Jambalaya Recipe by Yours Truly

Recently, my Step Mom just gave us a TON of food that came from her mama's store... Most of it was pasta. I have way more than I know what to do with so I'll probably donate some to a food drive. That definitely seems like the best bet, in my opinion.

Anyway, I was trying to figure out what to do with the pasta, turkey sausage & chicken that was in my fridge and I decided to make a Jambalaya.

It ended up turning out absolutely delicious & folks-this was my very own recipe!

My one complaint was that I don't think I'm the biggest fan of turkey sausage so I probably won't use that again.. However, John LOVED it which is interesting because he was originally the one who was against using the turkey sausage in the first place.. weird.

What you'll need:

• Cooked Pasta (any kind you want)
• 3 Turkey or Italian Sausages, diced & crumbled (will crumble more in frying pan)
• 1 Chicken Breast, diced
• Tomato Paste, 2 Tbs
• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Chicken Broth, 1 1/2 Cans
• Sweet Bell Peppers (I used 1 Red & 1 Orange), diced
• 1/2 Red Onion, diced
• Celery, 2 sprigs, diced
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced.
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 Tbs Italian Seasoning
• 2-3 Tbs of Ancho Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 1/2 tbs Basil
• 1 1/2 tbs Oregeno
• 1 tbs Parsley
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil (separated)

What To Do: 

1. Heat up your olive oil in a large frying pan. While the oil is heating, season your chicken & sausages.
2. Once pan is hot, add in your meat & onions. Cook until the meat is cooked through & sausages are crumbled. Set aside.
3. Using a deep pan or a dutch oven, add in 1 tbs of olive oil. Once heated, add in your peppers, celery & garlic. Saute & Add in your diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir.
4. Slowly, add in your chicken broth, mixing in between pours.
5. Next, add in your Italian Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cayenne, Basil, Oregeno, Parsley & Bay Leaf. 
6. Add in your chicken, sausage & onions to the sauce mix.
7. Stir all together until sauce is thick and everything seems nice & coated (about 5-7 minutes).
8. Pour sauce over pasta, mix together & enjoy. 

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

I was flipping through blogs the other day and stumbled up a fabulous little blog called "For the Love of Cooking".


Now I'm not really much of a baker, but when I found this recipe I knew it had to be good!!!

I was so nervous that my cookie dough would melt (because everytime I've ever tried to make cookies, they somehow melt??) but to my surprise, they didn't! And they turned out amazing.

I only got to have 2 small pieces because my family decided to devour them on me! So I'll definitely have to make them again!!


recipe found via

Recipes: Roasted Balsamic Penne

So I wasn't a huge fan of this pasta actually. I think it would have tasted better with WHITE pasta as opposed to Whole Wheat... I think that's where I went wrong.

Anyway you can really use any type of veggie you want that will taste good but this is what I used:

Red Peppers
Tomatoes
Onions

Plus Whole Wheat Pasta
Goat Cheese
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Basil


And I just sprinkled some garlic powder over top... real garlic would have tasted much better also.

Just chop up all your veggies mix up your olive oil, basil, and balsamic vinegar and mix it up... throw it on the veggies and then throw them in the oven for maybe 20 minutes?

And then cook up your pasta. Once that is done.. put on ur veggies mix in with pasta.. and then add some more balsamic vinegar as well as basil and I just like to throw on a little extra olive oil too.

Then sprinkle your goat cheese and your done! DEFINITELY recommend white pasta though for this. I think when you're making whole wheat pasta you need to balance it out with spinach and LOTS of vegetables...

Enjoy!

Recipe: Bow-Tie Asparagus Pasta

 *Courtesy of Kraft Recipes

So last night after the gym, I really wanted to eat something delicious and satisfying. So I did some research and something relatively simple to make and I found this recipe. And LET ME TELL YOU, it turned out to be probably one of the best pasta's I've ever eaten. If you don't like RICH sauces then STEER CLEAR. But definitely give it a go! SO GOOD!

What you'll need:
Julienne Cut Sun Dried Tomatoes
Cream Cheese (2 OZ)
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
1-2 INCH Cut Asparagus
Half Sliced Orange Peppers
Bow Tie Pasta
Kraft Shredded 3 Cheese
Oregeno (1 TBSP)
(Add in desired amounts of each. You don't need much cream cheese or chicken broth...but I've provided how much I used for about 2 servings)

1. So first what you are going to do is you are going to obviously boil your water for the pasta. Don't add salt as the asparagus that will later be added in makes up for that.

2. While your water boils, cut up your Asparagus and orange peppers. Also have your Julienne cut Sun Dried Tomatoes ready.

3. Once your water boils add the pasta in. Boil to desired tenderness BUT IN THE LAST 2 MINUTES add in your chopped asparagus.

4. While your pasta is cooking, put your orange peppers and sundried tomatoes in the frying pan. Pour some of the tomato oil from the jar if you'd like. Fry until crisp or for about 3 minutes.

5. When your pasta is done, drain, and then put in frying pan with the veggies. Also add in your chicken broth, oregeno and cream cheese to make the sauce.

6. Fry and stir for about 5 minutes.

7. Add on cheese and cook until melted (or 2-3 minutes).

 8. Eat one of the best pasta's you will EVER enjoy! I GUARANTEE IT!

HAPPY COOKING!