White Vegetable Lasagna

February 13, 2013 17 Comments

There are times in life when the only thing you can do for someone is feed them. When no words can soothe, a warm favorite food meal may provide some measure of comfort. Packing a casserole with goodness and love because it’s all you can do is occasionally part of this thing called life. The sucky part of life. This lasagna is perfect for such a time. It is also great for a weekday dinner for your family. Who, you should hold close. And tell them you love them. Give your kids an extra hug today while you’re at it. Because life is precious.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Cooking, Dinner Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Veggie Lasagna

September 3, 2012 1 Comment

I tried, but I can’t give up my noodles in lasagna. I just can’t do it. The idea for this recipe came from a zucchini lasagna I saw on Pinterest. When it came time to slice up the squash to replace the noodles, I chickened out. Tangent – why is it chickens get such a bad rap? Are they really cowardly? Anyone know? I saw some at the zoo the other day (yes, my kids love looking at the most boring of animals), they didn’t seem particularly afraid of us…I wonder when chickens became the scaredy cats of scapegoats? Anyway, I decided to use all veggies in place of meat instead.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Cooking, Dinner, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

July 16, 2012 1 Comment

You could eat an old shoe with this marinade and it would be delicious. Which is perfect, since that’s how some people think of mushrooms anyway. In my quest to have a meatless meal once a week, I stumbled upon these meaty mushrooms. They would be an awesome substitution for your burger, or sliced up on a salad. I just had them aside some fresh green beans and roasted potatoes. Absolutely delicious.

Obviously mine got a little too much love from the grill. My poor hubby is so used to steaks that the Portobello were a new kind of animal for him.  Hee-hee, a new kind of animal. The insides were still gorgeous and full of flavor though so no complains from me. All those onions and garlic just melt into the mushrooms as the grill. Yum, yum!

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
from Allrecipes.com

  • 3 portobello mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

  1. Clean mushrooms and remove stems, reserve for other use. Place caps on a plate with the gills up.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, onion, garlic and vinegar. Pour mixture evenly over the mushroom caps and let stand for 1 hour.
  3. Grill over hot grill for 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Filed Under: Cooking, Dinner Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

July 9, 2012 1 Comment

Meatless Monday strikes again! This is one of my very favorite pasta dishes. Full of veggie flavor and rich creamy pasta. It comes together quickly and is good for parties, potlucks or just an evening at home with the family.

Not the most photogenic dinner in the world but oh so tasty. Enjoy!

Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
adapted from Budget Savy Diva

14 oz of Orecchiette Pasta ( or short pasta)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Cup of Chopped Onion
3 Cloves of Garlic ( Minced)
1 Cup of Sour Cream
4 oz of Cream Cheese ( Room Temperature)
3/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
10 Oz of Spinach ( Make sure to squeeze excess moisture, after it has been thawed of course)
13.5 Can of Artichoke Hearts rinsed and chopped
1 Cup of Mozzarella
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Teaspoon of Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions
  1. Preheat Oven To 425°
  2. Cook pasta according to the box. Keep 1/4 Cup of the Pasta Water before you drain the cooked pasta.
  3. Heat oil in pan and cook onions for 8 – 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one minute.
  4. In a large bowl – Mix Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, onions, and garlic. Add Pasta and mix.
  5. Stir in spinach, artichokes, 1/4 cup of cooking liquid from the pasta, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and 1/2 Cup of Mozzarella
  6. Place mixture into greased 2.5 – 3 qt casserole dish and place the rest of mozzarella cheese on top
  7. Place in the oven till golden brown on top – about 10 – 15 minutes.
  8. Enjoy!
Filed Under: Cooking, Dinner Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Spinach & Cheese Tortellini

June 12, 2012 4 Comments

Throw dinner together tonight with this quick and easy tortellini dish. Once a week I make something without meat in it. This dish has lots of fresh and filling vegetables wrapped in a creamy sauce with rich cheesy tortellini. It would be easy to throw some chicken into if you really can’t give up your carnivorous dinner – but I find it refreshing once in a while to leave the meat out.

Did I mention how easy this is? 20 minutes and dinner is on the table! Enjoy!

Spinach & Cheese Tortellini
Adapted from Allrecipes.com

  • 1 (19 ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 large fresh tomato)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Cook tortellini according to package directions, leaving them just slightly underdone. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onions & mushrooms in butter until tender. Add the tomato & garlic; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Stir in cream cheese, milk, parmesan, salt, Italian seasoning and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted, stirring occasionally. Drain tortellini; add to skillet. Add spinach last, tossing until wilted and combined. Cook 2-3 minutes or until bubbly.
Filed Under: Cooking, Dinner Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

January 5, 2011 5 Comments

Normally, I’m a meat, meat and more meat kind of gal. I have zero interest in becoming a vegetarian. However, in an effort not to become completely bored to death with turkey sandwiches (my standard lunch fare when trying to drop a few pounds) – I went searching for something new. I stumbled upon this recipe and thought to myself “Why not?”. I like garbanzo beans (chickpeas), but have never thought of them as a main ingredient for lunch. Hummus? Yes please! But a sandwich of garbanzos? I had to check it out.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Cooking Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
%d bloggers like this: