and toss into the bowl of spices. Rub each piece well with spices. Mix more spice if needed.
3. Place chicken and spices in a large ziplock bag and refrigerate 2-4 hours or over night.
4. After the chicken has set in the fridge, heat oven to 400.
5. Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of a large rectangle baking dish. Pour about a cup into the bag of chicken, reseal the bag and shake to combine.
6. Using tongs, place the chicken in the dish. Pour more sauce over it if wish, or drizzle honey over it.
7. Cook for 30-40 minutes (if using breasts, 40-60, depending on how oven cooks), or until chicken is easy to pull apart and at least a temperature of 165-170.
8. Plate up beside slaw and beans or make a sandwich complete with pickles.

This is a great recipe for the family. It is easy, and if one has a special sauce recipe, use it instead of store bought. Not only will this feed the family, there will be leftovers for the next day.

To grill, simply follow steps 1-3. Place on grill, turning once. Brush some sauce on one side before it is done and plate.

Easy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup and Rice and Beans

This recipe is ridiculously easy, and was a hit with the family this evening.

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced Chicken Breasts (4-6) or 1-1 1/2 lbs Chicken Cutlets (which will cook much quicker, 35-45 minutes compared to 60-90)
• 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and Pepper
• Montreal Chicken Seasoning
• 1-2 bags of 10 minute rice
• 1 can green beans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. If using chicken breasts, slice in half or buy already thinly sliced then lay them in a baking dish. If using cutlets simply place them in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and montreal seasoning across each piece.
4. In a bowl, mix the soup and milk together. Pour over chicken.
5. Cook in oven for 45-70 minutes (until chicken is 165-170°).
6. Prepare rice as directed. Drain, empty into pot, and mix in 2-3 tablespoons butter.
7. Heat the green beans over medium.
8. Once the chicken is done cooking, let sit for a minute. Cut into desired size pieces. Mix with the rice and green beans, and a little more butter (if desired) and serve.

This goes great with a good dinner roll and some tea.

Weeknight Meal Plan: Pasta Bake

This is a quick and easy meal plan, requiring ingredients that are pretty much on hand, and fast enough to find and checkout in the express lane.

Ingredients

1 lb cooked and drained spaghetti, rotini, or macaroni noodles

1 16-24 oz can or jar tomato sauce of choice

1/2 lb of ready to use pepperoni, cut into strips

3/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
1/4-1/2 cup parmessan cheese

2-3 balls (8-10 oz) of mozzarella cheese, cut into thin circles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Cook pasta according to box directions, drain.
3. Pour 1/4 cup sauce on bottom of a 2 quart or 13x9 baking dish.
4. Cut mozzarella and pepperoni in thin slices.
5. Mix pasta, remaining sauce, pepperoni, ricotta, and parmessan together in a bowl, until well mixed.
6. Pour into baking dish, and place slices of mozzarella on top.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, then turn oven to broil, and cook another 5-8 minutes (until browned a bit).

Serve with garlic toast (French bread with butter and garlic rubbed on or garlic salt, browned under broiler), and some fresh simple salt and pepper green beans.

The whole family will love this, and it is simple as can be!

Seasonal Foods and Weeknight Meal Plans: Weeknight Turkey Chili and Garlic Toast

Seasonal Foods and Weeknight Meal Plans: Weeknight Turkey Chili and Garlic Toast: Winter is the time to enjoy warm comfort foods. This chili recipe is great for the winter season. Not only is it warm, but instead of using ...

Weeknight Turkey Chili and Garlic Toast

Winter is the time to enjoy warm comfort foods. This chili recipe is great for the winter season. Not only is it warm, but instead of using beef, I've lightened up and used turkey instead. Along with some spices, sliced grape tomatoes, kidney and black beans. With some garlic toast on the side.

Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil


• 1 pound ground turkey


• 1 teaspoon chili powder


• 1/2 teaspoon paprika


• 1/4 teaspoon cumin


• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt


• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper


• 1 tub grape tomatoes, sliced in half


• 1 can kidney beans


• 1 can black beans, half drained


• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

Directions:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot on stove top. Mix the turkey and spices together in a large bowl. Place in the olive oil and cook till browned (8-10 minutes), on medium high heat.

Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, and the tomato halves. Bring to a slight boil over medium heat, then simmer.

Use a ladle to fill a bowl, sprinkle some cheese on top, and enjoy.

Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

6 slices of sandiwch bread

6 teaspoons of butter

Garlic salt for sprinkling

Directions:

Turn oven to broil. Spread butter on bread slices, place on a cookie sheet, and sprinkle garlic salt on top. Broil until slightly browned (2-3 minutes),

Variations

Like all food, this can be added to. For more tomato, add half a can of stewed tomatoes or a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce or paste. Before cooking the turkey, add some chopped celery and onion to the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and let cook till softened. Then follow the turkey chili directions.

For something different, add 1/2 to 1 cup salsa to the recipe, some cut up avocado, and serve with some sour cream or tortilla chips (a personal favorite, is peach salsa. It goes really well with the turkey, and I found my jar at "All Things Savannah" in Savannah, Georgia).

This is just another great winter comfort food that can be enjoyed all season long. It's easy, little prep time, and no fuss to cook. Perfect for busy families.