Stuffed Shells

This dinner was comforting and yummy. Stuffed shells were a perfect dinner to have while the weather is still cool at night. Soon it will be too hot for comfort food. I made one batch with marinara sauce and one with alfredo sauce that I’ll share with you later.


Stuffed Shells

1 jar marinara sauce

1 box jumbo shells

1 container ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded cheese, Italian cheese blend

1 lb. ground meat

Brown ground meat in skillet and drain.

Boil shells according to package.

Combine meat, ricotta, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese in bowl.

Coat pan with a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce.

Stuff shells with ricotta mixture and place in pan.

Cover stuffed shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake shells at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve with garlic bread and salad for a great meal.

Good Old George Foreman

I was trying to think of an easy way to make a Panini at home without buying any equipment and I remembered my George Foreman grill. I haven’t used the grill in about 3 years. I buttered my bread and filled the sandwich with cream cheese, turkey and cranberry sauce. I put the sandwich in the George Foreman and a couple of minutes later; I had a great pressed sandwich.

I don’t know why I haven’t used the grill in so long. So tonight I decided to try pork chops. It was quick, easy and delicious. If you have one of these grills, dig it out and give it another try.

Easy Pork Chops

4 thick center cut pork chops
Chicken broth
Brisket rub
Non stick spray

I soaked the pork chops in the chicken broth for about an hour.

Pat dry and coat heavily with brisket rub.

Spray the George Foreman grill with non stick spray.

Cook chops for 7 minutes.

Dinner is done! I’ll admit the grill takes up counter space and is a pain to clean but it was fun to use again.

Square Meatballs

I made meatball sandwiches yesterday and while I was shopping for the ingredients I had a culinary light bulb go off over my head. I think meatball sandwiches are messy because of the shape of the meat. It's also hard to melt cheese on a round meatball. For the sandwiches I wanted small soft dinner rolls sold at our local bakery. They are the perfect slider size buns.

My solution? Make the meatballs and press them with a glass. Now they fit on the bun, the cheese stays put, and they are easier to eat. The cooking method and taste is all meatball but the shape is a fat slider. There is not a bite left, so I'm considering my square meatballs a success.
Square Meatball Sandwiches

Meatball ingredients
1lb ground round
1lb ground pork
2 cloves garlic, use garlic press or very finely minced
1 egg
1t pepper
1 ½ t salt
½ t red pepper flakes
¾ Italian bread crumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup marinara sauce

1 jar marinara sauce
Sliced provolone cheese
Dinner rolls

Combine all meatball ingredients in bowl and mix by hand. Heat 2 Tb olive oil in large skillet on medium high heat. Roll meat mixture into plum sized meatballs. Place meatballs in skillet and press gently with bottom of glass to create thick patty. Brown both sides of patty and place in baking dish. Coat meatballs with marinara sauce and cover dish with foil. Bake at 350 degrees til completely cooked thru, approximately 45 minutes. Slice rolls, place provolone cheese on roll, and place in broiler til cheese is melted. Add a meatsquare and enjoy.

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Extra Easy Tortilla Soup

I’ve got another recipe for leftover pork. I love tortilla soup and this is a super easy recipe and a good way to use leftover pork or chicken.

1 ½ cups of cooked pork diced
1 ½ cups cooked rice
1 cup tomato sauce
1 ½ cups Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies
32 oz chicken stock
Salt/pepper to taste
Tortilla chips
Shredded Monterey jack cheese

Put all ingredients into large pot minus the chips and cheese.
Heat to boil and then turn down to a simmer.
Simmer soup for 15 to 30 minutes.
Garnish with tortilla chips and cheese.
This is a super easy leftover solution recipe and I usually have all the ingredients in the pantry. Use more or less Rotel in your soup depending on how spicy you like it.