Simple Penne ala Vodka

I love this dish and order it whenever I find it on a menu. I've discovered a simple way to make it at home, and I must admit it rivals what I've ordered out. Try it for yourself and see if you don't agree!

Penne ala Vodka

INGREDIENTS:

1 32 oz. bottle Muir Glen Organic Cabernet Marina sauce (see photo)
1 32 oz. bottle Bertolli Alfredo Sauce (see photo)
1 15 oz. can organic diced tomatoes
3/4 cup Sky Vodka
1 pkg. penne pasta
2 slices bacon, cut in small pieces
1 Tbsp. olive oil (not EVOO)
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
Pour olive oil in large pan. Heat over medium heat. Add onions, bacon and garlic. Cook over medium heat until translucent. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning and stir. Cook over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Add Alfredo sauce and vodka. Stir until thoroughly blended and continue cooking covered over medium low heat for 15 minutes. Stir as needed.

Add pasta to the pan and stir. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often.

Serves 6 - 8

Posted by Debi

Baked Ziti

INGREDIENTS:

Cheese mixture:
2 lbs. Ricotta Cheese (lowfat)
3 eggs
1/4 cups Shredded Romano cheese (or Parmesan, if you prefer)
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Pepper
Pinch of sugar
2 tsp. parsley

Meat mixture:
2 lbs. ground lean beef
1 large onion, chopped
Large jar of Ragu with extra chunky tomatoes, garlic and onions

2 lbs. Penne Pasta
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese



DIRECTIONS:
Parboil penne and drain.
Combine all ingredients for cheese mixture and set aside.
Brown beef. Drain extra fat. Add onions and stir until cooked through. Pour sauce over meat and stir.
In extra large bowl combine pasta and cheese mixture stirring just enough to combine evenly. Put half of pasta in greased lasagna pan (you can divide the pasta into two 13 x 9 pans too). Pour 1/2 of meat sauce over pasta. Sprinkle half of shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce. Repeat. Cover loosely with sprayed foil to prevent sticking. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until nicely browned.

Allow to set for 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 16 servings

Posted by Debi

Mexican Beef Salad

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1-16 oz. can kidney beans, drained
1-8oz. can tomato sauce

1-1/2 cups crushed Tostido chips
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salsa
Sour cream
Jalapeno peppers (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Brown beef and onion with taco seasoning. Stir in beans and tomato sauce. Cook for 10 - 15 minutes on simmer, stirring occasionally.

Place in layers on each plate in the following order:

• corn chips
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• meat mixture
• cheese
• salsa
• sour cream
• jalapenos

Posted by Debi

Chicken Pot Pie or Ala King

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING:

3 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup flour
1-1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 c. cubed, cooked chicken
1-2/3 cup cooked peas and carrots or mixed veggies
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
Flaky Pastry or biscuits

FOR FLAKY PASTRY:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2. tsp. salt
1/3 cup shortening
3 Tbsp. ice water

DIRECTIONS:

Melt butter in large, heavy saucepan. Blend in flour. Cook over low heat until bubbly, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth and milk. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken, peas and carrots, and seasonings. Heat. Pour into 1-1/2 quart casserole and top with pastry, pressing firmly to rim. Cut slits in top.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes or until brown. NOTE: If using biscuits, bake them separately and top them on each bowl as it is served.

Serves 6

Posted by Debi

Organic Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 slices, nitrate-free bacon
• 1/2 c. organic, diced onion
• 1 c. organic frozen corn
• 1 c. diced, organic potatoes unpeeled
• 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 2 c. water
• 1 c. undiluted evaporated milk
• 2 Tbsp. flour

DIRECTIONS:

Cut bacon into small pieces. Brown lightly over low heat in 2-quart saucepan. Add onion. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add corn, potatoes, seasonings and water. Cover and cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, 20 - 30 minutes. Slowly add milk to flour and stir until smooth. Add to chowder. Heat to boiling.  

Serves 4

Posted by Debi