Crescent Roll Calzones Recipe

It's recipes like this, that make me really excited. How can something so easy to make, and taste so darn good?? I really wish I had this recipe years ago! Another great thing, besides it being so easy, is how versatile it is. Use pork, beef, chicken or just veggies and it's gonna turn out tasting great every time. Change up the sauce to alfredo and mix up the flavors that way. Endless possibilities!! This is the variation I made:

What you need:

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls

chopped ham

thinly sliced onions

shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 c. jarred pizza sauce, plus more for dipping

garlic powder

pizza seasoning or italian seasoning

Directions:

Heat oven to 375°F. Grease or spray cookie sheet.

On cookie sheet, unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles; press each into 7×4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce on two of the rectangles. Place onions on top of sauce and ham on top of that. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheese over sauce, ham and onions.

 Place the remaining two rectangles on top of each and press edges with fork to seal. Sprinkle the top of each calzone with garlic powder and pizza seasoning.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm. Makes 2 large calzones. Enjoy!

 This recipe was slightly adapted from: The Menu Mom

This recipe was shared at:
Recipe Round Up at Gooseberry Patch
Fabulous Friday at My Crowded Kitchen
Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

It's a Keeper Thursday 

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Book Review: The Apocalypse Gene by Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark

Description From Goodreads:

With Pandemic ravaging the globe, Olivya's psychic Sight compels her to see auras riddled with the colors of despair, and now her mother is infected.

Olivya’s only hope is the mysterious Mikah, a powerful Empath who claims the Pandemic is linked to his clan, the Kindred, and their brooding, monstrous, Immortal Lord. But can she trust this boy who can manipulate her very emotions?

With Mikah's aid, Olivya races to unearth Kindred secrets, desperate to find a cure, only to discover the Pandemic is far, far more than a mere disease . . .

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:

Dystopian and apocalyptic books have been some of my favorite reads lately. This book happens to be quite different from those I've read before, it has more of a mythical aspect, which is something I haven't really been interested in. It worked though and I really liked it. This book scored big points for me. The teenage main character Olivya, is African American and Japanese, and that's not something I've seen much of in this genre, so big props for that. 

It took me awhile to actually get into the book, and try to keep everyone and everything straight. When the action started though, I couldn't get enough, and wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. Olivya and Mikah are awesome main characters and I loved them together. I also loved the virtual world of Cy-Chi and thought it was genius when their Holo-Sims came alive into the real world. The setting is grim, just as you would expect the world to be, at a time like this, when cancer takes over almost everyone and the world become crazy! It really makes you think... what if??? This book is unique and so totally different than alot of books in this genre. 

I received a copy of this Ebook from the author Suki Michelle for review. This has no way influenced my opinion. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! Go out and grab a copy!

The website can be found here! 

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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich Recipe

I love my slow cooker and really need to start using it more! There are way too many good crock pot recipes out there, for me not to be trying one, at least once every week or two. We had these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches over the weekend, and I have to say this is the BEST EVER roast recipe, even on it's own. Throw in some carrots and potatoes and make some gravy with the juice. And the leftovers (if you have any), make some pretty amazing meals too! Try it either way, you won't be disappointed!

What you need:

Appx 3- 3 1/2  pound beef roast

3 c. beef broth or 3 c. water and bouillon cubes

3/4 c. red wine, or one small individual sized bottle

4 cloves garlic, diced

1 medium sized onion, diced

2 tsp rosemary

nature's seasoning and pepper

4-6 french rolls

sliced provolone cheese, optional

Directions: 

Trim excess fat off of beef roast and season meat all over with nature's seasoning, pepper and rosemary. 

Pour broth or water and bouillon, and red wine into the slow cooker. Place beef roast, onions and garlic in the liquid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. 

Take beef out and rest it, covered with aluminum foil, for about 15 minutes. Slice beef and return to slow cooker on low or very low for 30 minutes.

Lightly toast the bread and evenly distribute cheese between rolls, if using. Divide beef onto rolls (make sure to get those onions and garlic chunks on the sandwich too) and spoon the beef juice* into ramekins or other small bowls and eat everything while it is hot. Serve each sandwich with its own dip.

Serves 4-6.

*Note: If there is excess fat in your au jus, simply pour it from the slow cooker into a large measuring cup and let it stand for about 5 minutes so the fat separates. Skim it off, then pour the juice into serving cups.

Recipe Source: Baking Bites (slightly adapted)

This recipe was shared at:
Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up

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The Best No Cook No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

This delicious no bake, no cook banana pudding is the ultimate summer dessert, but also great for any time of the year! Perfect for parties, potlucks and holidays and such a crowd pleaser!

Cabbage and Noodles Recipe

My brother was searching for a traditional kluski recipe and I stumbled across this one. We love cabbage at my house, so I knew we would have to try this. Glad we did, it is a very good recipe, and something completely different to make with cabbage. I am so blessed my daughter is not a picky eater, she loved this recipe as well! It's so cute because she is now asking with everything I make, "Mom, what ingredients did you put in this?" Too cute!

What you need:

1- 16 oz package Reames Egg Noodles (can be found in the freezer section)

1 pound ground beef

1/2 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, diced

1 small head of cabbage, sliced into strips

1/2 c. butter

3 tsp paprika

salt and pepper

Directions:

Cook noodles according to package directions in salted water. Meanwhile, brown ground beef (I always brown my hamburger in a little bit of bacon grease for more flavor), onion, garlic, salt and pepper in a large saute pan until ground beef is cooked through.

Add butter, cabbage and paprika and continue cooking, covered, until cabbage is tender. 

Add egg noodles and heat through. Add more salt, pepper and paprika as needed depending on your taste. I really had to add quite a bit of seasoning to get the right taste. Enjoy!

Source: Slightly adapted from My Culinary Canvas

This recipe was shared at:
Recipe Round Up at Gooseberry Patch

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Fresh Strawberry Rum Punch Recipe

This fun and fruity Fresh Strawberry Rum Punch is great for girl's night, Valentine's day or any party! It's refreshing, only five ingredients and good with most any berry!

Mushroom and Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

As soon as I stumbled on this recipe, I just knew it would be the perfect addition to Thanksgiving dinner! We had our 1st of two Thanksgiving meals today, which was at my Mom's, and this dish turned out to be a big hit! I'm not a cottage cheese person whatsoever, so I was kinda skeptical, but after it's baked, you don't even know it's there! It's also a great, healthy addition to any meal. If you are a mushroom lover like myself, you definitely need to try this one out!

What you need:

2 tsp olive oil

8 oz package white mushrooms, sliced

8 oz package baby bellas, sliced

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 c. cooked brown rice, at room temp

2 eggs

1 c. small curd cottage cheese

1/2 c. sour cream

1/3 c. parmesan cheese, divided

salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish.  In a large skillet over medium heat sauté the mushrooms, onions, salt and pepper in the olive oil, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.  

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine. (at this time I put the rice mixture into the baking dish, let it cool and refrigerated overnight to quicken prep time the next day, but you can just continue to the next steps if you'd like to make the whole recipe at once)

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper until smooth.  Add to the rice mixture and stir gently until well blended.  Sprinkle most of the Parmesan over the top, reserving a bit for finishing.  Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake for 20-30 minutes more, until the top is lightly browned.  Top with remaining Parmesan. Enjoy!

Source: Slightly adapted from Annie's Eats

This recipe was shared at:
Rice and Beans Linky at Meet Penny

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Honey Garlic Sesame Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Honey Garlic Sesame Baked Chicken is unique, juicy and SO delicious! It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a perfect comfort food for a winter Sunday dinner. Easy ingredients, substitution ideas and more!

Beer and Brown Sugar Sausage & Sauerkraut Recipe

As most of my heritage is German, I am a huge sauerkraut lover! This is different though, the beer and brown sugar makes it so sweet and takes the sour edge off. So, if you are not usually a sauerkraut lover, try this recipe and you may change your mind!

I am not a beer lover though, in fact, I had to get a can from my Mom, in order to make this recipe! (Thanks Mom!) I also cooked it in the oven to make it faster, but would also be fabulous in the slow cooker as the original recipe stated, found at Brown Eyed Baker. Enjoy!

What you need:

12 oz beer, can or bottle

1 c. brown sugar, light or dark

3 pounds beef or pork sausages, kielbasa etc

1- 32 oz jar sauerkraut

1 large onion, sliced

Directions:

Combine the beer and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar melts and the mixture slightly thickens, set aside.

Cut sausage into links and place in the bottom of a baking dish or crock pot. Cover with sliced onions and sauerkraut. Pour beer and sugar mixture over top.

Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour or in a slow cooker on high for 4-6 hours, or low for 8-10 hours.

Serve it on it's own, or in a brat bun!

Italian Spaghetti Recipe, A Favorite From My Childhood!

Mom's recipes, yum! Who doesn't love the good comfort foods from your childhood. This is another one of those recipes my Mom always made, and with a small variation (diced tomatoes), it is still a family favorite. It's not too often anymore that I use boxed food or mixes, but this will always be an exception! My daughter requests this meal more than any other! It is also very quick, so great as a week night meal!

You need:

1 pound vermicelli pasta, cooked

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, diced

1- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

2- 15 oz cans tomato sauce

1- 1.5 oz package spaghetti sauce mix

1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

salt and pepper

Directions:

In a large saute pan cook ground beef, garlic, onions, salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning until beef is no longer pink. 

The ground beef I buy is very lean, so I usually put a small amount of leftover bacon grease in the pan when browning the beef. It adds so much flavor, it's amazing! I don't brown burger any other way!

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, packet mix, pepper and remaining 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. At this time, I start cooking the noodles, and let the sauce simmer while the noodles are cooking. Plate noodles and sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese!

Enjoy!

Apple & Cranberry Vodka Cocktail Drink Recipe

My friend Amanda and I wanted to test out a new drink recipe this weekend. This one was found on Pinterest (of course) and it turned out really good! We changed up the measurements of each ingredient a little from the original to get the perfect mixture. This would be so tasty to make up and serve at a holiday dinner. Enjoy!

What you need:

1 c. vodka

2 c. apple juice

2 c. cranberry juice

ginger ale

Directions:

Stir vodka, apple juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher. Fill glasses with ice, and pour in vodka, juice mixture until glass is 3/4 full. Top off with ginger ale and stir! Enjoy! 4 servings

The original recipe was found at: What Katie Ate

This recipe was shared at:
 Foodie Friday
It's Fall Y'all at Love Bakes Good Cakes

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This is a great weeknight meal. It's super fast, easy and tasty! Eat it alone, or with some egg rolls. It works both ways. My daughter and I both love it!

What you need:

1 large chicken breast, cut into small pieces

2 cloves garlic, diced

1/2 onion, diced

1 c. sliced mushrooms

1- 10 oz bag Birds Eye Steamfresh White Rice with Mixed Veggies (or 2 c. of any cooked rice)

2 eggs

1 1/2 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce

salt and pepper

olive oil

Directions:

First start off by cutting the chicken breast into small pieces. In a bowl coat chicken with 1/2 tbsp of each teriyaki and soy sauce and salt and pepper. Meanwhile dice garlic and onions and slice mushrooms. Cook rice in microwave according to directions.

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil on medium-medium high heat. Saute chicken, onion, garlic and mushrooms until chicken is cooked through. 

 Add rice, remaining 1 tbsp of each soy and teriyaki sauce and salt and pepper. Saute for a few more minutes. Add both eggs and and continue to saute until eggs are cooked. Enjoy!

This recipe was shared at:

Recipe Round Up at Gooseberry Patch

Cuban Black Bean Soup Recipe

I really love getting emails from different websites that include recipes. This one was found in an email from Eat Better America and I knew it was one I had to try! We eat tons of black beans around our house, so this seemed like a perfect fit. It turned out delicious, with the few changes I made from the original. Serve it with some Cumin Garlic Bread!

What you need:

1 medium onion,diced

4 cloves garlic,diced

1 green pepper, diced

6 c. beef broth

3/4 c. apple juice

2- 15oz cans black beans, rinsed

1 ham steak, diced

3/4 c. instant brown rice

1-1/2 c. tomatoes, diced

1-1/2 tsp. oregeno

2 tsp. cumin

salt and pepper

olive oil

diced hard boiled egg (optional)

In a stock pot over medium, medium high heat, saute onion, garlic and green pepper in some olive oil for about 5 minutes. Add beef broth, apple juice, black beans, ham, rice, tomatoes, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, cook over medium heat for a half hour to 45 minutes or until veggies are tender! Top with diced hard boiled egg! Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from: Eat Better America

This recipe was shared at:
Strut your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters' Stuff

Book Review: The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain

Description from Goodreads:

Maya and Rebecca Ward are both accomplished physicians, but that's where the sisters' similarities end. As teenagers, they witnessed their parents' murder, but it was Rebecca who saved Maya from becoming another of the gunman's victims. The tragedy left Maya cautious and timid, settling for a sedate medical practice with her husband, Adam, while Rebecca became the risk taker.

After a devastating hurricane hits the coast of North Carolina, Rebecca and Adam urge Maya to join them in the relief effort. To please her husband, Maya finally agrees. She loses herself in the care and transport of victims, but when her helicopter crashes into raging floodwaters, there appear to be no survivors.

Forced to accept Maya is gone, Rebecca and Adam turn to one another—first for comfort, then in passion—unaware that, miles from civilization, Maya is injured and trapped with strangers she's not certain she can trust. Away from the sister who has always been there to save her, now Maya must find the courage to save herself—unaware that the life she knew has changed forever.

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:

Diane Chamberlain is one of those special kind of authors. You know, the ones where you love every book you've ever read by them. Yep, she is. 

The Lies We Told is so interesting from the very beginning. The author alternates chapters between the two sisters, Rebecca and Maya, as she tells their story. I really liked the behind the scenes in disaster relief from Rebecca's chapters and I loved everything about Maya and Simmee's story. The two settings and back rounds were so different for each sister, it was almost like reading two books in one. It was so easy to get totally lost in the book and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. The ending was perfect and it was an excellent book overall! If you haven't read a book by Diane Chamberlain yet, go out and get one ASAP! I also highly recommend The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and The Midwife's Confession!

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!!




 

Copycat Ciatti's Capellini al Fresco Recipe

This easy, fresh and delicious recipe is a family favorite! The fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic give the pasta SO much amazing flavor and it's ready in less than 45 minutes, including prep time!

Capellini al Fresco

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Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

This comfort food dessert is a great way to use leftover rice and it's SO delicious! Just like Grandma used to make! The prep is easy and it's great with or without raisins!

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

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Cheesy Broccoli Potato Mash Recipe

What is better than cheese, broccoli and potatoes mixed together? Not much in my opinion as far as veggies go! This recipe is so tasty and is easy to make! We loved it!

What you need:

4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters

4 garlic cloves

2 c. frozen broccoli, thawed

1/2 c. milk

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp. butter

salt and pepper

Directions:

Boil potatoes and garlic cloves in salted water. During the last 8 minutes of cooking, add thawed broccoli and continue cooking until broccoli is tender.

In a large bowl combine potatoes, broccoli, garlic, milk, cheddar, butter and salt and pepper. Mash until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from: Lifescript

Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe

Chicken is a great food to make around my house. My daughter loves it, and it's also easy to create a new meal with the leftover chicken. This recipe is called "Perfect Roast Chicken" and I would have to say it totally lives up to it's name!! I've made quite a few different roast chicken recipes and this one is the best by far!

What you need:

1 roasting chicken

1 lemon, cut in half

1 whole bulb of garlic, cut in half

2 Tbsp butter, melted

salt & pepper

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Rinse chicken inside and out. Place chicken in a roasting pan. salt and pepper inside of chicken. Cut lemon and garlic bulb in half. Stuff the cavity with lemon and garlic halves. Brush outside of chicken with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast the chicken for about an hour and a half or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.

Slice and serve with some Roasted Potatoes and Lemon with Dill or Cheesy Broccoli Potato Mash.

This recipe was found at: The Country Cook

Moscato D'Asti with Strawberries Recipe

I LOVE me some Moscato D'Asti! I love it even more when it's mixed with fruit! I've already tried Bellini's which can be found here:

Grapefruit and Raspberry

Mixed Berry

This one is much more simple and tastes so very good!

What you need:

1 (750 ml) bottle Moscato D'Asti

fresh strawberries, sliced

sugar

Directions:

Combine strawberries and sugar. Place them in the fridge and let them sit for an hour or two before using. Then pour Moscato in a glass and add a couple spoonfuls of the strawberry sugar mixture. Bottoms up!

Sausage and Bean Soup with Pasta Recipe

So, I decided to make soup tonight because it's such a wintery meal and it's been kinda chilly lately. Coincidentally it snows (just a few flakes anyways) for the first time tonight.  I'm so ready for the snow to cover up this dreary brown grass and turn it into a winter wonderland!

This soup is great. It's fast, easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Another great one to mix it up, with what you have on hand.

What you need:

1 pound ground sausage, turkey or pork

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 regular sized carrots, shredded

1-15 oz can diced tomatoes 

1-15 oz can of navy beans, drained and rinsed

1 c. tomato sauce

8 c. chicken broth

2 c. small shell pasta (or any other small pasta)

salt and pepper

olive oil

Directions:

In a stock pot, drizzle some olive oil. Saute sausage, onion, garlic, thyme, basil, salt and pepper on medium high heat until cooked through. Add carrots, diced tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and continue cooking on medium heat for about 30 minutes. Add shell pasta and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through. Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from: The Italian Dish