The other day, I received some Piccolini Mini Ziti to review, one of Barilla’s new Pasta Mini’s.  The size of the pasta is smaller and more manageable for the mouth of the younger ones.  Well, stop right there.

(more…)

No, I’m not talking about lasagna that’s left over from a few days ago, I’m talking about lasagna made with leftovers. Every now and then I like to make Leftover Lasagna.

Let me explain…

When I make the sauce for my lasagna, I generally use the crockpot. If I’m not making it from scratch, like today, I put a jar or two of the store bought stuff into the crockpot, add some ground beef, sausage and sausage and let simmer for the entire day. During the last couple of hours I throw in some leftovers. For instance, the taco beef from last night? In the sauce. Zucchinis, carrots, and red orange and green peppers from a salad? In the sauce. Spinach? In the sauce. Now my sauce has lots of nutritious veggies and the left overs aren’t going to waste.

In case you’re wondering. I’ve never had a Leftover Lasagna taste bad. The sauce always tastes delicious. I wouldn’t put anything too outlandish in there, somehow though it all just seems to work.

Image:

Buy at AllPosters.com

Family dinners are really important to me. I grew up in a large family who tried to dine together every night. Even though we have track, band, work, and various activities having to do with teens, we try to have some meals together. Weekends are better for this than during the week, so I try to make something the whole family enjoys. Salmon Croquettes with Tortellini Alfredo is one we all like. I throw in a side of peas to round it out.

(more…)

Gung hay fat choy! Happy Chinese New Year. This is a big occasion for my family, bigger than Christmas even. Normally we spend the day feasting with family under a red and gold backdrop!

Vitasoy has some great ideas for Chinese New Year fare, infusing Chinese and Italian flavors with their “Red, White and Green Pasta Dishes” created by Chef Jim Coleman host of PBS’ “Healthy Flavors.”

“Make a Chinese New Year’s Resolution to explore exciting new flavors and adventurous new uses for your favorite ingredients,” said Chef Jim Coleman, host of the PBS-TV ‘Healthy Flavors’ cooking show. “There is no reason to relegate Chinese noodles and pastas to traditional Chinese dumplings and stir fries! Chinese New Year’s is the perfect time to think outside the wok!”

Indeed, when I received the Vitasoy promotional packet, I couldn’t wait to try the recipe for the Chinese New Year Ravioli. It’s a creative dish, one that never would have occurred to me (but then I’m not a chef!) and it’s very tasty. The spinach and mushrooms didn’t appeal to my five year old, but my husband and I enjoyed it. I think it also makes a great dish for Valentine’s Day!

Here’s the recipe for Chinese New Year Ravioli:

(more…)