Tortellini Salad

This tortellini salad is one of my all time favorites.

Making the salad is pretty standard, but I have a special tip 

I want to share with you that I like to take with the tortellini.

After it's cooked I marinate it. Yep...makes all the difference.

It gives the salad that little something special.

I enjoy mine with Kraft Zesty Italian dressing but you can obviously use whatever you like.

To me...the perfect meal. Healthy, filling and a little on the lighter side.

Linked with Foodie Friday and Weekend Potluck.

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TORTELLINI SALAD

Tortellini (I like spinach & cheese)
Fresh mixed greens
Peppered bacon, thick slice
Red bell pepper, chopped
Red onion, thin sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, chopped
Fresh Parmesan, shaved
Fresh cracked black pepper
Italian dressing
I've left amounts off because it's really determined from how many salads you want to make. 
The amount of marinade is good for a 12 oz. bag of  tortellini.

Marinade
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp celery seed
Pinch of salt & pepper

Sever hours, or even the night before, cook tortellini just until al dente; drain. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Add tortellini and stir to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours up to overnight. I like to stir mine several times during the process if possible.

Cook bacon until crisp and break into small pieces.

To assemble: Place mixed greens onto a plate or bowl. Top with tortellini, red pepper, onion, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Add bacon, a little black pepper and some fresh shaved Parmesan. Top with your favorite dressing.

Grilled Shrimp Burgers with Sweet & Spicy Tartar Sauce

What a great change up for a burger.

Super easy to make with a few simple ingredients.

My original recipe calls for cornbread crackers. I didn't have any so I substituted saltines, which worked out wonderfully. Instead of adding the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, I kept that to a pinch because of the additional salt in the cracker.

So good. Especially with the tartar sauce.

Linked with Foodie Friday and Weekend Potluck.

Grilled Shrimp Burgers with Sweet & Spicy Tartar Sauce

Makes 4 Burgers

1 1/4 lb. med. shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 x-large egg, lightly beaten

1 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground red pepper, or more to taste

3 tbsp celery, finely chopped

2 tbsp green onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 1/4 cups crushed cornbread crackers, appx 1 sleeve

4 hamburger buns (I like an onion bun or a Kaiser)

Bibb lettuce

Sweet & Spicy Tarter Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp horseradish

1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Pinch of red pepper, if desired

Mix together, cover and chill 30 minutes to 24 hours.

Cut shrimp into 3rds.

Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and spray with cooking spray.

Stir together egg and next 4 ingredients until blended; stir in celery, green onion and parsley. Fold in shrimp and cracker crumbs (mixture will be very thick). Shape into 4 (4 inch wide, 1 inch thick) patties. Place patties on prepared pan. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Transfer to freezer, and freeze 30 minutes.

Coat cold cooking grate of grill with cooking spray, and place on grill. Preheat grill to 350 to 400 degrees (medium-high heat). Grill burgers, covered with grill lid, 5-6 minutes or until burgers lift easily from cooking grate using a large spatula. Carefully turn burgers, and grill 5-6 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and burgers are cooked through and lightly crisp.

Grill buns on grill 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted. 

Serve on buns with tarter sauce and lettuce.

Sausage Spaghetti (Bumped Up)

I am a huge fan of fast and easy pasta dishes and this one does not disappoint.

The sauce comes together in no time and has a very special ingredient that 

makes it simply awesome.

Anchovies!

I know just hearing the word turns up noses of many people but I can't express enough 

what a good thing it does to this tomato sauce.

It truly doesn't matter if you like them...don't like them...or just tolerate them.

They just melt away into the oil and leave behind this heavenly not too salty bite.

 They are what turns this sauce into a work of art.

Don't worry....you don't have to tell anybody they are in there. They won't even know.

Give it a try. You'll thank me.

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

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Sausage Spaghetti

1 tbsp olive oil
5-6 Anchovies (apprx. 1/2 tin)
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz smoked turkey sausage, cut into 1/2 moons
32 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz diced tomatoes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper
1 lb. angel hair pasta
1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh chopped flat leaf parsley

Heat olive oil and anchovies in a large skillet over medium heat stirring until anchovies disappear into oil. Add onion and red pepper; saute until they start to soften. Stir in garlic; cook 2 minutes. Stir in sausage and cook 3-4 minutes.

Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and add to pasta, along with parmesan and parsley, tossing to combine. Cook 3-4 minutes.

Serve with additional parmesan if desired.

Layered Lettuce Salad

It sometimes surprises me how something so simple can produce something so amazing.

Like this Layered Lettuce Salad.

You simply throw a variety of vegetables in a bowl and cover them with a layer of Miracle Whip, cheese and bacon, then let it sit over night. Hours later, stir it up, and you have something really special.

I know most of you have either heard of it or tried it, but since the first time I made this (at least 30 years ago), it has been one of my very favorites.

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LAYERED LETTUCE SALAD

3/4 head of lettuce, I used mixture of iceberg and romaine
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped, I mixed green and red
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 cups frozen peas
3/4 cup Miracle Whip
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped apprx. 6 slices

Layer in order of ingredients, cover in saran wrap and let sit overnight in refrigerator. Stir together and enjoy.

Brussels Sprout Spaghetti

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This "Brussels Sprout Spaghetti" is one of those super simple 

recipes that's packed with huge flavor.

Had it on the table in about 15 minutes.

You can use any loose pork sausage you want, but the hot sausage I used 

added the perfect amount of spice. I also added mushrooms in there because I had some hanging out in my fridge, but they're totally optional. It would be just as good without them.

Absolutely loved it (so much in fact, I just had some for breakfast).....so did the hubby.

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

Brussels Sprout Spaghetti

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 cups thinly sliced brussels sprouts
1/2 lb loose pork sausage, I used Jimmy Dean hot sausage
1/2 onion, chopped
4 oz can mushrooms, drained (optional)
Salt and Pepper
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 lb spaghetti, cooked
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Fresh grated Parmesan, optional

Heat olive oil in a large non stick skillet over med-high heat. Cook sprouts, sausage and onion with a little salt and pepper, breaking up sausage with a spoon, until done, about 5 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and bread crumbs and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Add in spaghetti and parsley, mix to combine. Taste for seasoning, adding salt/pepper if desired. Drizzle with olive oil and serve sprinkled with Parmesan (if using).

Adapted from Food & Wine magazine.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

This casserole is such a great weekday (anyday) throw-together. 

Takes just minutes to get it into the oven.

   

It's creamy and packed with delicousness. Loved it and I know your family will too. I would venture to say it will become one of those go-to meals we all know and hoard.

Linked with Weekend Potluck. 

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Serves: 8

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

3 slices bacon, diced

1 onion, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded, deveined and diced

2-3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)

4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the topping:

1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (1/2 sleeve)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375*F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook bacon in a large skillet until done, but not too crisp; using a slotted spoon, remove to a paper towel lined plate and reserve. 

Add onion and jalapenos to the same skillet and saute until onion starts to soften. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes longer.

Stir in cream cheese, yogurt, cheddar cheese and Parmesan until mostly melted and combined; stir in chicken and bacon. 

For the topping: mix together crushed crackers, cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake 25-35 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly and topping is brown. If the topping gets too dark before it's done, cover with foil. Serve warm.

Creamy Artichoke Sauce with Tortelloni

My new favorite dish! (as of today)

Super simple and fast, but tastes like it took hours.

I bet this didn't take me more than 15 minutes or so to get on the table.

It was AWESOME! 

My hubby told me it was the best sauce I have ever put over tortelloni. 

That's pretty much a big deal, because I've made a lot of sauces.

Definitely should try. I think you'll love it.

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

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Creamy Artichoke Sauce with Tortelloni

20 oz. Spinach & Ricotta Tortelloni, (like Buitoni)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 tbsp basil pesto
7.5 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped (reserve liquid)
2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4-1/3 cup water
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh grated Parmesan for garnish.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for tortelloni. I would wait to drop until sauce is almost done.

Heat olive oil over med. heat in a skillet. Saute onions with a pinch of salt and pepper until they start to soften. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute for a couple minutes more then stir in pesto and artichoke hearts. Stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid from artichokes, cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, cream and water. Cook stirring often until thickened, apprx. 4-5 minutes. You can add more water for a looser sauce. Check for seasoning adding salt/pepper if desired. Stir in parsley and serve over tortelloni with some fresh grated parmesan.

Chicken Black Bean & Corn Enchilada Casserole

Really like this enchilada casserole.

Not only does it taste fantastic, it's super easy to make, especially if you use left 

over chicken. I also like the fact that it serves 10-12 people and only uses 6 tortillas.

I entered the recipe on "myfitnesspal" @ 12 servings and it said each serving 

was 284 calories and 12 grams of fat. Not bad! I did forget to put down the olive oil 

but that won't make too much of a difference, so I'm thinking, even if you 

wanted a serving and then some, not so big of a deal.

Pile on some chopped lettuce and tomatoes.....maybe a little reduced fat sour 

cream and fresh salsa.....yea, it was awesome!!!!!

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

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Chicken Black Bean & Corn Enchilada Casserole

1 tbsp olive oil
3 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
Salt and pepper
1 onion
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 oz. green chiles, chopped
25 oz green chile enchilada sauce
3 oz. cream cheese
15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup milk
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
6 - 8" flour tortillas, cut in half

Heat oven to 375*.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add olive oil. Salt and pepper chicken breasts and cook 4-6 minutes each side or until breasts are nearly done. A little pink is ok because they will finish off cooking in the oven. Remove from skillet and set aside. When cool, cut into small pieces or shred by hand and place in a large mixing bowl.

For the enchilada sauce mixture: To the same skillet add onion, cumin, chili powder and pepper flakes. Saute 3-4 minutes or until onions start to soften. Stir in garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more; stir in green chiles and continue to cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in enchilada sauce and heat through. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Taste for seasoning adding salt and pepper if desired. Turn off heat.

Stir black beans, corn, milk and enchilada sauce into shredded chicken.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with oil. Take 2 tortillas (4 halves) and cover the bottom of the baking dish. A half at each end and a half on each side. If you put the cut edges facing out it should just cover the bottom. Cover tortillas with 1/3 of the chicken mixture and 1/3 of cheese. Add another layer of tortillas, chicken and cheese 2 more times ending with cheese. Cover with foil that has been sprayed with oil and cook 35 minutes; uncover and cook 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Serve with lettuce, tomato, salsa and sour cream if desired.

Super Simple & Fresh Tomato Sauce

With tomatoes in season, there's no better time to make this 

easy and light, fresh tomato sauce. So good!

It couldn't be easier to throw together. 

I served it over ricotta and spinach tortellini with some fresh

grated Parmesan cheese and basil. 

Having leftover tortellini is a bonus because I use it for one of my favorite salads. 

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

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Super Simple & Fresh Tomato Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper
5 large tomatoes, rough chop
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
Handful of fresh basil

Cut tomatoes into big chunks and blend until smooth.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil, onion with a pinch of salt, pepper and red pepper flakes; saute until it starts to soften. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Stir in pureed tomatoes, Italian seasoning and sugar. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes or until desired consistency. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Stir in fresh basil.