Baking Cookies Again!

I've decided that I've been in Cookie Baking Hybernation for way too long now and I can't still use the fact that I've just moved.  I wanted to make something simple but yummy.  I checked my pantry and had some white chocolate chips and cocoa powder on hand so these cookies were born!

Ingredients: (2 dozen cookies)

1 c all-purpose flour

1/3 c baking cocoa

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tso salt

1/2 c (1 stick) butter, softened

1/3 c granulated sugar

1/3 c packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 c white chocolate morsels

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl.  Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in large mixer until creamy.  Beat in egg and gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in morsels.

3. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 9-11 minutes until centers are set.

Hot Pastrami Panini

I was watching Quick Fix Meals and Robin Miller made these Pork Panini using a method where you press down on the sandwich with a skillet and a heavy cans. The last time I made Panini, I felt like they didn't get pressed enough so I wanted to try this new method. I totally worked! My photo skills are getting better too huh? This one featured LOTS of pastrami, Monterey Jack Cheese, Heirloom tomatoes and chopped onions that were caramelized in a Honey Mustard Sauce, all pressed in between thick slices of sourdough bread. I mean, seriously? How good do these babies look?

New Deli Chicken Flavor!

One of my favorite convenience foods is Oscar Mayer Deli Slices, whether they be Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey or Honey Ham.  I just can't get enough of these protein powerhouses!  I add them salads, roll them up in wraps or just (shh...don't tell anyone!) eat them straight out of the packaging!  I've tried all the flavors and pretty much loved them all.  So imagine how thrilled I was to find a new flavor at Safeway the other day?  Cajun Spice Chicken!  OMG they are by far my favorite right now!  If you happen to see them at your grocery store, GET THEM!

$10 Dinners

I know a lot of people don't like the Next Food Network Star Winner, Melissa d'Arabian, but I wanted to give the show a chance so I started recording a couple of the episodes.  She does get annoying sometimes (kinda like Rachael Ray) but she was very informative. She had great ideas on saving money and not just "DUH" ones like Sandra Lee's "buy in bulk" tip.  Her recipes also sound simple enough for any busy person to make.  I definitely wanna try her Salmon Cakes and Green Onion Biscuits!  Have you watched $10 Dinners yet?  What are your thoughts on Melissa?

SUPER Healthy Whole Wheat Raisin and Pecan Muffins

I was in another baking mood and decided to make some muffins to take to my mommy on Saturday.  It's been a while since I brought her any treats so I wanted these to be good.  I didn't really have many ingredients on hand (I know...SHOCKING!) but I always have raisins and nuts!  (I keep my nuts in the freezer for a longer shelf life.  A trick I learned from Rachael Ray)  I know my mommy is always into healthy stuff so whole wheat was the way to go.  These muffins turned out great and just sweet enough from the brown sugar and raisins.  The pecans also added a nice crunch and we all know my mommy LOVES anything with nuts in it!  I can't wait for her to try these!

Ingredients: (12 muffins)

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c all-purpose flour
1/4 c firmly packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c chopped pecans
1 egg
1 c milk
3 Tbsp canola oil

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 muffins cups.

2. In large bowl, sift together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in raisins.

3. Beat egg with milk and oil in a mixer. Add flour mixture, mixing only until moistened. Stir in pecans.

4. Fill greased muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake until well-browned (20 to 25 minutes

The Best Grilled Cheese Sammies in Town!

I make Grilled Cheese Sammies a lot cuz it's one of Greg's favorite foods but I can't believe I've only blogged about them once and SUCH a long time ago! Hey, I think my photo skills have definitely improved since then! This baby featured Provolone Cheese, fresh Heirloom tomatoes and Honey Ham all sandwiched between 2 pieces of Trader Joe's Sourdough Bread, then smeared with butter and grilled to perfection! What a beauty huh?

Dinner from the Fridge

We all know I love getting creative by using up ingredients we already have on hand to make dinner. It's just so relaxing knowing that I don't have to make an extra trip to the grocery store on a busy weeknight and still make a SUPER yummy meal! I had a package of Buitoni Herbed Chicken Tortellini in the fridge and decided to make dinner with it. I ALWAYS pick up one of these when they go on sale cuz they last practically forever and take no time to cook up! This is also a one-pot type of meal, which means that I have less cleanup to do! I'm embarassed to even call this a recipe below but more like just throwing a bunch of ingredients together with a REALLY yummy result!


Ingredients: (3-4 servings)

1 pkg (20 oz) refrigerated Tortellini (whatever flavor works!)
1 Tbsp butter
1 c sliced fresh mushrooms
6 slices of ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 c half and half (while milk or heavy cream work just as well)
8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp dry Italian seasoning
1/2 c shredded Mozzarella cheese

Prep:

1. Cook Tortellini according to package directions in a large pot. Drain and set aside.

2. Melt butter in the same pot and add mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add ham, half and half and bring to a boil.

3. Turn off heat and stir in cream cheese until melted. Add Italian seasoning and Tortellini.

4. Stir in Mozzarella cheese just before serving.