Hello All,
The weather has been in full swing this week. It’s made me think more about my favorite winter meals than my fall ones. I am excited for you to try some of my new favorite comfort foods as well as those that are tried and true.
Our house has been blessed with some great news this week. Lydie began her new preschool and my book is finally close to publication. I’ll get out more details and dates as they develop. Please keep me in your prayers through this process. Many of you know that it has been a long time in the making.
Keep a look out for great deals on veggies this week. This is the last round for most summer vegetables which means great deals for you. I learned this week that you can freeze bell peppers and onions super fast. Just cut them to the size you normally use; I like diced. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze overnight. When they’re frozen all the way through, put them in freezer bags and label them. They’ll stay good for at least six months. No need to defrost them before cooking; they won’t need to.
You’ll notice a ground meat theme. It was really not done on purpose but there was a good sale on it this week. It’s usually pretty cheap, so why not?
Day 1 – Meatless Monday Aglio Olio with Broccoli
This is a classic Italian dish with broccoli added so that I could reduce the carbs. It’s the perfect dish for cold nights.
½ box of thin spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 anchovies
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese
1 bag broccoli florets
Cook pasta and broccoli in large pot of boiling water, about 7 minutes. Drain and reserve. Heat large skillet over medium heat with the oil. Add garlic and red pepper and cook until garlic sizzles and smells yummy. Add the anchovies and cook until they dissolve into the oil. Mash them with a wooden spoon to quicken the process. Add black pepper to taste. Mix the oil with the pasta and broccoli. Top with parmesan cheese.
Day 2 – Hamburger Pizza
I modified this recipe from a Martha Stewart one. It cuts the time almost in half but keeps all the great flavor. Don’t worry about putting the hamburger on raw. It cooks all the way through and gets crispy. It is wonderful. You may want to make two.
1 Boboli pizza crust
½ cup marinara sauce
1 tomato, thinly sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/3 pound ground beef
Red pepper flakes, if you like
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. I also heat my pizza stone. Top crust with sauce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Scatter the ground beef on top. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Cook for 20-25 minutes until beef is completely cooked and cheese is melted and golden.
Day 3 – Chili Meatball Bites with Cheese Dip
These make the perfect football food or tailgate app. I recommend not rolling them in the chips; it’s messy and not very tasty. The dip is great. Keep the recipe for a great cheese dip for the chips.
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chili-meatball-bites-cheesy-dipper
Day 4 – Chicken Meatball Soup
This recipe takes about 15 minutes and is really great. It’s also supper healthy and low in carbohydrates. Make the meatballs with a tablespoon. The recommended size is huge. No one wants to cut their soup.
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chili-meatball-bites-cheesy-dipper/
Day 5 – My Bloomin’ Awesome Chicken Sandwich
I created this recipe after craving one of the fried onions from the major chain restaurants. It satisfied my craving but then made me want another sandwich. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
4 chicken breast cutlets
1 cup flour
2 T. seasoning salt
¼ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. black pepper
1 cup butter milk
Sandwich buns cut in half and toasted
½ cup olive or canola oil
Mix flour, garlic, salt, and pepper on a large plate. Dip chicken in butter milk then dredge in flour mixture. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cutlets in oil until golden brown and cooked through. Place on buns and top with sauce below.
1/2 C. Sour Cream or mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. Catsup
1/2 tsp. McCormick Seasoned Salt
1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp. Creamy Horseradish
1/4 tsp. Paprika
Mix all together and serve on the bun. Garnish with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Day 6 – Sloppy Joe Night
Relive your youth with a night of nostalgia. Get a can of Manwich or a packet of Sloppy Joe mix and make your own. Serve with chips, celery, carrots, and dip.
Day 7 – Left Over Night
Enjoy a buffet with your extras. Try to mix them in new ways or serve over a salad.
Drink of the Week – Shiraz with Sprite
Before you lecture me on the true way to drink wine, just try this drink. It has been described as an easy sangria or an upscale wine cooler. This is what to drink if you want to hang with the girls or have a drink with your favorite sitcom.
Fill a tall glass with ice. Fill half full with Shiraz. Top it off with Sprite Zero. Enjoy!
Dessert of the Week – Ice Cream with Liquor
Last week I had a drink with Kahlua. If you have some just sitting around, get some good quality vanilla or coffee ice cream. Drizzle the liquor over the top. It is so easy but so good. You could also use Frangelico or Godiva.
With wishes of a full stomach and full glass,
Brooke
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