Stuffed Shells

This is one of the first meals I learned to cook by myself.  It has certainly evolved a little over the years, but the  simplicity and comfort of this meal easily makes it one of my favorites.

Chicken Florentine Quesadillas

I love the weekends.  I enjoy having nothing on my agenda except doing exactly what I want.  In my house, that usually involves some  quite a bit of cooking.  These little beauties came about one particular Saturday before my grocery run.  I must say, that I am glad we were running low on everything else, because these were absolutely fabulous and have become one of our favorite weekend lunches.

Vanilla Cherry Cola Cupcakes with Cherry Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

I think my favorite treat in this vast universe is Cherry Coke.  I love the stuff.  I can just imagine myself in a 1950's diner sipping a REAL cherry coke.  The kind from the fountain with coke and cherry syrup and REAL cherries.  Yes, I can see it now...me, just sitting there sipping....in a pink poodle skirt with a sideways ponytail and saddle shoes.  Ahhh....hey, I can dream, can't I?  So fast forward a bit...I'm in my kitchen....hair a mess, PJ's still on, and the cutest little kitchen helper ever babbling "ma-ma" at my feet.  I'm elbows deep in cake batter and happy as a lark.  Yes, I believe I AM dreaming.

BBQ Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

 Ok, so it's no secret.  I make a lot a heaping number of dishes with chicken.  In fact, my family may be only a few chicken dinners away from growing feathers and clucking.  I like chicken, but I don't want to be one.  And if I were one, this is how I'd want to have my last hurrah.  

Cheeseburger Casserole

Monday nights are a bit hectic around my house.  Last night was no exception. Everyone is tired from a long day at work and school.  I think the only one who gets rest on a Monday is the dog.  She seems oblivious to what's going on around her except when it comes to dinner time.  She stands happily at my feet hoping that I'll get a little overzealous and drop some food on the floor.  She knows me well.  If your Mondays are anything like my Mondays, please don't go overboard on the dinner menu.  Make it simple, but make it good.  My family loves cheeseburger casserole, it's an old time favorite and it's still delicious....every single time.

Bacon Ranch Chicken

After a long (but great) weekend, the last thing I wanted to do on Sunday night was go to the grocery store to pick up dinner.  So, I stood in front of the refrigerator...thinking....

Bacon...check

Huge bottle of ranch dressing...check

Chicken breasts....Check

I can do this.  And, who doesn't like bacon and ranch and chicken.  If you don't, there's something wrong...just kidding.  No, seriously.  Who doesn't?  Especially when it turns out like this.

Francheesies

Think Pigs-In-A-Blanket...on steroids.  If you are trying to obey a heart healthy diet then you should run far, far away from this recipe.  However, if you're up for some gluttony, read on.  One of our favorite restaurants in town makes these and they are delicious!  There is nothing better than sitting in a local dig downtown eating some good grub.  While I am sure that this doesn't come close to their recipe, it's still pretty damn good.  Now, have a pep talk with your heart...tell it that this meal isn't a regular thing and that it is not necessary to cough repeatedly.  I am still coming up with something you should tell your thighs though.

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Stop buying refrigerated cookie dough...PLEASE?  It's simple to make your own and it tastes sooooo much better.  It freezes nicely if you make too much (like I always do).  Your family (and your tummy) will thank you for this!

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

I don't like mainstream pizza.  It's greasy, overpriced, and boring.  Making pizza at home is easy, delicious, and very budget friendly without the buckets of grease.  Chicken alfredo on a pizza?  Mmmmmhmmmm......