Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Lasagna Soup

We saw this recipe in Cooking Light and thought it might be a good option for when we want to do something different on pasta Wednesday. 
It turned out delicious!

Ingredients: 
8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 10 noodles)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed (we used Johnsonville sweet Italian)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus thinly sliced leaves for topping
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for sprinkling, optional)
1/4 cup half-and-half
Ricotta cheese, for topping

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs. Drain; drizzle with olive oil and toss.

Meanwhile, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft. Add the sausage, garlic and oregano and cook, stirring and breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until darkened.

Add the broth, tomatoes and 1 cup water; cover and bring to a simmer. Uncover and cook until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Stir in the noodles, basil, parmesan and heavy cream; simmer 2 more minutes.

Divide the soup among bowls. Top with ricotta and sliced basil.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Quick White Chicken Chili

I discovered our favorite White Chicken Chili recipe after having white chili for the first time on a visit to Louisville in the 1990s. While I love that version, it's a big project - starting with dry beans and ending hours later in a satisfying, rich bowl of goodness.

When I saw this quicker recipe, it had been years since we'd had white chili. This version is a lot faster and lighter but delicious and modern - and definitely worth sharing!

Adapted from this recipe found via pinterest. (Check it out - her photos are much better than mine!)

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
1/2-3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2-3/4 teaspoon oregano
4 cups chicken broth
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Juice of one lime (ours was very juicy so we only used 1/2)
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions:
In a large pot, saute the onion in olive oil over medium high until translucent.
Add chicken, beans, corn, green chilies (with juice from can), cumin and oregano. Stir to combine all of the ingredients and then add the chicken broth.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the broth to reduce. Add salt and pepper (to taste), lime juice and cilantro.
Leave simmering on stove until ready to serve.

Serve with sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, avocado and tortilla chips. (The Pepper Jack cheese on top really complements it - yum! Also I added the leftover avocado right into the leftover soup.)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Peanut Butter Granola

When I saw peanut butter granola on Pinterest, I knew we had to try it. The original recipe was just a little too sweet for me so I made some adjustments on the second batch... and added some extras. Now I'm addicted!

Adapted from this recipe.

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
6 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups oats
1 1/2 cups lightly salted cocktail peanuts
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325. Line a big baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the peanut butter, honey, cinnamon and vanilla in a large bowl and microwave 15-30 seconds, just to soften up the peanut butter so you can fully combine the ingredients. When they are smooth, stir in the oats until they are evenly coated.

Spread the mixture out on the baking sheet. Try not to press down on it - keep it light with lots of air around pieces. Break up bigger pieces so it all will cook evenly.

Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring gently after 15. You want it to be golden brown. It will crisp up after it comes out so don't worry if it seems a little soft when it first comes out.

Let cool on baking sheet, then add peanuts and chocolate chips and enjoy!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Quote of the Week

"Observe the wonders as they occur around you.
Don't claim them.
Feel the artistry moving through and be silent."
-Jalal ad-Din Rumi
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