Leftover Oatmeal Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1 c prepared, leftover oatmeal
1 ripe banana
2 eggs
4 Tbs butter, softened
1/2 c whole milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray two loaf pans or one larger baking dish with cooking spray.  In blender combine oatmeal, banana, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla.  Blend on high until complete mixed.  In separate bowl mix flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.  Add oatmeal mixture to dry mixture in bowl, mix.  Pour into baking dish and bake approx 35-45 mins (depending on baking dish used), or poke center with thin knife, done when knife comes out clean.

Kid Friendly Beef and Spaghetti

1/2 lb ground beef
1 can tomato soup
1 can water
1/4 c grated cheese, plus extra for topping
salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef in medium pan (medium heat).   Add can of tomato soup and water.  Simmer for 10 mins, add 1/4 c grated cheese and salt/pepper to taste.  Serve with favorite pasta, top w/grated cheese.

Chicken Strips w/Ma'mu'ke Sauce

3 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
oil for frying
1 beaten egg
1 c seasoned bread crumbs
1 tbs grated cheese
1/2 tsp dry basil

In small bowl combine bread crumbs, cheese and basil.  In another small bowl break egg and beat.  In medium pan, heat oil on medium.  Dip strips in egg mixture then into bread crumb mixture.  Place into hot oil, brown.  Turn over and brown other side.  Drain on paper towels on large plate.

Ma'mu'ke Sauce:
2 parts mayo
1 part mustard
1 part ketchup
(For Adults: add Horseradish, opt)

Broccoli/Cauliflower e Spaghetti

Broccoli/Cauliflower e Spaghetti

1 - 1/2 lbs spaghetti or favorite pasta
1 lb fresh broccoli florets
1 lb fresh cauliflower florets
3 tbs veg or olive oil (for frying)
1 stick butter
1 chopped small onion
6 garlic cloves
3 Tbs cooking wine
1/2 tsp chicken base (found in soup isle at grocery store)
substitute chicken base for 1 can chicken broth, but eliminate water in recipe.
3/4 c water
3 Tbs grated cheese, plus extra for topping.
1/2 tsp black pepper
salt, to taste

Wash, chop broccoli and cauliflower.  In large skillet on med heat saute in oil and butter.  In blender combine onion, garlic, wine, chicken base, water, cheese and pepper.  Blend until completely mixed, add to skillet.  Cook until tender, mix with favorite pasta.  Top with grated cheese.

Mini Sliders w/Ma'mu'ke Sauce

1 lb ground beef
11 slices american bread
4 slices american cheese
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into 16 pieces

Roll 1 oz balls of ground beef, flatten into patties.  Place patties into large preheated skillet (med heat).  Brown on each side until no longer red in center.  Toast bread. With cookie cutter or round object, cut 2-2 1/2 inch rings, put aside.  Wash, peel and slice cucumber into 16 slices.  Assemble, enjoy!!!!

Ma'mu'ke Sauce:
1/2 c mayo
1/4 c mustard
1/4 c ketchup
mix all ingredients in small bowl.  Refrigerate any leftovers.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

1/2 small onion, chopped small
1 tbs butter
1 pkg. frozen spinach thawed, drained (squeeze out water)
1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped
8 oz. Philly cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
3/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
dash red pepper flakes
dash salt8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese


Preheat oven to 350.  In small frying pan saute onions in butter on low.  Add spinach and saute for about 5 mins more.  Add spinach and onion to mixing bowl.  Add artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, Parm cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and dash of red pepper flakes and salt.  Pour into baking dish and top with shredded Mozz cheese.  Bake until hot and cheese melts and starts to brown.

Zuppa di fagioli e prosciutto (Red Bean and Ham Soup)

12 cups water
1 large ham bone
1 pkg dry red kidney beans
6 stalks celery, clean and diced
3 bay leaves
1 small onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can tomato paste
1/4 cup grated cheese
black pepper, to taste

Boil ham bone (with left over ham) in large pot with water.  Bring to boil then reduce to medium heat.  Remove bone and pick any remaining meat.  Add meat to pot and discard bone.  Add dry beans, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, 2 hours.  Stirring often to prevent beans from sticking to bottom of pot.  Add paste, grated cheese and blk pepper.  Can be served with cooked pasta or rice.  Serves approx. 12.

Bolognese Sauce

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon or pancetta
• 1 cup onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tsp fresh basil
• 1 tsp fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half (warm)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta
• Grated cheese for top

Directions

1. In a large skillet, warm oil over medium heat and saute bacon, onion and garlic until bacon is browned and crisp; set aside.
2. In large saucepan, brown beef and pork. Drain off excess fat. Stir in bacon mixture, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, stock, basil, parsley, milk, salt and pepper to saucepan. Cover, reduce heat and simmer one hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
4. Serve sauce over hot pasta.

"Not Your Kids" Mac & Cheese

4 cups cooked Elbows (al dente)
5 large sun dried tomatoes, finely diced
2 TBS olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely diced
1/4 cup white cooking wine
1/2 tsp chicken base, plus 1/2 cup water (equal to 1/2 cup chicken broth)
1/2 cup half/half
1 TBS butter
2 cups Velveeta (shredded)
1/4 cup grated Romano/Parmesan Cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

In medium size sauce pan saute tomatoes and garlic in olive oil for 2 mins.  Add wine, chicken base, water, half and half and butter.  Stir until combined.  Add shredded Velveeta and grated cheese.  Stir well.  Add to drained elbows, mix well.  Taste...then add salt and pepper to your liking.

Asian Ginger/Sweet Chili Chicken

4 large Chicken Breasts
4 TBS cooking oil
1/4 cup syrup
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1 TBS Fresh grated ginger root
1 lime (juiced)
1 large garlic clove
1 TBS grated onion
1 TBS sweet chili sauce
salt

Heat oil in medium size frying pan on medium heat  Add chicken, when brown flip and brown other side.  Remove from pan and place in covered dish.
In same frying pan, whisk together all other ingredients.  Heat on medium until starts to boil.  Lower temperature to low heat and simmer reducing liquid (sauce will start to thicken).  Place chicken breasts back into frying pan coating chicken with sauce.  Cook till 165 degrees.

Pictured with Sweet Pea Risotto

Blue Crab Sauce and Spaghetti

1 Dozen medium size fresh Blue Crab, cleaned
1/3 cup cooking oil
4 large cloves chopped garlic
3 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1/2  Tbs crushed red pepper flakes (opt)
salt

In large sauce pot heat oil on medium heat.  Add crabs, lower heat, cover and simmer for approx 20 mins or until crabs turn pink in color.  Add garlic to oil at bottom of pot, stirring so crabs do not burn.  Add tomatoes, pepper and salt.  Simmer on med/low for 1 1/2 hours.  Serve on top of spaghetti.

Carbonara Sauce

1 lb gnocchi or spaghetti

1 lb bacon, cooked and diced (reserve 3 Tbs bacon grease)

2 large cloves chopped garlic

1 stick butter

salt and pepper

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup grated cheese

3 Tbs chopped parsley

In large pot bring to boil water for pasta.  Cook pasta and drain.

In large skillet melt butter on medium heat, add garlic, diced bacon and bacon grease.  In small bowl beat egg and add grated cheese to egg mixture.  Add pasta to skillet, add salt and pepper, mixing and heat for 30 seconds.  Remove from heat and place pasta in serving bowl.  Pour egg mixture on top of pasta and toss.  Top with fresh parsley.  Serve with extra grated cheese.

Chicken Cutlet Parmesan

6 thin Chicken Breasts
oil for frying
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 beaten eggs
2 TBS grated Parmesan Cheese
salt and pepper
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
chopped fresh parsely


In large skillet heat oil on medium.  Place bread crumbs in flat dish.  Beat eggs in small bowl.  Dip each piece of chicken in egg and then in crumbs, place in skillet.  Cook until lightly browned on each side.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cooked chicken in baking dish.  Pour tomatoes on top.  Add garlic, cheese, salt and pepper.  Add mozzarella cheese and top with parsley.  Bake for approx 20 mins.

Hummus Dip

1 can Chick Peas
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
1/8 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime (juiced)
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp tumeric, optional
salt and pepper to taste


Combine all ingredients into food processor, blend until smooth.  Place into serving bowl and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for garnish.  Spread on favorite toasted bread

Chic Pea Salad

1 can Chick Peas
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
1/8 cup chopped red onion
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, juice and zest
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp tumeric, optional

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients

Buttermilk Spinach Sauce (for pasta or gnocchi)

Olive oil to cook with
2-3 Tbs butter
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbs chopped onion
1/4 tsp ground sage
4 Tbs grated cheese
3 Tbs honey
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 Cup buttermilk (warmed in microwave)
1 bag fresh spinach

In large sauce pan, on medium heat add oil and butter.  Add chopped garlic, oniion, sage, cheese, honey, salt, pepper, whisk.  Add warm buttermilk, whisk.  Add fresh spinach and mix until wilted down.  Pour on top of gnocchi.

Lemon Butter Spinach Sweet Potato Gnocchi

1 cup sweet potato, mashed
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
2-3 cups flour
1 egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp blk pepper

Whisk together potato, ricotta and egg.  In separate bowl mix 2 cups flour, cinn, salt and pepper.  Add to potato mixture.  Mix and knead until ball forms.  Dough will be wet.  Remove from bowl.  With remaining flour dust counter and knead dough into flour.  Keep adding flour and kneading until dough is firm enough to roll into ball without being sticky.  Separate into 4 pieces.  Roll each piece into long strips.  Cut 3/4 inch to 1 inch pieces throughout long strip.   When all strips and cut in small pieces then they are ready to roll into the gnocchi.

Rolling Gnocchi:  Flip over fork so the tines are face down facing you.  Place small piece of dough in center of tines and gently press down creating dents in dough from fork.  At same time gently roll dough downward folding  dough over to create a moon crater shape, repeat.  Dry on floured sheet pan.

Cook in boiling water until pasta floats to top of pot.  Remove gnocchi with slotted spoon to drain  Mix with favorite sauce. (Lemon Butter Recipe Below)

Lemon Butter Sauce:
  2 cups fresh spinach, washed
  2 stick melted butter, salted
  2 Tbs olive oil
  1 lemon, juiced
  2 Tbs white wine
  garnish with fresh sage and lemon zest

Saute heat butter and oil on medium heat.  Add spinach until cooked.  Add lemon and wine, stirring.  Toss with pasta and garnish.

Mussels and Spaghetti

2 lbs mussels, cleaned
oil for steaming
4 chopped cloves garlic
3 Tbs chopped red onion
1 bay leaf
3 Tbs chopped red bell pepper
1 1/2 cups butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/8 cup white cooking wine


In large pot add oil, heat on medium for 2 mins.  Add garlic, onion, bay leaf and red bell pepper.  Cook for 2-3 mins.  Add mussels, butter, broth and wine and cover.  simmer until mussels open.  Serve on top of favorite pasta.

Pork Breakfast Sausage

2 lbs ground Pork

1/3 c brown sugar

2 Tbs ground sage

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

In large skillet add fresh ground pork.  In small bowl mix all dry ingredients then add to pork.  Saute on medium heat until completely cooked.

Cranberry Chicken

4-6 Fresh Chicken Breast
1 can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
8 ozs Catalina French Dressing or California French
1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Heat sauce, dressing and soup mix in small sauce pan on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring.  Place chicken in baking dish.  Pour sauce mixture over chicken and bake for approx. 40 min

Serve on top of rice.

Pico de Gallo with avocado

!/2 cup chopped avocado
1/2 cup tomatoes
2-3 TBS diced red onion
1/8 cup fresh, finely minced Cilantro
2 Tbs Wishbone Italian Dressing (shake well)
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp sea salt

Combine all ingredients in medium size bowl.  Slice and squeeze juice from lime, sprinkle with sea salt.  Mix and chill until ready to serve.