Pinterest Recipe Review: Gnocchi Mac & Cheese

Holy sinfulness. This was creamy and cheesy and carby. It generally made you want to have the meal go on forever and at the same time want to curl up under a blanket on the couch to eat this. I am definitely in a carb coma right now--and loving every minute of it. I'm sure you can see from the post that this is NOT going to be a low-point meal. Save it for the day after your weigh-in day.

Here's the link to the original recipe: http://thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com/2010/10/gnocchi-mac-cheese.html#

Given my new obsession with freezer meals--as long as you cook it first, this meal would freeze really well.


What's Needed:
1 lb. gnocchi
2 T. butter
2 tsp. garlic, finely chopped
1 T. flour
3/4 C. milk
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 C. Asiago cheese, shredded
1/4 C. Fontina cheese, shredded
1/3 C. shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. prepare gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and place gnocchi in a single layer 1.5 qt. shallow baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic 30 seconds. Whisk in flour until it thickens and bubbles. Then whisk in milk and dijon mustard. Cook until slightly thickened 3-5 minutes.

3. Combine Asiago and Fontina cheese. Add by the handful to the pan. Add by the handful. Once all cheese is melted, season with salt & pepper.

4, Pour over gnocchi. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until gnocchi puff and cheese is golden & bubbly--about 25 minutes.

5. Let gnocchi rest for about 5 minutes.

PointsPlus: 10 for 1/4 of the pan
Husband's Grade: A+

Inspired by: http://thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com/2010/10/gnocchi-mac-cheese.html#

Pinterest Recipe Review: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Noodles

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I LOVE Pinterest, especially for finding yummy new recipes! Seriously, if you haven't checked it out yet, request an invite for Pinterest soon.

This was one of the first recipes I found while browsing pins on other people's boards. I made a few changes (as I almost always do). This recipe said it served 4. I beg to differ. As my picture will show, this could easily feed 6.

What's Needed:
6 oz. extra-wide egg noodles
1 2- to 2-1/4-lb. purchased roasted chicken (I used chicken tenders that I had pre-cooked with a little bit of garlic and basil.)
1 cup frozen peas
1.5 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cups 2% milk
1/4 C. Plain Bread crumbs
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Snipped fresh thyme (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450. Bring 6 cups of salted water to boiling; add noodles. Cook 10 minutes or until tender; drain.

2. Remove chicken from bones. Shred chicken.

3. In saucepan, combine chicken, peas, garlic, and milk. Heat through. Cover and keep warm.

4.In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, 1/4 of the Parmesan, and butter.

5. Stir noodles and remaining Parmesan into hot chicken mixture. Heat and stir until bubbly.

6. Put in a 9x13 casserole dish (or divide into 4 small casserole dishes). Top each with the bread crumb mixture. Bake 5 minutes or until top begins to brown.

PointsPlus: 11
Husband's Grade: A

Inspired by: Better Homes and Gardens Recipe, as pinned on Pinterest

Italian Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This was really yummy and fast (on a day when I forgot to start my crockpot meal). I used chicken marinated in Italian seasonings, but it would taste just as good with plain chicken breasts.

What's Needed:
1 1/2 C. water
1 package (6 oz.) chicken stuffing mix (I use Peppridge Farm's Herb Seasoned Stuffing)
2 C. cubed cooked chicken (about 4 chicken breast halves)
1 C. frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed broccoli cheese soup, undiluted
1 C. (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to boil. Stir in stuffing mix. Remove from the heat; cover and let the stuffing stand for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, layer the chicken adn broccoli florets in a greast 11 x 7-in baking dish. Top the chicken and broccoli with broccoli cheese soup.

3. Fluff the stuffing with a fork; spoon stuffing over soup. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

4. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 6.

PointsPlus: 4 (for 1/6 of the casserole)
Husband's Grade: A+

Inspired by: Taste of Home: Most Requested Recipes

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

Oooooooh my! I loved this from the first bite, and better yet, so did my boys. :) This was a hit! I was a very happy mama, since J has been going on a dinner strike. He practically licked his plate clean with this meal. If you like tatertot casserole, you will love this.

What's needed:
2 lb. lean ground beef
1 10.75 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 10.75 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 20 oz. package frozen fried crinkle-cut potatoes

Toppings: such as ketchup, pickles, mustard, and chopped tomato; optional

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a large skillet cook ground beef until cooked through. Drain off fat.

3. Spoon cooked meat into an ungreased 9x13 in. baking pan.

4. In a medium bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup.

5. Spread over the meat in pan. Sprinkle potatoes over.

6. Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. If desired, serve with topppings.

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus 9 (for 1/8 of the casserole)

Inspired by: 9x13: The Pan That Can

Chicken Potpie

This took a lot of time to prepare--mostly because I've never made pastry. The Pastry Topper for this did not turn out as nice as I had wanted it (it was a little dry), but overall it was good. I think piecrust just takes some practice to get right.

What's Needed:
Pastry Topper (1)
*2 1/4 C. flour
*3 tsp. salt
*2/3 C. shortening (I used butter)
*9 T. cold water

3 T. butter or margarine
1 1/2 C. onion, chopped
1 1/4 C. celery, chopped
1 medium bell pepper (red or green), seeded and chopped
1/2 C. flour
1 1/2 tsp. herb de provance
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 1/4 C. chicken broth
1 1/2 C. milk (I used whole)
3 3/4 C. chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 C. fozen peas and carrots

1. Prepare Pastry Topper; set aside. Preheat oven to 400.

2. In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and sweet pepper. Cook and stir for 5-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in flour, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add broth and whole milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in cooked chicken and peas. Pour into ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.

4. Place Pastry Topper over chicken mixture in pan or dish. Brush pastry with egg.

5. Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until topper is golden brown. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

Husband's Grade: A-
PointsPlus: 9 (for 1/8 of the casserole)

Inspired by: 9x13: The Pan That Can

Ham Mac & Cheese

Mac & cheese is one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. Ask my mom. When most brides are nervously pacing the halls of their home, I was scarfing down my mom's special, homemade mac & cheese.

Any time I see a recipe for mac & cheese, I need to try it. It's not a want--it's a need. I have to make it, mostly to compare it to my favorite family recipe. And while the old family mac & cheese is still my absolute favorite, this is definitely a close second. Leave yourself a lot of time for this one--it took about an hour start to finish. But boy, is it worth it!

What's Needed:
1 1/2 C. dried elbow macaroni (I used 3/4 C. macaroni and 3/4 C. wheat macaroni)
3 C. broccoli florets (I used frozen)
1 ham steak, cooked and then cubed
1 1/2 C. milk (fat-free to reduce points)
4 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 C. cubed Cheddar cheese
1/2 C. soft bread crumbs (I used Italian seasoned)
1 T. butter or margarine, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli and bell pepper for the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain.

2. While the macaroni is cooking, start your sauce. In a small saucepan, stir together milk, cornstarch, and black pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add Cheddar cheese; stir until melted.

3. Add macaroni mixture and cooked ham steak to a very large bowl. Stir sauce into macaroni mixture. Spoon into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.

4. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and butter. Uncover casserole; sprinkle with bread crumb mixture. Bake about 15 minutes more or until bubbly and crumbs are lightly browned.

Makes 6 servings

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus: 9 (for 1/6 of the casserole)

Inspired by: Better Homes & Gardens: 9x13 The Pan That Can

Venison Potpie and Rustic Peach Tart

This first recipe, I can not say how it went--personally, that is. I can't stand venison, but having a ton of it in my freezer downstairs, I decided to use the ground venison for a recipe today. Husband raved about it. I'm glad I made two smaller versions instead of one big potpie in the 9x13 pan I normally use. Honestly--cooking it wasn't so horrible. The ground venison was also mixed with pork, so there wasn't an overwhelming smell of venison.

What's Needed:
1/2 of a 15-oz. package rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust (1 crust)

1-1.5 lb. of ground venison

2 C. refrigerated diced potatoes with onions or loose-pack frozen diced hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers

2 C. loose-pack frozen mixed vegetables

1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained

2 tsp. sesame seeds

1. Preheat oven to 400. Let refrigerated piecrust stand according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook ground benison over medium heat until cooked through, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks; drain off fat.

3. Stir in potatoes, mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, and tomatoes into the meat mixture. Spoon into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. Unfold piecrust; cut into 8 wedges. Place half of the wedges with points toward center, along one long side of teh dish, overlapping wedges slightly at the base. Repeat with remaining pastry wedges. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

5. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let stand 10 min. before serving.

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus 6 for 1/8 of the casserole

Inspired by: 9x13: The Pan That Can





This, on the otherhand, I can say was scrumptious! Don't forget to put down parchment paper on your baking sheet. I have to throw mine out now, because it's beyond cleaning. I admit I took the easy way out on this, but it was good, notheless.

What's Needed:
1 ready-to-bake pie crust
1 can (about 20 oz. or so) Peach pie filling
1 T. milk
A pinch course sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375. Let refrigerated piecrust stand according to package directions. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. Unroll pie crust. Add peach pie filling to the middle of the pie crust. Bring up the sides of the pastry and pinch together.

3. Coat pie crust with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

4. Bake at 375 until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Husband's Grade: A
PointsPlus: 7 for 1/6 of the tart

Inspired by: The Taste of Home Baking Book

Pizza Casserole

I will be honest--this did not exactly taste like pizza. I'd call it more of a Italian sloppy joe. That being said, it was very tastey. I would definitely make this again.

What's Needed:
1.5 lb. ground beef
1 C. chopped onion
1 C. chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 24 oz. jar pasta sauce
1/2 C. water
1 C. milk
2 eggs
1 T. olive oil
1 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. mozzarella cheese
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain off fat.

3. Stir onion, sweet pepper, garlic, pasta sauce into meat. Add the water. Cook and stir until boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat milk, eggs, and oil with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add four and salt; beat for 2 minutes more.

5. Transwer hot beef mixture to an ungreased 9x13-inch baking idsh. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Pour egg mixture evenly over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.

Makes 9 servings.

PointsPlus 7 (1/9 of the casserole)
Husband's Grade: A-

Inspired by: 9x13 The Pan That Can

Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

Easy and very tastey. This was a win all the way around!

What's Needed:

2 24 oz. jars pasta sauce with tomato and basil
12 oz. bulk Italian sausage
2 C. chopped tomatoes
1 15-oz. carton ricotta cheese
1/2 C. milk
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 9-oz. packages refrigerated light cheese-filled ravioli
1 1/2 C. shredded part-skim mozzerella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375. Spread about 1/2 C. of the pasta sauce in the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish. Set the remaining pasta sauce aside.

2. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain off fat. Stir the remaining pasta sauce and chopped tomatoes into cooked sausage; set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, combine ricatta cheese, milk, nutmeg; set aside.

4. Layer half of the uncooked ravioli over pasta sauce in baking dish. Spoon half of the sausag emixture over ravioli in dish; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining ravioli; spoon ricotta mixture over ravioli and top with remaining meat sauce.

5. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until heated through and ravioli is cooked. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Serves 10.

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus: 11

Inspired by: 9x13: The Pan That Can

Tortilla Casserole

More like a bean dip than anything else, but this hit the spot for dinner. I could sit on the couch with this, a bag of tortilla chips, and just go to town! This would be a great meal for Superbowl Sunday.

What's Needed:
1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
16 oz. can fat-free refried beans
1 1/2 C. grated cheese (I used sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend), divided
bag of tortilla chips (for eating the casserole)

1. Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray.

2. Spoon the mean into the crockpot. Add taco seasing and mix well.

3. Sprinkle 1 C. of cheese over the top of the meat.

4. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the beans on top of the cheese. Spread the beans out in an even layer. Be careful not to move the grated cheese while you do it.

5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on beans. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.

Husband's Grade: A
PointsPlus: 6

Inspired by: Fix-It and Forget-It Kids Cookbook

**NOTE: The original recipe says it serves four, but I could easily see this serving at least 6. The points are calculated on 6 servings (NOT including tortilla chips).

Italian Chicken and Rice

My husband and I buy our chicken and steak from a door-to-door company. Consequently, I have chicken that has been pre-marinated with different flavors. I decided to try my Italian chicken with this recipe, since I didn't have any plain chicken on hand. I think this would work equally well with Lemon-Herb chicken (add some additional lemon juice to the rice while cooking).

Don't make the same mistake I made. This recipe uses INSTANT brown rice. I had to re-cook my rice for 20 minutes more when I realized the rice was still crunchy.

What's Needed:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (pre-marinated in Italian dressing)
1 T. canola oil
1-2 chopped bell peppers (your choice of color)
1/2 an onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 C. INSTANT brown rice
2 C. chicken broth
1 1/2 C. frozen corn, thawed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 C. fat-free Italian dressing

1. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil for 4 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
2. In same skillet, saute peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.

3. Stir in rice, broth, corn, dressing, salt and pepper; bring to a boil.

4. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish coated with nonstick cooking psray. Top with chicken.

5. Cover and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear.

Husband's Grade: A+
PointsPlus: 6 (1 chicken breast, 1/6 of the rice)

Inspired by: Everyday Light Meals

Summer Edition: Rotini Chicken Casserole

This was a really good dish, and took practically no time to prepare. This is another dish that, during the school year, I would make ahead the night before so that all the prep work was done.

What's Needed:
2 3/4 C. uncooked tricolor rotini or sprial pasta
3/4 C. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. olive oil
3 C. cubed cooked chicken breast
1 can (10 3/4 oz) reduced-fat, reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 1/2 C. fat-free milk
1 package (16 oz.) frozen Italian-blend vegetables
1 C. shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 T. minced fresh parsley
1 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
2/3 C. crushed cornflakes

1. Cook pasta. Drain, place in bowl.

2. While waiting for pasta to cook, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.

3. Add to pasta: onion mixture, chicken, soup, milk, frozen vegetables, cheese parsley, thyme, and salt.

4. Pour into 9 x 13 pan that is sprayed with Pam. Cover and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

6. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake UNcovered, 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Servings: 8

Husband's Grade: B+
PointsPlus: 7 for 1 1/3 C. serving

Inspired By: Everyday Light Meals

A Tale of Two Casseroles

I like to call this "Italian Shepherd's Pie". I've made several versions of this casserole--one that Joe, my husband, adores, and the other is my personal favorite. The recipes, both with slight changes, are included below.

Version A (a.k.a. My Favorite)


What's Needed:
3/4 C. Mozzerella cheese
2 C. mashed potatoes, refrigerated mashed potatos, or made from potato flakes
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 C. chopped onion
2 C. bell pepper
1 14.5 oz. can of Italian Stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1/4 tsp. pepper
Paprika

1. Stir 1/2 C. cheese into potatoes; set aside.

2. In a large skillet, add onion, bell pepper. Cook until tender. Add ground beef, undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, and pepper. Bring to boiling. Transfer mixture into a 2 qt. casserole dish.

3. Spoon mashed potato in mounds on top of ground beef mixture, the spread to cover. Sprinkle the top with the remianing cheese and paprka.

4. Bake in a 375 oven for 30 minutes or until mashed potato top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Husband Rating: C
PointsPlus: 7 per serving (cut into 6 pieces prior to serving)
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Version B (a.k.a. Joe's favorite)--Changes are indicated in bold


What's Needed:
3/4 C. Mozzerella cheese
2 C. mashed potatoes, refrigerated mashed potatos, or made from potato flakes
3/4 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1/4 lb. sweet Italian sausage, browned and drained
1/2 C. chopped onion
2 C. green beans (or peas)
1 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1/4 tsp. pepper
Paprika

Follow the same directions as above, substituting ingredients as needed.

Husband Rating: A
PointsPlus 8 per serving

Very Easy Cheeseburger Pie

My mom's take on an old Bisquick recipe, and still one of my favorites!

What's Needed:
1 C. Bisquick
1/4 C. cold water
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2T. Bisquick
1T. Worcestershire sauce (A1 sauce works nicely too)
2 eggs
1 C. small curd cottage cheese
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 C. shredded cheddar.

1. Heat oven to 375.

2. Mix first two ingredients until soft dough forms; beat vigorously 20 strokes. Gently smooth dough into ball and put into pie plate. Spread dough in the pie plate.

3. To browned ground beef, add salt, pepper, 2 T. Bisquick, and Worchestershire sauce. Spoon into the pie crust.

4. Mix eggs and cottage cheese; pour over beef mixture.

5. Put tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Bake until set, about 30-40 minutes. Serves 6-8 (cut pie into 8 slices)

Husband Rating: A

PointsPlus: 6 points for 1 slice

Another Oven Meal: Three-Cheese Chicken and Pasta Bake

Did a lot of 'sprucing' up to this recipe. The result was yummy!

What's Needed:
3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 can Campbell's condensed Broccoli Cheddar Soup
3/4 C. milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 C. frozen broccoli
6 cups cooked mostaccioli
2 T. grated Parmsean cheese
2 T. dry bread crumbs
1 T. butter, melted
Fresh tomato slices for garnish (I used about 1/2 a medium tomato)

1. In large bowl, mix together soup, milk, and pepper. Stir in mozzarella cheese. Add mostaccioli, broccoli, and chicken and stir to coat. Put mixture into a 2 quart baking dish.

2. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over mixture. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle crumb mixture over the cheese.

3. Bake a 375 F. for 35 minutes. Top with fresh tomato slices.

Husband Rating: A

PointsPlus: 9

Inspired by: Treasury of Campbell's Recipes

NOT a crockpot dish--Mrs. Schermerhorn's Famous Chicken and Rice

Being brought up as a PK (pastor's kid), I was raised on a lot of casseroles. My mom, as a pastor's wife, received many recipes after potlucks. This is one of my all-time favorites (although, as I learned today, better for weekend cooking than weekday cooking). Thank you Mom for sharing, and thank you Mrs. Schermerhorn (whoever you are) for creating this wonderful dish!

What's Needed:
2/3 C. uncooked regular rice
1 Can French's French Fried Onion Rings
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 3/4 C. prepared chicken bouillon
4 chicken breasts (halved)
1/3 C. Italian dressing (I used fat-free for less points)
1 bag french cut green beans


1. Combine rice, 1/2 can onion rings, and seasoning in a 9x13" dish. \

2. Pour bouillon over rice mixture.

3. Arrange chicken on top and pour Italian dressing over chicken. Bake covered (with aluminum foil) at 350 for 30 minutes.

5. Put green beans over rice. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

7. Top chicken with remaining onions. Bake 1-3 minutes or union onions brown.

Husband Rating: B

PointsPlus: 7 (for 1 chicken breast and 1/2 C. rice, onions, green beans)

Received from my mom's family recipe cookbook