Sunday, August 4, 2013

Chicken Florentine Pasta

this photo doesn't do this dish justice...


This is a dish I originally made for Doug and I, but since then, the boys have enjoyed it, too. It goes together quickly and is a lighter option than many pasta dishes.  Great for summertime. Use a wedge of fresh Parmesan if you can...it really enhances the flavor.


1 pound Penne, I like the mini kind
4 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
Salt And Pepper, to taste
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 cups white wine (you could use all chicken broth)
3/4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth, may need a little more
1 bag Baby Spinach
2 cups diced tomatoes
Parmesan Cheese, shaved with vegetable peeler, can use grated if it's all you have on hand


Put pasta on to cook according to package directions.

In a skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When hot, drop chicken in and let cook till brown on one side. Flip over and cook until done. Remove from skillet.

Turn heat on skillet to medium and add minced garlic. Stir around for 1/2 a minute or so to avoid burning the garlic.

Pour wine and chicken broth in skillet and stir to deglaze the pan. The liquid will bubble and reduce.

When it has reduced by about half, turn off the heat.

Add in the tomatoes, spinach chicken and drained pasta.  Gently stir to combine, the spinach leaves will wilt as you combine.

Shave plenty of parmesan on top and toss gently once again.

Serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Source: Pioneer Woman








Monday, June 10, 2013

Ice Cream Cake




This is seriously the easiest dessert EVER! 
But it looks pretty impressive, don't you agree?
And you can totally customize it to appeal to your family!
Wanna make one??? 
Here's what you need...

9 ice cram sandwiches
1 container of cool whip
1-2 candy bars of your choice...I used Reese's, chopped or crushed
Caramel Sauce
Chocolate Sauce

 Unwrap all your ice cream sandwiches...try not to eat one!
Lay 3 sandwiches side by side on a cake plate.
 Top with a layer of cool whip and sprinkle on about half of the crushed candy bars
Next lay 3 ice cream sandwiched, in the opposite direction, on top of the first layer.
Top with a layer of cool whip.
Lay the 3 remaining ice cream sandwiches, in the same direction as the first layer, on top of all. 
"Frost" the entire cake with remaining cool whip.
Sprinkle remaining candy bar on top and drizzle with caramel and chocolate sauce.
Pop it in the freezer until you are ready to serve!

ENJOY!

This made 4 very large pieces of cake. You could make a cake that would serve more people, simply by using more ice cream sandwiches, cool whip and candy bars. I would put it in a 9x13 glass dish if I were making a bigger cake.

Also, you can use any candy bars or ice cream sauce that appeals to your people! 
I hope you make one and you LoVe it!


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

White Bubble Up Pizza





We've been trying quite a few new recipes lately. I need to freshen things up before my boys come home for the summer. This one is easy and a really big hit! I am already dreaming of ways to make it even more delicious and can't wait to make it again. 
Give it a try...I think you'll thank me!



1 can (12oz) golden layer buttermilk biscuits the Pillsbury Grands Jr Brand
1 jar (15oz) alfredo sauce
1-2 cups mozzarella cheese depending on how cheesy you like things
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1&1/2- 2 cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken
cooking spray

Cut biscuits into quarters.

In a large bowl, pour 3/4 of the jar of Alfredo sauce, sprinkle with garlic powder.

Add half the mozzarella cheese, and the chicken.

Gently toss all ingredients to thoroughly coat.

Pour into an 8 x 8inch baking dish, I used an iron skillet this time.

Top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 375* for 25-30 minutes or until biscuits are done and cheese is golden brown.

Serve with a little extra sauce, if desired.


Source: Adapted from Plain Chicken...yes I like her recipes...she rocks!