Key Lime Pie!

The Crust 

11 graham crackers 
2 TB sugar
6 TB salted butter melted

The Filling - 
1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks 
7 TB key lime juice we buy it in the bottle if we can't get fresh  
2 TB fresh lemon 

9" pie pan 

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. 

How to - 
Pulse the graham crackers, sugar and butter in a food processor until fine crumbs. If you don't have a food processor put the graham crackers in a zip-lock and smash them with the back of a pan until they are finely crushed  -  then mix it in a bowl. Transfer the mixture to the pie pan and press into the bottom and up the sides. Bake the crust 8 - 10 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool down about 15 - 20 minutes. 

Make the filling by whisking the condensed milk and egg yokes together in a large bowl. Add the lime and lemon juice and mix well - it should thicken a bit. 

Pour filling into the cooled crust and bake until the center is set,  about 15 minutes.  Transfer pie to wire rack and let cool for about an hour. The filling will set as it cools. Transfer to the refrigerator to completely cool - about an hour. 

You can add whip cream to the top if you like. We garnish the pie with thinly sliced lime pieces since we're not huge whip cream fans!  Enjoy! 

Breakfast Frittata Muffins - Egg Cups

These egg cups store for a week in the refrig and heat up easily in the microwave for a quick breakfast. 

8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup cheese. shredded Cheddar, Feta or shredded Swiss works great. Pick your favorite cheese. 
1 cup frozen spinach thawed with water pressed out
1/2 roasted red pepper, diced 
4 oz sliced ham or prosciutto or more to taste 
Salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12-c muffin tin with non stick spray.

Beat eggs, milk  salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir in cheese, spinach and roasted peppers. 

Add strips of the ham or prosciutto to the bottom of the greased muffin cups. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake 20-25 min. or until just set in the center. 

Cook on racks. Remove from cups and serve warm or store for another day. Warm up in a microwave. 30 seconds for one 45 seconds for two! Enjoy. 

Zesty Chicken - Slow Cooker Recipe

2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 lb Italian style turkey sausage links, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 ½ teaspoon chopped garlic or 1 large clove 

1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano

28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

6 oz. can tomato paste

14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained

4 oz. pitted sliced black olives, drained. Kalamata olives are my favorite.  

1. Coat 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, turkey sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
3. Cover and cook on high for 6 to 7 hours or until meat is done.
4. Stir in artichoke hearts and olives. Cook 10 or more minutes. Serve with rice or a baguette. 

This makes a lot! If you're only cooking for 2 cut it in half. It keeps well in the refrigerator but doesn't freeze well. 

Zucchini and Bell Pepper Pasta with Sausage

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, no casings

1 pound zucchini, cut into half moons

1 onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish

1 Tb fresh Oregano more or less depending on your taste

Salt and pepper

1 pound pasta - we love bow tie. Spaghetti  works too. You'll need a bigger pasta. Angle hair paste doesn't work well. 

Parmesan and dried hot peppers 

1. In a large stockpot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of salter water to a boil
2. In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sausage
3. Cook until sausage is browned, about 6 minutes.
4. Add zucchini, squash, onions, red pepper, and ¼ cup chopped basil  1 Tb fresh chopped oregano and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the squash has begun to caramelize.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until just al dente or to package directions. 
7. Drain reserving ½ cup pasta water.
8. Pour cooked pasta and ½ cup pasta water into the sausage sauce.
9. Garnish with basil sprigs.
10. Serve with Parmesan cheese and dried hot peppers to taste 

This is easy to double and triple if you have a bigger crowd! 

Marinated Mushrooms

1 pound small fresh mushrooms

¾ cup salad oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons chopped onion

2 tablespoons chopped chives

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 teaspoon tarragon

1 clove garlic, pressed

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon sugar

1. Clean mushrooms.
2. Combine all other ingredients and pour over mushrooms and marinate for several hours at room temperature.
3. Serve in the marinade or drain. 

Couscous with Herbs and Lemon

Original: Epicurious

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

¾ cup water

1 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth

1 (10 oz) box couscous

½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

½ cup finely chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or to taste

1. Cook onion in 1 tbsp oil in a 2 to 3 quart heavy saucepan over moderate heart, stirring occasionally until golden
2. Add garlic and cook, stirring 30 seconds.
3. Add water and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in couscous, then cover and remove from heat.
5. Let couscous stand, covered, for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.
6. Stir in herbs, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Pacific Style Short Ribs

3 to 4 pounds beef short ribs, cut in 2 to 3 inch lengths

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

2/3 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1. Place short ribs on a broiler pan. Broil until well-browned to remove excess fat. Transfer to crock pot.
2. Sauté onion in brown butter until limp and golden. Pour in ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar.
3. Heat until blended. Pour over ribs.
4. Cover and cook on low (200*) for 8 hours. 

Pasta Primevera

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 medium onion, minced

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 pound thin asparagus (tips intact, touch ends cut off)

½ pound mushrooms, thinly sliced

6 ounces cauliflower or broccoli, broken into small florets

1 medium zucchini, cut into ¼ inch rounds

1 small carrots, halved lengthwise, cut diagonally into 1/8 inch slices

1 cup whipping cream

½ cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 2 teaspoons dried

1 cup frozen tiny peas, thawed, or 1 cup fresh young peas

2 ounces prosciutto or cooked ham, chopped

5 green onions, chopped salt and pepper

1 pound fettucine or linguine cooked al dente, thoroughly

1 cup freshly grated imported parmesan cheese

1. Heat wok or large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add butter, onion, and garlic, and saute until onion is softened (about 2 minutes)
3. Mix in asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, zucchini, and carrot and stir-fry for 2 minutes. 
4. Increase heat to high.
5. Add cream, stock, and basil and allow mixture to boil until liquid is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in peas, ham and green onion and cook 1 minute more.
7. Turn onto large serving platter.

*Great as dinner, serve with wine and bread!

Lima Bean and Spinach Salad

Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 package blue cheese (4 oz.)

Salt and pepper

Salad:

10 oz. package lima beans

½ cup sliced green onions

4 boiled eggs, chopped

1 cup celery

¼ cup dill pickles

½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

6 oz. spinach (use more)

2 cups iceberg, one full head (use less)

1. Whisk together everything for the dressing.
2. Mix together everything for the salad.
3. Combine.

Spinach Soufflé

1 package frozen spinach (10 oz.)

1 tablespoon flour

2 eggs

½ teaspoon garlic

¼ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt

1. Cook spinach according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, beat eggs thoroughly.
3. Add other ingredients and mix well
4. Add cooked spinach
5. Pour into small greased casserole.
6. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.
7. Top with grated white cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted, not browned. 

Herb Roasted Pork Loin with Parsley Shallot Sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried sage

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 (2 ½ pound) center cut boneless pork loin, trimmed of all visible fat

½ cup parsley shallot sauce, recipe follows

Sauce:

1 ½ cups lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped shallot

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons extra virigin olive oil

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350*
2. Mash the garlic and salt together with a fork until it forms a coarse paste.
3. Transfer to a small bowl, stir in the oil, fresh herbs, and freshly ground pepper.
4. Rub the garlic-herb paste all over the pork. Put the pork in a roasting pan and roat for 1 ¼ hours or until the internal temperature reach 155*.
5. Transfer the roast to a carving board and let rest for 15 minutes.
6. Carve the pork into slices and serve the sauce. 

Penne all’amatriciana

Time: 30 minutes

8 oz. penne pasta

4 oz. pancetta or good-quality bacon, cubed

1 cup chopped onion

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 tsp each kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and red chile flakes

¼ grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Cook pancetta in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until partly translucent. Spoon off most of the drippings/
3. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until browned.
4. Add remaining ingredients except Parmesan and cook over high heat until juices have reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
5. Add pasta, stir to coat, and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan. 

Chopped Parmesan Salad

Salad:

½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped into medium pieces

1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped

¼ pound Italian salami, finely diced

¼ pound mozzarella cheese, finely chopped

1 cup garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained, rinsed, and chopped

Dressing:

5 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour Parmesan dressing over salad and toss, coating ingredients completely. Serve immediately.
3. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with tight fitting lid and shake well.

** You can add additional items like olives, chopped pepperoncinis (banana peppers) or sun dried tomatoes. 

Cream Cheese Tarts

3 (8 oz.) package cream cheese

5 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

2 cups sour cream

½ cup sugar + ½ teaspoon vanilla

Red jelly or cherry pie filling

1. Cream together cream cheese and sugar
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla
3. Fill 24 paper muffin cups.
4. Bake in 300* oven for 40 minutes. Cool; middle will sink.
5. Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.
6. Pour into sunken hole and spread over top.
7. Add a dab of jelly (or 3 or 4 cherries and sauce from pie filling) in center of sour cream mixture
8. Put back in oven for 300* for 5 minutes or longer if needed.
9. Freeze, remove paper cups and refreeze.

Sweet and Sour Bean Salad - great side for a BBQ

1 can green beans, rinsed and drained

1 can cut yellow wax beans, rinsed and drained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can butter beans, rinsed and drained

1 large bell pepper, diced, any color

1 large red onion, sliced and separated into rings

1 jar pimientos, diced (I used 1 jar roasted red peppers from Trader Joe's)

¼ salad oil (your choice)

2 cups celery, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups cider vinegar

1 cups sugar or equivalent of Splenda

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 can tomato soup, undiluted

1. Place all the beans, bell pepper, onion, and pimentos or roasted red peppers in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the oil and celery.
3. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and tomato soup. Bring to a boil and pour over the vegetables. Toss the mixture lightly with 2 forks. Do this several time as the mixture cools.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate 

** Recipe courtesy of Aliesha Holbert Carlos 

Drunk Chicken - we ate this all the time when I was a kid!

¾ cup vin Rose

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup salad oil

2 tbsp water

¼ tsp oregano

1 tsp clove garlic (or 1/8 tsp powder)

1 tsp ginger

1 chicken, cut up

1. Salt and pepper chicken, pour sauce over.
2. Bake about 1 ½ hours in 350* oven, baste if necessary and start in a cold oven.
3. Serve with rice

Lemon Loaf Cake

1 package yellow mix

1 package lemon gelatin

¾ cup water

¾ cup oil

4 eggs

1. Combine cake mix and gelatin.
2. Add water, oil, and eggs. Beat for 3 minutes on medium speed with hand mixer.
3. Pour into 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan that has been greased on bottom.
4. Bake at 350* for 30 t0 35 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and prick top with fork.
6. Pour the following mixture over hot cake: 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ½ teaspoons grated lemon rind. 

Spinach and Bacon Salad

3 slices bacon, diced

2 bunches of fresh spinach

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup chili sauce

1 clove garlic, mashed

½ tsp oregano

Salt and pepper

Hard boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

1. Brown bacon pieces slowly
2. Wash spinach and pat dry. Tear leaves into bite sized pieces and place in a bowl with onions.
3. When cooked add bacon drippings, add vinegar, chili sauce, garlic and oregano.
4. Heat until mixture simmers, stir. 
5. Pour over spinach mixture, stir in eggs, and mix well, serve at once.