Mexican Chicken Skillet

1 lb Chicken Breast (Cut into Chunks)
1 16oz Container of Salsa
1 Box of Whole Grain Pasta
1 10oz Bag of Frozen Corn
1 8oz Package of shredded cheese (I used Mexican Blend)
*top with hot sauce and sour cream optional

Cook your pasta according to directions on box and drain.  Heat on med 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet.  Cook your chicken for 5min.  Pour in container of salsa.  Pour in package of frozen corn.  Cover skillet simmer for 10 min until chicken is cooked through.  Stir in pasta.  Remove from heat
Pour cheese over top of mixture.  Place lid again cover for 5min until cheese melts.  Serve!

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

3 cups idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool

4 Tbs butter
4 Tbs flour
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb skinless smoked sausage
1/8 tsp paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.  Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.  Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly) do not let the cheese scorch!  Pour cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.  Bake for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).  Serve. 

* Meat can be substituted with hot dogs, ham, or even Spam if that's your thing ;)

Strawberries and Cream Pie

Mmm, the cooler weather makes me want to bake sweets.  This isn't really baking since the only thing that needs baked is the crust, but it's still pie nonetheless.

Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (About 9 full/long crackers — just throw them in a gallon bag, zip, and crush with a rolling pin.)
5 tbsp butter, melted

Filling:
2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups heavy cream + 1 tbsp
2/3 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 carton strawberries, sliced into thirds or halves
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 375.  In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until a crumbly, moist mixture forms.  Gently but firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom/sides of a pie dish.  Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixture to beat your cream until it holds firm peaks. Set aside.  In a separate, larger bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar until smooth and creamy.  Fold about 1/3 of the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then add the rest. Gently fold until evenly incorporated and smooth.  Spoon filling into your cooled pie crust, and spread it out in an even layer.  Layer sliced strawberries in an overlapping rows around the top of the cream.  Melt chocolate + 1 tbsp cream, and stir until smooth and liquid. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the strawberries.  Stick the pie in the fridge for a few hours to allow the creamy filling to firm up.  Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!  This will only last a few days in the fridge, so eat it up!

Cheesy Turkey Stromboli

Perfect for those nights when you need something fast or on the go.

1 can refrigerated pizza dough
6 slices colby jack cheese slices
1 pkg applewood smoked turkey breasts (oscar mayer is good)
1/2 c. chopped roasted red peppers
1 tsp. basil leaves
1 egg
1 Tbsp. water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Unroll dough on lightly floured surface.  Roll out or patn into 12 in square; top with cheese, turkey, peppers and basil, leaving 1/2 inch rim around all sides.  Roll up, pinch seam and ends together to seal.  Place seam side down on foil covered baking sheet.  Beat egg and water; brush onto dough.  Bake 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool 10 minutes before slicing.  Serve!