Awesome & Easy Roasted Cauliflower

This is a fun and easy way to cook cauliflower, and the testing group loved it! 


It also works with broccoli.  They will come out crispy on the edges, and the slow roasting brings out the sweetness in the veggies.


Cut off all of the florets of either veggie and drop them into a zipper bag.

Drizzle with about 1/4c olive oil, close bag and shake until each piece has a light coating.


Dump in 1/4c breadcrumbs and 1/4c parmesan cheese.

You can use seasoned breadcrumbs, or use plain ones with a little salt & pepper.


Shake bag to coat.


Pour onto greased baking sheet.



Roast @ 300 for 45 minutes.


Serve hot as a side dish or as a snack with ranch dressing for dip.

Huevos Rancheros

If your long weekend includes plans for brunch, try this!  Its easy, and very tasty...



Huevos rancheros is a mexican farm-style breakfast food, and there are many ways to make it.  I just made this one up, but you can easily customize it to include your favorites.



In large saute pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.

Add 1 diced green pepper and scallions.

Saute 3 minutes, then add:
    1 can white beans, drained
    1 can diced tomatoes (don't drain)
    1 7oz can green chilis
     8oz diced ham
     optional:  black olives



Cover, simmer 20 minutes.



There should be some liquid in the pan, which is needed to poach the eggs.


The key is to slip each egg from a small bowl or cup into divots dug in the mix.  If you hold the bowl close to the surface of the mix, the yolk won't break.

Use a big spoon to dig a little hole, then slip an egg in it. Keep digging holes until it has as many eggs as you want. I usually plan on three per person.



When all eggs are in, simmer covered on medium low heat for 15 minutes.




Sprinkle with shredded cheese, and cook covered for another 5 minutes.



Serve with english muffins, sour cream, hashbrowns, guacamole & sour cream, and tabasco sauce.

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Calzones are fast and easy to make!



2 Pillsbury Pizza Crust dough (not thin crust)
1 pkg Perdue Short Cuts - original roasted
1/2 c diced ham
1 pkg microwave bacon, cooked crispy
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 c. blue cheese crumbles
16oz shredded mozzarella
Buffalo Chicken Sauce (I use Franks)


Spread one dough on cookie sheet or baking stone.

Layer with chicken, celery and ham.

Splash with sauce, then top with bacon and cheeses.


Stretch second dough over top and crimp edges.

Sprinkle with parsley.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes - it will take a little longer than the package directions because it is thick with cold ingredients.


I use Franks Buffalo sauce because it tastes the way I think buffalo sauce should, but you should use your favorite if you have one...

Even with the cheese and bacon, this version has lower calories than a similar calzone from a restaurant, and lower cost too :)

3 Ingredient Grilled Potatoes

Comfort food season is over, so bring out your grill!


I like doing side dishes and main dishes on the grill at the same time, and these potatoes go great with just about anything.


I prefer small red potatoes because they come out with a nice creamy texture but don't fall apart.  Just cut them in half, or in thirds if they are bigger.  Small Yukon Golds work too.


Toss the potatoes in a plastic bag (I re-use the ones that the burger rolls come in).

Add 2 tbsp olive oil  and 1 packet dry italian or ranch dressing spices.

Shake to coat.
Pour potatoes out onto a double-layer sheet of foil sprayed with non-stick baking spray.

Cover with another sheet of sprayed foil.  Crimp edges tightly.


Throw on grill rack with low heat for 1 hour, flipping once about halfway through.

Move packet off to one side if you turn up the heat to cook the main dish.


Salt & pepper to taste.

Stuffed Potato Skins Wraps

These are like loaded potato skins, in two-bite wraps!

Stuff them with anything you like in potato skins...



Bake or fry tater tots according to package directions.

Load your wraps!


Fold sides in like an envelope to cover stuffing.

Moisten edges of final flap to seal.


Place in rows on baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray.



Spray tops of rolls with spray too.





Bake at 400F for 10-12 minutes, until tops are golden brown and puffy.


Serve with sour cream or plain greek yogurt for dipping.