Thursday, June 25, 2009

Mostaccioli Salad



This is a different kind of pasta salad because it is so unique in taste. It almost tastes like bread-n-butter pickles. If you like a sweet-n-sour taste then you will love this. It's an old recipe that shouldn't be forgotten. Enjoy!


8 oz. rotini colored noodles
4 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 c. vinegar
2 tsp. mustard
1/2 medium green pepper
1 medium onion
2 TBS parsley flakes
1 cucumber, sliced
1 c. sugar (less, if you want more sour)

Cook noodles. Add 2 TBS oil to noodles; toss with 2 TBS oil when done. Put in mixing bowl. Add the following ingredients: salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard, green pepper, parsley, cucumber and onion.

Sauce: Put 1 TBS water in a cup: fill with vinegar to make 1/2 cup then add 1 cup sugar. Pour over salad. Let stand 24 hours. Stir and serve.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Black Bean Burgers


We love black beans at our house. We could live off them if we had to. Plus, they're a healthy and cheap alternative to meat. What else can I say besides try these, you will be surprised. Add as many spices or other ingredients to your liking (green pepper, corn). I do not add the hot sauce to make them kid friendly. Enjoy!


1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed and dried off
1/2 onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs or more as needed


If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
Stir onions and garlic into mashed beans.
In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce.
Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Grilled Tilapia



I found this recipe on another bloggers site, http://dineanddish.net/ and adapted it to our cooking/eating style. And the outcome? The best fish we have grilled all year! Our new fave of the entire family. I'm going to have to invest in more fish! Enjoy!



4-5 small tilapia filets
2 tablespoons butter
2-3 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning or Cajun Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
lemon pepper (to taste)


Combine all ingredients, except fish, in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave until butter is melted, approx. 1 minute. Stir thoroughly. Tear out 4 pieces of medium size aluminum foil sheets (to make a packet for the fish to cook in). Place fish on aluminum foil, coat both sides of fish with butter sauce. Close foil packets tightly, trying not to leave an opening in the foil. Place on medium-high grill and cook 5-7 minutes per side. Fish is done when it flakes easily with fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish. Serve with rice.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Grilled Portabellas



This is one the easiest recipes and so full of flavor. The longer they grill, the softer and the better. I put them on top grill and cook them while my meat is cooking. Enjoy!








1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 portobello mushroom caps


Preheat grill for medium heat.
In a large bowl, mix the red bell pepper, garlic, oil, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread mixture over gill side of the mushroom caps.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Place mushrooms over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Twiced Bake Potato Casserole



This recipe makes a lot and is good for big dinners. Plus, I haven't met a person yet who doesn't love this casserole and want the recipe. Enjoy!





6 medium unpeeled potatoes, baked then cut into chunks
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb. bacon cooked then crumbled
3 cups sour cream (24 oz.)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

Mix together. Bake uncovered in 13x16 pan at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot. Top with 2 sliced green onions after cooking.