Not Your Traditional Zucchini Casserole

I bought zucchini a few days ago because well its the end of summer and I wanted zucchini again before the fresh vegetable went obsolete (except for the occasional teeny tiny one the grocery store would have that had a million dents and brown marks in it making you think they had just found it in the back somewhere and decided to put it out thinking no one would realize its January and there aren't any fresh vegetable gardens anywhere near you) 

Well I was hoarding these zucchini for the perfect side dish...well it never popped into my head so it was getting to the point where I was either going to have to cook them one of the normal ways I always do (grill, fry, roast, etc.) because if I didn't they would turn into molded mush in the fridge in a few days.  No one wants molded mush for dinner.  So I was throwing a dinner together because the hubby said he was getting tired of pot pie.  Well I wanted pot pie...so my heart wasn't into this dinner.  It's Thursday and my first week back at school with students so of course I was tired and not really in the mood to cook.  Well miraculously I came up with what I'm sure is a recipe that is already out there because I feel like I've pinned something similar on pinterest but it was surprisingly delicious and felt like I really put some thought and effort into it.  So here is the recipe:

3 medium zucchini, sliced thinly
extra virgin olive oil
half a sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
salt and pepper to taste
butter

In a bowl put the olive oil, salt and pepper and zucchini and toss to coat each piece.  This will ensure evenly cooked zucchini (I didn't do this but thinking it might be more evenly cooked if I had and the salt and pepper would distribute evenly too).  Then in a lightly oiled casserole dish (less than an 8 inch) stack and place the zucchini slices in rolls like you would crackers.  You should have about 3-4 rolls of tightly packed zucchini slices.  You should mostly see the edges and not the centers of the zucchini.  Then sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper on top then add the crushed Ritz crackers to the top.  Dot with butter and bake at 350-375 for about 30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.  The baking time will also depend on how thin and even your zucchini slices are.

This was a very easy recipe. I sliced the zucchini by hand just because I didn't feel like digging out my mandolin slicer.  You could use either.  If you've ever had deep fried or pan fried zucchini this will remind you of that.  The crunchiness of the cracker topping gives it the feeling of having been deep fried or pan fried but I think it is a lot healthier with the olive oil and without the breading.  Just a little bit of the crunchy topping goes a long way.  I hope you really enjoy this recipe and I'm sure you can add spices or flavored butters to enhance the flavor of the zucchini.

Chicken Pot Pie

As I'm adding this recipe my mouth is watering at the thought of eating this again.  I love chicken pot pie and usually I just put some veges in a dish with some shredded chicken and some cream of chicken soup and a little milk then top with some canned biscuits.  Let me tell you I was fooling myself thinking that was the "right" way to make chicken pot pie.  If this is how you make chicken pot pie you need to try this recipe and let me know what you think!  One day I might be adventurous enough (and have enough time) to make fresh dough for the top but until then the puff pastry works pretty well!  I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breast

3 ½ cups of chicken broth

½ cup whipping cream

15 oz can of sliced carrots

15 oz can of diced potatoes

1 medium onion diced

4 T butter

4 T flour

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

Chicken or beef bouillon or base

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

Put chicken on aluminum foil lined pan.  Sprinkle with olive oil salt and pepper and bake at 375 until done about 20 minutes.  In a pan on top of the stove add a little olive oil and onions and salt and pepper to taste and sauté onions until translucent.  Add butter, melt then add flour and begin your rue.  Once flour is incorporated add in broth and bouillon cubes or base.  Bring up to a boil and simmer until thickened.  Add whipping cream and stir to combine.  Once chicken is done cube and add into sauce along with carrots and potatoes and any other vegetable you would like to use.  Pour in greased baking dish.  Brush edges of dish with egg wash and placed puff pastry on top sticking edges of to dish.  Brush top of puff pastry with egg wash and sprinkle some salt and pepper on top then place in oven for about 20-30 minutes at 375.  If the puff pastry begins to brown too fast you can bring oven down to 350.  Serve when crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheesy Bread

This is great alongside pasta or by itself.  Reminds me a little of Little Caesars cheesy bread.

Ingredients

Frozen or fresh pizza dough

Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

Parmesan cheese, shaker style is fine

Fresh Mozzarella cheese

Italian Seasoning

Ranch Dressing

 

Directions

Stretch out dough onto a sheet pan greased with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Pour ranch dressing onto dough and smooth out to the edges.  Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese.  Layer swiss cheese down then dot with the fresh mozzarella.  Sprinkle more parmesan cheese then sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.  Bake at 400 until edges are browned and cheese is bubbly.

 

Alice Springs Chicken (my version)

Yummy!  This recipe is not too difficult but it is so flavorful and delicious.  You can really substitute any of the ingredients and build your own cheesy topped goodness.  I think I might try it dipped in ranch dressing next.  I also added fresh spinach to the top after cooking just to add some green to the plate. 

Ingredients:
Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breast
Honey Mustard sauce or anything similar
Mushrooms
Cheese (any kind you like or combination)
Bacon (or if you are pressed for time bacon pieces from the salad dressing aisle)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:
Salt and pepper chicken and sear on both sides in a little olive oil in a frying pan.  After searing on each side dip in honey mustard sauce (both sides).  Then set in a greased baking pan.  Saute mushrooms in frying pan and salt and pepper to taste until cooked through.  Layer mushrooms on top of chicken then top with cheeses (I used mozzarella, cheddar and swiss).  Then sprinkle bacon over top.  Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked completely.  Be careful not to cook chicken too long so that it doesn't dry out.

Also I have some extra chicken and I plan on using it for quesadillas later on in the week!  Two meals in one is definitely my friend!

Update on the babes

A few months ago cash started saying the s word so we tried to get him to stop by threatening and spankings but he wouldn't stop.  I researched online and found a parent who gave their child "bad juice" (vinegar) so I decided to try it.  It must work because Cash hasn't said a bad word since.  He just says "___________said a bad word".   He does call us out from time to time with words "stupid" and "dumb".   I guess this will prove to be a good thing in a couple of years!

Copy Cat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

1 lb italian sausage
2 large russent potatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup of bacon bits
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups kale or 2 cups swiss chard, chopped
16 ounces chicken broth
1 quart water
1 cup heavy whipping cream

     Brown sausage links in pan or cook in oven at 350 for 25 minutes or until done.  Cut links in half lengthwise, then dice into 1/2 inch slices.  Place cooked sausage, broth, water, garlic, potatoes, and onion in slow cooker.       Cover.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are cooked and soft.  Optional, Mash potatoes a bit with a potato masher for texture.
     Add the Kale.  Return the lid for 10 minutes and then add the whipping cream.  May need to add salt and pepper to taste.

This was delicious with a slice of baked bread or by itself!

I froze half of this mixture for another meal:
Directions for freezing:

add all ingredients execpt potatoes, whipping cream and bacon bits.

Freeze for 3-4 months in a ziplock bag.

Defrost in fridge the night before serving.  Add to crock pot the contents in bag and potatoes for 3-4 hours then add kale.  For the last 10 minutes add whipping cream and then serve with bread or by itself.  This was amazing!!!

The babes...September 2012

Well my children are getting way too big way too fast!  I don't know where the time goes.  Cash is going to be 3 in January and Camdyn will be 2 in April.  We decided to put Cash in preschool at a nearby church.  It is only two days a week for 2.5 hours.  I am happy and excited for him but I'm also nervous.  I'm so afraid he will hit another kid or that another kid will bully him.  He is used to playing with his sister and a couple of cousins, but he isn't used to playing with new kids.  The teachers seem wonderful and the are very reassuring.  I know Cash will have a wonderful time once he gets used to it.  Cash is also talking really well now.  He knows all kinds of equipment names like backhoe, bulldozer, big truck, tractor, school bus and train.  He also copies everything other people say...even bad words.  Camdyn talks too.  She says bow, momma, dada, nana, pawpaw, ba, baba, papa, cheese, bite (vitamins), choo choo.  They both love riding in anything with dada, pawpaw or granddaddy whether its a mower bulldozer or dump truck.  They fight all the time over toys food just about anything. 

We went to the museum of life and sciences the week before school started and the kids loved it.  They played in the sand, dug for dinosaur bones, rode the train, played music with the pots and hanging metal, and played in the mist.  I definitely want to take then back soon. Todd and I went in a trip to Indianapolis Indiana for his Dixie Chopper meeting. We have had a great time so far. We stayed at the marriott in downtown. I've enjoyed getting to meet other dealers that Todd knows and a few new people. We toured the factory today and believe it it not it was very interesting. We are on our way back to the airport and depending on how much time we have left we may get to do some shopping. I know I am ready to get back home to my babies that is for sure!

Beach Trip 2012

Oh my I think this was the best beach trip year to date!  We (Our Family, Bama, Pawpaw, Matt, Jake, and Kaitlyn) went to Carolina beach July 14 and stayed for a week.  We've never stayed that long and I thought for sure it would be long enough.  Unfortunately it wasn't.  I think it was because we had so much fun!  The first day we didnt get in until 3:00.  We unpacked then ate dinner that Bama brought along with her and took a short trip to the beach then to the pool.  At first Camdyn Cate didn't really like the beach, she was really afraid of the water and didnt want to get very close to it.  I pretty much ignored her and held her while I went in to my waist and a little lower for a little bit.  After the first and second day she loved the beach.  Both kids loved the sand and eventually Camdyn liked the water as well.  Once on her own she would go close the the water's edge or wherever the waves got to on the surf and then she would run back...she was very smart in that she wanted someone with her if she was to reach the surf!  Cash on the other hand wasn't as scared.  On the second night we had been on the beach for about an hour.  Everyone was out of the water and my brother Matt went running to the surf.  Well Cash followed him trying to fill his bucket up with water for our sandcastle.  My dad yelled at Matt to let him know Cash was following well as soon as Matt turned around Cash stopped.  We all thought Matt had Cash and turned our heads.  Well once Matt realized Cash had stopped he went on into the surf.  We after Cash saw Matt keep going he decided to go in after him.  I saw Cash hit the water and then fall down and I started running then I saw him be completely covered in a wave right before I got to him and I fell into the surf and scooped him up!  I thought for sure the wave that covered him would take him out into the ocean and I would never see my baby boy again!  Thank God I got to him in time and of course Pawpaw was right beside me.  Cash man was really shaken up but after some TLC from Momma he ended up going back in the water right after that.  He kept his distance from the ocean the next few days knowing that he couldnt go in unless a grown up was with him.  You mothers out there know how scared I was and how thankful I was that my son was safe...how many lives do mother's have?  Hopefully more than one because I definitely used one at that moment. 

The next few days we usually woke up around 8 or 9 then went to the beach then to the pool then we would come in for naps (Daddy and the kids, maybe a few others) after that we would eat dinner in the room or go out.  Bama cooked the first night then we had pizza the second night.  We also took a trip to Dicks and Walmart to get some supplies.  We went out to eat at Michaels and we also ate at Gulfstream restaurant the last night but we got it to go so that we could finish packing.  We went to the boardwalk the third night and let Cash ride some of the rides.  Camdyn Cate rode some rides too and I am the proud mother of two "Dare Devil" children.  Good thing I like adventures too.  Daddy not so much!  Haha.  Then on wednesday I decided we should go get some ice cream at Krazy Kones and our banana split was delish!  We had a very upset child on our hands (Cash) because we weren't riding rides that night but planned on coming back the next night.  We also indulged in some Britt's donuts and if you can believe it I had forgotten how good they were!  So thursday we went to the boardwalk and rodes tons of rides and watched the awesome fireworks!  Our time was almost over so once we put the kids to bed Todd and I met my brother's and Kaitlyn at the Shuckin' Shack for a couple of drinks and great food.  The drinks, food, and company were wonderful and we had a lot of fun.  On friday we went to the beach and pool again and got dinner to go.  I think Cash knew we were leaving the next day so he wanted to hit up the beach and pool again.  Thank goodness for uncles and (almost) aunts Jake and Kaitlyn took Cash to the beach and then to the pool while I cleaned the condo a little then we met up with them later and had to force Cash back to the room and to bed.  Needless to say he didnt go to bed until late and even then he woke up a couple of hours later and gave us all a hard time trying to put him to bed again! 

Overall it was a great trip...one to be remembered forever!

Cash Man finally speaks!

Finally after waiting over a year my little boy speaks.  Unfortunately one if the first things he mimicked was "oh shit" from me one evening of watching Americas funniest home videos.  From then on he's been saying colors numbers and other random words not in his vocabulary until now.  He also mimicks all the TV shows he watches...including the fresh beat band and bubble guppies!  He loves to dance around the house and hopefully Todd won't mind me putting Cash in dance classes with his baby sister next year!  I've taught him shuffles and stomps from tap, but he can mimick just about anything he sees!  He and baby sister can do a plie when I ask them to.  It us very cute...for those of you that don't know what a plie is it is a bend of the nite.  Thats all I have to share right now but I'm sure I will remember something later to add.

Healthy Chicken Parmesan!

1 lb chicken breast sliced thinly
1/2-1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
6 Roma tomatoes diced
1 tablespoon cilantro
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Reduced fat shredded Mozzarella cheese

Beat egg with a little bit of water set aside.  In a plastic zip bag mix Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.  Dredge chicken in egg mixture then cheese mixture and place on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with canola oil.  Bake at 400°for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.  Mix tomatoes cilantro oil and salt and pepper to your taste.  You can also add a little bit of packaged marinara sauce to add a little more flavor. Remove chicken from oven and top each chicken breast with tomato mixture then mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Serve with more veggies or a big healthy salad!

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1/2 cup finely minced carrots (I micro zested them)
1 small onion finely minced
Handful of fresh spinach finely minced
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons skim or 2% milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients except chicken or turkey together until well combined.  Add in ground meat and mix with hands.  Shape into balls or patties and place on a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with canola oil or olive oil. 

Topping
1 tablespoon light mayo (I prefer dukes)
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Put mayo in the corner of a Ziploc bag and snip the corner off (make sure its tiny)
Squirt a small amount of mayo on each meatball or patty.  Mix cheeses together and put a small amount on each meatball.  (depending how healthy you want your meatballs will determine how much of the topping you put on each meatball)

Bake at 400° for 20-30 minutes or until meatballs are done.

Enjoy!

Cash and Camdyn 5/20/2012

Camdyn likes to throw rocks.  Cash loves to push his toys around like his dump truck and his bubble blower.  Camdyn pulls up her shirt and shows her belly.  She also knows where her head, tongue, hair, ears and nose are.  She can also touch her toes and feet when asked to. When you ask her where her nose is she sniffs and scrunches her face so her nose sticks out.  We went to eat last night at longhorn then we went to the bounce houses in the mall.  The kids had so much fun and so did the big kids, Matt Jake Bama Paw Paw and Kaitlyn went too.  We all played in the bounce houses with the kids and by ourselves.  We will definitely go back soon.  We are playing outside today because it is beautiful.  The kids have already been swinging on their swing set.  Cash has been pushing his toys around while Camdyn follows him around.  Cash also likes to fill his tractor bucket up with dirt, mulch, sand, and rocks then dump them all over the yard.  Camdyn loves to slide she can even get herself going on her own.  I just have to guide her so she doesn't fall off.  Both kids like to play in the sand box even though there isn't much sand left since Cash likes to dump it everywhere. 

School

I did an assignment this week with dance I using the poem I Am Me by Virginia Satir. This poem is about understanding that you control your feelings and thoughts and no one else does.  No one can provoke you into fighting or doing something you don't want to do.  I always have headstrong freshmen in dance I so this is a great assignment for them.  I had a few students really upset me with the assignment.  After students read the poem I told them to journal about a time when they disappointed their family or themselves.  Then they were expected to choreograph a three 8 count dance using some specific dance terminology in their dances. It wasn't so much their dances but their written journal that upset me.  Some students wrote about their struggles with cutting or other types of destruction.  Others just wrote that their parents are always dissapointed in them...they have never felt as though they did some thing their family was proud of.  These realizations upset me as a parent and a teacher.  I hope that I remember to let my children know everyday how much I love them and that I'm proud of them.

New diet day 4

Ive done pretty well so far this week.  I've completely cut out starches like rice and potatoes.  I've also stopped snacking on chips and bad for me snacks.  According to the scale today around 4 I've lost about 4-5 pounds this week.  I did cheat once or twice throughout the week.  I already had the supplies to make hamburgers so I had to make those this week.  But I was good and only ate veggies with it.  I also weNT to a dinner and had to eat fried chicken, but I pulled to skin off and only had green beans with it.  I did jave a piece of pecan pie too.  It was too good to resist.  Hopefully I can keep up the good work on this diet.  At least enough too lose my goal of 50 lbs.  I did get my book in the mail this week.  Very informative and you definitely need it to do your very best on this diet.  Will update again in a couple of dayson my progress.

17 Day Diet

So I have decided I must do something about my weight.  I'm tired if taking photos and being unhappy with myself.My mother in law showed me her information on the 17 day diet and it sounded interesting and like something that I could commit to.  I did weight watchers a few years ago but all my books are out of date and I don't want to reinvest.  I lost some weight with weight watchers but I think I need something a little more drastic this time around.  I got pregnant with my son in 2009 and gained more than I should around 45 lbs.  Which put me at 200 lbs at the end of my pregnancy.  After I had my son I dropped to about 185 I think.  Then 6 months later I got pregnant with my daughter.  I was nursing my son so I hadnt had a chance to really diet and lose weight.  I only gained about 30 lbs with my daughter...but I havent been able to lose any of that weight.  Right now I weigh 196 lbs which is ridiculous...I'm 5'5".  According to the 17 day diet my target weight is 144 lbs.  Before I decided to get on this diet I was really trying to lose weight.  I started cutting out sweets except the occasional nutella on a graham cracker which really isn't that bad. I also started running three times a week along with my regular dance teaching exercises. I thought I was doing a good job but I was just maintaining my weight.  I've been looking for a new way to lose weight and my mother in law told me about this diet and lets be real...all diets work if the person sticks to them. So I decided to try this diet and first and foremost I want to say I'm no expert.

Here is a little bit about the diet.
This diet consists of four cycles.  The first cycle consists of eating lean proteins, cleansing vegetables, low sugar fruits, probiotics, some friendly fats like olive oil and flaxseed oil and then you get some condiments like salsa, anything no fat or low carb like marinara sauce, or sour cream.  You can also have truvia sweeteners, sugar free jams and jellies, fat free cheeses, and fat free salad dressings and a few other condiments. Then you gradually add back in more foods for each cycle. You can eventually eat carbs but good carbs like whole wheat and grains like quinoa. I'm a little worried about sticking completely to this diet because seriously sometimes you just want a cookie! I think I will just have one if I want it...if I cut out all that other junk having one cookie one day isnt going to reverse all the work I've done...right?  I sure hope not.  My birthday is also wednesday and I'm sure I will get taken out one night this week so the hell with it that meal!  But seriously I will lose the weight and I will get healthy and then...I think I will call up my life insurance guy and get re-evaluated for a lower rate! Thats some motivation right?  We shall see.

If you are interested in trying this plan do know that it also requires that you exercise 17 minutes a day at a minimum of 6 days a week..this could be just walking or specific exercises that keep your heart rate up. Because I teach dance I will get at least that. Once summer begins though I will have to find some more exercise options.

Also just wanted to let you know I have only skimmed the pages my mother in law had copied from the book which were basically just the cycle's food plans; I have no idea what else is in the book. I have done some research over the internet for more information but this research came from other blogs mostly.  I ordered the book but until it comes in I will be following the first cycle which is called the Accelerate Cycle.  You should also know (if interested in doing yourself) you cant eat as many as want of the foods listed above.You can have as many lean fats as you want with the exception of eggs (2 eggs a day or 4 egg whites). You can eat as many cleansing veggies a day, but you may only eat 2 servings of low sugar fruit each day.  You can also have 2 servings of probiotics a day (yogurt, etc).  Everything else that you see yourself missing...bread, cheese, milk, etc you cant eat during this cycle.

I will update tomorrow with my progress.

easy macaroni and cheese

My husband loves homemade macaroni and cheese and my son and I love kraft macaroni and cheese so I tried and tried until I created a recipe that we all really enjoy.

Ingredients
1 pound macaroni noodles
half a cup of shredded swiss cheese<br>
1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese
half a cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon of butter (optional)
Extra cheese for topping
Potato chips or bread crumbs for topping

Cook noodles according to the package instructions.  Put cheeses in a glass making dish that has been lightly greased.  Microwave whipping cream and butter until warm and poor over cheeses.  Stir until combined and cheeses are slightly melted.  Add noodles and combine well.  If you desire a cheesy topping you can have some extra cheese to top it with.  Crumble potato chips or bread crumbs on top of cheese.  Bake at 375° for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted.  My husband likes his really crusty so I cook it a little longer for him.

You can alter this recipe any way you want.  The cheese s especially are great to change up until you find the right combo for your family.  I like the cheddar and the swiss gives it a really nice bite.  Hope you enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Since it's so cold outside I thought I'd post this soup recipe which is one of my favs.

1 lb chicken (I cover with olive oil and S and P and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees or until cooked through and then shred)
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
Egg noodles (I use abt 3/4 of the bag)
6 cups water
3 to 4 T chicken base

This recipe is defintely a judgement and whatever you like kind of recipe.  I begin by putting veges water and chicken base in a large stock pot.  You want the broth to have flavor but not be too salty because it will redue throughout cooking.  I usually fill the pot up with water and then add chicken base until I like the flavor.

Boil veges until they are tender then add your shredded chicken and noodles. You may need to add more water if yours has reduced too much...also dont forget you will need plenty of water for the noodles to absorb.  Make sure you taste broth to make sure it has lots of flavor.  Boil for about 15 minutes or until noodles are tender.  I serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.  This is a great way to get kids to eat their veges too.  The chicken base gives them a really nice taste.

sn: if youd like a thicker sauce right before serving mix a small amount of cold water with about 1to 2 T of cornstarch then add to soup and stir over medium heat until you reach the thickness you desire.

For the Kids

I regularly see things on pinterest that I try to pin but if I dont like everything on the link I wont pin it. So here are a few things that I saw and only wanted to remember 1 or 2 things:

Have you and your child gather soft outdoor items such as leaves, twigs, grass, and other things a bird might want to build its nest with. Put all the items in your backyard near a window so that you can bird watch to see what the birds pick. Over time the birds will use most of the items if you pick the right things. This would be a great time to get some pictures of birds too!

Create an outdoor scavenger hunt for your kids by drawing a picture or taking a picture or using the actual item on a sheet of paper and the kids have to hunt outside to find the item. I plan on doing this with my kids when its safe for them to be outdoors and get out of my sight. I want them to look for oak leaves, worms, pine cones, etc. Whatever is in the backyard. Even if you dont have a backyard this would work if you went to a park or nature trail as well so it works for everyone!

Cream Sauce for Pasta

This is my favorite way to make pasta and the possibilities are endless with the simple yet delicious cream sauce recipe. I hope it becomes a staple in your home as it has in mine.

Ingredients for sauce:
10 slices of bacon, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup chicken broth (I dilute 1 tablespoon of chicken base into a cup of water)
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed in a small amount of cool water

Additions at our home:
Seasoned Chicken, diced
Shrimp
Mushrooms
*you can add anything you'd like to make the meal your own
cooked pasta

Begin by frying bacon, once bacon is almost done add in onion and turn heat down to medium low and saute until onions are almost translucent (don't cook them all the way because they will continue to cook in the sauce) Drain mixture on a paper towel and throw out excess oil that was left in the pan.

At this point I cook whatever meat I will be using for my pasta recipe. I often use shrimp or chicken. (You can also marinate the chicken in any flavor you choose the McCormick grill mates marinades that come in the small packet that you add oil, vinegar and water to are my favorite. If you do this your sauce will also pick up the flavor that you marinated in. I like to use the chipotle pepper seasoning to make a spicy chicken pasta)

After I cook the chicken until almost done I always add in mushrooms (we love mushrooms at my house) then add in the bacon/onion mixture. Add in the chicken broth then the whipping cream then the Parmesan cheese. Bring mixture to a boil and then turn down to low and continue to cook on low. I always taste the sauce to make sure its exactly how I like it and you can add more cheese or whipping cream depending on what you like. The sauce should not be mild because the sauce is going over pasta so it will mellow out some then. Do not season with more salt because there is salt in the bacon and the chicken broth. You can season with pepper if you'd like. After about 5-7 minutes on a low boil add in the cornstarch and cook until the sauce thickens up about 2-3 minutes. Add this mixture over your favorite pasta for a Delicious meal.

The sauce itself will take on any flavor you want it to. I've added fresh herbs in the summertime such as basil, oregano, parsley to add a boost of flavor. You can adjust the seasonings however you'd like. This recipe feeds my family of 2 adults and 1 child (who eats a lot) and there is usually enough left over for us all a small lunch the next day. I also butter some barbecue bread and bake it to go along side of it. You can also add garlic if you like a garlic cream sauce. Basically this sauce is a chameleon and will be great with any additions you can think of. I haven't tried artichokes yet but I bet they would be great too!

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

1-2 lbs chicken breast
1-2 T buffalo wing sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10-20 egg roll wrappers
Oil for frying or a fry daddy
Small cup of cool water

Season chicken with salt and pepper and bake at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and baked through. Let cool and shred.

Add buffalo wing sauce depending on how hot you'd like your taquitos to be. I added enough so that the taste was just spicy enough. But after they fry the taste mellows out so I recommend adding a little more.

Lay out one egg roll wrapper and and wet the edges with your fingers. Put some of the chicken mixture (about 2 T, don't make them too big because you don't want the filling coming out) in one corner of the egg roll wrapper. At this point you can add anything you want, I added about a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese. Other recipes I've seen added blue cheese, broccili slaw or cabbage. It was very delicious with the mozzarella cheese though...made me think of the chicken taquitos we get at the mexican restaurant (hence the name).

Making the egg roll wraps:
Begin by rolling up the corner until you have overlapped the chicken mixture completely (tuck the corner of the egg roll wrapper into itself over the chicken, then bring in the sides one at a time to make an envelope. More water may be needed to seal the seams. Then fold the top of the envelope down adding more water to seal if necessary. Repeat with the remaining egg roll wrappers, I used 14 wrappers, but you may need more or less depending on how large you make your taquitos.

I layed all my egg roll wraps on a baking sheet lined with paper towels so they could drain after frying. Another recipe I found baked them in the oven for 400 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. In order to do this you will need a cooling rack inside a baking pan and you will also need to spray the wraps with oil to get a crispy texture on the outside. I haven't tried them this way but I doubt they will get as crispy as frying in oil.

Heat oil to 400 degrees F. Add 2-3 taquitos into the oil at a time, fry until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Repeat until all taquitos are fried up. I also fried a plan chicken one for my son because I didnt think he would like the spicy sauce on his.

I served our Buffalo Chicken Taquitos along side a salad and it was a delicious dinner. Will definitely be making these again. They are also great dipped in ranch dressing as I'm sure they would be great with blue cheese dressing. They are also just good by themselves. These would be a great treat for a superbowl party or any party! Hope you enjoy!

This was a great way to change up the menu and I think I will be putting a lot more items into an egg roll wrapper!