Sunday, October 23, 2011

Skillet Lasagna...

So... This weather we are having here in South Florida is pretty fabulous, if it is only for a few days (sad face.) Please please stay "Fabulous Weather" as long as you can ~ we love you so! 
My windows are open, my playlist is playing Nora Jones (love her!) and I have my bed sheets on the clothesline (love that too!) This time of the year always makes me think of... What can I make as in good ole`comfort food, and using my iron skillet, is a must. Just in case you were wondering ~ everything does taste better in a iron skillet...


Ingredients...
1 lb. Ground Beef
12 oz Box of Pasta (I used Bow Ties)
3 cups Spaghetti Sauce (I used 1 jar of my favorite Classico Sauce)
1 tbls. Olive Oil
1 tsp. Salt (I used Sea Salt)
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning  
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Sour Cream

Directions...
While you are browning your ground beef in an iron skillet, go ahead and cook your pasta according to the directions on the box. Depending on the quality of ground beef you buy, you might have to drain some of the grease out.  After your pasta is cooked, drain and mix with ground beef. Now... here is the easy part. Your just combining all the other ingredients in your skillet. Stirring constantly over a low heat until your cheese is melted. That's it! Easy Peasy...

You really don't have to use an iron skillet, unless you want to (happy face!) The left overs are just as good!
XoXo,

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sugar Cookie Bars...

When I first made these I thought, "They are not fabulous ~ what the heck happened!" They were just plain ole ok. The raw cookie dough was very very fabulous though! "Can you say, Yum!" I couldn't stop eating it, and was wondering if I was going to have enough to bake. Yes, I do know your not suppose to eat raw batter/dough, but I have been doing it since my childhood. And I still love it! I even let my girls lick the spoon or the bowl too! Ssshh... So here is what's funny strange not funny ha ha... these sugar cookie bars did get fabulous after sitting over night. They became very moist and kind of melt in your mouth yummy. I truly love recipes you can make the day before you need it, and be completely sure it will still be moist! This is one of those recipes... 


Ingredients...
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
5 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda


Directions...
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a wire whisk to mix well. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased 13 x 18 baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. The bars won't look done so do the toothpick test. Cool completely and then frost.




Frosting...
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
5 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp. milk
food coloring (if desired)
sprinkles (of course)


Directions...
Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1 cup increments until combined, then add milk and mix until smooth and spreading consistency. Spread over cooled sugar cookie bars.
XoXo,