Shepherd's Pie

I know what you're thinking..another boring Shepherd's Pie recipe. Not this one! Beef stock and Worcestershire sauce add pizazz to this classic dish. Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked in a foil pan. You may never know when you can bless someone & their family if they are sick, and/or you are too busy/tired too cook. (FAST, if you use frozen mixed veggies & instant potatoes).

Easy Shepherd's Pie
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/easy_shepherds_pie/

*Beef Stock, not broth is what I use to give it a richer, sirloin taste. I also add a little extra worcestershire for flavor*

Herbed Chicken and Dumplings

Over the years I have tried many, many Chicken and Dumpling recipes. As fussy as I am, I finally mastered a recipe by combining these 2 recipes. One is for the soup part and the other just for the dumplings. The butter in the dumplings make it much tastier--even the kids like them. Here they are:

Herbed Chicken and Dumplings

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001842347

For the dumplings follow step #2:

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001918520

Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich

The start of Spring and our grill will be used every weekend. I cannot believe how good this grilled chicken and grilled pineapple sandwich is. The kids loved it--another big bonus! (I didn't use the jalapenos).
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/grilled-chicken-recipe

Asparagus Quiche

My favorite meal is this asparagus quiche and a salad. Whole Foods has a great whole wheat frozen pie crust that tastes so good. This recipe makes 2 of them, so freeze one!

Asparagus Quiche
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/Asparagus-Quiche/Detail.aspx

Baked Cod Casserole

Our favorite fish is cod. Served with garlicky mashed potatoes and broccolini this is a super fast weeknight dinner. Nice enough for a date night meal too!
Baked Cod Casserole
http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/baked-cod-casserole-recipe-5426?click=recipe_sr

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Break out the grills! The season is here and these vegetables taste fantastic with the balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/balsamic-grilled-vegetables-recipe/index.html

Guacamole

The next time you go to a party and have to bring something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious bring this (with a bag of sea salted pita chips). You'll see the bowl scraped clean in no time!

Guacamole
http://www.avocado.org/recipes/view/13525/amanda%27s-guac#comments

Brown Sugar Butter

The next time you have a nice thick, hearty, bakery baked bread--use this butter recipe. Every time I make it the crowd goes wild! So fast, so easy! It will taste like you were in the kitchen all day preparing! (I add a little honey, and if I don't have the cream I omit--it tastes just as good)

Brown Sugar Butter
http://breadbaking.about.com/od/flavoredbutters/r/sugarbutter.htm

Salad Nicoise

Last summer my friend made this for lunch. I quickly fell in love. I immediately made the recipe as our next family meal. Beautifully presented like in the picture. The kids love the partially cooked/crunchy green beans, hard boiled eggs and the tuna. A great way for them to eat salad. I cheat and use canned whole or sliced white potatoes. This recipe calls for salmon, I'd grill it with olive oil and rosemary, personally, or canned tuna is so easy too. I use a pre-made bottled Italian or Balsamic vinaigrette and this tastes just fine. I omit the anchovies!

Nicoise Salad
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/salmon-nicoise-salad-2

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Skewers

I love to snack on these. They are so refreshing anytime of year--especially when the tomatoes & basil are fresh from the garden. Simple enough as an appetizer for guests too!
Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Skewers
http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/tomato-basil-skewers-recipe-4985

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Whenever I have guests over I like to make this salad. It is peppery, nutty, sweet and sharp with the blue cheese. Everyone will think you're a top chef.
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pear-and-blue-cheese-salad-recipe/index.html

Grilled Salmon With Rosemary

Years ago I tried The South Beach Diet. I love this recipe still to this day for Salmon, either broiled or grilled. I don't use capers as the Rosemary gives it plenty of flavor.

Grilled Salmon With Rosemary

http://www.slimming4all.com/grilled-salmon-with-rosemary-the-south-beach-diet-recipe/

Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham

For this speeding fast recipe, I used a small turkey ham. I cooked it in the oven the night before. Today I cut it up into cubes. Pancetta or turkey bacon is fast and easy to use too. I didn't have fresh dill, but used some from my spice cabinet. Kids will love it!

Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pasta-shells-with-peas-and-ham

Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

My wonderful neighbor Christine made this and gave me the recipe. It has now been a family favorite. The kids love it! I do add a little jarred pasta sauce and use curly elbow macaroni. Great for leftovers too!

Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina-recipe/index.html

3 Bean Chili

This is my very favorite chili. It tastes so good and it is loaded with fiber and everything healthy. I do add some chili powder to it because I like the taste with it. So fast and easy to make.

3 Bean Chili
http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/flat-belly-foods-beans

Lemony Broccoli Pasta with Chicken

This is great for a weeknight dish. You can add toasted pine nuts instead or omit nuts altogether. Precooked chicken strips or using chicken tenders makes it easier. If you hadn't noticed already, I love cooking with lemons!!


Lemony Broccoli Pasta with Chicken
http://family.go.com/food/recipe-779170-lemony-broccoli-pasta-with-chicken-t/#memberViews

Pasta with Asparagus and Peas

This pasta dish I love. It is a springtime "Chic" dish. I like to use gorgonzola cheese and flower shaped pasta in this. It is so refreshing with the fresh dill herb and great with a little crumbled pancetta or bacon in it. This will taste like spring!

Pasta with Asparagus and Peas
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/creamy-racchette-pasta-with-asparagus-and-peas

Chicken Scallopine with Basil Sauce

I remember the first time I made this recipe years ago for Dave & I on our date night together. He couldn't get enough of the basil cream sauce and tender chicken.

Chicken Scallopine with Basil Sauce
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1939,147170-235206,00.html
* I add 3 Tbsp. of butter*

Mango Salsa

This is so fresh tasting. I serve this over my Chicken Burritos. Everyone will love the sweetness of the mangos with a little spice in the burritos.  *If you don't have time to make the salsa, use mango or pineapple salsa pre-made in the produce section of the grocery store to serve over burritos* Enjoy!

Mango Salsa 
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mango_salsa/

Cheesy Chicken Burritos
3-4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts boiled for 20 min. then shred with 2 forks (or my favorite: pressure cook breasts for 10 min. and add chicken broth instead of water to the seasoning packet and mix)
2 packets (or more) Goya Sazon Low Sodium Seasoning Mix
3 Tbsp. Water
8 oz. Bag of Shredded Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheese, or any shredded cheese of liking
1 10.5 oz. bag Flour Tortillas
Low-Fat Sour Cream

1. In a large bowl mix chicken, seasoning mix packets to taste and water or chicken broth together (add more water/broth to fully coat seasoning if needed).
2. Add 1/2 bag of shredded cheese & mix well.
3. Fill tortillas with 2 heaping tablespoons of chicken, roll burrito style, place tortilla in large casserole pan coated with cooking spray
4. Repeat step 3 until all tortillas are used. Spray tops of tortillas with cooking spray. Top tortillas with the rest of shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream and Mango salsa on top of burritos.