Spaghetti and Italian Meatballs

This is a great standby meal that you can make as easy or as complicated as you like.


For tonight's dinner I decided to go easy, cook up some thick spaghetti. Throw some Frozen meatballs in some chunky Ragu, and toast some buttered hoagie rolls sprinkled with garlic powder.

All I have to say is Yummy... and I'm full!

Creamy Chicken Skillet

Continuing with the theme... "lets use up the Fried chicken!!!" Tonight's dinner was the Creamy Chicken Skillet.

I prepped by separating the chicken from the bone and skin, and saved the crispies to the side. I'll fry them up last. They only take a couple of minutes.

Next, I put the water on to boil for the, No Yolks egg noodles. I liked the dumpling size for this, because as long as they aren't overcooked, they hold the creamy chicken like a cradle.

So starting the main part of the meal. I lightly shredded the chicken and heated it together with the healthy request cream of chicken soup.

I added some cayenne pepper, and Italian herbs. Finally, I tossed in some frozen asparagus, red pepper(chopped),and spinach. Heat thoroughly.

Next cook the side veges and assemble it all. Don't forget the crunchies. It's all good!

Left-over Fried Chicken Tacos

Are you ever confronted with what to do with that leftover chicken or turkey? This week I found myself in this conundrum with KFC chicken breasts, a whole bucket full!

So what was my solution you ask? Fried chicken tacos!First, I started the Old El Paso Spanish rice. Then pulled the breast meat off the bone, took off the skin and saved the crispies and tossed the skins in the dogs bowls :-)

I threw all the meat directly into the skillet and warmed it up next I tossed in the 40 % less sodium taco seasoning. I didn't use the whole packet, I didn't want to overwhelm the moist chicken's flavor too much. Once that was cooked up, I set it aside and wiped down the skillet.

While you are waiting for all the spices, chicken, and water, that is a good idea to set up you sides... like cheese, lettuce, taco sauce, and an empty bowl for the crispies (coming up next) Don't forget the utensils!

Next, I tossed in all those crispies, and heated them up to replenish the heat and crispiness they had lost in the fridge. Setting those aside and wiping the skillet again. I heated the tortillas up on medium- low heat( about a 4 or 5) . Put them on a plate and serve.
Finally, put it all together on a plate, make an alcohol- free watermelon martini and enjoy!

Meat and Potatoes

Last night I made a pretty easy meal.
Yummy Stouffers meatloaf and gravy, complemented by homemade Garlic cheddar mashed potatoes, and made healthy by edemame, broccoli and cauliflower, and green beans.

Pomo Grille

Tonight I had a yummy Mignion Arugula salad from Pomo Grille. I would have taken a picture ... it was very pretty.... but I was too hungry and devoured it!

Becky's Almost Turkey Paella

Last night I made an Almost -Turkey Paella by modifying a recipe I found online.
I basically made this in three involved steps.

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First I started the rice and added saffron and garlic to cook with it. Next time, I think I will add the spices and chicken broth to the rice mix.



Next, browned the ground pork, added the frozen onion, red pepper strips, spinach, and left over noodles. Simmer together until cooked through and set aside on a separate plate.



Then shredded the cooked turkey added the spices, chicken broth, peas, corn and drained tomatoes.


Finally, arrange all of the parts together on a plate serve and enjoy. Looks like a mess, but very, very tasty.

ENJOY!

Traditional Tacos

In our house, if you don't know what to make for dinner Ground beef tacos is a safe bet!

Fairly quick and very easy to make. All the toppings can be prepared and set out, while you defrost and brown the ground beef.

Nutrition Note... To keep the fat down try to use Lean ground beef, for tacos the leaner the better. You probably won't miss it because the moisture and flavor are added by the seasoning packet and water!

Becky's Bit... I like to used a potato masher to break up the ground beef, while the ground beef is browning.
Once it is browned, add the taco seasoning and water. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 mins.

Becky's Bit... Turn the heat off and let it sit while there is just a little more water left than you like. It will still be juicy and the excess water will evaporate from the residual heat. You can always add an extra splash of water if it dries out a little too much.

Nutrition Note... I like to use the taco seasoning that has reduced sodium. This one is 40 % reduced from the regular seasoning.
While it is browning I like to wash, dry, and cut the lettuce. Next set out the cheese, salsa, and sauce (away from the heat). Go ahead and put all the toppings in bowls ... its more fun for everyone to get to put it together the way they like it.

Becky's Bit... Leaving the cheese at room temperature for just a couple of minutes takes off the chill and helps it melt more easily.

Nutrition Note...You can buy shredded cheese made from 2 % it tastes good and cuts the fat down again.

Finally, while the meat mix is simmering microwave or dry cook the tortillas in a seperate pan on medium (low) heat for 15- 30 seconds each side (This makes them more pliable and keeps the tortilla from breaking when the fillings are wrapped up in it.)

Becky's Bit...Usually we go for the multigrain tostitios, but I switched it up here with the Baked scoops instead.

You can always use the leftovers for a taco salad another night or lunch the next day.


Call everyone to make their meal and enjoy!