Simple Summer Sides – Homemade Rice A Roni (Chicken)

  You might remember my post about making your own Sour Cream Noodles (see here) – this is my take on Rice A Roni, the boxed rice and pasta side dish.  The thing I love most about this recipe is it’s versatility – there are so many ways to change-up the flavor! You can chill … Continue reading →

Focaccia With Roasted Onions, Garlic and Cracked Pepper

  One more use for those Slow Roasted Raspberry Balsamic Onions and Garlic (recipe here)….Focaccia!  This simple bread makes any meal paired with it extra-special.  I’m serving it tonight along side  pasta and meatballs (recipe here).  I did not add the cheese because I honestly don’t think it needs it – but feel free to add some grated Parmesan … Continue reading →

Simple Sides – Sour Cream and Chive Noodles

  When my kids were younger, they had a “thing” for packaged noodle and rice mixes.  You know the kind, you mix them with water, milk, butter and the mysterious spice packet – and 10 – 12 minutes later….noodles (or rice)!  They especially loved the sour cream variety. As we started trying to eliminate the junk out … Continue reading →

Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

  This is my version of the classic dish, Chicken/Turkey Tetrazzini.  I absolutely love it – you can’t go wrong with pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, tender chicken (or turkey) and the light crunch of almonds.  It’s always a hit whenever I make it – and it makes a lot.  Perfect for using up leftover chicken or … Continue reading →

Meatless Monday – My Grandmother’s Pasta Fagioli (Macaroni and Beans)

My grandmother was an amazing cook.  The best things she made, however, were perhaps the simplest.  Having grown up during the depression, she knew how to make a meal out of next to nothing and still have it taste incredible.  This is one of her staples, she made it all the time.  It’s a simple, … Continue reading →

Baked Ravioli Al Forno

This might be my all-time favorite comfort food – it’s a twist on the classic mac and cheese.  Perfectly tender ravioli smothered in a alfredo type cheese sauce with a hint of garlic. Rich, satisfying and did I say yummy?!  This dish is best reserved for special occasions – it’s not exactly healthy!  I used cheese … Continue reading →

Sunday Pasta Sauce and Meatballs

Growing up, Sunday was always pasta day.  My father would start his sauce on Saturday – giving it the day to simmer and develop its flavors. The only thing that ever changed was the type of pasta he served.  Sometimes ravioli or cavatelli (my personal favorite) – all made by my grandmother.  Other times it was just really good quality boxed … Continue reading →