Friday, May 29, 2015

Shells and Cheese Taco Casserole

http://www.food.com/recipe/shells-n-cheese-taco-casserole-136048

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

  1. In deep frying pan, cook beef (lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin), and onion til done. Drain grease.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, picante sauce, water and stewed tomatoes. Break up tomatoes.
  3. Simmer at least 10 minutes til water has evaporated and sauce is thickened. Meanwhile, in saucepan; make shells and cheese according to package directions, using lowest time alotted for cooking of shells.
  4. Fold shells and cheese mixture into beef mixture.
  5. Pour into greased casserole dish.
  6. I used a 1 ½ quart glass baking dish just slightly smaller than my 13x9 one.
  7. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
  8. Sprinkle cheese with paprika. Sprinkle lightly with oregano using about 1/2 teaspoons.
  9. Bake in 350ยบ oven, uncovered for 20 minutes, or til hot .
  10. Top each serving with shredded lettuce, more shredded cheese, sour cream, and sprinkle with black olives, chopped tomato and jalapeno rings if desired.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA

One of my all-time favorite recipes - Spaghetti Carbonara! Everyone loves the classic eggs and bacon pasta, ready to go in less than 30 minutes!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. spaghetti
  • 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 lb. bacon (regular or turkey bacon), diced
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup parmesan (or more)
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. (Use about 2 Tbsp. salt - this is the secret to flavorful Italian pasta!)
While waiting for the water to boil, heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large skillet over medium-heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until it is nearly crispy, stirring every few minutes. (If using real bacon, you will not need to add oil initially, and you may actually need to drain some grease before the next step.) Then add the diced onion to the skillet, and continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and the onion is translucent.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, parmesan and black pepper until well-blended. Set aside.
Once the pasta water is ready, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente. (Usually about 9-11 minutes.)
When the pasta is ready, carefully and quickly drain out the pasta water, and return the pasta to the hot pot immediately. Then while stirring the pasta with one hand, use the other to pour the egg mixture into the pasta and continue to toss until the egg mixture is cooked into the pasta. (You may see a few tiny clumps, but in general, the eggs will just coat the individual pieces almost like a sauce.) Then add in the bacon and eggs mixture and toss until mixed.
Feel free to garnish with extra parmesan and/or chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Recipe from my friend, Joni.

BLACK BEAN AND AVOCADO BREAKFAST BURRITOS

BLACK BEAN AND AVOCADO BREAKFAST BURRITOS

A quick and easy high-protein breakfast.

INGREDIENTS:

BREAKFAST BURRITO INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 small tortillas
  • 4 eggs, scrambled
  • 1 avocado, diced or sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • seasoned black beans (recipe below)
  • (optional) salsa

BLACK BEANS INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • juice of half a lime
  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE THE BREAKFAST BURRITOS:

Lay the tortillas flat on a serving dish. Layer scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado and black beans down the center of the tortillas, then roll to close. Serve warm.

TO MAKE THE BLACK BEANS:

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add the black beans, chili powder, oregano, and cumin, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and let cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice, then season with a generous pinch (or two) of salt and pepper.

Sausage, Egg and Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Sausage, Egg and Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
 
Serves: serves 8-10
Ingredients:
  • 16 oz. pork breakfast sausage, browned and cooked through
  • 10 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2½ cups milk
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 1 large French Bread loaf)
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings:
  • sliced green onions
  • sour cream
  • hot sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the NIGHT BEFORE serving. (See Notes for preparing same day)
  1. Lightly spray a 9"x13"x2" casserole pan with non stick spray.
  2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard and salt until combined, set aside.
  3. Fill the bottom of the casserole dish with half of the crusty bread. Then top with half of the cooked sausage and half of the cheese. Sprinkle with half of the black pepper. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, cheese and pepper.
  4. Pour the egg mixture all over the casserole dish. Cover and place in fridge for 8 hours.
  5. In the morning preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  6. Top the casserole with the tater tots in an even layer and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the center of the casserole is set.
  7. Let sit for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with the optional toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Notes from Shawn:
If you want to make this casserole without the overnight directions, use fresh bread instead of crusty bread. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the egg mixture before topping with tater tots and baking.

http://www.iwashyoudry.com/2014/02/26/sausage-egg-cheese-tater-tot-breakfast-casserole/

PIZZA FRITTATA

PIZZA FRITTATA
 
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
 
All of the most delicious elements of a freshly baked pizza in a simple-to-make frittata. Leave off the pepperoni for vegetarian options, or replace pesto for marinara for an even more sophisticated breakfast indulgence.
Author: 
Serves: 4-5
INGREDIENTS
  • 5 eggs + splash of water
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup ea. onion and broccoli, chopped
  • large handful spinach
  • 5-6 tablespoons tomato or marinara sauce
  • sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 3-4 slices uncured pepperoni
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to low broil.
  2. Place oven-safe medium skillet over medium heat on stovetop.
  3. Whisk eggs and water in medium bowl, then add salt and pepper and set aside.
  4. Once skillet is hot, saute broccoli and onion for a few minutes and season with salt and pepper. Throw in spinach and saute for an additional minute.
  5. Pour eggs over veggies and stir a few times to incorporate the mixture. Then place lid on to allow to steam for a minute or two.
  6. Next add spoonfuls of marinara, sprinkle on cheese and add pepperoni. Put under broiler (without lid) and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove carefully with oven mitt.
  7. Serve immediately plain or with toast or fruit, and top with additional cheese, red pepper flake or fresh parsley.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size: 1 slice Calories: 80 Fat: 5.3 g Saturated fat: 1.8 g Carbohydrates: 1.8 g Sugar: 1.1 g Protein: 6.2 g

http://minimalistbaker.com/pizza-frittata/