Braisin' Women

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

2011-12-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Just in time for all of those New Year's resolutions to eat better. You might want to check out another recipe, because this one falls very low on the healthy scale. It is probably pretty high in protein. So I guess there is a bright side. Never mind all the carbs though.
7 potatoes peeled, cubed
1 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups cheddar cheese
5-6 strips cooked bacon
1/2 cup milk
scallions or green onions, chopped
Boil potatoes then mash. Add in the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 of cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients together. You might want to add some salt and pepper (I do) just remember it doesn't take much because the bacon and rest of the cheese will be layered on top. Spread in a 9 by 13 baking dish, top with remaining cheese, bacon and onions. Bake at 350 to cheese is melted and bubbly.

Blueberry Soybean Salad

2011-08-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 pkg frozen soybeans (edemame)
1 medium container fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Dressing:
1/4 cup blueberry-pomegranate juice
4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
6 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey

Directions:
Cook soybeans according to pkg directions, toss with dressing. Let cool.
Add mint and basil. Serve chilled.

This is better than you might think!!

Almost Vegan Lasagna

2011-08-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Gross, I know. But it was actually fantastic - and not entirely vegan.

Ingredients:
9 Oven-ready lasagna noodles (for 9x9 dish)
1 package firm tofu (I promise, it will not be as bad as it sounds)
16oz fresh spinach
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Garlic salt
1 Onion, chopped
1 bunch asparagus cut into 1" pieces
1/2 eggplant, chopped into 1" cubes
Your favorite premade sauce
Your favorite shredded cheese (just a little, I used a Mexican blend)

Directions:
In a food processor, pulse tofu + spinach, then
Add basil + oregano + garlic salt + sauce
In a pan, saute onions + eggplant + asparagus for about 10 minutes
Starting with sauce mix then noodles, layer all ingredients
Top with remaining sauce + cheese

Cover with foil. Bake at 375* for 40 minutes

Trust me, it is great.

Greg's Spherical Snack

2011-07-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

So this snack is actually in ball-form, but you can understand why I didn't entitle them in that descriptive manner, following Greg's name...

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Quick oats
4 T Honey
1/2 cup Chocolate chips

Combine PB, oats, and honey. Add in chocolate chips. Form into individual balls and roll in a more oats to coat. Makes about 12

These are just smaller than a golf ball

We even did the nutrition facts!
Fat - 7gm
Calories - 100
Sugar - 4gm
Fiber - 1gm
Protein - 3gm

PIMIENTO CHEESE

2011-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

3 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup finely chopped drained pimientos
1/2 cup mayonaise (a little more or less depending on how creamy you want it)
1/2 tsp. celery salt
a little salt and pepper to taste

Mix together and eat immediately or refrigerate a day or so. It seems to get better the longer it sits.
Serve on a sandwich, with veggies or with crackers, toasted baguette slices or pita chips.

This is quick and easy to stir up and really good. Use as spread or dip. Either way you will be impressed!

My New Favorite Salad

2011-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Salad:
Romaine lettuce + avocados, sliced + shaved Parmesan cheese

The Dressing: Lemon vinaigrette
Juice of 4 -5 lemons
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup EVOO
Zest of 1 of the lemons

Blend. Eat. LOVE.

I had this dressing at Antico Posto, a restaurant in Chicago that I love. Have been trying to figure the recipe out for weeks. I think I could eat this everyday.

Chocolate Bread Pudding (aka: OMG)

2011-03-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

So once I ate this stuff, a completely different name came to mind but I thought I had better stick to the original! This is a Paula Deen recipe that I watched her make on the Food Network the other day. The way she carried on about it I thought, "well, it can't be quite THAT good but maybe I'll try it"... My family was in dessert heaven. ENJOY!!

Ingredients
* 1-pound loaf French or Italian bread, cut into cubes (about 15 cups)
* 3 cups milk
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup coffee-flavored liqueur
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Place the bread in the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and liqueur.
In another bowl, combine the granulated and brown sugars with the cocoa powder and mix well. Add this to the milk mixture and whisk to combine.
Add the vanilla and almond extracts and the cinnamon to the beaten eggs. Combine the egg mixture with the milk mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes; let stand, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed most of the milk mixture. Bake the pudding for 1 hour, or until set; a knife inserted into the center of the pudding should come out clean. Serving the pudding warm, or refrigerate it and serve chilled.
Serve it warm or cold, with whipped cream or a dessert sauce.

Here's the link so I give "props" to the creator!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-bread-pudding-recipe3/index.html

Egg Cups

2011-01-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick, easy breakfast, that looks like you slaved away all morning? Then eggs cups are for you.
Bacon
Eggs
Grated cheddar cheese
Kosher salt
Ground pepper

Line muffin tin with bacon, just around the edges, leaving the bottom empty. Crack an egg and put inside the bacon ring. Top with salt and pepper, sprinkle on the cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy.
You can also add spinach, a piece of bread on the bottom of the muffin tin (just cut out a circle), different cheeses, even peppers, onion or tomatoes. The possibilities are endless. Happy snowy Sunday.

Lasagna Roll Call!!!

2011-01-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

It seems lasagna is one of those things that is either really great or really not. I have gotten fairly raving reviews about this recipe (humbly spoken) and wanted to share. Rules before starting: absolutely no ground beef and cottage cheese is forbidden - as it should be anyway.

Ingredients:
Oven ready lasagna noodles
1 package Italian sausage
1large jar spaghetti sauce - I like Prego traditional
1 large tub Ricotta cheese. This is the key!
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
Parsley, basil, oregano to taste

Directions:
Brown sausage. Mix in sauce.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella 1/3 cup parmesan, lots of the herbs.
Layer in 9x13 and top with more mozzarella
Dust with cracked pepper, cover with foil and bake according to noodle directions. Remove foil near the end of baking time to get that gorgeous, bubbly cheese.

Trust me, this rocks.

CREAMY POTATO AND ASPARAGUS SOUP

2010-11-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

1 large bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1 in. pieces
1 1/4 lb. potatoes, peeled and chopped - about 3 medium sized
1 12-oz. can evaporated milk
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, more if desired
bacon fried crisp and broken into small pieces

Put all ingredients except bacon in large pan and bring to a low boil. Simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Let cool slightly and puree 1/2 to 2/3 of soup mixture in blender. Remove center of blender lid and cover top with a towel to prevent hot liquid from spewing out. Return mixture to pan and reheat for serving. Fill bowls and sprinkle with bacon.

Summer Sangria

2010-08-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

This has been a favorite this summer at family gatherings and on boating adventures.

1 bottle Riesling wine
1 can frozen pink lemonade
1/2 bottle club soda
2 packets Crystal Light raspberry mix
1 small package of frozen mixed fruit
1 lemon, sliced.

Mix all. Drink. Enjoy.

Spinach-Pistachio Pasta Sauce

2010-07-04T10:32:00.001-07:00

I didn't get a picture of this because it was gone before I could get the camera out! This is an update on a pasta I had previously posted - much better!

1. Boil 1 box whole wheat penne noodles - drain but SAVE the water
2. In a food processor or blender, blend 1 package fresh spinach, 5 basil leaves, leaves of 2 sprigs of rosemary, 1/3 block of fat-free cream cheese, 1 tub of low-fat feta cheese, and 2 tsp garlic powder.
3. Add in about 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta water. I used a couple tbsp of EVOO to thicken the sauce but it's not imperative.
4. Add in about 1/2 cup whole pistachios and blend until satisfactorily chopped :-)

This is SO good and good for you!!

Napa Salad (my version)

2010-06-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Of all the salads in all the places I've eaten, the Napa Valley Salad right here at Fiddlesticks is my all-time favorite! So I made up my own and it is really delish! The arugula in the spring mix is a little peppery so use hearts of Romaine if your kiddos won't appreciate the bite!

Ingredients:
Spring Mix Lettuce
Dried Cranberries
Glazed Pecans (this makes it)
Feta Cheese
Toasted Pine Nuts
Yellow Pepper
Champagne Dressing (see pic)

Spinach Cheese Souffle

2010-03-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

I thought this was going to be hard - turns out, it took 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake!

1. Butter inside of 4 round ramekins or 1 larger round casserole dish
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 stick butter and add 1/4 c flour. Whisk until combined then add 1.5c milk - stir constantly until thick (about 5 minutes).
3. Add 1/2 tsp nutmeg (my style: open container and dump to taste), 1 tsp salt (I use Kosher), and pepper.
4. Stir in 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. I forgot to do the Parm step so I sprinkled it on top instead :-)
5. Fold in 2 cups baby spinach
6. Add 6 egg yolks (set aside the 6 egg whites) and mix in 1 slice of bread, decrusted and cubed
7. With a mixer, beat egg whites until very fluffy (~2 minutes). Stir 1/4 of the egg whites into the cheese mixture then gently fold in the remaining fluff.
8. Bake at 400* for about 30 minutes or until the souffle has puffed up and is a lovely golden brown.

Serve ASAP or they start to sink. They still rock even if they deflate!

THE Greatest Dinner EVER

2010-02-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition in our house to have fondue for Valentine's Day. Here is the menu:

(Ugly pic, good food)

Beer Cheese Soup
1 cup onion, minced
1 cup celery, minced
2 tbsp flour
3/4 bottle lager
1 tsp curry
1 tbsp dry mustard powder
3 cups chicken broth
1 lb cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, cubed

Sweat (saute) veggies in 5 tbsp butter
Mix in flour and curry
Add lager, broth, and mustard - bring to boil then reduce heat
Add cheeses with a whisk

Cube Pumpernickel bread to dip in the soup. THE best combo

Fondue
Gihradelli's semi-sweet chips (6 oz)
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in heat-safe glass bowl over pan of boiling water and melt.
Add to fondue pot (optional) heated with tealight

Dippers
Apple slices
Banana quarters
Strawberries and....

Marshmallows rolled in melted butter, then rolled in crushed graham crackers. MY FAVORITE!!

This WILL make you feel overindulgent!!

Peanut Butter Pie

2009-11-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a little pie recipe to add something different to your Thanksgiving menu. You won't regret this!
1 prepared graham cracker pie crust
2 pkgs. cream cheese, softened
2 cups peanut butter, creamy
1-2 cups powdered sugar (depends how sweet you want the pie)
1 tsp vanilla
hershey's chocolate syrup
whipped cream

Mix cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla, then slowly add powdered sugar to taste. I usually add about 1 and 3/4 cups of powdered sugar. If the filling gets too dry add a bit of milk. Mix well. Then dump into pie crust and chill for an hour or so. Drizzle syrup and a dab of whipped cream on top and enjoy!

Brussel Sprout. Yes, brussel sprouts.

2009-11-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

If you don't like brussel sprouts it could be because you've only had them boiled (yuck). These are SUPER good.

Ingredients:
1 package brussel sprouts, cut in half lengthwise
Small package chopped walnuts, toasted (throw onto baking sheet at 400* for 10-15 mins).
1/4 cup RWV (red wine vinegar)
2T honey
2 entire green onions, sliced
Kosher salt
EVOO (olive oil)

Directions:
Coat sprouts in EVOO and roast at 400* until browned (about 30 minutes)
While they are in the oven, mix remaining ingredients (except salt)
Remove sprouts from oven and toss with RWV mixture
Sprinkle with salt

I'm hungry now.

Succotash

2009-11-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

At least I think that's what you'd call this...

Preheat Oven to 400*
1. 8 red potatoes, quartered
2. 1 red pepper, sliced
3. 1 yellow pepper, sliced
4. 1/2 white onion, sliced
5. 1 can corn, drained
6. 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
7. Tony Chachero's Seasoning - or salt, pepper, and some cayenne

Throw 1-4 onto large cookie sheet (that has sides). Drizzle with EVOO (or vegetable oil, either one). Roast for about 25 minutes.

Add 5-7 and roast another 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

**Also add turkey kielbasa, okra, chicken, green beans, etc....)

Cake Lollipops!

2009-10-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

These are so much fun! Bakerella is my new favorite website. She has tons and tons of these little creatures (much better than mine) and they are incredible!

Directions:
1. Bake a cake according to box directions, break apart and let cool.
2. Mix 3/4 tub cake icing with crumbled cake in bowl
3. Form small round balls (or whatever shape)
4. Using a few melted candy melts, dip ends of lollipop stick and place half-way into cake ball. Place in fridge or freezer for a few minutes on wax paper.

5. Using candy melt color of your choice, melt and dip cake lollipop. Let dry on wire rack
6. Decorate!

See Bakerella's website for a better description of the directions!!

Pancake Cake

2009-09-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

1.) Make pancakes as you normally would, just add a little extra milk (to make them thinner) - I happen to like the Bisquick mix myself!
2.) Layer 10ish pancakes with either chocolate sauce, syrup, strawberry preserves, blueberry preserves, honey - ok, you get it - any gooey thing!
3.) Cut into triangles just like cake.
4.) Top with whip cream!!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2009-09-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Having had three sick children this week, and with the approaching fall weather, I thought now would be the perfect time to share my soup recipe.

1 rotisserie chicken (I buy one from wal-mart already cooked,) or 2-3 cooked chicken breasts, shredded. I do not use the whole chicken, save the rest for sandwiches.
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 c. onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
extra wide egg noodles, small bag
2 cans chicken broth
3 chicken boullion cubes
salt and pepper to taste

Sautee onion, celery and carrots until tender, slowly add chicken broth, shred chicken add to pot, then add the noodles, add water if necessary, then add the boulion cubes and the salt and pepper, let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until ready to eat. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches and you will feel better in no time!

Avocado, Tomato & Feta Cheese Appetizer

2009-08-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

2 avocados, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 small red onion, chopped (optional)
1 bunch cilantro, trimmed and chopped
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
1 TBS red wine vinegar
1 TBS ground cumin
1 tsp. kosher salt

Combine avocado, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Mix gently. Add all other ingredients and mix gently until combined. Chill and serve with warm pita wedges, pita chips, tortilla chips, or crostini. Refrigerate any leftovers. Serves 6

Couscous Salad and Provelone Croquets

2009-07-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

I totally made this up, but it was AWESOME.

Ingredients:
1 box plan couscous, cooked in chicken broth according to box
Mixed greens lettuce
2 avacados, cubed
1/2 red pepper, chopped
5 baby carrots, finely chopped
3 tbsp green onion, chopped
3+ tbsp red wine vinegar
Cavender's Greek Seasoning (my favorite)
Shredded parm cheese

Directions:
Layer salad - lettuce, couscous, avacados, peppers, carrots, onions.
Sprinkle with vinegar and seasoning, to taste.
Top with parm cheese

This sounds strange but was so good we were FULL (...from salad!)

Croquets:
I don't even know if that is what you would call these....!

Place plain biscuits on sprayed pan and flatten each to about 3" diameter.
Sprinkle with cracked black pepper
Top with 1 quarter circle of provelone cheese.
Bake according to biscuit directions!

Tostada Pizza

2009-07-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Jiffy pizza crust mix, fully cooked
Corn
Black beans
Artichokes
Onion
Tomato
Lettuce, shredded or julienne
Tortilla chips, crunched up
Ranch dressing

Directions:
Use ranch dressing as the pizza sauce directly on crust.
Layer pizza with all the veggies
Top with chips and drizzle with a little more ranch.

This is even somewhat healthy!

Stacy's Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches

2009-06-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have a food blog?? I had forgotten (kidding). So this is actually a recipe from Stacy H but she hasn't quite mastered Blogger yet! So I am posting this on her behalf!

Ingredients:
Chicken breast, pounded out flat,seasoned with whatever (Tony Chachero's), and grilled
1-2 avacados, sliced in half and grilled face-down then smushed to make a schmear
Fresh spinach
Olive Oil Mayo
Baby Swiss slices
Tomato, sliced
Ciabatta buns, halved and toasted with EVOO on grill

Pile it all up and enjoy! Super awesome.

2009-06-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Chicken and Shells

3-4 chicken breasts
1 box whole wheat penne pasta
2 eggs, beaten
1-2 cups mozzarella cheese
cherry tomatoes
fresh parsley-about a cup, chopped
couple of snips of fresh oregano and basil
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic--chopped
green onions chopped, about a half of a cup
salt and pepper
white wine or chicken broth

Fry chicken breasts (unbreaded), dice chicken and set to side. Cook penne according to package directions. I salt my water before boiling. Meanwhile, in same skillet used to cook the chicken, sautee garlic and onion, then deglaze pan with some white wine or chicken broth. Remove from heat. Drain almost all of the water from the pasta, then combine eggs, parsley and cheese together. Add pasta into the large bowl, stir in the garlic and onion mixture. Mix well. Add sliced cherry tomatoes and the diced chicken and salt and pepper to taste. I salt and pepper my chicken before cooking as well. Serve immediately. You can also add squash, asparagus, mushrooms, peas, shrimp, etc.

Best Cake Evah!

2009-05-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

This cake has an alternate title, however, I decided to go with this one. Some variations would be better than Robert Redford (telling it's age), Dream Cake....you get the drift. It's a great cake to take to BBQ'S or anywhere you want people to be your friend for the rest of your life.

1 box devils food cake mix--prepared according to package
1 can caramel sauce
1 can sweetened condensed milk
tub of whipped cream
1-2 cups of toffee bits

Bake cake according to package, then while still warm poke holes all over the top of the cake. I use the handle of a wooden spoon. Then pour the sweetened milk over cakeand let soak in to cake. Then add the caramel sauce and let soak. About 10 minutes between each one. Refrigerate for an hour or so, then top with whipped cream and toffee bits. Serve cold. Keep refrigerated.

Baked Green Beans

2009-04-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Alena LOVES these. She eats them like normal kids eat fries.

Fresh green beans, the hard ends picked off
EVOO (of course)
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Optional: Cavender's, Tony Chachero's, Lowry's.... ANYthing you want.

Bake at 425* x30 minutes. Perfect, easy side dish!

Chicken Fried Rice

2009-04-06T14:24:00.001-07:00

This is a quick and easy favorite at our house. You can add whatever veggies you want. Pick up some frozen egg rolls and you are set!

6 cups cooked rice (can use any kind you like)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup soy sauce
frozen peas and carrots
4 cooked and cubed chicken breasts
1/ 4 tsp white pepper
3-4 green onions chopped

Heat oil, then add eggs and scramble. Then add onions, peas and carrots, cook until warm, add ric, white pepper and chicken, then mix well with soy sauce. Serve while hot w/ some egg rolls and you have got dinner in 15-20 minutes

Hens

2009-03-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THESE.

Directions:
1. Take thawed cornish game hens and butterfly by cutting the underside from top to bottom. Makes a great sound.
2. Loosen the skin in a few places leaving 'pockets' all over.
3. In a bowl, combine EVOO, parsley, rosemary (a LOT, this is the best part), Kosher salt, garlic, and anything else you have a craving for!
4. With a spoon or your fingers, pack this mixture under the skin and pat the skin back down into place.
5. Lay the hens meat-side up in a little EVOO in a glass baking dish. Brush with more EVOO, salt, pepper, or whatever other flavors you're feeling that day.
6. Bake at 425-450* for 45mins or so, until top golden brown and meat no longer pink.

Green Chile Corn Chowder & Crescent Chips

2009-03-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Chowder Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp butter
2lb package frozen corn
4 cups chicken broth
4 oz no- or low-fat cream cheese
small can green chiles
Salt & Pepper
Cayenne pepper
Parsley & chopped tomato for garnish

Directions:
Saute the garlic and onion in butter about 4 minutes
Add corn, broth, & chiles and bring to a boil, reduce and simmer for 10 minutes
Add cream cheese and stir til melted
Using stick or regular blender, blend slightly
Add in all the spices to taste
Top with parsley and tomato

Directions for Crescent Chips:
(Pay attention - this is tricky :~P )
Cut each triangle into four small triangles
Place on sprayed pan
Add seasonings if desired
Cook at 375* for less than 10 minutes
Use to dip in Chowder or ANY other soup!

Sticky Chicken

2009-03-16T17:44:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
olive oil
lowry's season salt
thyme
bay leaves

Clean out all the insides of the chicken, wash and pat dry. Rub lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle w/ seasonings. Sometimes I stuff w/ carrots and celery and a little bit of onion. Bake at 325 degrees for about 3 hours, then once it has browned a bit on top, take the juices and baste the chicken and let cook for a little longer. You can do this throughout the baking process. I check my chicken w/a meat thermometer just to be on the safe side. The correct temp is on the thermometer. Enjoy!

Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells

2009-03-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

While we've betting hitting the pasta dishes lately I thought I'd share another! I didn't add a pic since some kinds of pasta look the same once cooked - baked spaghetti, lasagne, stuffed shells... Just imagine a big dish with ooey, gooey sauce, cheese, parsley, and parm right out of the oven and you've got the visual!

Ingredients:
1 box jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground turkey
1 can artichokes, coursely chopped
16 oz Ricotta cheese
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 leaves fresh basil, chopped - this makes the dish!!
Red sauce
Red pepper flakes
S&P to taste
Shredded mozzerella cheese
Shredded parm-reg cheese
Fresh or dried parsley
EVOO

Directions:
Heat oven to 425*
1. Bring large pot of water to a boil with a few dashes of salt (to flavor the noodles) and a tablespoon EVOO (to keep noodles from sticking). Boil shells until JUST tender, more al dente (stiff bite)
2. In large pan, saute garlic in a tablespoon of EVOO then add turkey. Season with 1 teaspoon each salt and cracked pepper. Remove from pan, let cool in large bowl.
3. Once cooled slightly, dump in ricotta, eggs, basil, & artichokes. Mix well.
4. Pour about 1 cup sauce in bottom of baking dish. Stuff shells with turkey mixture and line up in dish. Cover with sauce and sprinkle LIGHTLY with red pepper flakes (these are powerful - go easy if you're a wimp like me)
5. Top generously with mozz cheese then with parm-reg. Sprinkle with parsley. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 mins.
ENJOY!

Pasta Carbonara (the unhealthy version)

2009-03-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick, easy and not so healthy pasta dish. I got the original recipe from the pioneer woman however I have altered it a bit.

1 lb bacon
1 small package linguine or angel hair pasta
clove garlic
2 cups Parmesan cheese
2 cans chicken broth
stick of butter
parsley
1 c. white wine
2 eggs

Chop bacon into bite size pieces, then fry in the same pot you will boil the pasta in. Toss in clove or two of garlic(chopped) and continue until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon, leave most of the grease (yes I know) Add white wine to deglaze pan. Once pan is deglazed, add the chicken broth and enough water to cover linguine or the pasta of your choosing. Boil until pasta is tender. Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk two eggs and add 1 1/2 c. cheese and some of the parsley (chopped, about 5-6 stems? stalks, whatever you call that) When the pasta is tender dump into the bowl w/ the eggs and cheese, then add the stick of butter and toss well. Add the bacon, remaining parsley and sprinkle w/ the remaining cheese. Add a salad and some garlic bread and yum! You also might want to save a little of the wine to enjoy with your meal.

Spaghetti Squash "Carbonara"

2009-02-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

I just discovered the endless possibilities of spaghetti squash and I LOVE it. I assume you can pretty much do anything with it you would do with regular pasta.

Ingredients:
1 large spaghetti squash
Kosher salt
Cracked pepper
EVOO
Butter
Onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pack turkey or pork bacon - cooked until crisp
Parmigiana-Regiano cheese
Chopped parsley, if desired
**Chicken breast, cut into cubes, if desired

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*
1. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds.
2. In large baking dish or deep cookie sheet, generously sprinkle salt and pepper.
3. Place squash in pan, face-down, and fill pan about 1/4 inch with water. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 45min-1hr, until fork-tender.
4. While squash is cooking, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside. In same pan, saute onion and garlic in EVOO.
5. When squash is done, take a fork and drag it along the inside (meaty) part. The squash will pull up in long, angel hair-like strands. Place in warm bowl (**I like to put mine in the oven just after it is turned off to heat the bowl, a trick my Aunt Kathy shared with me. I hate putting warm food in a cold dish).
6. Place about 4-5 pats of butter in squash and let melt. Mix well.
7. Finish by adding onion, garlic, parsley, and bacon and a BUNCH of parm-reg cheese ( if you like it as much as I do)!

Shake things up by adding chicken, asparagus, white sauce, mixed red-alfredo sauce, etc. If you have other ideas, please post!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-02-15T12:19:00.001-08:00

1/2 green pepper--minced 1 tsp salt
3 ribs celery--minced 1/2 tsp lemmon pepper
1 jalapeno pepper--minced 2 tsp worceshire sauce
2 cloves garlic--minced 1 tsp chili powder
2 tbs evoo 1 tsp ground cumin
5 ounces ro-tel 6 corn tortillas (or mission tortilla strips) cut in 1 inch strips
1 1/2 c. beef broth cheddar or montery jack cheese
3 1/2 c. chicken broth sour cream
1 10 3/4 ounce can tomato soup sliced black olives
2 cups water
2-3 shredded chicken breasts

Saute 1st 5 ingredients in oil in a large kettle until soft (not brown) Add remaining ingredients, except tortillas and cheese, simmer 50 minutes.

Add tortillas and cook an additional 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and sprinkle w/ cheese, sour cream and black olives.
Can also add chopped tomatoes, scallions, toasted tortilla strips, and avacado.

Prep time 1 1/2 hours, serves 6-8 large servings.
This recipe was given to me by my mother in law and I alter it depending on what ingredients I have on hand. Enjoy.

BAKED EGGS

2009-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

This egg casserole is very easy to prepare and a real crowd pleaser. It's good warmed over too.

12 eggs, beaten
2 cups cottage cheese
1/4 cup flour (mix with cottage cheese)
1 tsp. baking power
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. Lawreys seasoned salt or Jane's Crazy mixed up salt (my favorite)
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) - doesn't make it hot
5 TBS melted butter or margarine
1/2 to 3/4 lb. grated sharp cheddar or Monterrey Jack or a combination
1 4-oz. can mild chopped green chiles

Mix all ingredients through butter together in large bowl. Stir in cheese and green chiles and pour into 9 x 13 casserole that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 35 to 45 minutes or until eggs are just set and top is lightly browned. Serves 8 to 10. Serve with fresh fruit and English muffins.

My Valentine Tradition- Chocolate Soup

2009-02-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we all knew it had to happen.........I have to be the first to post the most fattening thing I could find! This is something I make for my family every Valentine's Day and it's always a big hit. Those of you counting calories....stop reading now.

Here's how you make it:

Bake a chocolate cake according to the box directions. This can be done in advance but I prefer to serve this dish while the cake is still warm.

When the cake is nearly half done, begin working on the soup:
In a heavy saucepan, mix:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar (Splenda works just as well but if you notice the other ingredients....why bother?)
1 tsp vanilla

Whisk these ingredients together and simmer on medium heat until reduced by 1/3, stirring periodically. (approx 20-30 min)

Once the cream mixture has reduced, add:
1 square baker's chocolate
5 oz. Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
3 oz. Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips

Whisk together until the chocolate is all melted and blended together nicely.
Remove from heat and let rest while you work on the whipped cream.

Whipped cream:
whip together 1 cup heavy whipping cream with beaters until frothy
add 1 tsp vanilla and 3 Tbsp confectioner's sugar
continue to beat until stiff peaks form
(normally I would not suggest you whip whipping cream until stiff but for this recipe it works best)
Add 1 oz. each of coarsely chopped Ghirardelli bittersweet and milk chocolate chips and blend well.

Now to assemble:
It is important to know that this dessert is very rich so less is more! It is also important to know that this must be assembled just as you are ready to eat it because the soup will melt the whipped cream very quickly.

Place a small square of cake in your soup bowl
Put a large dallop of whipped cream on top of the cake (approx the size of an icecream scoop)
Gently pour the chocolate soup all around the sides of the cake.
Now enjoy.

Leftover Mashed Potato and Leek Soup

2009-02-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

I always make too many mashed potatoes, so I figured out a quick and easy way to use the leftovers. I make mine out of red potatoes and leave the skin on.

3 T butter
1 leek - chopped
3 cloves garlic - minced
4-5 T flour (consistency should be like when making a white sauce)
24 oz low sodium/low fat chicken broth (this is approx.)
mashed potatoes
shredded cheddar cheese - optional

Melt the butter in a large pot. Saute the leeks and garlic in the butter until soft. Add the flour until you have a pasty consistency. Slowly add the broth. It will be thick at first but will thin out as you add more. Cook broth mixture for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add enough mashed potatoes to reach your desired consistency. More potatoes for thicker soup, less for thinner. Cook until warm throughout. Top with cheddar cheese if so desired. Enjoy!

Risotto

2009-02-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Kids will eat this up!!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Basmati rice (or any white rice)
1/2 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp tarragon
1/2 a bunch of asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
3 oz. procuitto (I've also used cubed ham)
1/2 cup frozen peas
Black pepper to taste
Shredded parmesan
EVOO

Directions:
Saute garlic in 1 tbsp EVOO in deep frying pan or dutch pot, about 4 minutes.
Move garlic to the side and add asparagus.
When asparagus is tender but crisp, push to the side of the pan.
Add procuitto to pan and cook until browned and crispy. Place in a bowl and set aside.

In same pan, saute rice in about 2 tbsp EVOO for about 2 minutes.
Add wine.
After wine has reduced, add chicken broth 1 cup at a time waiting until each cup has reduced before adding the next.
Once all broth is in and has been reduced, add tarragon and simmer until rice is tender and creamy. Sprinkle with pepper as desired.
Add asparagus and peas and mix well.
Dish out into bowls or plates and top with crispy procuitto and parm cheese!

CRANBERRY CHICKEN

2009-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

4 or 5 deboned Chicken Breasts
1 16-oz. can Whole Cranberry Sauce
1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup each Chopped Onion and Celery

Saute chicken in skillet with 2 TB butter and 2 TB olive oil until browned a litttle on both sides. Transfer chicken to casserole dish. Add onion and celery to pan juices and saute. Add cranberry and barbecue sauces to onion mixture and heat until bubbly. Pour over chicken and bake @ 325 for 1 hour, uncovered. Brown rice makes a good accompaniment to this dish.

Note: Brine the chicken breasts ahead of time for 30 min. in l quart of water and 1/4 cup salt for tender and moist chicken. This brine can be used for any chicken recipe and the chicken absorbs only minute amounts of salt.

Poached Pears

2009-01-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

You are going to LOVE this.

Ingredients:
Fresh pears
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 bottle dry white wine
1/2 cup OJ
4 tablespoons cinnamon (or more if you love it like me)
1 cup sugar

Directions:
1.) Combine wines, orange juice, cinnamon, and sugar in deep pot (deep enough to completely immerse pears). Turn on medium-high heat.
2. Peel pears, leaving stem. **A veggie peeler works great for this
3. Place pears in wine mixture and bring to a rolling boil
4. Gently boil pears for 1 to 1.5 hours (can do while you're eating the main course).
5. Once pears are fork-tender, remove from pot. Place on plate or bowl and add your favorite ice cream (mine happens to be Breyer's Natural Vanilla)

Enjoy!!
*I took parts of this recipe from Cuisine Magazine and made my own adjustments, as usual!

Spinach Penne Pasta - WAY easy!

2009-01-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

{{And it's good for you!}}

A variation of a recipe by Giada :~)

1 box whole wheat penne pasta
2 ounces low-fat or fat-free cream cheese
3 ounces low-fat crumbled Feta cheese
3 cloves garlic
6 ounces fresh baby spinach
salt
freshed cracked black pepper
shredded parm-reg cheese

1. Cook pasta; drain, reserving 1 cup water
2. In a blender or food processor, mince garlic.
3. Add cream and feta cheeses, salt, pepper, and half spinach and blend until smooth and creamy
4. Pour in left-over pasta water and pulse until mixed
5. In pasta bowl, layer remaining spinach, noodles, and sauce.

Top with parm-reg

ENJOY!!

Tomato/Avacado Greek Melts

2009-01-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

THIS IS MY FAVORITE RECIPE!!!

Ingredients:
Whole wheat English Muffins, separated in half
Avacados
Roma Tomatoes (or any kind, these are just my favorite)
Provelone Cheese, sliced
Greek Seasoning (I use Cavendar's)
Butter

1. Spread butter onto muffins
2. Broil until toasted
3. Layer on avacado slices, tomato, cheese
4. Top will a few dashes of seasoning
5. Broil again to melt cheese

ENJOY!

(Will add pic at a later time!)

Tomato Soup & Grilled Pesto-Mozz

2009-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

(quick pic)

My own take on a recipe I found in a magazine!

Soup Ingredients:
5 lbs tomatoes
6 cloves garlic
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup diced onion
1 small can tomato paste
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. milk
1 tbsp dried basil or 2 sprigs fresh
red pepper flakes, to YOUR sensitivity for heat!
kosher Salt
black pepper, to taste
EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)

Preheat oven to 425*
1.quarter tomatoes and peel garlic, tossing together in roasting pan with enough EVOO to coat. Sprinkle with kosher salt and roast together for 30-40 minutes.
2. In large pot, saute onion in 2 tbsp EVOO for about 4 minutes. Add broth, red pepper flakes, basil, and black pepper and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove tomato mixture from oven and dump into broth pot (juice and all!) and add tomato paste.
4. Puree with handheld blender or transfer (carefully) to upright blender until smooth.
5. Add milk & cream cheese and stirr until cheese melts.

Sandwich ingredients:
whole grain loaf bakery bread
mozzerella cheese
pesto sauce (homemade or jarred)
butter

Slice bread, butter 1 side, smear on pesto and layer on cheese, toast in pan or stove-top griddle until golden brown.

Use the sandwiches to dip in your soup!

Enjoy!

WELCOME!!

2009-01-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by Braisin' Women, the Recipe Blog for food-loving women! I have a LOVE for cooking and so do many of my girlfriends! We are always sharing recipe secrets and asking each other for new cooking ideas and where better, in this Age of Technology, to do this than a BLOG SPOT! I have invited many women to be authors for this blog so they can post their fabulous culinary ideas, tips, and recipes. If you are interested in becoming an author or know someone who would, shoot me an email!

Blogger is easy to post entries and pictures on, so don't be intimidated! If you aren't ready to attack picture-posting, just post your recipe! I am excited to see what everyone is cooking!!

-Jessica