Southwestern Mini Grilled Burritos

This was my first time making this recipe, and I've got to say it was a crowd pleasure.  My entire family enjoyed these little burritos and that alone is a fete, let me tell you!  However, next time, I need a bit more flavor and spice!  So I will be adding in extra seasoning.  If you make this recipe, I suggest tweaking the spices to YOUR liking.  After all, that's what cooking is all about! 

Ingredients:
- 3 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 1 Green Pepper, diced
- 1 Red Pepper, diced
- 2 Jalapeno, diced.  (You can de-seed to keep the heat down, but really, why do that?  Spice is good!)
- 1 can Black Beans, drained
- 1 can Corn, drained
- 2 small onions or 1 large onion, diced
- Mozzarella and Sharp cheddar shredded cheese
- Cumin/Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder to taste
- Garlic to taste
- 20 Taco sized Tortillas

**Note:  This makes a TON of filling!  I saved what was leftover to use later in the week for enchiladas!  Or you can easily freeze it for when you can use it. **

Directions:

1.  Make a spice rub consisting of your cumin, chili powder, and cayenne.  Use it to rub all over your chicken breasts and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until your chicken is cooked through.  Remove and shred your chicken.  Set aside.

2.  Now, chop all your veggies.  Begin heating up a pan with some olive oil.  You do not need a lot of olive oil, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.  Add your veggies and begin to let them sweat so that they become tender.

3.  Once your veggies are beginning to become tender, add your corn, garlic, black beans, and more seasoning (cumin/cayenne/chili powder).  Let the mixture come together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.  Make sure your pan stays on a med heat.

4.  Once mixture is heated through, add your cheese.  Add as much as you prefer here.  It will begin melting almost instantly.  That is a GOOD thing!  Remove to a bowl.

5.  Now, begin assembling your tortillas.  Add a bit of filling to the middle and fold up.  Secure with a toothpick and set aside on a tray.  Once you're done assembling, you can freeze the remainder of your filling or use the rest later in the week.

6.  Now, fire up that George Foreman!  If you don't have a grill, you can always deep fry these.  After your grill warms, spray each side of your burritos with a little bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking.  Add to the grill, shut the lid, and press down firmly.

Here's the final product.....

These are great with some sour cream and salsa dipping sauce or all by themselves!  It's a nice twist to the typical burrito!  Hope you enjoy!  

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Everyone has their own recipe for baked mac n cheese. Some are easy, some are more complex.  Mine is so simple, you will never dread the process of creating one of life's biggest comfort foods again!  Here it is!

Ingredients:

- 1 box Elbow Macaroni (you can also substitute Penne, Shells, or Rigatoni...whatever you have on hand!)
- 2 cans Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1 soup can of milk
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- Salt and Pepper to taste

(In the photo you will notice it does not show the Sharp Cheddar.  That is because I had a brain fart and forgot to add it to the photo!  Hey...it happens!)

Directions:

1.  Boil the pasta until al dente.  If it's a bit firm, don't worry, it'll soften in the oven.  Remove to a bowl.

2.  Add both cans of soup, the soup can of milk, salt and pepper to taste, and a handful of the Sharp Cheddar.  Stir well to combine.

3.  Spread mixture into a 13X9inch baking dish (mine has seen better days, lol!).  Sprinkle a handful of the Sharp cheddar on top, followed by a handful of Mozzarella.  You can add as little or as much cheese as you prefer here.  But in my opinion, it IS called Mac N Cheese so the more cheese the better!

4.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly brown.

Here's the final product......

Enjoy! 

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This simple casserole is my oldest daughters favorite!  I made it yesterday for her 7th birthday because I know how much she enjoys it!  And, the thing is, it's one of the most simple dishes one can make!  Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 1/3 cup Water
- 3/4 cup white rice
- Onion Powder and Black Pepper to taste
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

1.  Grab a large 13X9in pan.  Toss in your rice, water, and soup.  Mix well

2.  Season with your onion powder and your black pepper and stir again.

3.  Now add your chicken breasts.  I add a tiny bit more pepper on top of the chicken, but this is up to you. 

4.  Cover the pan with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.  Remove from oven and remove foil.  Sprinkle with as much cheese as desired and place back into the oven for 10-15 minutes.  Remove from oven and enjoy!

I double the rice because we really enjoy it's flavor.  Here is the final project served with a side of salad......

Enjoy!!

NO BRAINER! The Perfect Summer Sandwich!

Summer is coming quickly and the best part of summer is the same thing that is the best part of all seasons...the food!  You have fresh produce and everything is in season, etc.  Also, it's so hot, you just want something simple!  Well, I have a simple sandwich for you!

Here is my idea of the perfect summer sandwich....a simple tomato sandwich!

Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Mayo
- Bread
- Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1.  Cut up your tomato into slices, either thick slices or thin ones.  Your preference!

2.  Either toast your bread or leave it un-toasted.  I went with un-toasted here.  Spread the mayo on the bread liberally.  Add your tomato slices.  Season with the salt and pepper. 

 

Here's the final product.....

Mmmm...refreshing, filling, and most importantly it tastes just like Summer should!  Enjoy!

Stuffed Shells

Pasta is the one of the best inventions ever!  In fact, it's one of the many reasons I wouldn't mind being Italian.  Well, that and the huge dinners they have, but those two reasons are intertwined and now I'm rambling. 

So anyway, the other day I made this recipe for the first time and it was amazing!  It's a bit of work, but it's worth it and you'll have tons of leftovers.  So, lets get started!

Ingredients:

- 1 box large Pasta Shells
- 1 16oz. pkg of Spicy Italian Sausage
- 1 Green Pepper, diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 Tablespoon of Garlic, jarred or chopped
- 1 can mushrooms
- 1 container Ricotta Cheese
- 1 can of diced Italian Style tomatoes, drained
- 1 24oz can of Pasta Sauce
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Shredded Cheese

Directions:

1.  Chop your onion and green pepper.  Toss them into a bowl with the canned mushrooms and garlic.  Then begin sauteing them with your sausage. 

2.  Boil your pasta shells until al dente.  You don't want a completely done shell b/c it will continue to cook in the oven.  Drain and set aside to cool so you'll be able to handle them shortly.

3.  When your sausage and veggies are completed, drain your tomatoes and add to the pain.  Allow to cook 1 more minute.  Remove mixture to a bowl. 

4.  Add in Ricotta cheese.  I bought a 2 lb container and added a tiny bit less than half.  That was plenty for us.  Stir well. 

5.  Now you're ready to assemble!  Using a teaspoon, spoon mixture into pasta shells and place them into a large casserole dish.  Keep doing this until all your shells are full.

6.  Once the shells are in the casserole dish, pour the pasta sauce over them.  Then add the parm and then the mozzarella.  I left the measuring off here as I just added however much cheese we preferred.  I suggest you do the same.

7.  Now place into the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the shells are cooked through and your cheese is bubbly and brown. 

Here is the final product....

I served mine with salad and some bread (not shown).  As you can see by the hefty portion here, this was a favorite!  Enjoy!

Southern Style Breaded Pork Chops

My dad taught me how to make these delicious pork chops!  A little bit of prep work leaves you with juicy, crunchy, and above all else, tasty pork chops! 

Ingredients:

- Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops
- 3 Eggs
- Flour
- Seasoning Salt, Dried Parsley, Garlic Salt, and Pepper
- Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Directions:

1.  Crack your eggs into a bowl and add Frank's Red Hot Sauce.  Add the amount you prefer.  This is not for spice, but for flavor. Whisk together.  Get another bowl and add your flour and seasonings listed above.  Stir around with a fork. 

2.  Now place your chop in the egg mixture, then the flour, then egg again, and then back into the flour.  This gives it an extra thick crust, and trust me, you'll want that!  Shake off excess flour and place on plate.  Do this until all your chops are dredged.

3.  Add some oil to your pan (I use my electric skillet b/c it's large and can fit all the chops in at once) and let it begin to heat up.  Once your pan is hot, add the chops and allow to cook on one side for about 12 minutes.  Turn and allow to cook another 15 minutes or until fully cooked.

4.  Remove and sprinkle with salt. 

5.  Serve with your choice of sides!  Today I chose mashed potatoes w/gravy, biscuits, and cauliflower with cheese sauce. 

Here's a shot of the final product.....

Enjoy!!