Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

  • 8 cabbage leaves
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (10.75) ounces tomato soup
  • 1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Bring a large stock pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add cabbage leaves to boiling water and cook until tender.
  3. Remove the leaves from the water and transfer to a plate covered with paper towels to cool.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  5. Cook rice according to package directions, reducing cooking time by about 5 minutes so the rice is slightly underdone. Set aside.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce and tomato soup, Set aside.
  7. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and cook the sausage, chopping into small pieces, until done.
  8. Add in the onions and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent.
  9. Stir in the seasonings, diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce and soup mixture.
  10. Add in the rice and egg, and stir until well combined.
  11. Spread a very thin layer of the tomato sauce and soup mixture in a 9-by-13-inch pan.
  12. Remove or thin any thick stems on the cooled cabbage leaves.
  13. One by one, lay the cabbage leaves flat and add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the sausage and rice filling to the center of the leaves.
  14. Fold in the sides and roll the cabbage up as tightly as possible.
  15. Place each roll, seam side down, in the prepared pan.
  16. Once all the rolls are in the pan, pour the remaining tomato sauce and soup mixture evenly over the tops.
  17. Cover the pan tightly with foil, then place in the oven.
  18. Bake the cabbage rolls for about 60 to 75 minutes, then allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

The original recipe for these incredible cabbage rolls can be found here.

Veggie Pinwheels

Ingredients

  • 8 large flour tortillas or wraps (I used two varieties from Mission)
  • 1 package (12 ounces) broccoli coleslaw
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin fine
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared spinach dip
  • 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons ranch seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare all the veggies and toss them together in a large bowl.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, spinach dip, minced onions and ranch seasoning.
  3. Spread about 1/3 cup of the cream mixture onto each of your tortillas and then cover about 2/3 of the tortilla with a thin layer of veggies.
  4. Tightly roll up the filled tortillas, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight.
  5. In the morning, slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch slices and serve.

The inspiration for this recipe came from Tornadough Alli and can be found here.

Tomato & Artichoke Gnocchi

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 package (1 pound) shelf-stable gnocchi 
  • 1 small onion, diced  
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced 
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic 
  • 1 teaspoon oregano (or more to taste)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes 
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole artichoke hearts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8-10 black olives, sliced 
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add gnocchi to the oil and cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the gnocchi to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
  • Reduce heat to medium, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan.
  • Add the onions and sauté until tender.
  • Add the bell pepper and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
  • Stir in the garlic and oregano, and continue cooking for another minute or so.
  • Add the chickpeas, tomatoes and artichokes, stir until well mixed, then continue cooking and stirring until hot.
  • Stir in the olives, vinegar and the gnocchi.
  • Season with pepper, adding more if desired, and serve hot.

The original recipe for this tasty vegetarian-friendly dish can be found here.

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins

Ingredients

Muffins

  • 3 medium overripe bananas
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1-2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place 15 silicone muffin cups onto a baking sheet (or spray, bottoms only, of a large muffin tin.
  2. In medium bowl whisk together the sugar, applesauce, vanilla and eggs.
  3. Mash bananas in a small bowl, then add to the sugar and egg mixture, whisking until well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each one almost to the top.
  7. Bake about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and muffins are golden and rounded on top.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, then remove silicone muffin cups (if using).
  9. Melt the butter in a small bowl.
  10. In another small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
  11. Dip muffin tops into the melted butter, then into cinnamon and sugar mixture, then serve.

The original recipe for these amazing muffins can be found here.

Cauliflower Mash

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Adobo seasoning
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a steamer basket inside a large pot filled partially with water (below the steamer basket).
  2. Cut the cauliflower into florets of roughly the same size and place them into the steamer basket.
  3. Over high heat, steam the cauliflower for about 10 minutes, or until the florets are fork tender.
  4. Drain the water and return the cauliflower florets to the empty pot.
  5. Add in the butter, cover the pot and allow it to melt slightly.
  6. Add in the remaining ingredients and mash with a potato masher. For more of a whipped texture, use an immersion blender after the initial mashing.
  7. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dish.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined (leave tail on)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour  
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut 
  • 1/2 cup seasoned Panko crumbs 

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
  2. Place the flour in shallow dish.
  3. Lightly beat eggs in a second shallow dish.
  4. Stir together coconut and panko in a third shallow dish.
  5. Holding each shrimp by the tail, dredge in flour mixture, then dip in egg, followed by the coconut mixture, pressing to adhere.
  6. Place the coated shrimp on a plate, and repeat with the remaining pieces of shrimp.
  7. Place the shrimp on a piece of parchment paper inside the air fryer basket and cook for about 4 minutes.
  8. Carefully, turn the shrimp over and continue cooking until golden, about 4 more minutes.
  9. Repeat with the remaining pieces of shrimp until it’s all cooked.
  10. Serve hot with cocktail sauce.

Graham Cracker Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 large egg
  • 1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (roughly 12 full graham cracker pieces)
  • 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate or white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar.
  3. Add the vanilla and egg to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda and salt, and stir until evenly blended.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven. The cookies will look slightly underdone, but will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.
  10. After about 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

The original recipe for these incredible cookies can be found here.

Parmesan, Bacon & Ranch Asparagus

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches fresh asparagus
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons ranch seasoning powder
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Chop the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the oil, ranch and Adobo seasonings and pepper.
  4. Add in the asparagus pieces and toss to coat.
  5. Pour the coated asparagus into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, stirring about half way through.
  6. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then remove to a plate covered with paper towels to drain.
  7. Remove the pan of asparagus from the oven and stir in the chopped bacon.
  8. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the asparagus and return to the oven to cook for about 10 more minutes or until asparagus is fork tender.
  9. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dish.

The inspiration for this amazing asparagus recipe can be found here.

Chicken Teriyaki Chow Mein

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2/3 cup teriyaki marinade, divided
  • 1 package (6 ounces) chow mein stir-fry noodles (I use Wel-Pac brand)
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup carrot chips
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced thin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces, place in a bowl, stir in 1/3 cup teriyaki marinade and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, par boil the chow mein noodles according to package directions.
  3. In a wok or deep skillet, heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of cooking oil, then add the par-boiled noodles.
  4. Cook the noodles for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to crisp, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. In the same wok, add the chicken (and the marinade juices) and cook for about 8-10 minutes (depending on size of pieces) until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  6. In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of oil and the carrot chips, cooking for 3-4 minutes until starting to become tender.
  7. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, along with the broccoli, onion and bell pepper, stirring and cooking for 3-4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and noodles back to the wok, along with the remaining 1/3 cup of teriyaki marinade. Toss well and cook for 2-3 minutes, until everything is well-combined.
  9. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

The original recipe for this delicious dish can be found here.

Sourdough Breadsticks

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar, divided 
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 
  • 4 cups flour  
  • 1 teaspoon salt 
  • 1 cup sourdough starter 
  • 1 large egg, separated 
  • Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare two large baking sheets, lining each of them with parchment paper or silicone baking pads.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the water and 2 tablespoons sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Add the yeast to the sugar water and let sit until foamy, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and remaining sugar.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and egg yolk; whisk the egg white lightly and reserve in the refrigerator.
  6. Pour yeast and sourdough mixtures over the flour mixture, and stir or knead with your hands until dough starts to form and all dry ingredients are incorporated.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead into a smooth ball.
  8. Oil the inside of a large bowl, place the dough inside and cover with a cloth. Let rise for about 2 hours.
  9. Punch down dough and divide into 12 portions.
  10. Roll the dough out into small balls, then shape into 3- to 4-inch-long sticks.
  11. Divide the bread sticks between the two prepared pans. Cover with cloths and let rest for 45 minutes.
  12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  13. Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  14. Remove one pan at a time and brush the tops with the reserved egg white.
  15. Return the pans to to the oven and continue baking until medium brown, about 10 more minutes.
  16. Enjoy plain alongside your favorite pasta dish, or dip them in marinara or other dipping sauce.

The original recipe for these perfectly soft breadsticks can be found here.