Tully's...I Mean Murphy's Tender Salad

Buffalo Tender Salad

My husband and I love Tully's tenders salads, so I figured why not try to make them at home.  They came out even better than the restaurant with less grease and no price tag.  I had cornbread tenders (from my rosemary tender recipe post minus the rosemary) left from Christmas eve all set to fry up.  They came out nice and crispy.  I cut up the tenders into smaller pieces and tossed them with some buffalo hot sauce.  For the salad (you can improvise however you want), I cut up romaine hearts.  I also added green bell pepper, red onion, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and crumbly blue cheese.  Serve with a great dressing such as a creamy blue or homemade ranch. 

Not so Fishy Fish...

Haddock with Bacon and Onions

This fish is delish, my new favorite!  I hate a fishy taste so the bacon and onion crumble to top the fish is perfect.  My husband actually whipped this one up and the taste really surprised me.  I even took it for lunch the next day, which I never do with fish.

Haddock Recipe

 

Ragu Bolognese, not from a Jar!

Ragu Bolognese:
My husband asked me while I was cooking this why it was called Ragu if there wasn't any of that in the sauce.  The brand name Ragu actually comes from the true meaning of the word 'ragu' which is an Italian sauce with meat and tomatoes.  I'm actually eating some of the left-overs as I write this; absolutely delicious and quite possibly the best meat sauce!  My parents swear that there's no Italian in the family what-so-ever but man I could sure given one a run-for-their-money in the kitchen!  This sauce is hearty and delicious with the hardest part being dicing up all of the ingredients in the prep-work.  It calls for ground beef and pork but I only had beef and the bacon which worked out just as good.  I like to use a fun pasta like cellentani; it dresses it up and seems to hold more of the sauce.  Top with a fresh grated cheese and some freshly chopped herbs and enjoy with a fresh loaf of bread.

Bolognese Recipe

The 12 Days of Christmas Cupcakes

12 Days of Cupcakes

This year instead of all the usual Christmas cookies, I decided to make the 12 different kinds of cupcakes.  This would not have been possible without the help of my wonderful husband (dish boy and sous chef haha).  We spent two full days whipping up around 200 cupcakes creations.  Each one chosen with a reason for the season. 

#1 Peppermint Chip with Mint Infused Buttercream:  Candycanes hung on the tree and peppermint hot chocolate; sounds like Christmas time to me.  This cupcake has a fresh mint-leaf infused cream that gives the true mint flavor.  Also, chopped mint chocolate in the cake itself.  I crushed candycane over the top and found that either tiny magical elves made it disappear or it reacts with the frosting.

#2 Eggnog Cake with Spiced Rum Buttercream:  Eggnog with a little kick reminds me of my grandfather and his homemade version; delicious but strong.  Definitely not one for the kids, the frosting has a nice rum flavor but not too overpowering.  I dressed it up with a little brown sugar sprinkle and a cinnamon stick.

 #3 Gingerbread Cake with Zinfandel Buttercream:  I usually take the time to roll out and decorate adorable gingerbread cookies but this is a fresh and easy alternative.  An odd combination, that just works.  The Zinfandel wine is reduced and added to the buttercream for a touch of added flavor.  The fresh grated ginger in the cake really comes through.  The cake is extremely moist and messy.  I debated making my own gingerbread cookie toppers but it just seemed like too much.

#4 Vanilla Bean:  Just like a delicious sugar cookie left for Santa!  The vanilla bean added to the cake and frosting is a must have to add more complexity to a simple vanilla cake.  A simple green dollop of frosting with a candy star and sprinkle makes adorable green trees.

#5 Peanutbutter Buckeyes:  Peanut butter balls are a family tradition so I turned it into a cupcake.  This rich dense cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and a chocolate ganache drizzle is the perfect comfort food.  There's even a surprise peanut butter cup in the center.  No decorations needed!

#6 Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting: An old stand-by.  Pretty simple but festive in color for the holiday season.  Topped with a few red-hot candies and buttercream green leaves (thanks to my cake decorating class and just a tip).

#7 Chocolate Covered Cherries:  A candy that usually comes as a boxed treat, now in cupcake form?  A cherry in the center sandwiched between two pieces of milk chocolate in a rich chocolate cake.  It's topped with a cherry juice infused cream cheese based frosting and another cherry covered in rich melted chocolate.  Elegant and rich!



#8 Champagne Cake with a Champagne Cream Filling and Champagne Buttercream:  Bubbly champagne, a New Year's Eve staple.  Every part of this cake is infused with Prosecco (Italian champagne).  The trickiest part is cooking the Bavarian cream filling from scratch and getting the right consistency.  I'm still amazed every time is thickens and turns into the perfect cream.  Elegant candy pearls to look like bubbly champagne is all this cupcake needs.

#9 Buttermilk Waffle Cupcake with Candied Bacon, Maple Buttercream, and Bourbon Caramel Drizzle:  Buttermilk waffles are great for holiday breakfast and brunches!  My husband calls this his breakfast cupcake with all the essentials he needs, eggs, buttermilk, and bacon.  You may think that bacon in a cupcake is odd but you'll never want one without it again.  To candy the bacon you simply sprinkle it with brown sugar and bake it on high temperature until crispy, I could seriously eat it like candy!  These do have many parts to make including homemade caramel and buttermilk waffles but definitely worth the effort.

#10 Mulled Wine Spice Cake:  Mulled wine is a clove-spiced drink generally served hot on blistering cold days or after hitting the snow-covered slopes.  This recipe actually had to be converted from and old British recipe and didn't exactly convert nicely.  The mulled wine is reduced and turned into gel form as a fruity filling.  The British make their buttercream in a very different manner with a flour paste cooked and added to thicken it (not sure if I would do this again). I added a sugared grape for a bit more flare.

#11 North Pole Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Ganache and Marshmallow Whipped Frosting:
Rich chocolate hot cocoa with melting marshmallows really warms the hearts of both children and adults during the long cold winters.  This cupcake is rich and melt in your mouth good.  Speaking of melting, the poles of mint eventually melted into holes, something about the peppermint and frosting makes it disintegrate.  I've never made my own marshmallow before, coolest thing ever!  The mixture goes from clear liquid to white marshmallow goodness in the blink of an eye.  Just ask my husband, I was dancing around the kitchen amazed at what I had made :-)



#12 Orange Creamsicle:  It may not seem like a holiday treat but my great aunt always gave us oranges for our stockings at Christmas.  Also, my husband requested a replacement for my delicious orange balls that I usually make for the holidays.  This cupcake truly tasted like an orange creamsicle with the orange cake and orange infused buttercream.  I used a special technique for the two-colored frosting.  You wrap up two different 'logs' of frosting in Saran wrap; one of each color.  Then place them down in your pastry bag but make sure that they are both evenly touching the tip (if not one frosting will take over and the other won't come out).  I topped it with a part of a jelly orange slice.

So much fun!! They made great gifts and party platters.  The only downside is that they won't keep like cookies do.  Store in a cold place (refrigerator if you have enough room) and set out at least a half hour before serving to let the frosting soften.  Lil' Murph's Kitchen was very productive this holiday season!

12 Cupcakes of Christmas

The Sweetest Gift

  



Quick Quiche

Tart w/ Pancetta and Green Onions

The recipe says it's a breakfast tart but it made a great dinner.  It's actually extremely lite compared to traditional quiches made with cream.  The green onion, salty pancetta, and nutty gruyere cheese make a great trio.  I don't ever use store-bought pie crusts but after a long day at work, this was so much easier and surprisingly good!!  My rolling pin got a day off, wish I could say the same. 

Quiche Recipe

Not Another Bread Pudding...

Berry Strata
Berry bread pudding that's out of this stratasphere!!  An easy and quick dessert with great flavor and lovely presentation in mini sherbet dishes or trifle bowls.  Lighter than your average bread pudding and the berries might even trick you into believing that it's healthy enough to go back for seconds.  Add a little dollop of whipped cream just for fun and enjoy!

Berry Strata Recipe

You Got Beef with Me?

Rolled Flank Steak Florentine

Beef that just melts in your mouth and looks quite impressive for guests.  The hardest part of the whole meal is butterflying the steak which you should definitely have your butcher do.  I watched a Youtube video and tackled it myself but I wouldn't recommend it.  Be sure to tie the beef up good to hold in all of that delicious stuffing.  Once it's in the oven, your work is done!  Just reserve the sauce to serve over the beef and a side of gnocchi.  Mmmmm delish!!

Recipe:
6oz fresh baby spinach
1 jar (12oz) roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry
8 oz hot Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

1 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix (non-cubed)
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 3/4 lbs beef flank steak, butterflied
1/2 tsp. each salt and black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 jar (24oz) marinara sauce
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.  Place spinach in a glass bowl and cover loosely with a lid and microwave on high 2-3 minutes.  Blot moisture from spinach with paper towel.  Finely chop peppers.  Combine cooked sausage and stuffing mix.  Add spinach, peppers, cheese, egg, and pressed garlic; mix well.
Season both sides of steak with salt and pepper.  Spread sausage mixture over steak within a 1/2 inch of edge.  Roll up jelly roll style then tie with butcher twine every 2 inches (about 5 times).  Heat oil in skillet over med-high.  Cook steak 5-7 minutes or until all sides are browned.  Remove beef from skillet.  Add jar of sauce to same skillet and heat 2-3 minutes.  Pour sauce over steak in a deep covered baker.  Bake, covered, 1 1/2- 2 hours or until tender (flipping half way).  Let steak roll rest 10 minute then slice. 

Chicken & Wild Rice With a Twist

Joy Bundles & Rice

Very easy and delicious!  Your meat and starch all in one recipe.  The creamy center of the chicken is a nice surprise to bight into.  Also, the fresh herbs add great flavor and color.  Make sure that your chicken pieces are cut up small enough so that they cook through and check the inside temperature with a thermometer. 

Chicken Bundles & Rice Recipe

A Meaty but Meatless Burger

Portobello Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Paste and Smoked Mozzarella

I am definitely not a vegetarian and I love my meat but these meatless portobello burgers are a must try.  The meaty marinated portobello trick you into believing that you're eating a real juicy burger.  The red pepper paste is actually super simple.  I used to be afraid of my food processor and blender, more of the clean-up than anything else but now I use them on a daily basis to make my own salsa, sauces, and soups.  I did top these with red onion and baby spinach as suggested.  The fresh smoked mozzarella is an absolute must so don't skimp out on the cheese.  The entire meal from start to finish took about 10 minutes!!

                                                                                                    Portobello Burger Recipe

Stuff it!!

Sausage & Herb Stuffing

I know that the big controversy with a turkey at Thanksgiving is do you stuff the bird or not; I say stuff it!!  Stove-top has no business being in my pantry or kitchen when homemade stuffing is so easy to make.  This stuffing brings together the flavors of the season with sweet dried cranberries, tart apples, spicy sausage, and fresh herbs.  I would definitely add more sausage next time; maybe 1 to 1.5 pounds.  I even made this up a day in advance to travel to Vermont with; just be sure to keep the wet mix, bread, and sausage separate until ready to cook.  A great addition of flavor to spice up your plain old turkey.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Weeknight Winner Casserole

Penne & Sausage Casserole

A great dish for the colder months, warms you from the inside out.  Super cheesy and only as spicy as the sausage you choose.  I used the wine in the sauce instead of beef broth which added a rich flavor to the sauce.  Also, choose your favorite type of pasta to use because any kind will work (I always pick the fun shapes).  Spicy poultry sausage and sliced portobello mushrooms add a nice flare.  It's even better as ooey-gooey cheesy left-overs; almost as cheesy as me!

Penne Sausage Casserole Recipe

So Much Better than an Italian Cookie!

Chocolate Hazelnut Drop Cookies:

These cookies are easy and delicious!  The only complaint I have is that the recipe doesn't make enough of them, so double it.  These cookies are moist and flavorful, unlike traditional Italian cookies.

Hazelnut Cookie Recipe

Chicken & Waffles, Not Your Usual Sunday Brunch

Chicken & Waffles

Another recreation of a combo that Funk N Waffles has on their menu.  They're a great little restaurant that serves all different kinds of waffles and were even noticed by Guy on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.  I used my usual buttermilk waffle recipe which can be found on the blog under "Waffles of Insane Greatness" and the rosemary chicken tenders left-over from the night before.  When drizzled with a little bourbon maple syrup it makes and oddly good combination of sweet and savory.

Murphy's Red Potatoes on the Fly

Smashed Baby Reds

I needed a quick side and had a bag of baby red potatoes in the house.  I boiled them until fork tender (15 min) then mashed them while still hot (skins still on).  I added a few dollops of sour cream, a few shakes of seasoned salt, a few dashes black pepper, a few shakes of garlic powder, and Tastefully Simple brand bacon mix.  I like adding light sour cream rather than milk or butter because it creates a much creamier consistency and a healthier substitution.  They actually ended up being quite delish!

There's Another Use for French Fried Onions That's Not a Green Bean Casserole...

Crispy Onion Chicken

Like Funions for adults.  An extremely easy recipe that leaves the chicken moist and flavorful.  The only change I made was to cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces to make sure they cooked through in the oven.  Next time I might add some fresh herbs; rosemary or thyme.

Crispy Onion Chicken

A Breakfast Favorite and Dessert All in One

French Toast Bread Pudding

This is my new favorite dessert that I was first exposed to at a wonderful gourmet restaurant in downtown Syracuse, BC.  It's so rich and decadent that they serve it in mini ramekins a la mode.  Of course, I had to run home and test it out.  The aroma of the cinnamon and french toast fills the house and reminds me of a relaxing Sunday brunch. The recipe I found calls for many real vanilla beans which happen to be $10 for 2 at Wegmans.  They are definitely worth the price because the flavor can't be matched with imitation vanilla or extracts.  Instead of using 7 beans, I only used 2 for the whole recipe and put the pods in when boiling the liquid as well.  Challah bread works great for soaking up all the liquid and bourbon (mmm).  This bread pudding is a little labor intensive and takes two days with refrigeration included.  The recipe makes enough pudding (liquid) to make two large pans of bread pudding; double the goodness!  I made this up ahead of time to take to Thanksgiving dinner, which worked great (keep the liquid and bread separate until just before baking it).

French Toast Bread Pudding Recipe

Asian Rabbit Food...

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Lite, quick, and easy!  One of my absolute favs!  I like it so much that I make it repeatedly; anyone who knows me well would know that this is very rare.  The flavors of peanut butter, soy, and teriyaki all mixed together over ground turkey with the crunch of water chestnuts and romaine lettuce.  I omit the nuts for my hubby but other than that, wouldn't change a thing!

** Recipe to come**

Pumpkin in Everything Fall...Even Pasta!!

Pumpkin Won ton Ravioli

My favorite dish ever since I've been little has always been ravioli.  As I've gotten older, I've developed a much more sophisticated palate.  My taste has evolved from traditional cheese ravioli to lobster, butternut squash and now even pumpkin ravioli.  These ones have a bit of an Asian flare being that they are in won ton wrappers but they end up being just like pasta.  I had a little trouble with making them into flat ravioli so I turned them into little dumpling-like packages.  I omitted the pumpkin seeds and put a little less arugula in them.  Next time, I would add a dash or nutmeg and a touch of sugar to add a sweetness to counterbalance the spiciness of the arugula.  Also, a nice browned butter sauce with fresh sage would complement the dish well!  As a good friend would say though, absolutely delish!

Pumpkin Won ton Ravioli Recipe

A Mouthful of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Themed Party w/ Friends

A friend inspired me to come up with a Thanksgiving themed menu for my Bunko night.  My Oct/Nov issue of Taste of Home magazine had the perfect appetizer recipes for a fun night.  Most of the prep-work I was able to do the night before, so all I had to do was pop them in the oven.  I must say that the house definitely was filled with all the familiar Thanksgiving aromas: cranberry, pumpkin, cinnamon, and green bean casserole.  For the menu, cream cheese topped with pepper jelly as a dip, mini turkey sausage in canned cranberry sauce, green bean casserole stuffed mushrooms, turkey cranberry minis, sweet potato casserole crostinis, mini pumpkin cupcakes with fudge frosting, and of course cranberry champagne. 

Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
  

My new table with the spread, minus the sausages, turkey minis, and stuffed mushrooms.

Turkey Cranberry Minis
 Ingredients

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
• 4 teaspoons honey mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 30 frozen miniature phyllo tart shells

Directions

• In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients. Add the turkey, celery, cranberries, cheese and pecans; toss to coat.
• Arrange tart shells on an ungreased baking sheet. Fill with turkey mixture. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Sweet Potato Crostini

 Ingredients

• 24 slices french bread baguette (1/4 in thick)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped Diamond of California® Pecans
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-1/4 cups miniature marshmallows, halved
• Minced fresh rosemary, optional

Directions

• Place bread in a single layer on ungreased baking sheets; brush with butter. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over tops. Bake at 400° for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the sweet potatoes, pecans, brown sugar and butter. Spoon onto toasts; top with marshmallows, pressing lightly to adhere. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly browned. Sprinkle with rosemary if desired. Yield: 2 dozen.

The Perfect Pumpkin Bite!

Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes w/ Fudge Frosting

I feel like I cheated a little with these since they have a boxed cake mix in them.  I actually felt so guilty that I made sure to bury the box in the garbage.  When you actually look at the recipe though the cake mix is only used for the dry ingredients, the rest is still from scratch.  They are so adorable, easy, and the combination of the pumpkin and rich dark chocolate are sinful.  For a fancy addition, I was thinking sweetened and toasted pumpkin seeds might make a nice/sophisticated garnish.

Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe

Pizza-Dilla

Pizza-Dilla Margerita

Two comfort-food favorites, pizza and quesadillas, combined into one awesome recipe.  Tomato, basil, and mozzarella; there couldn't be a more perfect trio!  If you can't find the smoked mozzarella a ball of the fresh stuff will work just fine.  If you can get a few helpers, an assembly line works great to put them together and cook them quickly.  Mine always starts with me assembling, my hubby has perfected flipping them, and the dog waits at the end of the line for something to drop.

Pizza-Dilla Recipe

Pretty Paninis

Proscuitto, Fontina, and Fig Panini

Let me start by saying that the fig jam is next to impossible to find.  I spent hours looking at Wegmans.  It ended up being next to the fresh cheeses and it's called fig and onion jam.  I also don't have a panini pan but that certainly doesn't stop me.  You can make it like a grilled cheese or if you really need the grill marks then use a grilling pan and push the sandwich down with a flat spatula.  This one honestly only took me 5 minutes to make and I was eating it on my way out the door.

slices of thick country-style bread
thinly sliced proscuitto
shredded fontina cheese
baby arugula leaves
fig preserves

Top one slice of bread with several slices proscuitto, sprinkle with fontina cheese, and arugula.  Spread a tbsp of fig jam on other slice of bread and and top the sandwich with it.  Spray each side with olive oil cooking spray.  Cook 3-4 min or until browned on each side. 

Pasta in a Pepper

Orzo Stuffed Peppers

I've had stuffed peppers before that are simply rice and beef.  These peppers are much more fun and flavorful, they also are a little healthier than your traditional beefy pepper. BEEF, it's not what's for dinner this time.  I added a little hot turkey sausage to the filling and spiced things up a bit.  You could try using green or orange peppers but the red and yellow seem to have a little sweeter taste. 

Orzo Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Hash in a Flash

Breakfast Hash

I had some leftover baked potatoes and pancetta so I thought I'd throw together a quick breakfast hash.  Just cube up some leftover potatoes.  Heat oil over medium-high in a pan.  Add diced pancetta and shallot(or bacon and onions).  Saute until pancetta is slightly crispy.  Add potatoes, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Cook until potatoes are slightly browned and cripsy on the edges.  Serve with an over-easy eggs on top.  Yum!!

Pizza in a Pie?

Pizza Pot Pie

The sauce really isn't that hard to make but if you're in a pinch then use store bought marinara.  Next time I make these I would like to try substituting some smoked salami or sausage, peppers, onions, and olives to make it more like a supreme pizza. 

Pizza Pot Pie Recipe

The Easiest Stew

Turkey Sausage & Tortellini Stew

This is the easiest "set it and leave it" stew.  I make it on weeknights in the fall and winter all the time.  The recipe says to cook it in the slow-cooker for at least 4-5 hours but, honestly, who has that kind of time?  I've done it in a pot on the stove top with a cover simmering for about an hour and it works just as well.  Don't worry, you can't mess it up.  My husband picks on me all the time because I'm usually trying to do a million things at once and I'm always burning creamy soups.  If you wanted a smoked flavor in your potato soup, I've got it mastered.

2- 14.5 oz Italian style stewed tomatoes, undrained
3 cups water
2 cups frozen cut green beans or Italian style
1- 10.5 oz can condensed french onion soup
8 oz smoked turkey sausage halved lengthwise and cut into small pieces
2 cups packaged shredded cabbage w/ carrot (bagged coleslaw mix)
1- 9oz pkg cheese filled tortellini
Shredded parmesan cheese

In slow-cooker combine tomatoes, water, green beans, soup, and turkey sausage.  Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or on high 4-5 hours.  Stir in cabbage and tortellini.  Cover and cook 15 min more.  Serve w/ parmesan cheese.

Fall Is So Nice For Apples and Spice!

Spiced Apple Walnut Muffins w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

I love the flavors of fall with pumpkin, apples, and lots of spices that warm you up.  I had lots of apples left from picking and I came across this recipe.  It's pretty simple and really lets the apples be the star.  I thought it tasted like apple crisp in a cupcake.  The recipe calls it a cake but it can easily be turned into cupcakes.  Also, I omitted nuts in half of them and they turned out just as good.  As a general tip, only use real maple syrup in baking, not the fake stuff.  The only problem with these cupcakes is that if you make them, they'll fly right off the counter.

Spiced Apple Cupcake Recipe

 

Pasta w/ Melt in Your Mouth Meatballs

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

I love pairing the simple flavors of tomato, fresh basil, and mozzarella together.  This pasta dish has all three plus meatballs!  The meatballs are so moist and savory especially since they're made with ground chicken.  The mini mozzarella balls may be hard to find but Wegmans usually has them in their Mediterranean bar to buy in bulk.  I really wouldn't substitute another type of pasta because the orecchiette is so unique and starchy that it adds a nice texture to the dish.  The dish came out so good, that I asked my husband if I even looked the slightest bit Italian (I'm pretty sure that with my cooking style, I should not have been born a boiled meat and potatoes Irish girl).

Orecchiette Recipe

Comfort Food with a Twist

Crunchy Parmesan  Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders have to be my favorite comfort food.  I've been looking for different recipes to kick them up a notch.  These parmesan tenders did just that.  The balsamic dipping sauce really added to the tenders.  They make a great midnight snack too!

Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Mexican Dished up for an Army

Baked Pork Chimichangas

Great authentic Mexican dish.  Make sure that you have plenty of time on your hands since these are a little labor intensive.  Also, this recipe makes a ton of chimichangas so either have some family over for a big Sunday dinner or freeze them for later.  I would add a little extra sauce and cheese inside the chimichanga, before baking, to keep them moist.

Pork Chimichanga Recipe

Odd Combo but a Waffle of Insane Greatness!

Buttermilk Waffles Stuffed w/ Spinach and Mozzarella, topped w/ Smoked Turkey

We got the idea from our favorite waffle restaurant Funk N Waffles on SU hill. I decided that there's no reason that I can't make all different kinds of waffles at home cheaper, and as always, better.  This combination and the picture may turn you off, but so do vegetables and we keep shoving them down our kids throats.  I made the buttermilk waffle recipe that I have link below.  I mixed about a cup of freshly steamed chopped baby spinach and a large handful of shredded mozzarella directly into the batter.  After cooking the waffles I topped them with a thick-cut piece of smoked turkey breast, a dollop of sour cream, and drizzled them with real maple syrup (Mrs. Butterworth has no business being in my kitchen).  Don't be scurred, give them a try.  Or you could always stop over to the Murphy's kitchen for waffle Sundays.

Buttermilk Waffle Recipe

Triple Pea Pasta

Wagon Wheel Pasta w/ Pancetta and Peas

Quick, easy and healthy.  A colorful pasta dish with great flavor.  Make sure to reserve your pasta water when draining it, I always forget.  The pasta water adds a little starch, salt, and lubrication to the pasta.  If you don't have pancetta you could always substitute some lean center-cut bacon.  The wagon wheel pasta is fun, especially if you have kids or a husband, but any kind of pasta would work.

Pasta Recipe

Saucy Not Fishy

Broiled Tilapia w/ Mustard Chive Sauce

Tilapia is an extremely mild white fish that will take on any flavor you give it.  With that said, it needs flavor!! The mustard chive sauce adds great flavor.  Make sure to serve the fish hot since the cold sauce cools it off a bit. Broiling fish is a nice low-fat alternative.  If you're not scared of a little butter and breading adding to your waistline, it might be a nice addition before broiling the fish as well as squeezing some lemon over the fish.

Tilapia Recipe

Smells like Salmon Keep on Jammin....

Salmon Cakes w/ Lemon Caper Yogurt Sauce

The same consistency as a crab cake but with salmon.  Make sure that when you buy the canned salmon it's boneless and skinless (nobody likes a crunchy patty).  The fresh lemon juice is an absolute must.  Just a tip, when juicing lemons squeeze with the cut side up and use your other hand like a strainer to keep seeds from falling into your food.  The creamy yogurt sauce adds a nice balance to this dish.

Salmon Cake Recipe 

Buttercream Roses Galore!!

Pumpkin Cake with a Cream Cheese Filling and Buttercream Frosting

This is my final cake in my four part series.  I was the last person left at the class because I'm way too much of a perfectionist.  It has a basket weave exterior and handmade buttercream roses.  The pumpkin cake was absolutely moist and delicious.  The cream cheese filling added a nice touch!

Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Filling

A Little Piece of Heaven on a Stick

Cake Pops

I think that these are the cutest little favors or just a fun treat! They can be a little tricky at first, but once you get the process down, it's a piece of cake!  You can also make them any color, design, or flavor that you like.  Here's what you need:

1 box cake baked according to directions
Several scoops of creamy frosting
2 lb chocolate dipping wafers (all one color or multiple colors)
Loll-i-pop sticks (about 30)
Styrofoam block

Directions:
Once cooled, crumble cake in a large bowl with your hands.  Add several scoops of frosting and combine until no longer crumbly and you are able to roll balls.  Roll into 1 in balls.  Melt a small amount of chocolate.  Dip sticks into chocolate then poke into balls (not as dirty as it sounds).  Place in freezer for at least 15 min.  Melt a deep container full of chocolate (such as a tall drinking glass).  Dip pops in to cover.  Stick pops into styrofoam block then back in freezer until chocolate hardens.  You can melt more chocolate to create designs on the outside, if desired.