Blue Cheese Burger

Everyone loves a good burger, whether it's beef, chicken, turkey or veggie. Over the past year I have tried to limit the amount of beef I eat, and go for more lean meets like turkey and chicken. However, when I was at the store yesterday I saw this beautiful 95% lean ground beef on sale and just couldn't resist. I had been craving a good burger for days and decided that if I wanted to save the pennies in the piggy bank, the fat from landing on my thighs (had I gone out to get a burger) and still get what I want, this was the way to go. I also found sesame buns that were freshly made (still warm!) and some amish blue cheese that was way cheaper than any other blue cheese in the store. I got home and threw together a basic yet delicious burger, and with the right toppings had a great lunch.

Tortilla Chili

Sixty degree weather doesn't usually call for chili, but today I was in the mood for comfort food. My mother had posted a chili recipe on my Facebook page the other day (yes, my mom has Facebook and we are friends!) and it looked like a great recipe to try. A One-Pot One-der, all you need is a crock-pot (and some time)! Prep for this is super easy and quick, and the outcome will make your company think you spent hours in the kitchen! I added a few extra ingredients, but use what you have.

Sicilian Chicken and Pasta

Today while talking to a friend about her 'typical' dinners, she mentioned how she eats a lot of simple pasta dishes. I know how easy it is to do that, but I have a great recipe to amp up that pasta dish! It only calls for a few more ingredients and no more time (maybe 1 minute). It can be done in two pots (or one if you have left over pasta) and not only is it delicious the first day, but it's great reheated for lunch, or dinner days later! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did.

Chicken Pot Pie

While looking through the October 2011 Food Network Magazine, I spotted a delicious meal that was perfect for the overcast, rainy day. The chicken pot pie featured required many steps, and as many others might experience, I tend to loose energy when the sun doesn't shine. I decided that I couldn't muster up the almost 3 hours it would take to make this meal, so into the freezer and pantry I went. I found frozen mixed veggies, Pillsbury crescent rolls and a chicken breast, and in the pantry found chicken broth, evaporated milk and flour. Perfect! Here's my recipe.

Recipe Makes 2-3 servings in a 5'x5' ceramic dish

Heat oven to 350˙.

Boil 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 (defrosted) chicken breast until cooked through. Remove chicken, allow to cool then shred or cut into small pieces. Add 1-1 1/2 cups mixed veggies, pinch of salt and pepper and 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley and 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped oregano*. Allow veggies to thaw and cook, about 3 minutes. Add chicken, about a 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or whole, 2%, etc.) and about a 1/4 cup dry white wine (i.e. Chardonnay). Bring to a boil then add 2-3 Tablespoons Flour. Simmer until it thickens, stirring regularly as so not to allow clumping. The consistency should be like a thick potato soup. If too thick add a dash of water. If too thin add a bit more flour. You want to avoid clumps and bumps.

Grease pan. Roll out crescent dough and lay enough to fill the bottom and sides of the dish. Spoon in filling until it reaches the top. Cover with more crescent dough to reach the edges. Cut excess off if necessary but leave enough to pinch the bottom and top dough together, like a pie. Bake 20 minutes, or until brown on top. Enjoy by yourself or with a loved one!

* Veggies, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper can be increased or decreased depending on your palate.

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