Category Archives: Main Dish

American Grilled Pizza

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I was talking to a friend on the 4th of July and we were discussing what our plans were for later in the day.  He indicated that he would be having a few friends over for a bbq.  We both agreed that on the 4th of July grilling is the only way to go.  It is the American thing to do!  He mentioned that he would be grilling up classic hamburgers and hotdogs.  When he asked what we were having I told him we would be grilling pizza.  He sort of laughed a that idea and told me that was not an Independence Day food, and that pizza was not American!  Little did he know we were making American Grilled Pizza that evening.  This is for you Mike.

American Grilled Pizza (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 Package Pepperoni (this is part of the “red”)

1 1/2 Cups Pizza Sauce (this is part of the “red”)

2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese (this is the “white”)

2 Packages Jiffy Pizza Mix (prepared as directed with 5-10 drops of blue food coloring added in for the “blue”)

Non-Stick Cooking Spray

First, heat your grill to 350 and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray.  Place your dough on a floured cookie sheet and roll out to desired size and thickness (we did about 1/4 inch thick).  Gently transfer your dough to the grill, it will probably change shape as you move it but that is okay.  Spread on your sauce, and add your other toppings before closing the lid.  Check your pizza in about 4-5 minutes.  They cook surprisingly fast.  Check the bottom of the pizza every couple of minutes and remove from the grill when it is nice and brown.

In this photo, you’ll see that my kids also wanted black olives.  And truthfully, you can make this anytime of year and add whatever topping you like.  It is simple and delicious.

And here  are the kids doing their own fireworks show….

Twitt

Taco Sandwiches

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I had planned out our dinner menu for the night based on what we had in the kitchen.  We had chicken, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and taco seasoning.  I announced we would be having tacos to my family and everyone seemed  happy with that decision.  That was until I discovered we did not have enough taco shells for everybody.  Rather than race to the store to buy taco shells, I decided to make tacos, but in the form of a sandwich.  They actually turned out great, and I will be making them again!Taco Sandwiches

Ingredients:

5 Sandwich Rolls(we used one per person, adjust the recipe accordingly for more or less people)

1 Cup Guacamole

1 Cup Sour Cream

1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 Cups Chopped Lettuce

2 Large Chicken Breasts(Cooked in 1 Tbs Lime Juice and 1 Tbs Crushed Garlic)

2 Tbs Taco Seasoning

1/2 Cup Salsa

First, slice the sandwich rolls and lay them open-faced on a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle them with the taco seasoning and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until they are toasted.  Now, slice the cooked chicken in thin strips and evenly layer them on the sandwich roll.  Next, sprinkle on the shredded cheese. Top the cheese with some salsa and lettuce.  Spread approximately 1-2 Tbs of sour cream and guacamole on the  sandwich roll. and close your sandwich!  The best part about this recipe is that fact that you can make it to suit your own taste.  You can add additional ingredients or leave any off that you don’t like.  I served this with a handful of tortilla chips.  It made a filling dinner. :)

 

Twitt

Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese

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I have posted a recipe before for Baked Macaroni and Cheese.  It can be a great side dish, and my kids request it on special occasions.  Once and awhile I like to dress it up a little.  A few days ago, my kids were asking if we could make it and I said we could.  So I decided to make a different version and it was delicious.  We simply added chopped chicken breast and chopped bacon.

 

Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

1 14-16 Ounce Box of Penne Pasta (Cooked and Drained)

12 Ounces Velveeta(Cubed)

1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese(Shredded)

1 Cup Italian Blend Cheese(Shredded)

1/4 Cup Butter

16 Ounces Half and Half

1 Large Chicken Breast(cooked and chopped)

5 Slices of Thick Cut Bacon(cooked, drained, and chopped)

 

 

First, preheat your oven to 225.  Next, melt your butter in  a medium saucepan.  Once your butter is melted, slowly add the cubed Velveeta and the half and half, while stirring constantly.  Continue cooking over medium low heat until the Velveeta is thoroughly melted.

Remove from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are well blended.

Now, evenly spread your cooked pasta mixed with your cubed chicken and bacon in an oven safe baking dish.  Next, pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in an oven safe baking dish.  Cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble on the sides of the baking dish and the Italian cheese has melted.

 

This will make enough for 6 people we served with a side of garlic bread and everyone was happy.  Next time I think I will add broccoli or mushrooms.  Just for a little something extra.

Twitt

Tuna Steak Sandwiches

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A week or two ago, I posted a recipe for tuna steaks.  And we have been using that recipe quite often since then.  Then I started to think about how else we could use tuna steak for dinner.  My kids love tuna melts, so we decided to make something similar using tuna steaks. These are tasty and my mouth is watering for them again.

Tuna Steak Sandwiches

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1/2 Lb. Tuna Steak(marinated and grilled)

4 Slices Cheddar Cheese

Lettuce

2 Cheddar Sandwich Rolls

4 Tbs. Mayonnaise

First, take the cooked tuna and break it apart into marble sized chunks(this is very easy the tuna will just flake apart after it has been cooked).  Next, take the sandwich rolls and lay them open on a cookie sheet with 1 slice of cheese on each. Place them under your broiler until the cheese is melted(about 1-2 minutes).  Watch them close so they do not burn!  Finally, add the lettuce, tuna, and mayonnaise(and any other toppings you want).  That is it, you are done.  It is easy and a nice change from an ordinary tuna melt.  This will make 2 sandwiches and I served it with sweet potato fries.  Hope you enjoy!

Twitt

Tuna Steaks

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Like many others this time of year, my husband and I are trying to make an effort to eat healthier and be more active.  The problem we usually run into is that we eat healthy low-calorie meals, but we never find much that is low cal and tastes great. Well tonight that changed.  In fact, tonight I made tuna steaks with brown rice and steamed veggies and my husband said “I could eat this every night.” So I thought it was worth sharing. This was very easy and was made with very few ingredients.

I had never cooked a tuna steak before so it was slightly intimidating but it turns out it was very simple.  I only used one 1/2 lb. tuna steak and we shared it.  With the rice and veggies it was more than enough for the two of us.

Tuna Steaks

Ingredients:

1   1/2lb. Tuna Steak

1/2 Cup Light Italian Dressing

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

First, marinade the steak in the Italian dressing for 2-3 hours(I put it in a Ziploc bag and kept it in the fridge).  Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet(I used an indoor cast iron grill pan) over medium heat.  Once the skillet is hot, add your tuna steak.  Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.  It will still be slightly pink in the middle, you can adjust the cooking time depending on how well done you want your tuna.

Like I mentioned above, I served this with brown rice and steamed veggies.  I added 2tsp of soy sauce to the 2 cups of brown rice for some flavor.  But I left the vegetables(broccoli and mushrooms) plain.  There was enough flavor from the Italian dressing on the tuna that they did not need anything extra.  I hope you enjoy as much as we did.

Twitt

Chimichangas

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One of my favorite things to make in our house is chimichangas.  They are a little time-consuming, but worth it.  One thing that I like about making chimichangas is that they are great for everyone’s taste.  We use a wide variety of fillings and each person gets to pick what they want in their own.  I don’t think there are any right or wrong things you can put in a chimi.  It just depends on what you like and don’t like.  I am going to list some of the possible ingredients you could use.  Pick any or all or add your own!

Chimichangas

Possible Filling Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts(Cooked and Diced)

Ground Beef(Browned and Drained)

Black Beans(Drained)

Tomatoes(Diced)

Diced Green Chilies

Peppers(Diced)

Onion(Diced)

Mushrooms

Shredded Cheese

Spanish Rice

*These are just a few possibilities, but you can add/substitute anything else you might like!!

You will also need:

1 Burrito Size Flour Tortilla for Each chimichanga

Eggs(I use 1 large egg mixed with 1TBS. water for every 2 chimichangas)

1 Cup Cooking Oil

First, blend the eggs and water in a shallow bowl (remember: 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water for every 2 chimichangas). Now, heat the cooking oil over medium high heat in a skillet.  Next, you can begin to fill  tortillas with the fillings.  I like to lay out all of my tortillas on a clean work-space and put my fillings on them all at once.  Do NOT fill your tortillas too full or they will break open while cooking.  They each need approximately 1-1.5 cups of filling.  Next, roll them shut and only cook one or 2 at a time.  To shut the tortillas, slowly roll them from the bottom(closest to you) towards the top while folding in the ends.  Once the tortilla is rolled, gently roll it in your egg wash, making sure all areas are coated.  Carefully place the tortilla in the hot oil seam side down.  Cook approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until browned.  Remove from the oil and place on paper towel to remove any excess oil.

I usually top these with a little lettuce, sour cream, guacamole,  and salsa.  Like I said, these are little time-consuming and a little messy to make, however they are always well liked.    I always make extras and toss them in the freezer for quick and easy lunches.

Twitt