Author: Ashley

Enchilada Lasagna

Enchilada Lasagna

This dinner is the perfect combination of flavor from chicken enchiladas with the texture of a traditional lasagna. You can make this as spicy or as mild as you would like. Ingredients: 6 lasagna noodles 2 chicken breasts diced 1 bell pepper diced 1/2 sweet 

Lasagna Caprese

Lasagna Caprese

If you are looking for a tasty twist to lasagna this is a simple dinner to prepare. I really enjoyed the pop of flavors from the basil and balsamic syrup in this dish. Ingredients: 2 packages fresh ravioli (I used spinach ricotta, and basil pesto 

Meat Lover’s Quiche

Meat Lover’s Quiche

This meal works for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even a dinner. I included breakfast sausage and ham in my quiche. You can also add cooked bacon if you want some extra crunch.

Ingredients:

1 refrigerated pie crust

1 pound ground breakfast sausage

12 slices of ham lunch meat or 1 small ham steak cut into small squares (I stacked four slices at a time and made cubes)

6 large eggs

1/2 cup half and half

2 scallions diced

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Unroll the pie crust and fit it into a 9 inch pie plate. Place a piece of parchment paper over the dough and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes.
  2. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for 5-7 more minutes.
  3. Meanwhile break up and brown the breakfast sausage in a nonstick skillet.
  4. Once the meat has browned place it on paper towels on a plate to soak up the grease.
  5. In a large bowl whisk the eggs, cream, and spices.
  6. Fill the pie crust with the sausage, ham, and green onions.
  7. Pour the egg mixture over the meat.
  8. Sprinkle cheese over the entire pie.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the eggs are set.
  10. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  11. Enjoy!
Tortellini and Pepper Skillet

Tortellini and Pepper Skillet

This is a quick dinner you can throw together in no time. Feel free to use any flavors of ravioli or tortellini you like. I used a spinach and ricotta ravioli and chicken prosciutto ravioli. Ingredients: 1 green bell pepper diced 1/2 sweet onion diced 

Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Soup

Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Soup

If I am being honest I am not really a fan of chicken noodle soup. I know most people love it, but it tastes bland and boring to me. However, I appreciate the benefits of soup when you are feeling under the weather. I saw 

Oatmeal Raisin Lactation Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Lactation Cookies


Originally I made these cookies to give my milk supply a boost after returning to work with my youngest son; however, these cookies can be enjoyed by anyone. If you just like oatmeal raisin cookies you can enjoy these without the brewers yeast and flax seeds which are two ingredients that are supposed to boost milk supplies. I have made these twice with little adaptations to the flavor.


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour
1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla, Chai, etc..)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup brewers yeast
2 tablespoons flax seeds
1/2 cup applesauce
6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup raisins, craisens, or other dried fruit
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, etc…


Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add butter, applesauce, and brown sugar to a stand mixer. Mix on medium until fully combined.
  3. In a medium bowl combine flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, brewers yeast, and flax seeds.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
  5. Gradually add in the flour mixture continuing to mix on low.
  6. Add the granola and raisins.
  7. Use a medium cookie scooper to form balls.
  8. Bake cookies for 9 minutes.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Store in an air-tight container.
  11. Option- Bake only half or a portion of the cookies and store remaining cookie balls in the fridge or freezer in an air-tight container until you are ready to bake.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

If you are craving lasagna and short on time this is a quick replacement you can throw in the crock pot. You can also adjust the meat and cheeses to suit your preferences. Ingredients: 8 ounces ground Italian sausage 8 ounces ground sirloin 28 ounces 

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta

This is a tasty alfredo like vegetarian dish perfect for a chilly day. Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (I used cavatappi noodles) 1/2 butternut squash peeled and cubed 1/2 onion chopped 8 ounces crumbled goat cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon fresh basil or basil 

Potato Soufflé

Potato Soufflé

Potato dishes are a popular side dish in our house. This was something new I saw and wanted to try. You can adjust the seasonings to pair this with the meal you are serving. The recipe I used focused on thyme; however, I may use garlic and onion or ranch seasoning powder when I make this again.

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed potatoes

3 large eggs

1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup half and half

2 teaspoons fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

pinch cream of tartar

Directions:

  1. Spray bread pan with nonstick spray and preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Separate egg yolks from egg whites.
  3. Add egg yolks to a medium bowl with potatoes, cheese, half and half, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix together.
  4. Add egg whites to a stand mixer with whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks form. Add pinch of cream of tartar.
  5. Gradually fold egg whites into potato mixture.
  6. Transfer potato mixture to bread pan.
  7. Bake 25-30 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately.
Cocoa Rubbed Steak

Cocoa Rubbed Steak

What is better than a steak seasoned with a good rub? A steak seasoned with a chocolate based rub. These steaks were flavorful, tender, and absolutely delicious. I prepared 4 NY strip steaks. I grilled two steaks and pan friend the other two with a