Mexi-Pasta

I found a recipe for something similar to this but I decided to change it up a little bit!  And it was SO GOOD!

1 box penne pasta (I used the Piccollini little ones)

1 pound hamburger meat (the origianl recipe called for chicken)

1/2 green bell pepper

1 and 1/2 cups salsa ( I didn't have quite enough salsa so I added a can of diced tomatoes)

1 can corn

1 can black beans

Mexi blend cheese

Boil Pasta according to directions.

Brown hamburger meat.  Add bell pepper and cook til tender.  Add in salsa, corn, black beans.  Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Drain pasta and add the meat mixture.  Mix well.  When serving add cheese to the top.

Chicken Kabobs & Grilled Cabbage

So here's how I made these kabobs (I do it differently pretty much every time!)

• Chicken breast cut into pieces
• Squash cut into chunks
• Red Potatoes cut into chunks
• Zucchinis cut into chunks

Feed the meat and veggies onto skewer (I use the metal ones).  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cavenders. Place on grill!

To make the grilled cabbage:

Note: I do NOT typically like cabbage but my dad taught me how to make this awhile back and it's verrrrrry good!

• Cut cabbage into wedges. 
• Place a couple wedges on a sheet of foil.
• add a tab of butter
• sprinkle with cavenders
• wrap into foill packet
• grill until tender (it does take awhile so make sure to start these early!)

chicken florentine...

2 (10oz) frozen spinach, thawed and chopped

6 chicken breasts (cooked and diced)

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayo

1 cup sour cream

2 cup sharp shredded cheese

2 TB lemon juice

1 tsp curry powder

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 c dry white wine

1/2 c parmesan

1/2 c bread crumbs

2 tb butter

Preheat to 350

Thaw spinach and squeeze dry...chop it and put in small bowl. Add diced chicken.

In another bowl mix together the soups, mayo, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, curry, salt, pepper, and wine. Add the spinach and chicken. Pour into a greased 13x9. mix together the parm and bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top of mixture and dot with butter. Bake 30 min!

olive nut spread

This is one of my favs...I serve it at showers alot and we even served it at our wedding reception! You can spread it on bread but my fav way is to spread it on Bistro crackers.

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup mayo

1 cup chopped green olives

1/2 c chopped pecans

2 tsp olive juice from jar

Mix all together with electric mixer...let sit overnight...yummmm!

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

This the most delicious chocolatey goodness EVER!  REALLY!  It's whips canned icing's bootie...trust me!

You need the recipe for buttercream icing in the post below AND

1 and a 1/2 cups cocoa AND an additional 2-4 TB milk (as needed).

You just make the regular buttercream as stated below and then add the cocoa powder and extra milk!

Buttercream Frosting...

I do NOT use canned icing...ick!  So here is my recipe that I use for regular ole' buttercream icing...I'll post the recipe for the chocolate version in a bit!

1 cup butter

1 cup Crisco (I use the sticks)

2 tsp vanilla extract (use the clear if you want true white)

1 bag powdered sugar

4 tb milk (or as needed)

Cream together your butter and crisco...add vanilla...slowly add powdered sifted powdered sugar...add milk until you get the right consistency!  To color...add Wilton icing colors!