Sausage Pizza Tacos

 Before you say, "no way!"  Stop and think for a second...

What's in a typical taco?

Ground meat, spices, taco sauce...a little salsa with peppers and onion. Lettuce, cheese, cilantro...maybe a few other things???

Well these sausage pizza tacos are not that far off.

Ground sausage (spicy and/or sweet), sauteed peppers and onions...a little pizza sauce, fresh basil and cheese....

So go ahead and marry your two favorite foods! They're a fun spin on family taco night!

*You could replace the sausage with any ground meat...just make sure to drain the grease before mixing in the sauce and then stuffing the shells.

For the recipe and how to visit my post here at SheKnows: Sausage Pizza Tacos

Halloween food idea ~ Mini scream face pizzas

Two English muffins or a piece of store bought Naan bread will form the shape of the face for these individual mini Scream Face Pizzas.

If you're making for a group of kids, either construct the pizzas and place them on an oven sheet - show them the pan with the pizzas uncooked and then again after they're cooked - so they can see how the cheese melted and the scream face formed.

Or... cook them right before kids arrive, turn off the oven and allow them to keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Or Plan C... let the kids get involved in the making of the scream face pizzas!  Have a contest for...scariest face, most like the original scream face, silliest face, messiest face...etc....

Have Fun and Happy Halloween!!!  You'll find the how to here at SheKnows: Mini Scream Face Pizzas

Mini caramel apple bites

Feeling the need to redeem myself after, Ralphy the barfing pumpkin. These mini caramel apple bites are the polar opposite...

When I was finished making this plate here, I was half expecting the Queen of England to walk through my kitchen door to place an order.  Now I know...she probably has someone do that stuff for her...but in my imagination, it was her....and she wanted a lot!

So many ...that I was going to have to move to England and open up a quaint little shop where all I do is make these darling little candies for the Royal family... and they just keep handing me sacks of gold for payment!

Kate would become a regular and my best'est friend!

She would share her clothes with me (because in my fantasy we wear the same size) AND let me borrow her riding boots - then give me a few pairs because she, "has so many and we ARE bff's!"

I don't bake or make sweet things very often...so when I do...and it's easy..AND they turn out cute...I'm quite impressed with myself.

So anyway....these are a super adorable (for real ONE bite) treat! They look so pretty when plated and the topping choices are endless! In my experience, the crushed peanuts did the best job of holding up and keeping the caramel in place.

A great idea for any kind of autumn party (Kids, adults or Royalty!!!)...you'll find the recipe here at SheKnows: Mini caramel apple bites

Barfing pumpkin Jack-o-lantern with a simple chili cheese dip

When I mentioned to my mom that one of my assignments for SheKnows, was to make and photograph this barfing pumpkin, the phone went silent on the other end....then...

"Oh, Carolyn... that's disgusting! You're not for real, right?"

"Ummm, yes, I have to carve a pumpkin into a Jack-o-lantern and make it look as if it's throwing up cheese dip."

Usually my mom is full of suggestions...recipe tips, photo staging ideas, etc, etc... but not for this one...

I imagine the feeling I had at that moment, was the same an adult son or daughter might feel when they tell their parent(s) they're doing porn to, "make ends meet...."

I could hear her thinking...'what if my friends see it? What will I say?"

"But mom, they're paying me to do this...I think it might be fun...."

"Well... you do what you have to do... and that's enough talk about that...."

So here he is. We named him Ralphy (get it?). The kids, husband and I grew attached to Ralphy while he was in our home.

He's gone now.  Only survived a few days after this throwing up episode...shriveled up and is now back outside - one with earth.

Who knows? Maybe next year we'll have some mini Ralphys sprout up from the ground?  That would be nice...

So if you're hosting a Halloween Party this year...this barfing pumpkin's a must!

Some will love him! Some will hate him! You might even lose a few friends....

Luckily for me...my mom is my mom...I am her daughter and well, in this case, you can't choose family.

She's stuck with her, 'gourd barfing carving 3rd born' ...till the end. (At least I carve with my clothes on.  .............I mean...most of the time...)

You'll find the, "how to" here at SheKnows:  Barfing pumpkin chili cheese dip

3 Indulgent desserts!

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake


Black Bottom Candy Bar Pie



Chocolate Molten Cakes

I did not come up with these recipes, but the editors at SheKnows gave me an assignment to make and photograph them so the pictures are mine ~ this is a tough gig. ;)

In the attached link, it notes any of these 3 desserts would be perfect for a Memorial Day celebration - but I think you'll agree - they would be welcome any time of year! You'll find the post and recipes here at SheKnows: 3 Indulgent desserts

Ham and cheese puff pastry stromboli

Not so much a recipe... but inspiration or an idea....

I made this Ham and cheese puff pastry Stromboli one day when I had an extra puff pastry sheet leftover in the fridge. I rolled it out, threw on some ham and cheese and put it in the oven. A few minutes later...instant, fun lunch for the kids!

Another one where you can certainly hide in some veggies...you find more photos and the "how to" here at SheKnows: Ham and cheese puff pastry Stromboli recipe

Grilled Greek chicken pitas with simple tzatziki sauce

This is definitely one of our favorites! It's quick and easy...super fresh tasting and delicious!

I like to serve these grilled chicken pitas in wax paper bags...it helps catch any ingredients that want to escape and makes them feel authentic and fun!

Use your favorite fresh pocketless pita ~ as a good warmed pita makes all the difference.

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Grilled Greek chicken pitas with simple tzatziki sauce

Cheers, Carolyn

No-Bake Football Cookies

HAND ON MY HEART...

"Upon completion of this post, I do solemnly swear, to stop shaping food into little footballs....For now."

Find the cute little super bowl dessert recipe and "how to" here at SheKnows: No-Bake Football Cookies

Football empanadas stuffed with mashed potatoes, broccoli, crispy bacon and cheese

I stuffed these empanadas with all the ingredients that would go into a loaded up potato skin...  homemade mashed potatoes, chopped up broccoli, crispy bacon and lots of cheese!  A meal in and of itself, a tray of these would be super cute for your upcoming Super Bowl party! 

I cheated too, by using premade frozen Goya Empanada dough found in your grocer's freezer (this dough is my friend).  If going entirely homemade is more your thing...here is a delicious post I did a while back on Care's Kitchen for : Homemade Empanada Dough

For the recipe of this empanada above...and a look inside this little baby... check out my post here on SheKnows: Super Bowl Empanadas

Cheers! Carolyn :)

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Why not add some excitement to tonight's dinner with a big hot bowl of Spaghetti and Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs! 

Imagine their faces when they go to cut into (what they think is) "just another one of Mom's boring meatballs"...and out comes a stream of melted, gooey cheese! 

Some garlic bread.....a salad...and dinner is served!

You'll find my recipe and "how to" here:  Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Cheesesteak eggrolls with Sriracha ketchup recipe

Just warning you all...be prepared for a series of posts coming up involving lots of cheese, bread and "super bowl friendly" food!  SheKnows is gearing up for the big game (among other things) and that means those who post for them...are developing recipes and ideas to get the party started right...like with these guys, Cheesesteak eggrolls with Sriracha ketchup.

Inspired by an Irish Pub close by that has a version of these on their menu, I used choice rib eye meat and chopped it up after cooking. If you can find real steak sandwich meat ~ perhaps even better! 

As mentioned in the attached post...it's important you use plenty of American cheese in this recipe, otherwise it tends to get lost - so cheese it up and get cooking!  The sriracha ketchup is a pleasant surprise! :)   Besides vegetarians...who wouldn't love these?!

Cheers! Carolyn

Oven-Baked Eggplant Fries

I love fried eggplant fries, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood for the calories OR the hassle that comes with deep frying...

...so this oven-baked version is the next best thing! 

Cheeseburger Empanadas ~ Baked or Fried!

More of an, "idea" than a recipe...I found these Goya empanada wrappers in the freezer section of our local grocery store. They come ten to a pack and are super easy to use!

Just thaw (they thaw quickly) and get stuffing!

Challah French Toast with Sauteed Apples and Coffee Cake Cinnamon Crumble

Let's just say if you do not make this Challah French Toast with Sauteed Apples and Coffee Cake Cinnamon Crumble for your sweetheart or your family...

well then ~

Homemade Pasta Dryer...for making Homemade Pasta!

I woke up yesterday morning wanting a pasta dryer. The fancy one at the store was $50 (seemed extravagant for such a humble task).  The inexpensive wooden one was, "only available online..."

Dilemma.

Corn Flake, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Treats - No Bake!

I realize I've been super lazy in the writing department lately...I also know you're all devastated by this...



{...Crickets Chirping...} 

OK, fine.  So for the "non-baker" inside (some of us).... a picture says a thousand words.

Corn Flake, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Treats

1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups creamy peanut butter
5 cups Corn Flakes
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Place Corn Flakes into a large bowl. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, heat syrup and sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil and the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter - mix well.

Pour your syrup, sugar, peanut butter mixture over the Corn Flakes and fold together well.
Fold in your chocolate chips.

Lightly spray an 8x8 glass pan with cooking spray, spoon your Corn Flake mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down to flatten the top.
 
Cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator to cool and set, about 1 hr.  Enjoy...they did!!!
  Pin It

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

When I came across this Spaghetti and Meatball recipe posted on Saveur's facebook page yesterday, I literally dropped what I was doing and ran to the store!



First stop was a specialty Italian Market to pick up fresh spaghetti and bread...then to Whole Foods for the trio of ground meats and remaining ingredients...

Simple Bar-B-Que Chicken Cheese Sliders

It's a busy time of year, so we're making a concerted effort to come up with some SIMPLE, DELICIOUS, FUN and AFFORDABLE meals the whole family can enjoy! 

In our house, my husband and I top these Bar-B-Que Chicken Cheese Sliders with just a touch of lettuce and red onion.  The kids love them topped with thinly sliced apples...

Grilled Cheese Rolls ~ A Fun Spin on an American Classic!

A fun spin on an American Classic...

Basic Chicken Meatballs with Orecchiette in a Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce

OCTOBER = Husband's Birthday, Daughter's Birthday, Son's Birthday, Wedding Anniversary and Halloween ~ OR ~ poorest, fattest, busiest month E.V.E.R. :)

Basic Chicken Meatballs with Orecchiette in a Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce

*these quick and easy Chicken Meatballs require no chopping or dicing and are perfect for kids and adults! Serve as mentioned here or with your favorite sauce!

Basic Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1 egg
2 pieces soft wheat bread (white would be fine)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried parsley
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
1/4 tsp kosher salt
about 4 grinds fresh black pepper
2-4 T olive oil

1/2 lb Orecchiette Pasta (cooked aldente)

Click on the following link for the Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce  (if you would like to lighten it up a bit - use half and half and omit the butter) *I also added a touch of freshly grated Nutmeg to the sauce for a little extra something :)


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl add all ingredients except for olive oil and mix together well with two spoons or super clean hands.  Once mixed together form the mixture into meatballs and place on a plate.

In large pan, (I used cast iron) heat up your olive oil until hot (about 3 minutes) add your meatballs and allow them to sit undisturbed so they can brown and crisp ~ about 2-3 minutes. Flip over to brown the other side, again 2-3 minutes.

Place all browned chicken meatballs in an oven-proof pan and finish cooking in the oven about 6-8 minutes or until the center is HOT and no longer pink.

PLATE IT:
Coat your cooked pasta with the Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce then place on a plate. Top with Chicken Meatballs and garnish with shaved Parmesan and sage leaves if desired. (Obviously you can coat the Chicken Meatballs with the sauce too, but I like to see the meatballs atop of the pasta thus adding contrast to the dish.)  Enjoy!