Author: QuiltLady

TURKEY TETTRAZINI

When I was a kid and just starting to do the majority of the family cooking we had a set group of recipes that were the “weeknight” recipes. One of those recipes that was especially popular during the holidays was Turkey Tettrazini. We also substituted ham and chicken for the turkey throughout the rest of the year. Back then I prepared the recipes as they were written and they were okay, but the Tettrazini recipe used ALL Velveeta and canned mushrooms and stuff I wouldn’t think of putting into my body now so it was my goal to create the same recipe in a more health oriented way, but still easy for a weeknight meal.

TURKEY TETTRAZZINI
2 tablespoons butter
1 large bunch green onions, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
8 ounces linguine, broken in half and cooked al dente
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded turkey pieces*
1 can cream of celery soup**
1 cup milk
1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Saute onions and celery just until tender.
  • Add soup and milk, stirring to blend. Cook just until thick.
  • Add cheddar cheese.
  • Add salt and pepper.
  • In the bottom of an 11×7 baking dish scatter first the pasta and then the meat pieces.
  • Pour soup mixture over top.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes.

*ham and rotisserie chicken work well too
** I PREFER SOUP SUBSTITUTES – SEE BELOW

CREAM SOUP SUBSTITUTES

Do you hate buying canned soups for use in recipes? Do you want something healthier and less costly?  These recipes make perfect substitutes for 1 can of soup.

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk or other liquid (as specified in variations)

  • Melt the butter in heavy saucepan.
  • Blend in flour and salt. Cook until bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and gradually stir or whisk in liquid.
  • Return to heat and cook, constantly stirring until smooth and thickened.

VARIATIONS

  • Cream of chicken: Use 1/2 c. milk and 1/2 c. chicken broth as the liquid. Add 1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning or sage.
  • Cream of celery: Saute´ 1/2 c. chopped celery and 1 T. finely chopped onion in the margarine before adding flour. Use milk for liquid.
  • Cream of mushroom: Saute´1/4 c. finely chopped mushrooms and 1 T. finely chopped onion in margarine before adding flour. Use milk for liquid.
  • Tomato: Use tomato juice as liquid. Add a dash each of garlic salt, onion salt, basil, and oregano.
  • Cheddar cheese: Use milk for liquid. Stir into the finished sauce 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 tsp. dry mustard.
  • Cream of shrimp: Drain the liquid from a small can of tiny shrimp into a measuring cup. Fill cup with milk to measure 1 cup of liquid. Add a dash of pepper, onion salt, curry powder, and paprika to the finished sauce, and stir in the shrimp.

FIRE ROASTED ENCHILADAS via MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST aka PEPERONCINI POT ROAST

This recipe is floating all over Pinterest and always looks so good I finally had to try it. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s FANTASTIC!  At the end of the cooking time you have a melt in your mouth roast and gravy too!
Mississippi Pot RoastMISSISSIPPI POT ROAST aka PEPERONCINI POT ROAST
3 pound chuck roast
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (dry)
1 packet Au Jus mix
6 pepperocini peppers
1 stick butter, sliced into slivers
1 large onion, cut into slivers
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 cups baby carrots, halved
2 large Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks
  • Layer the celery, onions and carrots in a 6 quart slow cooker.
  • Top with roast.
  • Sprinkle the dry mixes over the roast.
  • Top with peppers and then butter slices.
  • Cook on low 8 hours.

Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY 6/2 YOGURT SANDWICHES Chipotle Cheddar Mac & Cheese
TUESDAY 6/3 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE FRUIT & CHEESE C.O.R.N.
WEDNESDAY 6/4 YOGURT SOUP Mexican Cobb Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
THURSDAY 6/5 FRUIT FRUIT & CHEESE Chicken & Green Chile Flautas
FRIDAY 6/6 CEREAL SALAD Glazed Stuffed pork Chops
SATURDAY 6/7 S#*% on a Shingle OUT Chicken Chile Corn Custards
SUNDAY 6/8 Toasted French Toast C.O.R.N Laverne DeFazio Roast

LAVERNE DEFAZIO ROAST

LAVERNE DEFAZIO ROAST
1 can pepsi
3+/- pound pot roast, with good marbling
1 large onion, sliced thin
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 pound mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 package KNORR brown gravy mix
1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Beef base
Kosher salt and white pepper

  • Bring roast to room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Brown the roast, generously ~ salt and peppering it.
  • Whisk together the milk, pepsi, bouillon base and gravy mix.
  • Surround roast with onions and mushrooms.
  • Pour Milk/Coke mixture over roast.
  • Bake for at least 3 hours undisturbed. Depending on the thickness of the roast it will probably take 4-5 hours for a thick 3 pound roast until the meat begins to fall apart. You should be able to cut your roast with a fork.
  • The combination of ingredients makes its own gravy that is soooooooooooooooooo good.

And look at those awesome hot beef sandwiches we had for leftovers!

Now, for the oven I like to use my grandma’s old Magnalite dutch oven which cooks really even! And see those little hobnail bumps in on the bottom side of the lid? Those are better known as drip catchers. They collect the steam from the juices and redistribute it all right back down on the roast as it cooks. These help keep the meat moist and juicy. After the roast is browned, place it in the dutch oven and spread vegetables all around it.

AWWWWW Summer Salads really hit the spot!

We don’t buy bottled dressing around here as you can see from the list below.   I cannot stress how much better dressings made fresh taste. Any one of these dressings is great with this combination of flavors. 


6 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 vine ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin (I like the larger Mexican ones)
1 chicken breast per person, grilled, & sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup grapes, quartered
salt & pepper to taste
bacon crumbles

1 recipe of one of the following dressings: 

    FARMHOUSE BUTTERMILK DRESSING 
    1 cup Buttermilk
    1 cup mayonnaise
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon white pepper
    1 teaspoon parsley flakes
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    1 teaspoon dried tarragon
    1 teaspoon dried basil
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

    • Blend together in mini food processor or whisk vigorously. Chill overnight before serving.

    Home made “BLEU” CHEESE DRESSING

    • 1/2 cup sour cream

    • 1/2 cup large curd cottage cheese

    • 1 cup mayonnaise

    • 4 ounces bleu cheese crumbles (sometimes I use Gorgonzola for a bit of change or when I accidentally pick up the wrong container at the grocery store and we like it just as well)

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

    • I put it all in my food processor and pulse until it’s well mixed. Chill for 24-48 hours before serving.

    I put it all in my food processor and pulse until it’s well mixed. Chill for 24-48 hours before serving.

    SWEET SESAME DRESSING
    1/3 cup sugar
    3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
    3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
    3 tablespoons peanut oil
    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    • Whisk vinegars, sugar and salt together.
    • Heat over a medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
    • Whisk in oil until well blended.
    • Cool and pour over salad.
    SWEET & SOUR CUCUMBER DRESSING 
    1 cup dairy sour cream
    2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
    Juice of 1 lemon
    1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 small bunch green onions, minced
    1/2 cup small peeled and diced cucumber

    • Whisk sour cream until smooth.
    • Add lemon juice, salt and vinegar and blend well.
    • Add cucumbers and onions.
    • Cover to chill and blend flavors.
    • Serve over tomato and lettuce salads, sliced chicken or chilled salmon.
    • Makes 1 1/2 cups give or take.

    CHAMPAGNE DRESSING
    1/3 cup peanut oil
    3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
    Juice of 1 lemon
    3 tablespoons sugar
    salt & pepper to taste

    • Whisk together peanut oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper. Chill for several hours.
    • Enjoy!

     CELERY SEED DRESSING
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon mustard
    1 teaspoon paprika
    1 teaspoon celery seed
    1/2 teaspoon white pepper
    1/3 cup sugar
    4 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon white vinegar
    1 cup salad oil

    • Blend together in small food processor for 3 minutes. 
    • Chill. 
    •  This is a thick dressing so shake vigorously before serving. I spooned a small portion into a bowl and microwaved it for a few seconds and served it warm. It thins out dramatically when warmed. It was yummy! 
    • Keep bottled in refrigerator


    1000 ISLAND DRESSING (MY FAVORITE)
    1/2 cup mayonnaise
    2 tablespoons ketchup
    1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
    2 teaspoons sugar
    3 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
    1 heaping tablespoon minced red onion
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    salt and pepper

    • In a mini blender blend all ingredients to desired consistency.

    WARM BACON DRESSING
    1 egg
    1/3 cup white vinegar
    1/2 cup sugar
    1/3 cup flour
    2 cups water
    1/2 pound bacon
    salt and pepper to taste

    • Cook bacon until crisp. Leave drippings in pan and allow to cool.
    • Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool.  Set aside.
    • In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg.
    • Add the vinegar, sugar, water, flour, salt and pepper.  Blend well.  Add to the bacon drippings.
    • Mix until well blended.
    • Cook over a low heat, STIRRING CONSTANTLY!  Bring to a rolling boil taking off the heat when you reach your desired consistency.
    • When cool, add the crumbled bacon.
    • Enjoy!

    BLACK-EYED PEA CHILI

    So what do you do with left over pot roast and a can of black-eyed peas? Why, you make chili of course!  I just happened to have all of my normal chili ingredients on hand also.  I prefer Williams Chili Seasoning packet, but I had a coupon for the Mrs. Dash so we gave it a try.  It was okay, but the Mrs. Dash won’t become my go to seasoning.
    MANY people swear by starting their year out with black-eyed peas for luck.  I’m not a superstitious person, but hey it can’t hurt!
    As a kid I HATED black-eyed peas, but I recently found the Trappey’s brand and they are fantastic! Hubs and I ate them plain and polished off the whole can. In fact they were so good that I can’t wait to try their other beans in soups, field peas, navy, black-eyed peas with jalapenos, etc…
    BLACK-EYED PEA CHILI

    1 can Trappey’s Black-eyed peas with bacon
    +/- 2 cups shredded left over pot roast
    1 can original Rotel tomatoes
    1 1/2 cups V8
    1 small HUNT’S tomato sauce 
    1 tablespoon Frank’s red hot sauce
    1 package Williams Chili Seasoning packet
    salt and pepper, to taste
    water to desired consistency*
    cheese bread or corn muffins
    sour cream and onions to garnish

    • Mix together everything except the bread and garnish in a stock pot.
    • Bring to a boil.
    • Reduce heat and simmer several hours until you can smell the chili calling you to the kitchen.
    • Ladle into bowls and garnish.
    • Enjoy!

    *I use about 2 cups.  I like to start thin and simmer until thick (2-3 hours) to allow the flavors to blend together.

    SLOW COOKED PORK TENDERLOIN AND SAUERKRAUT

    SLOW COOKED PORK TENDERLOIN AND SAUERKRAUT
    makes 6-8 servings

    2-32 ounce jars of sauerkraut, drained
    2 1/2 cups chicken broth
    1 package Lipton onion soup mix
    3 pound boneless pork loin roast
    3 tablespoons brown mustard**

    • Combine sauerkraut, chicken broth and Lipton soup mix until well blended.**
    • Add pork roast, cutting in half if necessary to avoid over crowding.
    • Set on low for 8 hours.
    **The original recipe called for water instead of chicken broth and for the mustard which I HAD to eliminate due to allergies (I’d like to live to make another recipe) and we loved it so I don’t believe the mustard is necessary, but add it if you like.

    BACON CHEDDAR CHEESE BALLS

    photo credit to Claudia
    I have no idea where this recipe came from, but it has become a family favorite. This picture shows that these or ANY cheese ball can be made what you want by just changing what you decorate the outside in and/or making them bite size by just adjusting how much you roll into each ball.  We prefer them “bite” sized.

    BACON CHEDDAR CHEESE BALLS
    1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
    8 ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese
    1/4 cup apricot pineapple preserves
    2 ounce jar pimentos, drained, rinsed and dried (optional)
    2 tablespoons milk
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    1/2 teaspoon Franks Red Hot Pepper Sauce*
    8 slices bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled
    Additional toppings as desired – crushed nuts, chives, carrot pieces, pickle pieces, etc…

    • In a very large bowl combine the cheddar cheese and cream cheese.  Cover and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
    • Add the preserves, milk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and half the bacon.  
    • Beat with a mixer until smooth.
    • Cover and refrigerate 2-4 hours.
    • Roll mixture into desired number of balls.
    • Roll each ball in desir4ed topping.
    • Chill for at least an hour.
    • Serve with crackers, celery sticks, toast points, etc…

    *Frank’s Red chile pepper sauce makes an awesome substitution

    CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE FLAUTAS

    CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE FLAUTAS
    3 cups cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken
    6 ounces cream cheese, softened
    1/3 cup sour cream
    1 can original Rotel tomatoes and chiles, drained VERY well
    1 small can green chiles, drained VERY well
    1 bunch green onions, sliced lengthwise and then again in half moons
    sea salt and pepper, to taste
    1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar and jack Mexican mix cheese
    6 inch flour tortillas
    Canola oil for frying
    Salsa, sour cream, guacamole and taco sauce for dipping

    • In a large bowl combine the chicken pieces, cream cheese, sour cream, Rotel tomatoes and chiles and shredded cheese until well blended.
    • Fill each tortilla with two heaping tablespoons of chicken mixture towards one side and then roll tightly.  Place seam side down on a platter.  DO NOT begin frying until they are all filled.  
    • Add enough oil to a large skillet to generously cover the bottom.  Heat to medium.
    • Cook tortillas seam side down and then turning to brown all the way around.
    • DO NOT crowd the pan.
    • Drain on paper towels.
    • Serve with your favorite sauces.

    S#*% on a SHINGLE

    Now normally I wouldn’t make anything that wasn’t completely from scratch, but Hubby had been craving S.O.S. a lot lately! I hadn’t made it in years and he really wanted to go OUT for a hometown diner style breakfast. Someone told us about a local diner that had it as a special. He was soooooooooo excited and then he was soooooooooooo disappointed. It truly was S@#%! on a shingle, the dogs weren’t even thrilled with the leftovers! So tonight I surprised hubby with home made Creamed Chipped Beef and I thought I would share the recipe. One of my ‘secret’ ingredients is serving it over sourdough toast for extra flavor. The other is using a cast iron skillet. The last secret ingredient is an actual ingredient.
    S.O.S. aka S@#%! on a shingle

    1/3 cup butter
    1 small onion, chopped fine
    1 jar Armor dried beef*, chopped small
    3 tablespoons flour
    1 1/2 cup milk
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (my last secret ingredient)

    • Melt the butter and add the onions. 
    • After about 2 minutes add the beef also. Saute’ until onions are translucent. 
    • Sprinkle with pepper. Use salt sparingly (beef is pretty salty)
    • Sprinkle flour over the meat and onions and stir in well. The flour will burn, so work quickly. 
    • Gradually add in the milk, stirring continuously until mixture boils. Turn down heat, add the Worcestershire sauce and thicken to a gravy consistency. 
    • Serve immediately over toast.

    SAVORY SPICE SHOP ~ BLACK & BLEU CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

    I have a new passion!  I found this great new spice shop, SAVORY SPICE SHOP. They grind their own spices and have dozens of wonderful proprietary blends.  Check out their website for some wonderful recipes too.
    Tonight I made their Black and Bleu Cheese Dressing.  The consistency is more like a vinaigrette if you use the sour cream so for us so I changed the name a little.  I also accidentally used apple cider vinegar instead of the plain white vinegar and hubby loved it! Next time I’m going to try Gorgonzola crumbles.
    The Onion & Garlic Tableside Sprinkle is a great grilling salt free seasoning that did not disappoint on tonight’s pork chops.
    BLACK & BLEU CHEESE VINAIGRETTE
    • 2 ounces Bleu Cheese Powder
    • 2 teaspoons Cook County Charcoal Seasoning
    • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, optional to taste
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 cup mayonnaise (sour cream if you want a vinaigrette)
    • 4 tsp. white vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)

    Notes: Replace the mayonnaise with sour cream for a tasty dip version of this dressing.

    • Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. I used my small food processor.
    • Transfer to a sealed container and chill until ready to serve.

     

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    WEEKLY MENU PLANS

    Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


    		 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
    MONDAY 5/26 YOGURT SANDWICHES PECAN CHICKEN in MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE
    TUESDAY 5/27 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE FRUIT & CHEESE C.O.R.N.
    WEDNESDAY 5/28 YOGURT SOUP TIPSY CHICKEN from CARPENTER STREET SALOON
    THURSDAY 5/29 FRUIT FRUIT & CHEESE SNAPPER WRAPPERS SNAPPER PATRICK from PAT’S FISHERMAN’S WHARF
    FRIDAY 5/30 CEREAL SALAD SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS from THE DINNER BELL
    SATURDAY 5/31 FARMER’S BREAKFAST OUT BLT HASH BROWNS from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE
    SUNDAY 6/1 BAKED EGG BOATS  C.O.R.N HOT BROWN from THE BROWN HOTEL