• Beef - Recipes

    Instant Pot Spaghetti

    June 18, 2020 - By 

    Over this time of quarantine, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and have really tried to up my Instant Pot game. I thought through what I make on a regular basis that isn’t really that great and Spaghetti actually came to mind! Yeah, my Spaghetti is never that great. The sauce ends up runny. The noodle and sauce separate. I decided maybe the Instant Pot will be all the answers to this issue. And I was right! It did fix all my issues. My spaghetti in the Instant Pot is melded together and my kids say its the best…

  • Chicken - Dinner - Pork - Recipes

    Chicken & Sausage Bowtie Pasta

    May 21, 2020 - By 

    Like I said last week on Friday Favorites post, Rob has been making this recipe for years. And with us being home and me cooking nearly every night, I’ve been pretty religious with making a menu each week. That way when lunch and dinner roll around I’m not scrambling to figure something out. The fam had asked me to add this Chicken & Sausage Bowtie Pasta to the menu. I was happy to oblige and since this was my first time making Rob helped. Can you believe it? I’m actually posting a recipe. I think it has literally been years…

  • Chicken - Dinner - Pork - Recipes

    Chicken & Bacon Pasta

    January 22, 2018 - By 

    I was super excited to throw this recipe together. However, when I placed it on the table my kids weren’t thrilled about the peas and carrots in this recipe. I told them they had to have some veggies one way or another! I, personally, like the sweetness that the peas and carrots add. After trying it, my boys said it wasn’t too bad. They ended up loving it, saying they wanted to have this at least once a week. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into…

  • Recipes

    Pizza Topped Pasta

    January 17, 2018 - By 

    You know I was thinking the other day when I was cooking some pasta about back when I was growing up. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile you probably know, or you may not know, that my Dad’s parents raised me. Now my Granddad absolutely hung the moon for me. I was a Granddad’s girl for sure. I loved so many things about Granddad. One thing was that he enjoyed cooking and he was pretty darn good at it. However, Grandmother did not relish the act of cooking and probably for that very reason, wasn’t very good at…

  • Recipes

    Crockpot Meatballs with Ragú #simmeredintradition #ad

    November 8, 2015 - By 

    Being married to an Italian decedent, I’ve heard stories of Rob’s great grandparents who came over “on the boat” from Italy to New York. With little money and lots of hope, the one thing they were armed with was tons of delicious recipes passed down from their family. This is much like the story of Assunta Cantisano, Ragú’s originator, who left Naples, Italy to immigrate to America in the early 1900’s. After arriving in the U.S. and getting settled in Rochester, New York, she planted a garden and began using those fresh vegetables to make her family’s pasta sauce. With…

  • Beef - Dinner - Recipes

    Italian Chili {Crockpot}

    August 5, 2015 - By 

    I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted a recipe. That doesn’t mean haven’t been cooking. In fact, I have such a long list of recipes that I’ve made that I wasn’t even sure where to start. Posting this Italian Chili seemed like a good choice, because with kids starting back to school tomorrow I’m frazzled and when I put dinner in the crockpot that’s once less thing to worry about after work! Who doesn’t love that? Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 6 hours Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef 1/2 lb. Italian sausage 1 can (28 oz.)…

  • Beef - Dinner - Pork

    Lasagna

    April 27, 2015 - By 

    Lasagna has been one of those dishes that I have struggled with and finally quit trying. Drew gave me a cookbook for Christmas called Gooseberry Patch 5 Ingredient Family Favorites and it has the recipe in there, so I decided to give it a try again. I did have to improvise, because I didn’t have any pasta sauce on hand. I am so glad I decided to give Lasagna! It turned out amazing. I’m not sure what my hang up was before, but whatever it was it seems this recipe resolved it. I’m curious to know what dishes you avoid…

  • Dinner - Recipes

    Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup {Crockpot}

    March 2, 2015 - By 

    Looking for an easy soup? This Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup is cooked in the crockpot and will be ready to eat when you get home from work. Servings: 8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 6-8 hours Ingredients: 1 diced onion 1 cup diced celery 1 tbs. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. hot red pepper flakes 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 large can of pureed tomatoes 1 can fire roasted tomatoes 1 small can of green chilies 5 links hot Italian Sausage 8 cups chicken stock 4-5 large potatoes; diced Directions: 1. Remove sausage from the…

  • Cajun Chicken Pasta
    Chicken - Dinner

    Cajun Chicken Pasta

    February 25, 2015 - By 

    Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into bite size pieces 4 tsp. Cajun seasoning (I used Slap Ya Momma) 4 tbs. Olive Oil 2 cups heavy cream (more if needed) 1/2 tsp. dried basil 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 box Penne pasta Grated Parmesan cheese Directions: 1. Cook pasta as directed. 2. While the pasta is cooking, place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and coat evenly. 2. In a large skillet…

  • Chicken - Dinner - Recipes

    Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

    February 7, 2015 - By 

    Today is National Fettuccine Alfredo Day! Whaaa??? With that being said, I thought I’d share my recipe for this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken. This sauce is smooth and creamy. I think the key to making this meal a step above this dish is to marinate the chicken! I simply marinate the chicken in Italian dressing. This give it a nice flavor that’s goes nicely with the Alfredo sauce and it’s not too overbearing. If you prefer shrimp in your Alfredo, those can be marinated as well. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes + marinating time Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients:…

  • Chicken - Dinner

    Pizza Smothered Chicken

    January 21, 2015 - By 

    Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 12 oz. box of pasta (I used Penne) 1 large jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce Parmesan cheese Italian seasoning Garlic Pepperoni (your favorite pizza toppings)

  • Beef - Dinner - Pork - Recipes

    Ravioli Soup

    December 27, 2014 - By 

    I’ve tried my hand at Ravioli soup and finally after the 3rd try I think I nailed it! This is so easy. Done in less than 30 minutes as long as you don’t have to thaw the meat. A true crowd pleaser. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 tbs. olive oil 1 pound spicy Italian sausage 3 cloves minced garlic 1 diced onion 1/2 diced green peppers 2 cups chicken stock 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 1/2 tsp. dried basil 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt and…

  • Recipes

    Pizza Dough You Can Toss {Bread Machine}

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    When I found this pizza dough recipe at first I was like, “Oh, I don’t need another pizza dough recipe.” But then, I just realized this one had a few less ingredients than the other Pizza Dough Recipe that I usually use, so I decided to give it a shot. When I started rolling it out, something made me pick it up and start stretching it out with my fists and I tossed it up. It tossed beautifully! I was kind-a pumped. 🙂 Servings: 1-2 pizzas Prep Time: 1 and half hours (bread machine time) Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients:…

  • Bacon Pizza {Homemade}
    Recipes

    Bacon Pizza {Homemade}

    October 11, 2014 - By 

    The other night, I had some cooked bacon that I needed to use before it went bad. I also had some homemade dough in the fridge, so this homemade bacon pizza came to mind. It turned out amazingly! Who doesn’t bacon? Who doesn’t love bacon? I put this pizza down, turned around to get a drink, and there were just 2 pieces left! Next time, I’ll know to make a double batch. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: Fresh dough or refrigerated dough 1 jar of pizza sauce (I use homemade sauce) 3 cups of…

  • Appetizers & Snacks - Recipes

    On-The-Go Pizza Bites

    September 30, 2014 - By 

    Here’s another easy recipe to whip up before your next tailgate or party. These Pizza Bites are very versatile and can be thrown together at the last minute. Simple finger foods are always the best when your standing around cheering on your favorite team. Servings: 24 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 jar of pizza sauce (I used my homemade sauce) mozzarella cheese pepperoni (or any of your favorite pizza toppings) basil (optional) refrigerated dough (I used my homemade dough) Mini-muffin tin

  • Chicken - Dinner - Lunch - Recipes

    Hawaiian Chicken Pizza

    September 14, 2014 - By 

    One of my favorite pizza places is Marco’s and one of my families favorite pizzas from there is the Hawaiian Pizza. Here is my recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Pizza. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: Fresh dough or refrigerated pizza dough 1/2 jar of pizza sauce 3 cups of mozzarella cheese 1 cup of chopped ham 6 slices of cooked bacon (not too done), chopped 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken 1/2 cup of pineapple, chopped (squeeze juice out)

  • Beef - Pork - Recipes

    Homemade Meatballs and Pasta Sauce

    January 10, 2010 - By 

    Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 45 minutes Cooking Time: 3 hours + Ingredients: For sauce: 1 lb. of Italian Sausage links (we use Hot) 2 country style ribs (optional – but add a lot of flavor) 1 large can of tomato sauce 1 large can of crushed tomatoes 1 can of tomato paste Italian seasonings (Oregano, Basil, Red pepper flake) Garlic powder For Meatballs: 2 lbs of ground beef 2 cups of Italian Bread crumbs 1 egg Directions: 1. Put Italian Sausage links in large pot with a 2 tablespoons of EVOO 2. Brown sausage on both sides 3. Drop in…

  • Chicken Pizza-ola Sub
    Lunch

    Chicken Pizza-ola Sandwich

    December 24, 2008 - By 

    I have been absolutely lovin’ Subway’s Chicken Pizza-ola Sandwich lately. However, I haven’t been loving spending $7 a pop, so I decided to see if I could make one at home. It turned out marvelously and what I love is that I spend less money and I can easily alter how it’s made. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive oil 4 hoagies split 2 chicken breasts 10-14 pieces of pepperoni pizza sauce 1 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella garlic powder Optional: black olives banana peppers Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350. 2.…

  • Dinner - Recipes

    Stuffed Pasta Shells

    February 25, 2008 - By 

    This recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells is on of my absolute favorites. It does require more prep time than I prefer, but I usually make at least 2 batches and free one. Who doesn’t love freeze ahead meals? 2 bangs for your buck! Servings: 8 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ingredients 1 (16 oz.) package uncooked large pasta shells 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (for less fat) 1 lb. of meat (hamburger meat/Italian sausage) 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese 1 (28 oz.) jar pasta sauce (I make my…