Saturday, June 20, 2015

PENNE PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil
1 small red onion, chopped very fine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 lbs fresh cherry tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
8-oz whole-wheat penne pasta
4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
6 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot add the onion and saute about 5 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant - about half a minute.

Stir the tomatoes into the saucepan along with the salt and pepper; cook while stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce is slightly thickened. This will take about 10 minutes.

Transfer the sauce to a bowl and keep warm.

In a large saucepan cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and return to the pan.

Add the sauce to the penne along with half the Parmesan cheese and the basil; toss to combine well.

To serve, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Yield: 4 servings


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

TOWN HOUSE CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This recipe is a family favorite of an Indiana facebook friend. She has had lots of requests for it so I am sharing it here for those who would want it.
4 chicken breasts cut in chunks
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 c. sour cream
2 tubes Town House crackers, crushed
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1/2 c. chicken broth
Cook chicken breast in a skillet with oil until thoroughly cooked. Set aside and spray 13 x 9 inch baking dish with pan.
1st Layer: Melt 1 stick butter. Add poppy seed and Town House crackers. Place 1/2 of cracker mixture in baking dish, saving the rest for the top layer.
2nd Layer: Mix the chicken with the soup, sour cream, chicken broth and 1/2 stick butter. Place on 1st layer.
Sprinkle the rest of the cracker mixture on top add additional poppyseeds. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, approximately 35-45 minutes. (This can be made ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.)

file photo - not this exact recipe



CAKE MIX AND SODA CAKES

I have tried some cakes like this and they are pretty good.

Click on picture to enlarge for easier reading.