That's a Mouthful!!

This is a "Rachel Ray" recipe. . .& honestly, I'm not a big fan. I usually feel disappointed after most of the stuff I've made of hers, but THIS ONE IS A KEEPER!! No raw chicken to mess with, very few ingredients and it truly is ready in under 30 minutes. I used Ronzoni Smart Taste Penne. . .with the added bonus of 6g of protein AND 6g of fiber!! The sauce is strong enough that you won't notice it's healthy!

. . .and it's called. . .get ready. . .

American-Italian all'Amatriciana!

Ingredients
Salt
1 pound whole-wheat cassarecci, rigatoni or penne pasta
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6 slices lean peppered bacon, chopped
1 large red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
1 cup chicken stock
1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
Black pepper & salt to taste
A handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Shredded sharp white Cheddar, to pass at table (I used Parmesan ~ Cheddar seemed weird to me!)

Directions
Heat water to boil for pasta, season with salt and cook pasta to al dente.
Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add bacon and crisp 4 to 5 minutes then add onions and garlic cook to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in stock then tomatoes and season with salt & pepper to taste. Simmer sauce 15 minutes. Toss pasta with sauce and parsley. Serve with grated sharp white Cheddar.

NOTES: I would forgo the cheddar for a Parmesan or other more "Italian" cheese. . .I also added sliced black olives and some red pepper flakes for an added kick. . .both of which my husband loves! He was working late the night I made this and I took his dinner up to him. He actually called me from upstairs to tell me how good his dinner was!! Unfortunately, he has become somewhat of a food snob due to all the cooking I always do, so to get kudos from him means something to me! I served this with a Greek salad. Enjoy!

She's ALL GROWN UP!

Chunky Monkey turned 5 this week. . .and she's apparently going on 20! Seems like yesterday we were driving to the hospital in the middle of the night in a snow storm. She had several parties (home, grandparents, school etc) but I think the main attraction, by far, was the polka dot suitcase we got her for her impending first sleepover at her NaNa's house, that coincidentally coordinated perfectly with an outfit her aunt sent her. Good luck, NaNa! Happy Birthday Chunky Monkey!

Valentine's Day is Next!!

Well, if you think you've had enough sweets over the holidays. . .think again! Valentine's Day is right around the corner and that is by far the "SWEETEST" holiday of the year. I made this Rocky Road Candy at Christmas and had to make 2 more batches while the kids were home. They are now working it off on their Wii Fit. . .but they were a huge success & super-duper easy! They'd be great to put a few pieces in a heart celophane bag or heart gift box for your sweeties on Valentine's Day!

I found this recipe in a "Best Recipes - Holiday Cookies" cookbook.

2 cups (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips
2 T butter
1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 (10/5 oz) pkg mini marshmallows

Over low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter with the milk & remove from heat.
In a lg bowl, combine peanuts & marshmallows, stir in chocolate mixture & spread in a 13x9 inch baking pan lined with wax paper. Top the mixture with another piece of wax paper and use your hands to "compact" the candy. Remove the top sheet of paper.
Chill at least 2 hours. Remove from pan and cut into squares.

Besides the chocolate mixuture. . . you can definitely play with the "rocks" in the "road". . .try almonds and coconut or maybe some dried fruit like cherries!