Pasta | My Meals are on Wheels

Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta

July 22, 2017 at 5:46 AM | Posted in CooksRecipes | Leave a comment
Tags: Chicken, Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta, Cooking, CooksRecipes, Food, Italian Seasoning, Olives, Pasta, recipes, Splenda

I wanted to pass along a recipe for Chicken Cacciatore that I came across at the CooksRecipe website, Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta. The dish is only 210 calories and 19 net carbs. At the CooksRecipe website (http://www.cooksrecipes.com/index.html) you can find a huge assortment of recipes for all cuisines and tastes. So Enjoy and Eat Healthy!

Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta

Impress the family tonight with this easy, Italian-style pasta and chicken main dish.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (16-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Splenda® Granulated No Calorie Sweetener
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/3 cup sliced ripe olives
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups hot cooked noodles (or any favorite pasta)

Cooking Directions:

1 – Slice chicken breasts into 32 pieces.
2 – Spray a large skillet with olive oil flavored cooking spray. Sauté chicken, onion, and green pepper for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in drained tomatoes and tomato sauce.
3 – Add Splenda® Granulated Sweetener, Italian seasoning, olives, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4 – For each serving, place 1/2 cup pasta on a plate and spoon 2/3 cup sauce over top.
Makes 6 servings. Serving Size: 1/2 cup noodles, 3/4 cup chicken cacciatore.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210; Calories from Fat: 40; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 65mg; Sodium: 460mg; Total Carbs: 22g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugars: 5g; Protein: 21g.
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/diabetic/chicken_cacciatore_over_pasta_recipe.html

Baked Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp w/ Whole Grain Mac and Cheese

July 20, 2017 at 4:56 PM | Posted in Mac and Cheese, seafood, Seapak, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Heinz Cocktail Sauce, Kraft Whole Grain Mac and Cheese, Pasta, recipes, Seafood, SeaPak JUMBO BUTTERFLY SHRIMP, Shrimp

Today’s Menu: Baked Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp w/ Whole Grain Mac and Cheese

For Breakfast this morning I prepared a al fresco Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patty, toasted a Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin, and had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Same weather outside as yesterday except it’s a bit hotter and more humid. Our heat index is over 100. Not a good day to be doing a whole lot outside. After Lunch I headed up to the hospital and spent the afternoon with Dad. He’s doing good, they just have to clear the pneumonia up in his right lung. Stopped and got gas on the way home and that was about it for the day. For Dinner tonight its Baked Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp w/ Whole Grain Mac and Cheese.

It’s so hot out I wanted something sort of light and easy to prepare. So I baked 1 item and microwaved the other one, don’t get much easier! So I prepared a box of SeaPak Jumbo Shrimp. I preheated the oven on 425°f. I then got a small baking sheet, covered with aluminum foil and sprayed it with Pam Cooking Spray. I arranged the frozen shrimp in single layer on the baking sheet. Then baked at 425 degrees for 13-14 minutes turning over once after 6 minutes. They came out Golden Brown and delicious. Hard to beat these always great tasting. I served them with a side of Heinz Shrimp Cocktail Sauce.

For a side I prepared some Kraft 50% Whole Grain Mac and Cheese. I normally have the regular Mac and Cheese but I seen the 50% Whole Grain at Meijer and picked up a 4 pack of them. It comes in a microwavable plastic container. To prepare it just remove the lid, add water and stir, microwave for 3 1/2 minutes, and stir in the packet of cheese sauce. And you have your Mac and Cheese! Another nice item to have in the pantry. Easy to prepare, nothing like good old-fashioned Kraft Mac and Cheese! Container makes 1 serving. Love these Kraft Mac and Cheese! For Dessert/Snack later tonight a bowl of Skinny Pop – Pop Corn along with a Coke Zero to drink.

SeaPak JUMBO BUTTERFLY SHRIMP

– Keep frozen until ready to prepare.
– Due to differences in appliances, cooking times may vary and require adjustment.
– Microwaving not recommended.
– For food safety this product must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F
– Caution – Product will be hot!
PREPARATION:
BAKE
* preheat oven to 425°f.
* arrange frozen shrimp in single layer on baking sheet so shrimp are not touching.
* for full package, bake 13 to 14 minutes.
* for best results, turn product over halfway through cooking.

FRY
* preheat oil to 350°f.
* place frozen shrimp in fry basket.
* for full package fry 2 minutes and 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
* drain on absorbent paper before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size about 4 shrimp
(3oz/84g)
Servings Per Container about 3
Amount per Serving
Calories 220 Calories from Fat 100
Total Fat 11g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 70mg
Sodium 340mg
Total Carbohydrate 17g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 0g
Protein 12g

https://www.seapak.com/products/jumbo-butterfly-shrimp

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, Whole Grain, Original Flavor

Made with 50% whole grain. 19 g of whole grain per serving (nutritionists recommend eating at least three one-ounce equivalents of whole grain products per day [about 16 g whole grain per serving or at least 48 g per day]. One serving of this product contains 19 g whole grain, approximately 39% of the minimum daily amount). Ready in 3.5 minutes. Just add water.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size (in container): 1 package (1)
Calories 220
Calories from Fat 35
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol less than 5mg 2%
Sodium 460mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 6g
Protein 5g

Catfish Nuggets w/ Creamy Cheddar Pasta

July 17, 2017 at 4:51 PM | Posted in Bear Creek Products, fish | Leave a comment
Tags: Bear Creek Creamy Cheddar Pasta Mix, Catfish Nuggets, Cheese, Cooking, Dinner, Fish, Food, Pasta, recipes, Zatarain's Crispy Southern Fish Fri

Today’s Menu: Catfish Nuggets w/ Creamy Cheddar Pasta

For Breakfast this morning I prepared some Waffles. I used Bisquick Heat Smart Flour to make them with and used Egg Beater’s to replace the Egg. I’ve got a large Waffle Maker and a smaller on that makes 2 Waffles, I used the smaller one. I also heated up a couple Jimmy Dean Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links. Really enjoy waffles and Pancakes and by using the Bisquick Heart Smart Flour it makes them a bit healthier. I also had my usual cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea.

Outside it’s Hot and Humid with a passing shower. After Breakfast I headed to Walmart, needed some printing ink and copy paper. Looked at a couple of new TVs while there also. I might get a larger one for our spare room If I can find a good buy. Stopped and got my car a much needed car wash and had the inside cleaned also. Then stopped and got gas and back home. Just did some of those odd and ends jobs around the house. For Dinner tonight it’s Catfish Nuggets w/ Creamy Cheddar Pasta.

Picked up the Catfish Nuggets at Meijer yesterday. To prepare them I rinsed the Catfish Nuggets off in cold water and patted dry with a paper towel. Seasoned them with Sea Salt. Then put them in a Hefty Plastic Storage Bag and added Zatarain’s Crispy Southern Fish Fri Breading Mix, shook the bag until all the Nuggets were coated. Then pan fried them in a medium size skillet in Extra Light Olive Oil. Fried each side about 3 1/2 minutes, until a golden brown. The Zatarain’s Crispy Southern Fish Fri is perfect for the Catfish, great flavor and the Nuggets were good size and meaty. You can bake Catfish but for me you just can’t beat fried Catfish.

To go with my Fried Catfish Nuggets I prepared some Bear Creek Creamy Cheddar Pasta Mix. I’ve had this a few times now and really like it. Grabbed a 2 quart sauce pan, added 4 cups of water. Heated 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 and cooked for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Removed from the heat and let it sit for 8 minutes. The Sauce thickened up beautifully as it cooled. Another excellent product from Bear Creek. Really enjoy these all these Products! I seasoned the Pasta with just a little sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper. The Pasta and Catfish make a great pairing! For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Catfish
The most commonly eaten species in the United States are the channel catfish and the blue catfish, both of which are common in the wild and increasingly widely farmed. Farm-raised catfish became such a staple of the diet of the United States that on 25 June 1987, President Ronald Reagan established National Catfish Day to recognize “the value of farm-raised catfish.”

Catfish is eaten in a variety of ways. In Europe it is often cooked in similar ways to carp, but in the United States it is popularly crumbed with cornmeal and fried.… Wikipedia

Nutrition Facts
Catfish, breaded and fried
Amount Per 1 fillet (87 g)
Calories 199
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12 g 18%
Saturated fat 2.9 g 14%
Polyunsaturated fat 2.9 g
Monounsaturated fat 4.9 g
Cholesterol 62 mg 20%
Sodium 244 mg 10%
Potassium 296 mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 7 g 2%
Dietary fiber 0.6 g 2%
Protein 16 g 32%

Bear Creek Creamy Cheddar 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 rotini pasta in a rich, creamy cheddar sauce. 4 one cup servings. Great taste! Just add water. Cooks in 12 minutes. High in the Heber Valley of the Wasatch Mountains, Bear Creek Country Kitchens began with one goal in mind: Deliver

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 CUP PREPARED
Servings Per Container 4.0
Amount Per Serving
Calories 360 Calories
Calories From Fat 80 Calories
% Daily Value
Total Fat 9.0 g 14.0
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 18
Trans Fat 0.50 g
Cholesterol 5 mg2
Sodium 890 mg 37
Total Carbohydrate 49.0 g 16.0
Dietary Fiber 1.00 g 4.00
Sugars 5 g
Protein 9.0 g

http://www.bearcreekcountrykitchens.com/pasta.php

Leftover – Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese

July 16, 2017 at 5:04 PM | Posted in Pasta Roni, seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Angel Hair Pasta, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese., Leftovers, Pasta, Pasta Roni - Parmesan Cheese, recipes, Seafood, Shrimp

Today’s Menu: Leftover – Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese

For Breakfast this morning I prepared an Egg Beater’s Egg White Cheese Omelet, I used Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese. I also prepared 2 Jimmy Dean Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links, toasted a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, and my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Breakfast is served! Had a high of 56 outside today but showers moved in later in the day, not bad for a February Winter’s day! After Lunch I went over to spend a few hours with dad at rehab. He has really been doing good in therapy! Eating good and building his strength back up. If he’s able to come home he has to exercise a bit or he’ll end up right back in the Hospital. So we’ll see. Back home did a load of laundry and cleaned up around the house a bit. For Dinner tonight its Leftover – Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese and Italian Round Loaf Bread.

As usual when I make the Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese dish I have the leftovers the next day. So for Dinner tonight its Leftovers! Below is the original post of Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese and Italian Round Loaf, which contains ingredients and directions.

For the Shrimp part of the dish I used Kroger Brand Jumbo Shrimp. I had them in the freezer so I let them thaw overnight in the fridge. I love Shrimp and all Seafood. For the Shrimp; I started by rinsing the Shrimp off in cold water and letting it dry in a colander. Using a medium size skillet, that I sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray and a 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, that I heated on medium heat I cooked the Shrimp. I seasoned them with Old Bay Seasoning. Cooked them 2 minutes per side, turning the Shrimp once. And as the Shrimp was cooking I started to prepare the Pasta.

I’ve prepared this many times now, sometimes I make it using Chicken but Shrimp is my favorite. Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese. It comes with the Pasta Parm Sauce and I added; 1 1/3 cups of water, 2/3 cups of 2% milk, and 2 tablespoons of Blue Bonnet Light Butter. Then to prepare it; In a medium saucepan bring water, milk, margarine or butter to a boil. Then slowly stir in pasta and Special Seasonings. Separate pasta with a fork, if needed. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Boil uncovered, 4-5 min. or until pasta is just tender, stirring frequently. Sauce will be thin. Let stand 3-5 min. to thicken. There’s 2 servings per box. Nice seasoning and the Parmesan Sauce is very flavorful. I topped the Pasta with some Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese and the Shrimp. Too good, this makes one delicious Shrimp and Pasta Dish! Love these Semi-Homemade Meals! I also reheated a couple of slices of La Brea Multi Grain Bread. For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese
Inspired by the flavors of Italy, our Pasta Roni® Parmesan Cheese flavor blends angel hair pasta in a Parmesan cheese sauce with other natural flavors your whole family will enjoy. This flavorful dish is the perfect complement to your family’s favorite Italian recipes.

What You’ll Need
1 1/3 cups of water
2/3 cups of milk
2 tablespoons of margarine*
What You’ll Do:
In a medium saucepan bring water, milk, margarine or butter to a boil. Then slowly stir in pasta and Special Seasonings. Separate pasta with a fork, if needed. Return to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium. Boil uncovered, 4-5 min. or until pasta is just tender, stirring frequently.
Sauce will be thin. Let stand 3-5 min. to thicken.

http://www.ricearoni.com/Products/Pasta_Roni/classic_favorites/Angel_Hair_Pasta_

Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese

July 15, 2017 at 5:07 PM | Posted in pasta, Pasta Roni, seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Angel Hair Pasta, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese., Pasta, Pasta Roni - Parmesan Cheese, recipes, Seafood, Shrimp

Today’s Menu: Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese

To start my Saturday morning off I toasted a Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin and topped it with Smucker’s Sugar Free Blackberry Jam. Also made my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Started a load of laundry for Mom. Outside it’s mostly sunny, 82 degrees and not quite as humid. After Lunch I repaired a shelf in the shed and then got the clippers out and trimmed the vines along the driveway. For Dinner tonight I prepared Shrimp w/ Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese.

I’ve prepared this many times now, sometimes I make it using Chicken but Shrimp is my favorite. Pasta Roni – Parmesan Cheese. It comes with the Pasta Parm Sauce and I added; 1 1/3 cups of water, 2/3 cups of 2% milk, and 2 tablespoons of Blue Bonnet Light Butter. Then to prepare it; In a medium saucepan bring water, milk, margarine or butter to a boil. Then slowly stir in pasta and Special Seasonings. Separate pasta with a fork, if needed. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Boil uncovered, 4-5 min. or until pasta is just tender, stirring frequently. Sauce will be thin. Let stand 3-5 min. to thicken. There’s 2 servings per box. Nice seasoning and the Parmesan Sauce is very flavorful. I topped the Pasta with some Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese and the Shrimp. Too good, this makes one delicious Shrimp and Pasta Dish! Love these Semi-Homemade Meals! I also reheated a couple of slices of La Brea Multi Grain Bread. I’ll be having the leftovers for my Dinner tomorrow night! For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

http://www.ricearoni.com/Products/Pasta_Roni/classic_favorites/Angel_Hair_Pasta_

Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken w/ Cheesy Rotini Pasta

July 14, 2017 at 5:04 PM | Posted in Chicken Helper, pasta, Perdue Chicken Products | Leave a comment
Tags: Betty Crocker, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Helper, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Glier's Goetta, Pasta, Perdue Perfect Portions Chicken Breasts, recipes, Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns

Today’s Menu: Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken w/ Cheesy Rotini Pasta

Woke up hungry so I wanted a good Breakfast. So I prepared; toasted a slice of Aunt Millie’s Light Whole Grain Bread (lightly buttered), made some Hash Browns using Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, and finally fried up some Gliers’s Turkey Goetta! Also had the morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. I love that Turkey Goetta! Same old with our weather. Hot, humid , and rain on and off. After Breakfast I went Kroger for a few items for Mom and then stopped by McDonald’s to pick up Breakfast for them. After Lunch I went to the hospital to see a friend of mine, he’s waiting to have heart surgery. He’s got a couple of blockages that have clean out. Back home just did a few things around the house. For dinner tonight I prepared Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken w/ Cheesy Rotini Pasta.

To make the dish I’ll need; 1 Box Betty Crocker Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken – Chicken Helper and 2 Perdue Perfect Portions Chicken Breasts.

I’ve always enjoyed the Betty Crocker Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken – Chicken Helper. I’ve tried a few of them now but this is my favorite by far. But like most items as it seems I can’t find it anywhere in my are so I have to order it online. Anyway this really turns out delicious and an easy meal to prepare! The Rotini and Cheese Sauce is excellent and the Seasoned Crumb Coating with Natural Bacon Flavor for the Chicken is one of the better Crumb Coatings I’ve had for Chicken. To prepare it first go ahead and make the Pasta, by the box directions. Just boil, stir, and season.

As the Pasta was cooking I prepared the Chicken, I used Perdue Perfect Portions Chicken Breasts. I cut each Breast into 3 pieces. Coated each piece with the provided Seasoned Crumbs and fried until done. The full instructions are at the end of the post. The Chicken Helper box contains Rotini Pasta with Naturally Flavored Cheesy Sauce Mix and Seasoned Crumb Coating with Natural Bacon Flavor. I added the Chicken, Water, 2% Milk, Extra Light Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper.

It all comes together for one easily made and delicious dinner. I also baked a loaf of La Brea Multi Grain Bread and a Diet Peach Snapple to drink. For dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Betty Crocker Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken – Chicken Helper
* Rotini pasta with naturally flavored cheesy sauce mix and seasoned crumb coating with natural bacon flavor

Chicken Helper
* Add chicken
* Pasta side dish included
Directions
For Pasta:
You Will Need: 1-1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter. For Chicken You Will Need: 1 lb uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Success Tips: Start with completely thawed chicken. Adjust heat setting, cook times and amount of oil as needed. Pasta: 1 – Stir water, 1/2 cup milk, butter, sauce mix and pasta in 2-quart nonstick sauce pan. Heat just to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 17 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender. Meanwhile, continue with step 2.

Chicken:
2 – Cut each chicken breast into 3 to 5 slices, holding knife at an angle. (Slices should be about 1/2 inch thick). 3 – Coat, Place chicken in medium bowl. Add 1 tbsp milk to moisten. Add seasoned crumbs to coat chicken. 4 – Brown, Heat butter and oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until butter is melted. Carefully add chicken to hot butter and oil; cook 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium-low. Turn chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes longer or until golden brown and centers are no longer pink (165 degrees F). Serve with potatoes. Refrigerate leftovers. Add Your Own Twist: Stir 1/2 cup cooked broccoli or shredded cheddar cheese into the finished pasta. If you want a bit of crunch, top with 1/3 cup crushed garlic croutons!

nutrition information
1 cup prepared
Serving Size:
Serving Per Container:
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 390 Calories from Fat: 170 % Daily Value* Total Fat 19g 29% Saturated Fat 8g 40% Cholesterol 85mg 28% Sodium 690mg 29% Total Carbohydrate 30g 10% Dietary Fiber 7%

http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/hamburger-helper/products/chicken-helpers/chicken-helper-crispy-cheddar-bacon-w-cheesy-rotini

Favorite Italian Recipes

July 11, 2017 at 4:51 AM | Posted in diabetes, diabetes friendly, Diabetic Living On Line | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Diabetes, Diabetic Living Online, Egg Plant, Food, Grilling, Italian Recipes, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pestos, Pizza, Pork, recipes, Shrimp, Soup, Vegetables

From the Diabetic Living Online website its – Favorite Italian Recipes. Delicious and Diabetic Friendly Italian recipes. Recipes including; Porcini Eggplant, Pesto Shrimp Pizza, and Beefy Italian Vegetable Soup. Find these and more at the Diabetic Living Online website. Enjoy and eat Healthy! http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/

Favorite Italian Recipes

These Italian recipes have been made especially for people with diabetes, so they’re carb-friendly but still full of flavor. From homemade pizzas and classic pasta recipes to decadent desserts, healthy Italian food never tasted so good.

Porcini Eggplant

Balsamic vinegar dresses up the deep, woodsy taste of roasted eggplant and porcini mushrooms. Serve the low-calorie vegetarian side dish with fresh basil and grape tomatoes…..

Pesto Shrimp Pizza

Serve the unexpected with this unique, made-from-scratch pizza. With added fiber from the whole grain crust, this low-carb pizza recipe fits into any healthy eating plan as a starter or an entrée…..

Beefy Italian Vegetable Soup

Our hearty Italian soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamin-rich veggies and high-protein steak, the savory stew leaves you comfortably full for only 17 grams of carb per serving…….

* Click the link below to get all the Favorite Italian Recipes
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/diabetic-recipes/italian/favorite-italian-recipes

Shrimp w/ Mac and Cheese

June 26, 2017 at 4:59 PM | Posted in Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Dinner - Sharp Cheddar, Dinner, Food, Old Bay Seasoning, Pasta, recipes, Seafood, Shrimp

Today’s Menu: Shrimp w/ Mac and Cheese

For Breakfast I Scrambled an Egg, reheated 3 leftover Potato Pancakes, Fried 2 Jennie – O Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links, toasted 2 slices of Aunt Millie’s Whole Grain Bread, and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Our streak of beautiful days continues today, sunny and 74 degrees! Did a few things around the house and then after Lunch got the cart out and did some yard work. Had everything done so I too k the cart for a ride around the neighborhood and enjoyed this beautiful day! For Dinner tonight Shrimp w/ Mac and Cheese.

I had some large Shrimp in a bag in the freezer. Sat the bag in the fridge overnight to thaw. To prepare them I first washed them off in cold water and patted dry with paper towels. I then seasoned them with a sprinkle of Sea Salt and Old Bay Seasoning.

Next I grabbed a large skillet and sprayed it with Pam Cooking Spray and added a tablespoon of Extra Light Olive Oil. Heated the pan on medium heat. When the skillet was heated I added the Shrimp, fried the Shrimp in 2 batches so not to overcrowd the skillet. Fried the Shrimp 3 minutes a side. Ended up with a nice plate full of Shrimp! Love the flavor of the Old Bay Seasoning on Shrimp.

As I was frying the Shrimp I started my Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Dinner. I picked a box of the Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar the other day at Kroger.

Start by boiling 8 cups of water in medium saucepan. Stir in Macaroni.Cook 12 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain. Do not rinse. Return to pan. Squeeze the Cheese Sauce over hot Macaroni. Stir until blended and serve. Came out nice and cheesy with excellent flavor. I really like the Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese varieties that they have. I also baked a loaf of Pillsbury French Bread and had a slice of that also. For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Peanut Butter Carmel Ice Cream Candy Bar.

Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Dinner – Sharp Cheddar

The difference is in the cheese. We’ve been doing thing differently for over 60 years. Our unique aging process gives our cheese a delicious, bold sharpness. Today, we offer that same distinctive flavor in our rich macaroni and cheese. Smooth, creamy and full of flavor—one bite will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

Ingredients: Enriched Macaroni Product (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate [Iron], Thiamin Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid); Cheese Sauce (Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Contains Less than 2% of Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid as a Preservative, Sodium Alginate, Annatto Extract [Color]).

Directions:
Instructions: Easy Preparation Cooking Directions: Boil 2 qt. (8 cups) water in medium saucepan. Stir in Macaroni.Cook 11 to 12 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain. Do not rinse. Return to pan. Squeeze Cheese Sauce over hot macaroni. Stir until blended.Makes about 4 servings.Note: Do not overcook pasta.

Baked Rigatoni with Turkey w/ Baked Multi Grain Loaf Bread

June 21, 2017 at 5:02 PM | Posted in Jennie-O Turkey Products, pasta, Sargento's Cheese | Leave a comment
Tags: Baked Rigatoni with Turkey, Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Jennie - O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast, Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese., Mozzarella, Pasta, recipes, Rigatoni, Sargento Cheese

Today’s Menu: Baked Rigatoni with Turkey w/ Baked Multi Grain Loaf Bread

For my Breakfast this morning I prepared a 2 Egg Scrambled Eggs, that I topped with Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Ortega Smoky Chipotle Taco Sauce. Then I reheated part of the Monster Pork Chop that was leftover from last night. I also toasted a couple of slices of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, lightly buttered with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. And as every morning a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Outside it’s partly cloudy with a high around 85 degrees and a bit more humid. After Breakfast I went to the Post Office for Mom, picked up a prescription at Kroger, and stopped by the bank ATM machine. Back home not a lot going on today. After a light Lunch I headed out to Meijer Lawn and Garden. looking for some solar lights for the yard. For Dinner tonight a new recipe, Baked Rigatoni with Turkey w/ Baked Multi Grain Loaf Bread.

This 1 of 2 Pillsbury based recipes that I’m trying this week. The Baked Rigatoni with Turkey that I’m preparing was originally made with Ground Beef but as I do with a lot of recipes I put my little spin on them. To make the dish I’ll need; 2 1/2 cups uncooked Rigatoni Pasta (about 7 oz) – I used Racconto Rigatoni, 1 lb Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast, 1 jar (23.9 oz) Ragu Mushroom Sauce, 1 1/2 cups Sargento Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (6 oz), 1/4 cup Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese, and Dried Basil Leaves.

Ready for the oven….

Then to prepare it; I started by preheating the oven to 350°F. Next spray 11×7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with Pam Cooking Spray. Cook and drain the Pasta as directed on package, using the minimum cooking time. Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook the Jenni – O Turkey over medium-high heat about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

….and done!

In the baking dish, stir together cooked Pasta, Turkey, Sauce and 1 cup of the Mozzarella Cheese. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese and the Parmesan Cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Garnish with the Basil and serve! I have another one of those “keeper recipes”, it turned out great! Rigatoni is incredible all by itself, but add in the Turkey, Sauce, and Cheese and you have a winning dish. I always substitute Beef with Jennie – O Turkey or Wild Idea Buffalo. Ground Buffalo would go great with also. I’ve left the original Pillsbury recipe and web link at the end of the post.

To go with Pasta I baked a loaf of the La Brea Bakery Multi Grain Loaf Bread. For Dessert/Snack later tonight a bowl of Skinny Pop – Pop Corn and a Diet Peach Snapple.

Baked Rigatoni with Turkey

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups uncooked Rigatoni Pasta (about 7 oz), I used Racconto Rigatoni
1 lb Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1 jar (23.9 oz) Ragu Mushroom Sauce
1 1/2 cups Sargento Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (6 oz)
1/4 cup Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
Dried Basil Leaves, if desired

Steps

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 11×7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain Pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
2 Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Turkey over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
3 In baking dish, stir together cooked Pasta, Turkey, Sauce and 1 cup of the Mozzarella Cheese. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese and the Parmesan Cheese.
4 Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Garnish with basil.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 270
Total Fat 8g0%
Saturated Fat 3 1/2g0%
Sodium 440mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 27g0%
Dietary Fiber 4g0%
Protein 22g

Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Hush Puppies and Mac and Cheese

June 19, 2017 at 4:51 PM | Posted in fish, Kraft Cheese | 4 Comments
Tags: Cooking, Dinner, Fish, Food, Grouper, Hush Puppy, Kraft Whole Grain Mac and Cheese, McCormickHush Puppy Corn Meal Mix, Pasta, recipes, Zatarain's Seasoned Fish Fri

Today’s Menu: Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Hush Puppies and Mac and Cheese

For Breakfast this morning I toasted a couple of Nutri Grain Low Fat Eggo Waffles and had my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. After Breakfast and my morning workout I started a load of laundry for Mom and then headed to Marsh and Kroger. I needed quite a few things from Meijer and then stopped by Kroger to pick up a few things for Mom. Back home, after Lunch I got out the leaf blower and cleaned the deck and driveway areas. Trimmed the vine along the driveway and then picked some Basil and Cilantro for tonight’s meal. This is the best my Herb Plants have ever grown, nice size plants. Love watching stuff grow. As a child growing up my Grandparents always live on a farm with huge fields of Vegetables. Lucky to get to see all that while growing up. So for Dinner tonight I prepared Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Hush Puppies and Mac and Cheese.

I love Fish and Seafood, especially this Florida Gulf Coast Grouper my friends keep bringing me back up from Florida! It’s good to have friends that also own a house off the Florida Gulf side. I had a fillet of it in the freezer, laid it in the fridge overnight to thaw. To prepare the fillets I seasoned them with just a bit of Sea Salt and put the fillets in a Hefty Zip Plastic Bag where I then added the Zatarain’s Seafood Breading Mix Seasoning. Shook until the fillets were well coated. Shook off the excess. Then got the Cast Iron Skillet out, sprayed it with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray and added a tablespoon of Extra Light Olive Oil. Heated the skillet on medium heat. When the skillet was ready I added the Grouper Fillets, frying about 3 1/2 minutes per side until golden brown. Grouper is so meaty and flavorful. Love Fish and Love this Grouper!

For one side for my Grouper I prepared a box of the McCormick Hush Puppy Corn Meal Mix. First time I’ve made these and they turned out great! Just followed the easy instructions and served. I left the full instructions at the end of the post. First time I’ve had Hush Puppies in a long time, really enjoyed these!

Also to go with the Grouper prepared some Kraft 50% Whole Grain Mac and Cheese. I normally have the regular Mac and Cheese but I seen the 50% Whole Grain at Meijer and picked up a 4 pack of them. It comes in a microwavable plastic container. To prepare it just remove the lid, add water and stir, microwave for 3 1/2 minutes, and stir in the packet of cheese sauce. And you have your Mac and Cheese! Another nice item to have in the pantry. Easy to prepare, nothing like good old-fashioned Kraft Mac and Cheese! Container makes 1 serving. Love these Kraft Mac and Cheese! Seafood and Mac and Cheese are just a natural pairing. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Pudding topped with Cool Whip Free.

McCormick Hush Puppy Corn Meal Mix

McCormick Hush Puppy Corn Meal Mix is a unique blend of yellow corn meal and wheat flour that helps you make tasty hush puppies quickly and easily. Just add water! The ingredients in this traditional recipe have been specially selected for authentic, golden fried Hush Puppies that are ready in minutes!

Directions:
Instructions: All You Need:1 box Hush Puppy Mix2/3 cup Water Vegetable Oil Pour oil into deep fryer, large heavy skillet or saucepan, filling no more than 1/3 full. Heat oil to 375F on medium heat.1. Stir Batter Mix and water in medium bowl until smooth. Let stand 10 minutes to thicken.2. Drop batter carefully by teaspoonfuls into hot oil. Cook several hush puppies at a time. Fry 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.To prepare only of the box use 1 cup Hush Puppy Mix and 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp. water. Continue as directed above.Serve hot hush puppies with a fish or seafood dinner.Cooking tip: cook several hush puppies at a time to help maintain oil at its best frying temperature.
Safe Handling Instructions: Jalapeno Hush Puppies Hush Puppies with Corn and Chiles Cooking tip: cook several hush puppies at a time to help maintain oil at its best frying temperature.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, Whole Grain, Original Flavor