Ezy Cheezy

 

Ezy Cheezy

Are you craving something to munch on? Want something good for everyone including the dog? Want something easy? How about just two ingredients? If you said yes then this is what you were looking for.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 4 tsp plain flour

Preparation Instructions

1.  Pour cheese into a medium size bowl. Add flour and mix together to coat the cheese.  I like using baking flour but any flour will work just fine.

2.  Now is the time to throw in any seasonings.  I like a pinch of sea salt and some cayenne pepper for a little kick.  (Make sure any seasoning or herb you choose is dog friendly if sharing)

3.  Grab a small handfull and place on a lined cookie sheet.  Flatten slightly and make sure there are no loose pieces.  

4.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crispy on the edges.

5.  Remove cookie sheet from oven and let cool slightly before removing cheese.  

My favorite is definitely the parmesan while Kirby prefers the Colby Jack. Let me know which one is your favorite.

Baked Lasagna

Baked Lasagna

I've had this recipe for a gazillion years so I can't say where it came from. The internet wasn't big back then so it must have been in a cookbook or magazine. What I do know is it is so scrumptious I've never had to reinvent it or even try a newer version. So from my recipe box to you here is the easiest, tastiest, cheesiest lasagna ever!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 - 24 oz jars pasta or spaghetti sauce*
• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 box lasagna noodles, uncooked

Preparation Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet. Drain the grease.

 2. Place meat in a medium size bowl. Add the pasta sauce and mix well.

3. In another medium sized bowl, or using your mixer, thoroughly combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, and the eggs.

4. In a 13x9 baking pan spread 1 cup of the meat sauce, a layer of the lasagna noodles, another cup of the meat sauce, and 1/2 cup of the cheese mixture.

5. Repeat each layer finally topping with 2 cups of the meat sauce. Well, I forgot to keep taking pictures but you get the idea.

6. Cover with tin foil and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

7. Remove the tin foil and sprinkle the remaining mozarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.

8. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.

9. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.

The noodles will bake al dente which means they will have a chewy texture.  For softer noodles refrigerate, preferably overnight, but at least for two hours before baking to allow the noodles to absorb some moisture before baking.

Add a small salad and crusty Italian bread for a divine meal. If you want to share with fido make sure the ingredients in the pasta sauce are dog friendly. Here's a great dog friendly recipe to make your own simple tomato sauce, just omit the black pepper or replace with cayenne pepper. 

This dish freezes very well. Slice individual portion sizes to freeze or if you plan to freeze the whole thing for later then line the baking dish with foil before baking for easy removal from the pan once it is frozen.

* I used Kroger Roasted Red Pepper with Garlic pasta sauce.

The Fabulous Frittata

The Fabulous Frittata

The frittata is the Italian version of an omelette. A true frittata is fried, traditionally using a cast iron skillet, then finished in the oven. It's a tasty way to utilise those leftovers in the fridge, However, for me its not easy to prepare. Until now. I discovered an easy way to cook them using a spring form pan - I am so in love with the Cooking Channel!

Of course, my usual go-to way of making an omelette is super simple - spray a muffin tin with olive oil, pop an egg in each tin, add my ingredients of choice, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until set. Served on a toasted muffin with a white sauce is delish!

Sometimes the occasion may call for something a little more fancy which makes a frittata the perfect choice. Either way it's an appealing, healthy and tasty meal for both the humans and the canines in your family.  Humans and canines enjoy this simple dish!

Ingredients: 

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup shredded, cooked chicken
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped black olives
• Pinch of sea salt

These happened to be the ingredients I had on hand but you can add any leftovers from your fridge or freezer. The options are endless. I like them thin but if you prefer them thicker and fluffier use ten to twelve eggs and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Preparation Instructions:

1.  Line the bottom of your spring form pan with wax paper and place on baking sheet to catch any leakage. Spray sides with olive oil spray.

2.  Evenly disburse all of your ingredients except the eggs.

3.  Lightly whip the eggs just enough to blend (over mixing can cause them to be tough) and pour evenly over top.

4.  Immediately place in preheated 400 degree oven. Bake about 15 minutes until golden and puffy and the center is firm and springy.  

This doesn't freeze well so consider "sharing" this meal. A slice for Fido - make sure the ingredients used are dog friendly. For the humans - add a salad and glass of wine for a simple yet elegant meal.