Pierogi Perfection

Pierogies with Bacon, Sautéed Onion, and Sour Cream

The ultimate comfort food but it's still considered cooking light.  I love pierogies, bacon makes everything better, and caramelized onions are da bomb.com  All of these come together in a quick and easy but satisfying dish.  Not much to say but it's a must try!

Pierogie Recipe

La la la la la lasagna Boat

Spaghetti Squash

I have issues, but in particular with textures.  Normally, I can't handle mushy squash, reminds me of baby food.  This is not that kind of squash, rather it's a great replacement for pasta which I use in many different dishes.  This one involves ricotta, sauce, fresh basil, sausage, and gooey mozzarella all rolled into one spaghetti squash half.  I used spicy Italian poultry sausage for a little kick.  I also prefer the microwave method for cooking spaghetti squash.  Carefully cut one in half lengthwise, place cut side down in a glass dish with a touch of water in the bottom, cover with Saran and microwave in high for about 10 minutes or until spaghetti strands shred easily.  Even my husband who usually turns up his little nose at spaghetti squash loved this one!

Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Shrimp Po Boy

Shrimp Po'boy Lightened Up

Normally a shrimp po'boy is heavily breaded and fried which leaves you wondering if there's any shrimp in there at all and where the extra baggage on your hips came from.  These are the answer to both of these problems.  Even though lightly breaded, they have great flavor with just a bit of sweet heat.  I'm not usually one for prepackaged or pre made things but the coleslaw mix is a great timesaver and its still got fresh ingredients.  A fresh bread from a local bakery is the best but if not just be sure to toast those buns!

Po'boy Recipe

Mushroom Meatloaf

Creaming Mushroom Meatloaf

Meatloaf always makes me think of some big greasy hunk of ground beef but this is so not that.  The cremini mushrooms are hearty and meaty to fill out the loaf but actually make it a light dish as well.  If you can't find creminis they are very similar to a baby portobello mushroom.  I also substituted lean ground beef for ground sirloin since it's cheaper and what I had at home. Fresh thyme really brightens up the dish and adds a great flavor element.  Even though it takes a little under an hour from start to finish it really isn't hard for a weeknight winner!  A side of cauliflower mash is a great alternative to the usual heavy glop of mashed potatoes.  They still have a little potato mixed with the cauliflower and if you add a little garlic and sour cream you'll never know the difference.

Mushroom Meatloaf Recipe