DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘pasta’

Weekend Wind-Down with Slow Cooked Spinach Ziti

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

Today there is a twist to the Friday Foodie Feature which I think you will like.  It’s a party – that’s right a P * A * R * T * Y  and you are cordially invited to attend the first Weekend Wind-Down Party!

You can link up now or wait until this evening when you get home from work.  The party is casual so you can kick off your shoes, turn on the Crock Pot, relax and then share… share… share!

Weekend Winddown Link Party (1)

The house rules are simple, you can link any post and it will be featured on 8 different blogs.  We will each choose several features from the link up each week to highlight the following week!   We will also be pinning features to Pinterest as well as social media shout-outs!  So link up, visit others and have fun!

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If you are joining the party, please copy this button and add it to your blog.

Now let the party begin with today’s Friday Foodie Feature

Slow Cooked Spinach Ziti

Slow Cooked Spinach Ziti

I had been thinking about making this dish for quite sometime and hubby kept asking if I wanted him to make it (baked) in the oven.  I said, “nope, I want to slow cook it.”  He didn’t think the uncooked noodles wouldn’t get done in the Crock Pot but they did and he loved it.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs of ground turkey/chicken/beef

  • 2 jars of Spaghetti Sauce

  • medium onion – diced

  • 2 cloves of garlic – diced

  • 1 package of frozen spinach

  • 1 box of Rotini Noodles

  • 1 package of Mozzarella and Shredded Parmesan Cheese

  • Ricotta Cheese

Brown ground turkey Brown the ground turkey and dice the onions and garlic.  Remember to turn on stove’s blower while cutting onions for no tears.   Dice onion and garlic cloves

Add the two jars of spaghetti sauce, diced onions and garlic then stir to mix ingredients thoroughly.

add two jars of spaghetti sauce

add diced onions and garlic cloves

spray Crock Pot with Cooking Spray

Spray the Crock Pot with cooking spray for easier clean up.

begin with layer of meat sauce

Cover the bottom of the Crock Pot with the meat sauce, then begin layering the pasta, spinach, and Ricotta cheese, repeating until you’ve reached the top of the Crock Pot but you can use less if you want.

layer with noodles

add layer of frozen spinach

Add a few dollops of Ricotta Cheese add a few scoops of Ricotta Cheese

Sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese

sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese Top with Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the final layer with Parmesan Cheese, cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or low 8-10 hours, or until pasta noodles are soft.

cover and cook on high for 5 hours

Stir and then sprinkle on more Parmesan Cheese

Stir to thoroughly mix all ingredients and to ensure noodles are soft.  Sprinkle with more Parmesan Cheese, cover and let sit for an additional 5 mins before serving.

We definitely had more than enough for two meals, I even froze half to be used next month.

more than enough for two meals

Invite your family and friends to the first

Weekend Wind-Down Party!

 

 


Friday Foodie Feature ~ Shrimp Alfredo

Hello Friends and Happy 1st Fri-Yay 2014!

Today’s Foodie Feature is a 4 ingredient 40 minute meal ~ Shrimp Alfredo

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Ingredients:

  • Ragu Cheesy Sauce – 1 Jar
  • Thin Pasta – 1/2 box
  • Broccoli – 2 crowns
  • Shrimp – small raw, deveined, tail off

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Place frozen shrimp in a steamer pot or double boiler (fill bottom pan with water) – cover and steam on low heat until shrimp turns pink.

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Rinse and cut stems from fresh broccoli.  Steam or microwave if you prefer tender broccoli crowns.

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Boil water and cook pasta according to box directions, or for approximately 7 minutes.

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Add broccoli crowns

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Pour in entire jar of Ragu Cheesy Sauce, adding a little water to the empty jar, shake and pour into pan.  Stir to mix ingredients thoroughly and cook on low for an additional 7-10 minutes to heat sauce and soften broccoli crowns.

Friday Foodies 028 Seasoned only with a little black pepper this made for an easy breezy meal and was a big hit with my men.

Stay Blessed  ~ No Stress in the New Year!

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Friday Foodie Feature – Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay

This week’s Foodie Feature is another 4 ingredient, 40 minute meal created with Kraft Recipe Makers.  It was an easy breezy mid-week meal that my men enjoyed and got me out of the kitchen in less than an hour!

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Ingredients:

Kraft Recipe Makers Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Wacky Mac Pasta

Chicken Breast

Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions without the salt  OOTD 11 13 13 059

While pasta is cooking, cut two chicken breasts into thin strips

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Coat pan with Cooking Spray and cook chicken until done and no longer pink, then add 1/2 bottle of Simmer Sauce

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Drain pasta and add to skillet with remaining Simmer Sauce and stir lightly

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Top with Finishing Sauce and Parmesan Cheese, cover and cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.

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Enjoy this family meal made with Kraft Recipe Makers!

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 Come back and let me know if you tried it, have a fantabulous day – Smooches!

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Summer Snacks From Super G

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

Today is officially the first day of Summer 2013, and school has ended for both my husband and son so let the summer snacking begin!  Small children aren’t the only ones who like to snack during the day, my guys are always in and out of the frig or looking in the pantry trying to find something to eat.  During a recent grocery shopping trip to Giant/Super G, I found a few new snacks that I think will hold them over between meals.

looking to eat

Fruit is always a great snack and I like to have a variety on hand, grapes, cherries, bananas, apples or grapefruit.  I recently began purchasing Mini Sweet Peppers from Sunset Grown which can be eaten raw, in a salad or stuffed with a soft cheese like Laughing Cow. Laughing Cow Lite Creamy Swiss is only 35 calories per wedge and are a great snack with the mini peppers or with a piece of fruit. fruit

mini sweet peppers and laughing cow cheese

Sunset Gourmet Tomatoes are an easy grab-and-go snack and they also add variety to a salad.

tomatoes

Crackers another great snack and these Ritz Crackerfuls are available with Peanut Butter or Cheddar Cheese filled.  There are 6 individually wrapped packs in each box, these are made with real peanut butter and 6g of whole grains which to me makes it a healthy snack.

ritz crackerfuls

Jello has made several changes over the years and not just to their standard flavors of Chocolate and Vanilla puddings. They have added new flavors with toppings like this Turtle Sundae, a more grown-up option.  Unfortunately the packaging has also changed from 6 containers per package to 4, and these new flavors contain only 2.

jello pudding

Dole brand, a leader in fruit snacks have recently introduced Fruit Squish’ems!  As you can see these Apple Strawberry fruit pouches aren’t just for tiny toddler’s hands, big teenager hands grab them too!  Made from fresh apples in the USA they are only 60 calories each and also make a great grab and go snack.

t dole squish'ems

malik and dole

tayair and dole

A new product by Hormel are these REV Snack Wraps which come in 8 varieties including Pepperoni, Ham & Cheese, Meat Lovers Pizza, Spicy Italian Style, Peppered Turkey, Italian Style Ham and Hot Pepper Ham.  I tried one and felt it needed a little mayo or mustard and could have used a few seconds in the microwave to soften the flatbread.

hormel rev

When waiting for dinner is “just too long” these microwavable Hormel Compleats Cafe Creations fill the bill.  With a variety to choose from including Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Creamy Chicken Carbonara, no one should have to “starve to death” waiting for dinner!

hormel compleats

Last but not least are these new Lunchables Uploaded. I hadn’t purchased a Lunchables since my sons were were in Elementary School, but I had a $1.00 off coupon so I decided to give it a try. Included in this package are the ingredients to make a 6-inch sub; a few slices of Oscar Mayer Lean Turkey, and Kraft cheddar cheese, a packet of Kraft fat free mayo, a 6-inch sub bun, a 10 oz bottle of Spring Water, a Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Single pack, a Pringles Snack Stacks Potato Crisps and 2 Hershey’s Kisses, not bad for $2.50!

uploaded

lunchables

What kinds of snacks do you have in the house?  

I’ll be on the lookout for more because these won’t last the week!

Linking up with Living Better Together – come on over and join in on the fun!

Have a fantastical day – Smooches!

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4 Ingredient 40 Minute Meal

Hello Friends, I hope you had a good day.  

I didn’t make it into work this morning because of a quick moving, yet severe rainstorm that caused me to turn around and head home.  Fortunately the weather improved and it turned into a wonderful sunny afternoon.

I’m still on the Nutrisystem program and eating their meals but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped cooking dinner for my men.  Last night’s easy breezy meal contained only 4 ingredients that took 40 minutes to prepare.  

They really liked this dish and there was enough leftover for them to have for lunch today.  If you try this recipe let me know, and if you put your own little twist on it, tell me what you used.

Ingredients:
Dry Pasta
Turkey Sausage
Frozen Broccoli
Salad Dressing

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Boil pasta according to box instructions

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Cut Turkey Sausage into bit size pieces

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Cover sausage with 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup salad dressing

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Cook 10 minutes

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Add broccoli, cover and cook add’l 15 mins or until desired texture

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Add to drained pasta

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Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese if desired

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Enjoy!

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Sugar Spice and Everything Nice

On Saturday, at the Dutch Country Farmers Market I had an opportunity to meet a wonderful vendor representing her own small business

Sugar Spice and Everything Nice

Tina Taylor, Direct Seller

Tina Taylor, is a Direct Distributor of easy gourmet products from her pantry to help make your cooking easier.  Most of the items in the product line require only one or two additional ingredients, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen especially now with the better weather!

All of the products are made from the finest ingredients with offerings of sugar free and gluten free options. Whether you prefer sweet, savory or spicy, the ever-expanding product line has something for you and the entire family.

What makes Sugar Spice and Everything Nice so unique is that in addition to the packaged gourmet products she also offers many delicious cooked & baked items daily, full service catering, linen rentals, party supply rentals, balloons & party supplies, invitations, gift baskets as well as many unique favors and gifts.

Gourmet Seasonings

Herbs and Spices

Other Great Opportunities That Are Available With Sugar Spice And Everything Nice

Fundraising Program is a unique and exciting venture that has a 50% profit, no upfront investment and FREE shipping or delivery!  If you are looking for an exciting, new product to sell for your organization this is your answer!

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Host a home tasting, cooking or dipping party where she will come in and serve up a variety of dips & drinks and make an amazing dish and you earn free products!  This is a perfect excuse to have a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!

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Become a consultant and sell the amazing products to generate extra income and free products all while having fun!

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Don’t have the time for a home party…host a catalog party or virtual online show and still earn free products!

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Cooking classes are offered once a month (check website for schedule).

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Customized Gift Baskets available for Holiday, Birthday, Corporate Gift and more!

Cocktail and Mocktail Mixes

Tina is also a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant. If you would like to place an order, host a tasting party or if you would like to join her team and sign up as an independent consultant, please visit her website at http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/ttaylor5

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Product Review Disclosure:  

I did not receive any product in exchange for this review.  

Any sponsored giveaways or posts will be noted as such.


Mother's Day 2012

I hope and pray that all the Mothers had as nice of a day spent with their children as I did.  My Mother’s Day was the fulfillment of one of those “I can’t wait till they grow up and …. “

“I can’t wait till they grow up and talk…I can’t wait till they grow up and are potty trained..I can’t wait till they grow up and walk… I can’t wait till they grow up and go to school…get a job…move out…etc.  My “I can’t wait” was having them drive me to lunch and paying for it tip and all!

Although there are times that I long for my sons to be toddlers again, it’s a beautiful thing when they are old enough to appreciate  and show

how much they care without coaxing.  I was very surprised when hubby told me that the boys planned on taking me out for lunch and it was a beautiful day with just the two of them.  Afterwards we stopped at Lowes to get flowers and of course to Goodwill for the Mother’s Day $5 off $20 sale.

Me and The Boys

Me and The Boys

Plant from hubby

Rose bush that I planted in 2009 in honor of my grandmother – it blooms like my grandmother’s love

Roses from Tayair, he purchased from Walgreens and they didn’t even last 24 hrs!

Mother’s Day Lunch at Ruby Tuesdays

Seafood Trio was excellent – tiny lobster tail

plants purchased from Lowes

Malik had the crepes

Card for FREE Simply Fresh Cookbook

Tayair had the pasta

Mother’s Day 2012


Share your thoughts

Mother’s Day 2012

I hope and pray that all the Mothers had as nice of a day spent with their children as I did.  My Mother’s Day was the fulfillment of one of those “I can’t wait till they grow up and …. “

“I can’t wait till they grow up and talk…I can’t wait till they grow up and are potty trained..I can’t wait till they grow up and walk… I can’t wait till they grow up and go to school…get a job…move out…etc.  My “I can’t wait” was having them drive me to lunch and paying for it tip and all!

Although there are times that I long for my sons to be toddlers again, it’s a beautiful thing when they are old enough to appreciate  and show

how much they care without coaxing.  I was very surprised when hubby told me that the boys planned on taking me out for lunch and it was a beautiful day with just the two of them.  Afterwards we stopped at Lowes to get flowers and of course to Goodwill for the Mother’s Day $5 off $20 sale.

Me and The Boys

Me and The Boys

Plant from hubby

Rose bush that I planted in 2009 in honor of my grandmother – it blooms like my grandmother’s love

Roses from Tayair, he purchased from Walgreens and they didn’t even last 24 hrs!

Mother’s Day Lunch at Ruby Tuesdays

Seafood Trio was excellent – tiny lobster tail

plants purchased from Lowes

Malik had the crepes

Card for FREE Simply Fresh Cookbook

Tayair had the pasta

Mother’s Day 2012


Share your thoughts