cheese | My Meals are on Wheels

Hamburger Sliders w/ Baked Fries

July 4, 2017 at 5:03 PM | Posted in Alexia Potato Products, BEEF, cheese | Leave a comment
Tags: Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries, Arla Sliced Gouda Cheese, Baking, Bef, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Pepperidge Farms, recipes, Sliders

Today’s Menu: Hamburger Sliders w/ Baked Fries

Happy 4th of July to everyone out there! Please, as always, remember those out there serving our Country so we can enjoy Holidays like this. For Breakfast this morning I had purchased a package of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Sliced Ham. Just heat up for 1 minute in a skillet and it’s ready! I then toasted a Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin. I topped the Ham with a slice of Sargento Reduced Calorie Swiss Cheese and served it on the Muffin. Made a delicious Breakfast sandwich. I also had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Hot and muggy with a passing shower outside today. Not a lot going on today, very laid back. I cleaned up around the house and then spent the afternoon watching a couple of movies I had recorded. For Dinner tonight it’s Sliders again! I prepared Hamburger Sliders w/ Baked Fries.

It’s 2 days of Sliders for me. yesterday it was Crabcake Sliders and tonight Beef Sliders. Well it doesn’t happen often, rarely ever, but I’m having Beef tonight! I was at Kroger yesterday and I came across a bag of Kroger Ground Beef Sliders – Mini Beef Burgers. They looked good and I had just bought a package of Pepperidge Whole Wheat Slider Buns so I had a perfect pairing. I switched from Beef to Bison, or Buffalo, several years ago when i was diagnosed with Diabetes 2. Healthier, leaner, less fat, and tastes better so the switch was easy. But these looked good and Mom and Dad would really like them! They come frozen and there are 16 2 oz. Slider Patties per package.

To prepare them; You prepare them frozen, no need to thaw. Just place the Patties in a preheated skillet, preheated on medium heat. Heat on the first side until the juices start to flow. Flip it over and cook till done with about 1 minute of frying time left I added a 1/2 slice of Arla Gouda Cheese. First time trying the Arla Gouda Cheese also. Very good Gouda, smooth, nice flavor, and only 80 calories per slice. The Burgers fry up perfect, I seasoned them with some Morton’s Lite Salt and Ground Black Pepper. I served them on Pepperidge Wheat Slider Buns. I still prefer my Buffalo but these were pretty good!

And as usual when having any type of Burger you must have fries! I I’m using Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries, I used Ore Ida yesterday. Seasoned them with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn Medley. Baked them at 425 degrees for 16 minutes. They bake up beautifully and seasoned just right, excellent Shoestring Fry! Plus they are only 120 calories and 15 net carbs. For Dessert later a Weight watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

ARLA SLICED CHEESE

ABOUT ARLA SLICED CHEESE
Your favorite, great-tasting cheeses are now in the dairy aisle in convenient slices for quick sandwich upgrades and wholesome snacking. With four delicious varieties to choose from, Arla Cheese Slices bring Natural Goodness to every meal of the day.

Created without the use of synthetic hormones*, and containing no artificial colors or artificial preservatives, our naturally delicious cheese is made from one of the world’s best foods – milk. We work side-by-side with our dairy farmers and know the path our milk has traveled from the farm to your fridge.

Arla Cheese Slices come in four delicious varieties – Havarti, Gouda, Fontina and Muenster – and are sure to please even the pickiest eater. Each can be used on its own to add a creamy, flavorful boost to snacks and cold lunches, or mix and match your favorites for a melty and delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Arla Cheese Slices are sure to be the new family favorite!

*Made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows.

https://www.arlausa.com/our-brands/arla/arla-sliced-cheeses/

Arla Sliced Gouda Cheese
Gouda is an extremely versatile cheese that has a rich, buttery, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Gouda slices are a tasty way to add naturally delicious flavor to a burger, your favorite deli selections or a Gouda casserole in a snap!

Ingredients
Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Culture, Microbial Rennet, Annatto Color
Nutrition facts per serving (percent of Daily Values):
Servings Per Container: 10

Serving Size: 1 Slice (21g): Calories 80, Calories from Fat 50, Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 150mg, Total Carbohydrate 0g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 5g

https://www.arlausa.com/our-brands/arla-sliced-cheese-gouda-32725/

Cincinnati Chili!

February 23, 2017 at 3:48 PM | Posted in cheese, chili | Leave a comment
Tags: Beans, Beef, Cheese, Cheese Coney, Chili, Cincinnati chili, Cooking, Food, recipes, Spaghetti, Spices

A Cincinnati chili 5-way over spaghetti

A little background on the Chili I raised on, Cincinnati Chili!

Cincinnati chili (or Cincinnati-style chili) is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce used as a topping for spaghetti (a”two-way”) or hot dogs (“coneys”), both dishes developed by Greek-Macedonian immigrant restaurateurs in the 1920s. Ingredients include ground beef, stock, tomato paste, cinnamon, other Mediterranean spices and sometimes chocolate in a soup-like consistency. Other toppings include cheese, onions, and beans; specific combinations of toppings are known as “ways”. The name “Cincinnati chili” is often confusing to those unfamiliar with it, who expect the dish to be similar to chili con carne; as a result, it is common for those encountering it for the first time to conclude it is a poor example of chili.

A Cincinnati chili 4-way garnished with oyster crackers

While served in many local restaurants, it is most often associated with the over 250 “chili parlors”, restaurants specializing in Cincinnati chili, found throughout greater Cincinnati with franchise locations throughout Ohio and in Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida. The dish is the area’s best-known regional food.
Ordering Cincinnati chili is based on a specific ingredient series: chili, spaghetti, grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans. The number before the “way” of the chili determines which ingredients are included in each chili order. Customers order a:

Two-way: spaghetti topped with chili (also called “chili spaghetti”)
* Three-way: spaghetti, chili, and cheese
* Four-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions
* Four-way bean: spaghetti, chili, cheese, and beans (beans substituted for the onions)
* Five-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans
Some restaurants, among them Skyline and Gold Star, do not use the term “four-way bean”, instead using the term “four-way” to denote a three-way plus the customer’s choice of onions or beans. Some restaurants may add extra

Cheese coneys

ingredients to the “way” system; for example, Dixie Chili offers a “six-way”, which adds chopped garlic to a five-way. “Ways” are traditionally served in a shallow oval bowl. Cincinnati chili is also used as a hot dog topping to make a “coney”, a regional variation on the Coney Island chili dog, which is topped with grated cheddar cheese to make a “cheese coney”. The standard coney also includes mustard and chopped onion. The “Three-way” and the “Cheese Coney” are the most popular orders and very few customers order a bowl of plain chili. Most chili parlors do not offer plain chili as a regular menu item. Oyster crackers are usually served with Cincinnati chili, and a mild hot sauce such as Tabasco is frequently used as an optional topping.

Grilled Cheese and Baked Fries

February 19, 2017 at 5:53 PM | Posted in Alexia Potato Products, cheese, Kraft Cheese | Leave a comment
Tags: Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries, Baked Fries, Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Grilled Cheese, Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, Kraft Sharp Cheddar Cheese, recipes

Today’s Menu: Grilled Cheese and Baked Fries

For Breakfast this morning I toasted a Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin and topped it with some Boar’s Head Sweet Sliced Ham and a 1/2 slice of Sargento Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese, for a Breakfast Sandwich. Also had my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. It’s another Spring like Winters day here, 63 degrees and partly cloudy. From what they are saying the upcoming week is going to be in the 60’s! So nice out that the flowers are already coming up around the neighborhood. After Lunch I headed over to spend some time with Dad at the rehab care center. He continues getting stronger and walking a lot better! Back home finished up some housework and took it easy the rest of the day. For Dinner tonight I prepared a Grilled Cheese and Baked Fries.

A Grilled Cheese and Baked Fries just sounded good. To make my Grilled Cheese I’ll be using; Kraft Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Blue Bonnet Light Butter, and Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread.

I started by buttering the outside half of a slice of bread. Layered 2 slices of the Sharp Cheddar on top. Added my top half of the sliced bread, buttering the outside of the slice. I then got out a skillet, heated it up on medium heat and lightly coated it with a 1/2 pat of Butter. When the Butter was melted I added my sandwich. Grilled it on both sides until it was golden brown and the Cheese melted. Oh, nothing like a good and toasty Grilled Cheese sometimes!

Then for a side I baked some Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries. First time I’ve had these in a long time. Found the at Meijer and thought I would get a bag. Seasoned them with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn Medley. Baked them at 425 degrees for 18 minutes. They bake up beautifully and seasoned just right! Plus they are only 120 calories and 15 net carbs. I love my Potatoes! Grilled Cheese and Baked Fries for a Sunday Dinner, not too bad! For dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries

Lightly seasoned with sea salt, these Julienne Fries make your everyday French fry wonder where it went wrong.

Ingredients: Organic Potatoes, Organic Canola Oil and/or Organic Sunflower Oil and/or Organic Safflower Oil, Sea Salt, Citric Acid.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 3 oz (84 g)
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 120
Calories from Fat 36
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 310mg 9%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 0g
Protein 2g

https://www.alexiafoods.com/products/fries/yukon-gold-julienne-fries

Creamy Chicken Pasta w/ Baked French Bread

January 30, 2017 at 6:08 PM | Posted in cheese, chicken, pasta | Leave a comment
Tags: Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix, carrots, Cheese, Chicken, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Pasta, Pillsbury French Bread, recipes

Today’s Menu: Creamy Chicken Pasta w/ Baked French Bread

For Breakfast this morning I Poached an Egg and served it on a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin. And as always my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. I prepared Mom a Scrambled Egg and toasted her some Raisin Bread. After Breakfast it house cleaning day, vacuumed and dusted. Then cleaned the fridge also. After Lunch I went and spent the day with Dad. He seems to be getting somewhat better. His appetite is back and a lot less stomach pain. They have him on light therapy until later in the week. Not a bad Winters Day out, partly sunny and 34 degrees. For Dinner tonight I’m trying a new item, Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix. Tonight its Creamy Chicken Pasta w/ Baked French Bread.

I had seen the Bear Creek ads in all the Cooking Magazines so when I came across several of their products I grabbed a couple to try. One of the items is the Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix. It uses Orecchiette Pasta, which comes in a rich and creamy Chicken flavored Sauce with Carrots. All I added was Water and some Pulled Chicken.

To prepare the dish I’ll need; 1 package of Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix, water, and Pulled Chicken. While at Kroger I had purchased a Simple Truth Whole Roasted Chicken. Pulled all the Meat and I had my Chicken.

To make the Dish; I took a 2 Quart Saucepan, gave it a light spray of Pam Cooking Spray and added 3 1/2 cups water to it. Heated the water to a rolling boil. Whisked in the Pasta and Sauce Mix. Brought the mixture back to a rolling boil. Reduced the heat to a medium boil. Cooked 14 minutes, stirring it occasionally. Removed it from the heat and let it set for 8 minutes. as it cooled it thickened up. As it was cooking it had a mouth watering aroma. And the taste is just as good! Good Chicken and Cheese taste and along with the Pasta, Carrots, and added Chicken makes a delicious Dinner! Love hearty, comfort food, meals.

I also reheated the Pillsbury French Bread which went perfect with the Chicken/Pasta Mixture. For Dessert later a bowl of Breyer’s Carb Smart Vanilla Ice Cream topped with some Smucker’s Sugar Free Hot Fudge Topping.

Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix

High in the heber valley of the wasatch mountains, bear creek country kitchen began with one goal in mind: deliver great hearty homestyle dishes that the whole family will enjoy. Using the same qualities that you find in our soups, bear creek now presents delicious pasta dishes with hearty pastas, quality cheeses and tasty vegetables, all in rich and flavorful sauces. Just add water and in minutes you can serve a delicious pasta dish that will satisfy every appetite in your family. Hearty orecchiette pasta in a rich, creamy chicken flavored sauce with carrots.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size1 CUP PREPARED
Servings Per Container4.0
Amount Per Serving
Calories330 Calories
Calories From Fat80 Calories
% Daily Value
Total Fat9.0 g14.0
Saturated Fat5 G25
Trans Fat0 G
Cholesterol10 Mg3
Sodium810 Mg34
Total Carbohydrate55.0 g18.0
Dietary Fiber5 G20
Sugars10 G
Protein9.0 g

Turkey Bacon and Muenster Cheese Buffalo Burger w/ Baked Fries

December 29, 2016 at 6:03 PM | Posted in Alexia Potato Products, cheese, Healthy Life Whole Grain Breads, Jennie-O Turkey Products, Wild Idea Buffalo | Leave a comment
Tags: Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries, Baking, Bison, Burgers, Cooking, Food, Hunt's Ketchup, Jennie O Turkey Bacon, Muenster Cheese, recipes, Wild Idea Buffalo 1/3-Lb Buffalo Burgers

Today’s Menu: Turkey Bacon and Muenster Cheese Buffalo Burger w/ Baked Fries

For Breakfast here in West Chester on my Birthday, I prepared some Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, heated up 2 Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausages, and my favorite morning beverage a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Turning 58 today and still Cancer Free! So while some days may be a bit rough from time to time, It’s still a very good day! Lot of rain overnight and it finally ended early this morning. We started out at 41 degrees and it dropped throughout the day. These past few days of above normal temperatures has spoiled everyone. Mom took my Dad to a Doctor’s appointment this morning and then stopped and had Breakfast. While they were out I cleaned the house. After that just kicked back and got caught up on some shows I recorded. For Dinner tonight I prepared a Turkey Bacon and Muenster Cheese Buffalo Burger w/ Baked Fries.

It’s my weekly Buffalo Burger craving night! Tonight I’m having a Wild Idea Buffalo 1/3-Lb Buffalo Burger patty. And tonight’s Burger is going to be a Turkey Bacon and Muenster Cheese Buffalo Burger. Along with the Buffalo Burger I’m using Jennie – O Turkey Bacon, Murray’s Muenster Cheese, and Healthy Life Whole Grain Hamburger Bun.

I started by frying the Jennie – O Turkey Bacon. I need 2 slices so I fried 4 slices, Bacon math you know! It’s a household rule when preparing Bacon always double the amount because you know when you fry Bacon you’re going to eat half of it before its ever ready to use. Thus, Bacon Math comes into play! Next I preheated up a small skillet that I sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray, seasoned my Burger with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. I then pan fried it, in Extra Light Olive Oil, about 3 1/2 minutes per side, after flipping the Burger I added my slice of Cheese, I’m using Murray’s Aged Muenster Cheese. i served the Burger on a Healthy Life Whole Grain Bun, topped the Burger with the Turkey Bacon I had made earlier and done! Love a good Burger and love these Wild Idea Buffalo Burgers, and topped with the Jennie – O Turkey Bacon and Muenster Cheese just adds to the goodness!

To go with my Burger I baked some Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries leftover so I prepared them to go with my Burger.Seasoned them with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn Medley. Baked them at 425 degrees for 16 minutes. They bake up beautifully and seasoned just right, excellent Shoestring Fry! Plus they are only 120 calories and 15 net carbs. I had a Diet Peach Snapple to drink. For Dessert later a 100 Calorie Breyer’s Chocolate Ice Cream Cup.

Wild Idea Buffalo 1/3-Lb Buffalo Burgers

Prepare for a whole new level of burger. Conveniently pre-made into one-third pound patties that are ever so grillable. Dinner ready. Each pack is 1 pound with 3 – 1/3 Lb patties.
http://buy.wildideabuffalo.com/collections/a-la-carte/products/3-1-3-lb-ready-made-buffalo-burgers-1-lb-pack

Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries

Lightly seasoned with sea salt, these Julienne Fries make your everyday French fry wonder where it went wrong.

Ingredients: Organic Potatoes, Organic Canola Oil and/or Organic Sunflower Oil and/or Organic Safflower Oil, Sea Salt, Citric Acid.

https://www.alexiafoods.com/products/fries/yukon-gold-julienne-fries

Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos

September 29, 2016 at 4:54 PM | Posted in cheese, chicken, Old El Paso Products, tacos | Leave a comment
Tags: Cooking, Dinner, Food, Honey, Kraft Cheese, Old El Paso Flour Tortillas, Ortega Smoky Chipotle Taco Sauce, recipes, Slow cooker, Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos, Spices, Wholly Guacamole

Today’s Menu: Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos

For Breakfast this morning I heated up the remainder of the Potato and Ham Skillet along with the morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. After Breakfast i went to the local Kroger here up the road. Wanted to go early before the rain returned. I didn’t need much but as always I picked up a few extra items. Back home finished up some laundry for Mom. Then later I took everything out of the fridge and gave it a good cleaning. My how time flies when you’re having fun! For Dinner tonight a new Chicken Dish. I prepared Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos.

The minute I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it! I seen it on Facebook and after checking on the net I found various sites that had it, all basically the same. I’m using the one from the with salt and wit website (http://withsaltandwit.com/). A very good website with a load of great recipes, check it out! To make the dish I’ll need the following; For the Chicken: – 2 pounds skinless and boneless chicken breasts, ⅓ cup honey. For the Honey Chipotle Marinade: – 1½ teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce (or ground chipotle powder if gluten-free), 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1½ teaspoons paprika, 1½ teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, heaping ½ teaspoon ground coriander, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Just by the list of seasonings, you can tell that the Chicken will be packed with flavor!

I had the Chicken Breasts in the freezer so I sat them in the fridge and let them thaw overnight. To prepare the dish; Got the Slow Cooker out and lined it with a Slow Cooker Liner, then sprayed it with Pam Cooking Spray. Placed the chicken in the bottom of the Slow Cooker. Then mixed together the Chicken Rub Ingredients. Sprinkled the Rub evenly over the Chicken. Next take the Honey and pour over top the Chicken. Cover and cook on high for 3 – 3½ hours or low for 5-6 hours or until meat is cooked through and easily falls apart. I cooked mine on high for 4 hours. Once the Chicken was cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Then return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker to absorb the cooking liquid. Taste and seasoned it with salt and pepper.

To serve them; I used Old El Paso Flour Tortillas. I wrapped the Tortillas in a paper towel and heated them up in the microwave, 30 seconds. In the center of each Tortilla, added the Chicken mixture and topped with the other toppings. Toppings I used; Red Cabbage, Kraft 2% Shredded Colby/Jack Cheese, sliced Black Olives, and a light touch of Ortega Smokey Chipotle Taco Sauce. And these Soft Tacos are ready to serve! One huge problem I came across with this recipe, when you shred the Chicken, trying not to eat it as you shred it! The Chicken is incredible, just bursting with flavor! You have all the Spices, with heat from the Chipotle, and then the Honey giving it a sweet taste. Truly a “Keeper Recipe”. So if you love Chicken and Soft Tacos, you have to try this one! For Dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Pudding. The original recipe and web link is below.

Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos are slightly sweet and slightly spicy! The slow cooked chicken is fall apart tender, juicy and full of chipotle and honey! Delicious in tacos or over lettuce for a lighter option!
Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
⅓ cup honey
Honey Chipotle Marinade:
1½ teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce (or ground chipotle powder if gluten-free)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1½ teaspoons paprika
1½ teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
heaping ½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon pepper
Garnishes:
8 taco sized corn or flour tortillas
½ cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded, if desired
Red Cabbage, diced
Avocados, sliced thin
Lime wedges

Instructions

Place chicken in the bottom of a slow-cooker.
Mix together the chicken rub ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken. Pour honey over top.
Cover and cook on high for 3 – 3½ hours or low for 5-6 hours or until meat is cooked through and easily falls apart.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker to absorb the cooking liquid. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
You can either char your tortillas by placing over a gas grill until lightly charred or you can wrap them in a paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds.
In the center of each tortilla, add the chicken mixture and top with desired garnishes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Taco Calories: 272 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 2g Carbohydrates: 23g Sugar: 12g Fiber: 2g Protein: 28g
http://withsaltandwit.com/slow-cooker-honey-chipotle-chicken-tacos/

The Cheese Fest – Cincinnati September 10th, 2016

September 8, 2016 at 11:29 AM | Posted in cheese, Festivals | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cheese, Cincinnati, Cooking, Festivals, Food, Grilled Cheese, Grilling, Mac and Cheese, Ohio, recipes, The Cheese Fest

Cincinnati September 10th, 2016
1:30-7:00PM (VIP Early Entry 1:00PM)
Smale Park

General Admission Tickets $35*/Door $45

taxes and ticket fees not included
–Children 12 and under are free.–
GENERAL ADMISSION INCLUDEDS:
* UNLIMITED SAMPLES OF ARTISAN CHEESES AND PRODUCTS
* 1 DRINK TICKET
* SAMPLES FROM THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE AND MAC & CHEESE
* YOUR CITY HAS TO OFFER AND THEN VOTE TO SELECT THE MELTDOWN AND MACDOWN CHAMPION
* LIVE MUSIC

Buy Cheese

Find a new favorite cheese you can’t live without? Most producers products will be available for purchase at The Market Place near the entry and exit if you want to buy items to take home with you.

The Meltdown

Get down (!) for the ultimate in cheese competition-The Grilled Cheese Meltdown. Chefs will create their most delicious and imaginative recipes for a grilled cheese and you will have an opportunity to vote. Everyone gets 1 voting token so follow your gut and choose your favorite. You won’t want to miss this fierce cheese-off! 2015 Participants.

http://thecheesefest.com/events/cincinnati

Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

August 10, 2016 at 5:12 PM | Posted in Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage, cheese, Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage, Cast Iron Skillets, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Pasta, recipes, Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini, Velveeta 2% Cheese

Today’s Menu: Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

It was a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin, lightly topped with I Can’t Believe….) and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea for Breakfast. After Breakfast I headed outside to get a little yard work done as early as I could. It’s going to be a hot one outside today, high in the mid 90’s and high humidity, heat index at 100 degrees and rain showers. Then went to Kroger for Mom, she needed a couple of items. Back home did a few things around the house. For Dinner tonight a Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese.

I came across a recipe in a food magazine that sounded good, but it had a ton of calories and carbs in it. So I made some adjustments to it to lower everything and came up with this recipe I’m preparing tonight, Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese. To make the dish I’ll need; 1 cup uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook Rotini according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour, 1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1″ slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.

To prepare the dish I got out my favorite cooking utensil, the Cast Iron Skillet, sprayed it with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray. To start I cooked the Rotini according to package directions; drain. As the Rotini was boiling I mixed the Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.

Next in the Cast Iron Skillet, melted the Butter over medium heat. Stirred in the Flour until smooth; gradually whisk in Milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the Cheese; cook and stir until melted. Stir in Rotini and Sausage, until well mixed and covered. Finally, spread the Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

What a dish, a Comfort Food for sure! Everything just blends together to make one delicious Skillet of goodness! The Rotini Pasta covered with the Cheese and mixtures and as always the Butterball Turkey Sausage is a meal within itself! And the Panko topping gives nice texture and crunch. A ‘Keeper Recipe” for sure. I also had a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, lightly buttered with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. Had a Peach Diet Snapple to drink. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mousse.

Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

INGREDIENTS
1 cups uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour, 1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1″ slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.

Directions
1 – Cook Rotini according to package directions; drain.
2 – Mix Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.
3 – Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt Butter over medium heat.
4 – Stir in Flour until smooth; gradually whisk in Milk.
5 – Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
6 – Add Cheese; cook and stir until melted.
7 – Stir in Rotini and Sausage.
8 – Spread Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
9 – Enjoy

Chili and Cheese Nachos

April 2, 2016 at 11:35 PM | Posted in cheese, chili, Hormel, noodle | 1 Comment
Tags: Baking, Chili and Cheese Nachos, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Hormel: Turkey w/ Beans 98% Fat Free Chili, Olives, recipes, Sargento Reduced Fat Cheese, Tostitos Multi-Grain Scoops

Today’s Menu: Chili and Cheese Nachos

** The late posting was due to high winds here in the area that brought down power lines. Our area had no internet service until well after midnight.

For Breakfast I made my Skillet Potatoes and Ham for Breakfast. I used 1 package of Simply Potatoes Steakhouse Seasoned Diced Potatoes and a package of Meijer Diced Ham to prepare it. Just cook the Potatoes according to the package instructions and with about 5 minutes of cooking time left add the Diced Ham. I really enjoy this for Breakfast. In the 30’s this morning but it was sunny all day and had a high around 50 degrees. Took Mom’s car and had it cleaned and washed and then had to stop by the bank before heading to home. Did some cleaning around the house, straightened up the pantry and the freezer. Pitched a few items out of the freezer. For dinner tonight an easy made comfort food. I prepared Chili and Cheese Nachos.

One of those days where something lighter sounded right for dinner so it was Chili and Cheese Nachos! Make a bed of Tostito’s Multi Grain Scoops. Top with Hormel Turkey Chili with Beans, Black Olives, Green Olives, Sliced Jalapenos, all covered up with a blanket of Sargento Shredded Mozzarella. That’s my Dinner Tonight!

I used Tostitos Multi Grain Scoops for my Chips. I love these with Salsa or just as snack by their selves, they bake and hold their shape better than most chips. For my toppings I used 1 can of Mario Sliced Black Olives. Anyone that uses small cans of Sliced Black Olives know what a pain they can be opening sometimes. Not these, they come in a can with a pull tab About time! For my other toppings I sliced up some Green Olives, Mezzetta Deli Sliced Jalapeno Peppers, Hormel Turkey Chili with Beans, a few shakes (or more) of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and Sargento Reduced Fat Mozzarella. Put all that together and it’s nothing but good!

To prepare I preheat the oven at 400 degrees and sprayed a glass baking dish with Pam and layer everything in. I first opened up 2 cans of the Hormel Chili with Beans and heated them up in a sauce pan, as it was heating I added about 6 shakes of Frank’s Hot Sauce to it and mixed. After the Chili was ready I added 4 tablespoons of Chili to the baking dish, then I added my Scoops (Chips). I then added the Sliced Black Olives and Sliced Green Olives, the remainder of the Chili, Sliced Jalapeno Peppers (Love These), and then top everything the Cheese. Then just pop it in the oven 10 minutes or so until the Cheese had started to melt and everything heated. I love Nachos, nothing better than a big plate of Chili Cheese Nachos! Also had an ice-cold Diet Dr. Pepper to drink. For dessert later a Healthy Choice Dark Fudge Swirl Frozen Greek Yogurt.

Hormel: Turkey w/Beans 98% Fat Free Chili

* Since 1891
* NO preservatives
Directions:
Stove top: empty chili into saucepan. Stir occasionally while heating over medium heat, about 5 minutes or until hot. Microwave: empty chili into microwaveable bowl; cover loosely. Heat for 2 To 3 minutes or until hot, stirring once. Careful. Let chili stand in microwave 1 minute and stir before serving. All microwaves And stoves vary. Times given are approximate.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (247 g)
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 210
Calories from Fat 27
Total Fat 3.0g 5%
Saturated Fat 1.0g 5%
Cholesterol 45 mg 15%
Sodium 1250 mg 52%
Carbohydrates 28.0g 9%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g 24%
Sugars 6.0g
Protein 17.0g

Tostitos Multigrain Scoops! Tortilla Chips

Serve up a sensible snacking option with multi-grain tortilla chips at your next gathering using Tostitos Multigrain Scoops! Tortilla Chips, 10 oz. Whether its family Mexican food night or a game night with friends, there are plenty of Tostitos Multigrain Scoops! to go around with this 10-ounce bag. Make a platter or two of individual appetizers to share with guests or for a family weekend snack.
The authentic flavor of Tostitos Multigrain Scoops! Tortilla Chips, 10 oz. makes them versatile for pairing with a variety of Tostitos dips. These multigrain tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa are a perfect pair for an evening snack while watching a movie. Spruce up chips and salsa with a dollop of sour cream and some freshly chopped cilantro for a different take on the classic snack. The crunchy texture of the chips makes them a great substitute for crackers with a bowl of chili or soup.
Tostitos Multigrain Scoops! Tortilla Chips, 10 oz.:
* 10 oz. bag
* Multigrain chips
* Perfect for quick, easy appetizers
* Sturdy for scooping through layered dips
* Great for parties

Ingredients:
Ingredients: Whole White Corn, Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More of The Following: Corn, Sunflower, Or Soybean Oil), And Salt.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 Oz
Servings Per Container 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60
Calories From Fat 60
% Daily Value
Total Fat 7 G 10
Saturated Fat 1 G 4
Trans Fat 0 G
Monounsaturated Fat 2 G
Cholesterol 0 Mg 0
Sodium 110 Mg 5
Total Carbohydrate 17 G 6
Dietary Fiber 2 G 7
Sugars <1 G
Protein 2 G

New Product – SARGENTO® SNACK BITES

February 13, 2016 at 2:18 PM | Posted in cheese, Sargento's Cheese | Leave a comment
Tags: Cheese, Chipotle BBQ Cheddar, Cooking, Food, Herbs, Monterey Jack, recipes, Sargento, SARGENTO® SNACK BITES, Spices, Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar

I tried the new SARGENTO® SNACK BITES – Savory Garlic & Herb Jack. Being the Cheese Lover I am, I loved them! Fantastic light snack by sargento. I found them at Meijer this week. I’ll be buying more and giving the other types a try.

INTRODUCING NEW SARGENTO® SNACK BITES

REAL CHEESE PEOPLE™ GET BIG FLAVOR IN A LITTLE BITE.
Meet the small snack with larger than life flavor. Sargento® Snack Bites are big, bold and brazen with only 20 calories per stick.*

Savory Garlic & Herb Jack

Garlic and herbs complement the rich taste and semi-soft texture of creamy Monterey Jack natural cheese. This classic combination is perfect for a bold snacking occasion.

Colby-Pepper Jack

Monterey Jack with habanero and jalapeño peppers mingles with Colby cheese to add a little kick in this delicious blend. Perfect for taking snack time up a notch.

Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar