Thursday, January 28, 2010

Sausage Wontons




These are my new favorite appetizer. I've had them many times, but never knew the recipe until I met my friend, Kim. Thanks Kim! I am so happy she gave this to me and let me tell you, they're deadly! I recently hosted a party and almost every guest asked me how to make these. That's a good sign that they are a classic, party must-have! Enjoy!
P.S. And they're super easy :)


1 lb. hot sausage, browned and drained
2 c. Sharp Cheddar, shredded
2 c. Monterey Jack, shredded
1 sm. can chopped black olives, drained
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 c. milk
2 pkg. wonton wrappers (in refigerated section)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix Hidden Valley Ranch, mayo and milk together. In separate bowl, mix sausage, cheese and olives. Combine the two. Bake wonton wrappers for 7-8 minutes in muffin pan, until golden. Remove from oven. Stuff and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve warm. Lots of people also add red and/or green pepper, if you would like.

To make ahead: bake wrappers, cool and store in airtight container. Make sausage mix and refigerate until ready to bake.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Chicken Manicotti



This is a great family friendly meal. I love that I make it the night before, after the kids have gone to bed, and then I throw it in the oven the next day. Doesn't get any easier than that :) This is a little different version since it doesn't have ricotta cheese, but you will make it time and time again! Parent and kid approved. Enjoy!


1 lb. uncooked chicken
1 box uncooked manicotti noodles
2 jars spaghetti sauce (or less if you prefer)
2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 sm. can sliced olives, drained
Garlic Salt

Pour 1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce in 9x13 baking dish. Cut uncooked chicken into strips and sprinkle both sides with garlic salt. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with uncooked chikcen. Set stuffed shells in baking dish. Completely cover with spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with sliced olives. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

This dish must be refigerated overnight, but not more than 24 hours. Bake, uncovered for 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Can freeze dish, but cook 1.5 hours at 350 degrees from the freezer.
We only ate half the dish, so if you want to freeze one, I suggest splitting it between two 8x8 dishes so you can throw one into the freezer.