Thursday, 12 December 2013

Ravioli Bake

Ravioli Bake

Was looking for something to keep us warm this week as winter rears it's ugly head! Brrrr......  This is a wonderful winter comfort food.

Ingredients

- 2 pkgs fresh ravioli *Frugal Tip - since frozen ravioli is easier on the budget, I buy frozen and just boil for a few minutes before putting the casserole together
- 1 jar pasta sauce
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can beef broth
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (or more if you are cheese addicts like us!)

Directions

- preheat oven to 350F
- combine pasta sauce, stewed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste and Italian dressing in large bowl
- place ravioli in large (lightly greased) casserole dish and pour mixture over pasta
- sprinkle cheese over entire casserole
- bake at 350F for 45 minutes or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Christmas Morning Casserole

Christmas Morning Casserole

I have prepared this casserole on Christmas Eve for the past 5 years and then let it bake in the morning while we open gifts.  It is very easy to prepare and can make a great mid-week dinner too.

Ingredients

*NOTE - this casserole must chill either overnight or for several hours before baking. 

- 10 to 12 slices of bread (brown is best)
- 3 to 4 tbsp Dijon or Honey Mustard (whichever you prefer)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped ham, bacon or turkey (I have even super-short-cut this & used bacon bits!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- salt & pepper
- 1/4 cup butter or margerine
- 2 cups Rice Krispies

Directions:

- butter 4-6 pieces of bread (enough to cover bottom of your dish) and place BUTTERED SIDE DOWN in a large rectangular casserole dish
- spread "upper" side of bread with mustard
- create another "layer" using your ham/bacon/turkey
- create another "layer" using your shredded cheese
- create the top "layer" using the rest of your bread - BUTTERED SIDE UP
- in large bowl whisk together eggs, milk & dash of salt & pepper
- pour mixture evenly over casserole
*Cover and chill overnight or for several hours before baking*

When ready to bake:
- melt 1/4 cup butter or margerine & add 2 cups Rice Krispies
- spread mixture over casserole
- bake at 350F for approx 45 minutes

*Festive Note - if you are making this for Christmas morning and have kids in your midst, using the red & green Holiday Rice Krispies on top makes it look a little more festive without affecting the taste.

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Pork Roast in Red Pepper Jelly Sauce

Pork Roast in Red Pepper Jelly Sauce

Just received this submission today from my friend Shannon in Waterloo who is trying it tonight.  We look forward to her family's review! :)

Ingredients

- 5 potatoes, cubed *Quick Tip - sweet potatoes can be used instead if you prefer
- 3-pound pork loin roast, boneless
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 onion, cut into rings
- 1 red pepper, slivered

Directions

- place potatoes in Crock Pot and set pork roast on top
- in a bowl, combine red pepper jelly, soy sauce, ginger, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper
- pour mixture over pork roast
- sprinkle onion rings and red pepper slivers on top of pork roast
- cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours

*Serves 6.

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet



Parmesan Confetti Dip

Parmesan Confetti Dip

This recipe was just submitted and sounds like a fabulous addition to a holiday party or mellow night in with friends.  6 ingredients and NO BAKING!  Perfect!

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the kind from the Kraft jar is apparently just fine for this recipe)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

- combine all ingredients above
- cover & refrigerate until ready to serve

*Can be served with nacho chips, pita squares or bread.

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet

Friday, 6 December 2013

Crock Pot Party Mix

Crock Pot Party Mix

This was just sent to me via Facebook.  What an amazing idea for a holiday party!  Prepare and serve right from your Crock Pot!

Ingredients - Cereal Mix

- enough of your favorite cereal, pretzels and nuts to fill Crock Pot 3/4 full

Ingredients - Seasoning Mix

- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sugar

Directions

- melt butter/margarine on stove top over low heat
- add all other ingredients from "Seasoning Mix" list above
- dissolve all over low heat and stir
- fill Crock Pot 3/4 full with cereal/pretzel/nut mixture
- pour Seasoning Mix over Cereal Mix
- cook on LOW for 2.5 hours
- open lid and stir every 30 minutes

*This great party snack can be served right from your Crock Pot once cook time has been completed.  Fun!

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet




Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Rice

Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Rice

This was just submitted by an old college friend.  It can be made on the stovetop or as a casserole.  Directions for both methods are included below.

Ingredients

- 2 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups converted rice, dry (Uncle Ben's has been recommended)
- 6 cups milk
- 10 oz pkg (300g) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions - STOVETOP METHOD

- in large pot melt butter over medium heat
- add onion and garlic and cook 4 minutes or until softened, stirring regularly
- add rice and milk
- bring mixture to a boil
- stir in spinach, sun dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- cover and simmer for 20 minutes
- sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese before serving

Directions - OVEN BAKE METHOD (Apparently best this way)

- preheat oven to 350F
- lightly grease 9" x 13" glass pan
- in large pot melt butter over medium heat
- add onion and garlic and cook 4 minutes or until softened, stirring regularly
- add rice and milk
- bring mixture to a boil
- stir in spinach, sun dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- pour into prepared glass pan & sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese
- bake for 30 minutes until rice is tender and casserole is lightly browned
- let stand 5 minutes before serving

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 30 minutes (depending on method)
Servings: 12

Enjoy!
~ The Lazy Gourmet



Sunday, 1 December 2013

Creamy Crock Pot Corn

Creamy Crock Pot Corn

I have to admit that I have not yet tried this recipe but it sounds super yummy and super EASY so it is on my list of things to try this week.  It appears to serve 6 so if you are making this for a large crowd I would recommend doubling the entire recipe. Enjoy!

**UPDATE - I tried this last night and it was really good! My son is not a fan of the texture of frozen corn so I may try the canned niblets next time, but overall it was very good and could not have been easier! :)

Ingredients

- 4 cups (approx 1 large bag) frozen corn
- 1 cup of brick cream cheese, cubed (I'm going to use regular creamy cream cheese when I try it)
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

- combine all ingredients in Crock Pot
- cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until heated through and cream cheese is melted
- stir well before serving

*Makes 6 servings.

Enjoy!

~ The Lazy Gourmet