Category: MISC

THE CUBAN RUEBEN SANDWICH deconstructed AND reconstructed as STUDEBAKERS

I LOVE to find interesting recipes that have tons of flavor.  Unfortunately at times I have to adjust them to the flavor whims of my family.  The following recipe is just that type of recipe.

Originally known as Rueben Cubans I had to adjust some ingredients for my food allergy as well as for the ingredients I had on hand.  When I deconstruct and reconstruct a sandwich successfully I always rename them after a fun sounding car.  My first example of that was my recipe for Cadillacs aka Parmesan Roast Beef.

STUDEBAKERS aka GRILLED SWISS BACON SAUSAGE SANDS
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons dijon mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped dill pickle (or dill pickle relish)
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped green chiles
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3/4 – 1 pound ground pork sausage (good with plain old beef too)
8 thinly sliced center cut Canadian Bacon
4 thin slices turkey
6 ounces shredded or thinly sliced Baby Swiss Cheese
8 slices Caraway Rye Bread
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

  • In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, mustard, pickles and jalapenos. Set aside.
  • Saute onion and set aside.
  • Grill Canadian Bacon slices until tender.
  • Shape the Italian sausage into 4 patties roughly shaped the size of your bread.
  • Season patties with salt and pepper.
  • Grill each patty for about 3 minutes or until edges are brown and no longer pink.
  • Flip patties to brown second side and top with one half of Swiss cheese.
  • Spread mustard mixture on each slice of bread.
  • Heat a grill pan and melt butter.  
  • Lay 4 slices of bread in bubbling butter and top with Canadian Bacon slices.
  • Top with turkey slices.
  • Top with remaining Swiss Cheese and sauteed onions.
  • Add pork patties and top with remaining bread slices. 
  • When bottoms are golden flip sandwich and grill other side until golden.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Good Morning! I had a SUPER productive weekend getting settled after the first leg of the move as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week!

It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

ON THE BREAKFAST MENU:

  • A big cup of coffee (maybe 2) and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins. 

TODAY’S TO DO LIST:

  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Errands
  • Phone Calls
  • Grocery Shopping

CURRENTLY (STILL) READING:

Not much this week

TV SHOWS THIS WEEK:

Catching up on the DVR!

WEATHER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

Cloudy and cool (60’s) with a chance of rain – YAY!!!!!! I’m loving the shift in temperatures since the move north!

ON THE MENU:
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST
DINNER
MONDAY 11/3 OATMEAL
Glazed Stuffed pork Chops
TUESDAY 11/4 YOGURT
 Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Chicken with Melted Strawberries
WEDNESDAY 11/5 OATMEAL
Sweet & Sour Pork Roast
THURSDAY 11/6 YOGURT
Rueben Cubans
FRIDAY 11/7 CHEERIOS
Beef & Bacon Chili
SATURDAY 11/8  Shirred Eggs
Chicken Noodle Salad with Chile Scallion Oil
SUNDAY 11/9
OUT

Ham & Gruyere Stratas

PLAY TIME (if I can find any ~ yeah right)

As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

NEW RECIPES TO TRY:

Making a couple of new desserts this week – Cheesecake Egg Rolls and Chocolate Rum Banana Empanadas.

IN THE YARD & GARDEN

Rake leaves and cut back bushes for winter.

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
We followed this truck for a couple hundred miles of mountain road. Hubby says I need to send him a Christmas card and thank him for being a good leader through the fog before we reached this beautiful area of the trees changing colors.

HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK:

Also as we head into cooler weather Menu Planning is a great way to save some money as well as trips to the store in the cold weather.

EYE CATCHING BLOGS WORTHY OF A DEEPER LOOK:

Still trying to get organized from the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better soon.

ON MY MIND LATELY:

Oh so much – way too much to put into words quite yet.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

MOVING ON UP…

I guess I’m just a kid of the 70’s. LOL Every time I move I get the Jefferson’s theme song stuck in my head. I’ve been busy packing, painting, cleaning etc… around here getting ready for the BIG move. I’ll be back to regular blogging at the end of the week.

In the meantime her’s a couple of pictures of my favorite fur children.

MEXICAN NOODLE BAKE

I found this recipe Sour Cream Noodle Bake that I wanted to try and then realized with the big move coming that I didn’t have the exact ingredients.  I took quite a few liberties with this recipe and hubby loves it!  So, I don’t think we’ll ever get around to trying her original recipe.

I’ll give you both recipes – her original recipe will be in all black and my changes will be in red.

SOUR CREAM NOODLE/MEXICAN NOODLE BAKE
1 1/4 pound ground chuck – 1 pound ground sirloin
1 can 15 oz. tomato sauce – 1 can 8 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt – sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
freshly ground pepper
8 ounces weight egg noodles – 2 cups farfalle , elbows and shells
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cup small curd cottage cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions – 1 large bunch green onions, sliced
1 cup grated sharp cheddar – 2 cups chef’s combo (4 cheddar cheeses)
10 oz. can Rotel original drained
15 oz. can Black beans, drained rinsed
Salsa
Sour Cream

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • Spray 11×9 baking dish with non-stick spray.

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • While pasta is boiling brown ground sirloin and half of green onions, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste as browning.  Drain fat.

  • While meat is browning and pasta is boiling mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Add in pasta and remaining green onions. Set aside.

  • Add tomato sauce, drained Rotel as well as the  drained and rinsed black beans to the meat and stir to blend well.

  • Assemble starting with the noodle mixture followed by the meat mixture and half the cheese and repeat.

  • Bake 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and heated all the way through.

  • Top with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
http://familycorner.blogspot.com/

MENU PLAN & HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

Good Morning! I had a SUPER productive weekend as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week – lots of last minute projects to finish as the BIG move is now closer.

It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

ON THE BREAKFAST MENU:

  • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins. 

TODAY’S TO DO LIST:

  • Dr. appointment
  • Packing
  • Errands
  • Phone Calls

CURRENTLY (STILL) READING:

TV SHOWS THIS WEEK:

Now that the FALL schedule has started there so many new shows and we are STILL trying to work out our new fall choices.

WEATHER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

Still really warm here during the day despite the 10-15 degree drop in temperatures during the day, but evenings are feeling fantastic with a slight breeze also.  I keep reminding myself that it’s only for a very short time more as I really look forward to the much cooler temperatures and rain. 

The temps were supposed drop an additional 10 degrees this week, but changed last minute and are still in high 90’s and we have to finish painting no matter what so we can leave here – that’s my big project for the week.

ON THE MENU:
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST
DINNER
MONDAY 10/13 OATMEAL
Hot Wings
TUESDAY 10/14 YOGURT
 Chicken & Tomato Spinach Salad
WEDNESDAY 10/15 OATMEAL
Bean & Bacon Rolls
THURSDAY 10/16 YOGURT
BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
FRIDAY 10/17 CHEERIOS
Tortilla Roll-Ups
SATURDAY 10/18  Shirred Eggs
Chicken Empanadas
SUNDAY 10/19 Baked Ham Cups
Grilled Cheese & Chili

PLAY TIME (if I can find any ~ yeah right)

As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

NEW RECIPES TO TRY:

Not trying anything new the next couple of weeks since I’m on the countdown clean out so we don’t move any food!

IN THE YARD & GARDEN

 YAY! NOT A THING until after the move in a few weeks.

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
We finally took my birthday trip this past week (I’m working on that post now), but this is one of my favorite pictures from that trip.

HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK:

Start at the top of a room (fans and light fixtures, etc…) when you’re cleaning.  That way the dust settles at the bottom and you vacuum it all away.

Also as we head into cooler weather Menu Planning is a great way to save some money as well as trips to the store in the cold weather.

EYE CATCHING BLOGS WORTHY OF A DEEPER LOOK:

Still trying to get organized for the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better after the move.

ON MY MIND LATELY:

Sorry for last week’s rant, I’ll just keep it to myself for this week. 😀

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

BUCKET LIST UPDATE

TODAY I AM CELEBRATING 
LIFE AS IT HAPPENS EACH & EVERY DAY.
On 12-29-2010 my life changed forever with a cancer diagnosis so of course I made a BUCKET LIST.  No, not because I’m dying, but because I’m living. I’m doing well and getting close to being able say complete remission.

Miracles DO happen 

Then life kinda got out of control and I forgot about the list.  It is time to start thinking about it again make some fun plans.

There are so many things I want to do before I do die, but there never seems to be enough time, money or energy so I’m making a list as I go and changing that.  I’m fortunate that I have already done so many things, but there are so many more yet to do!  I no longer stress out over the small things and they were right, they are all small things! 
  • – Eat a hangover burger – 12-28-11
  • – Go to a PRO football game
  • – Go to a PRO hockey game
  • – Learn a new hobby
  • – Finish my novels
  • – Finish my cookbooks
  • – Get published
  • – Go to Vermont/New England and see the changing colors in the fall
  • – Go to Disneyworld/Epcot Center
  • – Go to an Olympics
  • – Get a postcard series of pictures published
  • – Go white water rafting
  • – Go Deep Sea Fishing (if only for the pictures)
  • – Go Parasailing
  • – Design and publish a quilt pattern
  • – Travel 1st Class (sort of) 10-7-14 (trip post to follow)
  • – Move to a new part of the country and start afresh learning new local history
  • – …
Every time I update this list I will change to the current date to show my progress.

My birthday is in September, but with the weather so hot during that month we waited until October to take a trip for my birthday, not that the weather was that much better.  In the “old” days we would take a little trip for each of our birthdays.  That all changed with hubby’s last alert, activation and eventual deployment.  With the fall out of the VA after that, then my cancer and 5 surgeries we never seemed to get back to the trip around my birthday – something ALWAYS came up.  Well, this year we made it.
So for my birthday present from hubby we spent 3 days and 2 nights aboard the historic Queen Mary living in a harbor view first class luxury stateroom with a trip to the Aquarium.  I promise a post and lots of pictures soon!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY with a RANT OF IMPROPRIETY LACK OF COMMON SENSE for why I will no longer eat at MCDonalds or shop at Walmart – EVER

www.familycorner.blogspot.com

Good Morning! I had a productive weekend as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week especially as I get closer and closer to the BIG move.

It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

ON THE BREAKFAST MENU:

  • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins. 

TODAY’S TO DO LIST:

  • Laundry
  • Packing
  • Errands
  • Paperwork
  • Phone Calls

CURRENTLY READING:

TV SHOWS THIS WEEK:

Now that the FALL schedule has started there so many new shows and we are STILL trying to work out our new fall choices.

WEATHER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

Still really warm here during the day despite the 10-15 degree drop in temperatures during the day, but evenings are feeling fantastic with a slight breeze also.  I keep reminding myself that it’s only for a very short time more as I really look forward to the much cooler temperatures and rain.

 
ON THE MENU:
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST
DINNER
MONDAY 10/6 OATMEAL
Tuna Melts
TUESDAY 10/7 YOGURT
out
WEDNESDAY 10/8 OATMEAL
out
THURSDAY 10/9 YOGURT
Cheesy BLT Bites
FRIDAY 10/10 CHEERIOS
Grumpy Guy Salad 
SATURDAY 10/11 Luau Benedicts
Mexican Cobb Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
SUNDAY 10/12 Hash Brown Ham and Cheese Quiche
Redneck BBQ Chicken Chile Cornbread Muffins

PLAY TIME (if I can find any ~ yeah right)

As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

NEW RECIPES TO TRY:

Not trying anything new the next couple of weeks since I’m on the countdown clean out so we don’t move any food!

IN THE YARD & GARDEN

 

NOT A THING.

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
 
A friend came to visit for a few days and we did a tour of some local landmarks ~ still working on the post to go up, but love this picture!

HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK:

 

Periodically use a toothbrush in your window tracks to loosen settled dust and then vacuum it all up easily.

 
EYE CATCHING BLOGS WORTHY OF A DEEPER LOOK:

 

Still trying to get organized for the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better after the move.

ON MY MIND LATELY:
 
Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness?  And let me tell you why – The local Walmart has a McDonald’s “restaurant” in it.  I often pop in for a large ice tea before doing my shopping since it has been so hot the past few months.

Multiple times there are people having a meal in there and they have their Chihuahua with them – this dog has been riding in the child seat of the cart and is now in the booth with its paws up on the table top eating food from the table top.  
  • Forget that common sense tells you to leave your dog home and the fact that you are supposed to have service animals in vests and carry their certificates with you in case you are asked to provide proof.
  • Forget that they sell food both in Walmart and in McDonald’s and that they have been toting this dog all around the store in the “CHILD” seat of the cart.
  • Forget that they are not the only family doing this. 
  • Forget that the county when called will tell you that the establishment whoever they may be has the right to refuse service if the certificate cannot be produced.
I’d finally had enough and went to speak with the Store Manager (multiple times) for Walmart about my concerns for the health and safety of everyone since these dogs are being taken through food areas and their owners are touching the produce and such and the animals are sitting and licking carts in places that while not always clean are used by adults and young children and their official stance is that if they ask the people if they are service animals and they say yes, then it is a moot point.  They are not “allowed” to go the step further asking for the certificate of proof.  The manager suggested I also speak with the McDonald’s manager which I did.

Are you ready for the real kicker here?  It was bad enough that Walmart would not deal with this issue, but the McDonald’s Manager though sympathetic told me his hands were tied.  McDonald’s official stance is that it is a violation of their “civil rights” to ask them to comply. 
 
WTH?????? WHAT ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF EVERYONE ELSE TO SHOP AND EAT IN A SANITARY ENVIRONMENT????? THESE RULES EXIST FOR A REAL REASON!!

PRAYING FOR:

COMMON SENSE and LOGIC as well as society and today’s parents as they raise tomorrow’s adults. From what I’ve seen this weekend alone, SOCIETY IS DOOMED if we don’t make some changes AND MAKE THEM SOON!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

RECONSTRUCTED GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE with TOASTED COCONUT MOCHA BUTTERCREAM ICING

This is one of the lightest and fluffiest cakes I have ever made. Almost burning the toasted coconut adds a complex layer of flavor and crunch.

RECONSTRUCTED GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE with TOASTED COCONUT MOCHA BUTTERCREAM ICING
CAKE
4 ounces German Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup  water
4 eggs, separated
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon  baking soda
1/4 teaspoon  salt
1 cup  butter, softened
2 cups  sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
1 cup  buttermilk

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray pan(s) with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
  • Beat egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. 
  • Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. 
  • Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. 
  • Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. 
  • Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. 
  • Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add egg whites; stirring gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.
  • BAKE 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. 
  • Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans. 
  • Cool cakes in pans 10-15 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. 

ICING**
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
1 +/- tablespoons milk
1 cup “burnt” toasted coconut
1/2 batch Caramel

  • Cream butter.
  • Add powdered sugar one cup at a time to the butter and bled well.
  • Add vanilla and stir until smooth.
  • Microwave chocolate on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
  • Add chocolate to sugar mixture, blending well.
  • Add milk until desired consistency.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup toasted coconut to icing.
  • Ice cake and top with remaining toasted coconut.
  • Just before serving pour a bit of warm Caramel on top,

**If making a 2-3 layers cake double the icing so you have enough for between layers and on the sides.

    PUMPKIN GINGER BARS

    PUMPKIN GINGER BARS
    4 eggs
    1 2/3 cups sugar
    1 cup avocado oil
    15 ounce can pumpkin
    2 cups flour
    1 teaspoon cinnamon
    1 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Spray a 15×10 jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
    • In a large mixing bowl beat together the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until well blended.
    • Sift together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
    • Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, blending well after each addition.
    • Pour batter into pan leveling it out with a spatula.
    • Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
    • Cool completely before icing.

    3 ounces cream cheese, softened
    1/4 cup butter, softened
    2 cups powdered sugar
    1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
    1-2 tablespoons whole milk

    • Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth.
    • Add enough milk to make the icing spreadable.

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    www.familycorner.blogspot.com

    Good Morning! I had a productive weekend as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week especially now that it’s my favorite season – FALL is here Y’ALL!.

    It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

    • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins.
    • Pool Time
    • Laundry
    • Oil Deck, clean railings and wash outside windows from the dust left in the last windstorm.
    • Errands
    • Paperwork
    • Phone Calls

    Now that the FALL schedule has started there so many new shows and we are trying to work out our new fall choices.

    Still really warm here during the day despite the 10 degree drop in temperatures, but evenings are feeling glorious with a slight breeze also.  I just keep reminding myself that it’s only for a short time more as I really look forward to the much cooler temperatures and rain.

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


    		 DATE BREAKFAST
    		DINNER
    MONDAY 9/29 YOGURT
    		leftovers Pizza in a Pot 
    TUESDAY 9/30 BAGEL& FRUIT
    		HOBO Foil Stews
    WEDNESDAY 10/1 OATMEAL
    		 YANKEE DOODLE CHICKEN NOODLE
    THURSDAY 10/2 FRUIT
    		Peanutty Pork Noodle Salad
    FRIDAY 10/3 CEREAL
    		CADILLACS – Parmesan Roast Beef
    SATURDAY 10/4   S#*% on a Shingle
    		Monte Cristo Sandwiches
    SUNDAY 10/5 OUT
    		Pepperoni Garlic Stromboli

    As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

    Probably not trying anything new this week since I’m on the countdown clean out so we don’t move any food.  Did try Sandra’s Pizza in a Pot Last Week and loved it!

    Cleaned the spider webs off the bushes (the drought has made the overhead watering less since we installed the bubblers and the spiders seem to really like that) and pruned the Lantanas back a bit.

    Trying to tame a feral kitten for an elderly neighbor who wants a cat.  It’s going pretty well as “Scampy” is beginning to warm up to me.  I sat yesterday on the neighbor’s stairs waiting for Scampy to trust me enough to try the food I brought for her.
    I think she really likes this food.

    Roll your citrus fruit on the counter top with your palm before cutting, slicing or juicing to loosen the pulp and juice.

    Still trying to get organized for the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better after the move.

    Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness?  

    Society and today’s parents as they raise tomorrow’s adults. From what I saw this weekend, society is doomed.

    BREAKFAST ENCHILADAS

    BREAKFAST ENCHILADAS
    1 pound sausage
    1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
    2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese mixture
    6 inch white corn tortillas
    6 Large eggs
    1 tablespoon Wondra
    1 cup heavy whipping cream
    1 cup 1/2 and 1/2

    • Preheat oven 350 degrees.
    • Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Brown sausage and drain off oil.
    • Combine 1 cup of cheese, sausage and 1/2 of bacon.
    • Fill each tortilla, roll and place seam side down in the baking dish.
    • Continue until your baking dish is full.
    • In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs and flour.
    • Add the whipping cream and half and half whisking until well blended.
    • Pour the egg mixture over the tortillas. ** If you are baking the next day save the next 2 steps until just before putting in the oven.
    • Top with remaining cheese and bacon bits.
    • Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

    **NOTE:  This will keep overnight for baking the next morning.

    PIZZA IN A POT

    Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom recently ran her recipe for Pizza in a Pot.  It sounded SOOOOOOOO good and looked so unbelievably delicious that I wanted to make it right then and it was only 8AM.

    My biggest problem is that with a major move coming I’ve been using what I already have in the freezer and cupboard for anything and everything I make so I had to adjust it a bit, but we loved the results. I also halved everything and we still will eat on it for 3 days. I can’t wait to make it again with her original ingredients.

    Our favorite pizza is a pepperoni/sausage combo and ironically when hubby came in he asked if we were having pizza for dinner!

    Sandra’s Recipe: (my changes in red)

    Pizza in a Pot

    1-1/2 pounds ground beef 3/4 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
    1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 cup carrot shreds
    1 medium onion, chopped 1 small onion, chopped
    15 ounces tomato sauce 8 ounce can tomato sauce
    14 ounces pizza sauce 1/2 cup chicken broth
    2 tablespoons tomato paste 6 ounce can tomato paste
    3 cups spiral pasta, cooked and drained 1 1/2 cups (dry) shells
    2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) sliced pepperoni 2 inches deli pepperoni cut into chunks
    2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup Sargento shredded Italian cheese blend

    • In a large skillet, cook the Italian Sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, drain well. 
    • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste and broth.
    • In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer the pasta, sausage mixture, pepperoni and cheese. 
    • Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through.

    Yield: 6-8 servings.

    Sandra’s note: If you’d like, substitute 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage for the pepperoni in Pizza in a Pot. Cook it along with the ground beef, green pepper and onion.