Eggplant Parmesan

This was the first time I have cooked eggplant and it came out amazing. For the main dish of dinner it was so filling, meat was surprisingly not missed.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3/4 eggs, beaten
• 1-1/2 cups and 2 tablespoons Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 2-1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon spaghetti sauce, divided
• 3/8 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 3 tablespoons and 1/2 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese, divide
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F 
2. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
3. In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

So yummy!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F  Grease a large casserole dish.
2. Place the olive oil and garlic in a large resealable bag. Add cauliflower, and shake to mix. Pour into the prepared casserole dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown.

Portabella Pizzettas

 

OMG delicious and healthy! Love love love!

Ingredients

• 5 ounces fresh chopped spinach
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil , crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 4 portabella mushrooms (3 to 4 in diameter)
• 1 medium tomato sliced 
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine , melted

Directions:

1.  Finely chop spinach.
2. Combine spinach, cheese, basil, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Clean mushrooms, remove stems.
5. Place mushroom caps top side down on a lightly greased cookie sheet, brush with butter or margarine.
6. Spoon spinach mixture into each cap.
7. Put on the tomato and sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 15 min

Roasted Cajun Potatoes

 

These are delicious with a little kick. I did not have shallots so I used a handful of chopped onion. Enjoy!

 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds medium red potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

  Directions

1. Cut each potato lengthwise into eight wedges. In a large bowl, combine the oil, shallots, garlic, salt, paprika, cayenne and pepper; add potatoes and toss to coat. Place in greased roasting pan.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees  for 45-50 minutes or until tender and golden brown, turning every 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Sex in a Pan

 This came out super amazing! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 (3.9oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 (3.4oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk

  Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees 
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour and white sugar. Add chopped nuts if desired. Stir in melted butter or margarine until all ingredients are combined. Press mixture into a 9x13 inch pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
4. Beat together cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.
5. Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Spread half of whipped cream over cream cheese layer. In a small bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups milk until smooth. Pour over whipped cream layer. In another small bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups milk. Pour over chocolate layer. Top with remaining whipped cream. Chill overnight.

Pierogi Dough

 Home made pierogies are the greatest! I don't think I'll ever buy store bought again.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 egg, beaten

  Directions

1. In a large bowl mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Make a well in the center.
2. In a separate bowl mix together the vegetable oil, warm water, and beaten egg. Pour into the well of the dry ingredients. Knead dough for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Cover dough and let rest for 2 hours. Roll out and fill as desired.