Zucchini Boats

4 med. Zucchini
1 lb ground round
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup chopped sweet peppers
½ cup celery diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, slightly beaten
½ cup fine Italian bread crumbs
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp thyme
Pepper to taste
A cup or so Tomato or spaghetti sauce
¼ cup Mozzarella cheese per boat

Cut squash in half lengthwise. With small melon baller, start about 1/2 inch from end and scoop out middle of squash, making sure not to take out too much.

Brown meat, onion and garlic in skillet pan in Tbsp olive oil until no longer pink. Drain browned meat; add celery, sweet peppers, bread crumbs, egg, basil, oregano, pepper, Worcestershire and tomato or spaghetti sauce. Fill up boats with meat mixture and arrange in baking dish. Top with Cheese. Bake at 325 F. degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, or until squash is tender. Makes 8 boats.

Variation: Use ½ lb ground pork sausage and ½ lb ground round….or 1 lb ground turkey in place of 1 lb ground round. Use ½ cup stale bread soaked in milk and drained or crushed saltine crackers instead of cracker crumbs.

Mock Filet Mignon

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
1 c. minced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 slices of bacon

1. Combine all but bacon. Mix well with hands. Shape into 6 patties. Wrap a bacon strip around each. Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Place in freezer just until patties are frozen. Place the patties in a gallon freezer bag, label and freeze.
2. To serve: Thaw. Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place on an ungreased shallow baking dish and bake 450 degrees for 20 minutes or to desired doneness.

Fool's Toffee

36 saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 (12 ounce) package chocolate or white chocolate chips
1 cup of your choice of chopped walnuts, peanuts, sprinkles, crushed candy, etc...

Directions:
1 Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray.
2 Place the saltines side by side but not over lapping each other.
3 In a sauce pan melt the 1 cup of butter and add the cup of brown sugar bring to a slow boil stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
4 Immediately pour over the crackers try to coat as evenly as possible.
5 Bake in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes immediately remove from oven and pour the entire bag of chips over the toffee (give them some time to melt) and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle your choice of topping over the candy and press down lightly.
6 Refrigerate till cool then remove and break into pieces and serve!

(Crushed peppermint with white chocolate chips are awesome during Christmas

Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

16 even-sized open cup mushrooms, stalks cut level
3 tbsp corn or vegetable oil
75g unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, chopped very finely
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
50g fresh breadcrumbs


Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Lightly fry the mushrooms, cap-side down, in hot oil for 20 seconds.

Arrange the mushrooms in a shallow roasting tin with the stalks facing upwards.

Mix together the butter, garlic, thyme, lemon juice and seasoning. Spoon a little garlic butter on to each mushroom, then lightly press the breadcrumbs on top. Either refrigerate for later use, or cook immediately in the oven for 10 minutes.

Crunchy Baked Broccoli

Preheat oven to 375°
Chop a head of broccoli (do not rinse!)
Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic
Put broccoli, garlic, 2 tbsp. olive oil, and a few shakes of salt and pepper in a ziploc bag.
Shake it up (my daughter loves to do this part)
Spread out on baking sheet, place on top rack, and bake for about 30 minutes.
Broccoli will be crunchy and delicious! I make this at least 3 times a week and have to control myself once I take it out of the oven, I could eat this alone for dinner!

Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker

1 1/2 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds

Put chicken into crock pot. Combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and return to crock pot - can leave chicken in and simmer on low or serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Red Lobster's Cheese Biscuits (as a loaf)

3 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup sour cream
3 Tablespoons of butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with oil. In a bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Carefully stir in cheese cubes until covered in flour mixture, this will help prevent your cheese sinking to the bottom of your loaf of bread.

In a different bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Fold the wet mixture into the flour and cheese mixture, stir until just combined, do not over stir. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and then remove from pan. Allow to cool for one hour before slicing and serving.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls

9 lasagna noodles
2 ½ cups alfredo sauce
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
oregano
garlic salt
3 cups shredded Mozzarella, or cheese of your choice

Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray and pour ½ cup alfredo sauce, or just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Boil 8-10 cups water in a large pan, cook lasagne noodles until al dente. (I usually cook 1 or 2 extra just because lasagna noodles always seem to break on me when I am stirring them.)
Now this is the important part! Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking to each other. Then, lay out each noodle individually and blot dry with a paper towel.

Spread about 2 Tbs. alfredo sauce over each noodle. (if there is too much sauce you will have a big mess on your hands!) Sprinkle oregano and garlic salt on top of sauce. Take 1/9 of the shredded chicken and spread it out evenly over each noodle. Add approx. 3 Tbs. cheese. To roll up, start at one end and roll the noodle over the toppings. You will need to lift the noodle a little to prevent squishing out the inside ingredients while rolling.

Place the roll-ups in the pan, one by one, seam-side down so they don't come undone. Once they are all in the pan, pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the top. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted on top. I sometimes broil mine the last 5 minutes to make the cheese toasty on top.

Overnight Oatmeal

INGREDIENTS
1 container (6 oz) greek yogurt, any flavor
1/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup fruit (see ideas below)

Instructions:
In container with tight-fitting cover, mix yogurt and uncooked oats. Stir in desired fruit.

Cover; refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 3 days before eating.

Passionate Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup raspberries.

Energized Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments.

Positive Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup pineapple pieces.

Harmonious Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup diced kiwifruit.

Relaxed Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries.

Romantic Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup sliced grapes.

Stir-ins German Chocolate Cake Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut. Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0mg; Potassium 140mg; Total Carbohydrate 38g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 8g

S'mores Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows. Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 5mg; Potassium 110mg; Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 8g

Bananas Foster Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/2 sliced banana and 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0mg; Potassium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 50g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 8g

Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon each chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 30mg; Potassium 150mg; Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 9g

Stir-ins Pomegranate Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds. Calories 230 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 60mg; Potassium 180mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Honey Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon honey or 2 tablespoons comb honey.* Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 60mg; Potassium 90mg; Total Carbohydrate 43g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 16g

Banana Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup banana slices. Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 210mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Almond Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 120); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 240mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 6g); Protein 21g

Blueberry Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries. Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 105mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Blackberry Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blackberries. Calories 200 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 135mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 5g); Protein 16g

*Those with bee sting allergies should consult their physician before consuming comb honey.

To toast almonds, sprinkle in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until almonds begin to brown, then stirring constantly until almonds are light brown.

Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

3 small zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
kosher salt
1/2 cup garlic-herb cheese spread (like Rondele or Alouette, I used Rondele light)

Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch thick slices lengthwise. A mandolin works best for this but you could always use a good old knife. Discard the two outer slices that are mainly skin.
Place the remaining slices on a baking sheet brush with olive oil on both sides, you should have around 15 slices. Lightly sprinkle one side with salt to taste. You just need a little, or none at all if you prefer.
Place slices directly on a grill that has been preheated to medium. Grill the slices until grill makes show on both sides and the zucchini is tender. This could take 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the slices from the grill and place on the baking sheet. Allow to cool.
Once cooled, place 1/2 Tbsp of the cheese spread at one end of each zucchini slice. Roll the slice up beginning with the end where the cheese spread is and secure with a toothpick. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. These can be made up to a day in advance. Makes around 15 rolls.

Hocus Pocus Buns

Marshmallows dipped in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar, wrapped in crescent rolls and baked. They're called Hocus Pocus buns because the marshmallows disappear! YUM is understatement!.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

1 lb. zucchini or squash (about 2 medium-sized)
1/4 cup shredded parmesan (heaping)
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (heaping)
... 1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with foil and spray lightly with vegetable spray.

Slice zucchini or squash into 1/4 inch-thick rounds. Toss rounds with oil, coating well.

In a wide bowl or plate, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt and pepper.

Place rounds in parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides of each round, pressing to adhere. The mixture will not completely cover each round, but provides a light coating on each side.

Place rounds in a single layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the rounds.

Bake for about 22 to 27 minutes, until golden brown. (There is no need to flip them during baking -- they crisp up on both sides as is.)

Frozen Yoghurt Strawberries

Dip strawberries (halved or whole) in vanilla yogurt (Greek might be best, it's thicker), then put on a sheet pan lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze. A good snack (for adults or kids)

Peach Dumplings

2 whole large peaches
2 8 oz cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1-1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
cinnamon, to taste
1 12 oz can Mountain Dew

Peel and pit peaches. Cut both peaches into 8 slices. Roll each peach slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over peaches. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Olive Oil
1/2 lb lean ground turkey breast
1 cup chopped onions
1 heaping tbsp of homemade taco seasoning (or you can use the packaged type if you like)
2 cups of cooked rice (any type you like – I like brown)
3-4 organic bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
1 can of black beans, drained & rinsed
½ cup of organic frozen corn
1 (15 -16 ounce) jar of salsa
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Toppings:
fresh cilantro
sour cream
sliced avocado
Pre heat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat the peppers with olive oil and roast in a baking dish about 20-25 minutes just until cooked thru. Remove the peppers from the oven and allow to cool until you can handle them.

*****Note – make sure you cook your turkey ahead of time that way you do not have to worry about it later. Also, I sautéed the onions until cooked thru, I then added in my cooked rice, black beans and corn.

In a bowl add the taco seasoning, cooked ground turkey, chopped onions, black beans, corn and rice. Add in the jar of salsa and mix well.

Carefully spoon the turkey mixture into each half of the bell peppers and place back into the baking dish. Cook the peppers for another 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are cooked all the way thru. Before removing from the oven sprinkle the tops of each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese. Place back into the oven just until the cheese has melted.

Remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices and/or sour cream just before serving.
Enjoy!

Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps

Ingredients:

6 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
12 slices bacon

Directions

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.

2. Spread cream cheese to fill jalapeno halves. Wrap with bacon. Secure with a toothpick.

3. Place on the grill, and cook until bacon is crispy.

Crusty Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Bites

Ingredients

4 medium, fresh zucchini, sliced in half
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1-2 tablespoons fresh rosemary & thyme, minced
smidge of olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350F, lightly brush both sizes of the zucchini with olive oil and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Mix cheese and herbs together in a small bowl and sprinkle over the zucchini along with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 15 minutes and place under the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes until cheese is crispy and browned.