>>Sausage Risotto

This is an easy take on risotto that is a bit healthier than the 'real' version.  It's great as a side, or as a main dish. It uses basic ingredients and generally you can adjust it to whatever you have on hand.  This is my favourite combination.

>>Ingredients

~ 1 tbsp oil (I used grape seed)
~ 3/4 lbs turkey sausage, casing removed
~ 2 cups mushroom, sliced
~ 3/4 cup asparagus, sliced to 1/2 inch pieces
~ 1 onion, chopped
~ 1 clove garlic, minced
~ 1 cup dry brown instant rice
~ 1 1/2 tsp dry oregano
~ 3/4 cup water
~ 1 cup low sodium or no salt added chicken broth
~ 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
~ fresh flat leaf parsley for garnish (optional)

>>Directions

Brown sausage, mushroom, onion, garlic in oil on med-high heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage.  Stir in broth, rice, oregano, and water.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, adding asparagus last 5 minutes.  (a little liquid will be left, and this gives it the creamy texture).  Stir in cheese before serving, and top with parsley if desired.

>>Pinterest to Real Life: Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball

I absolutely love cheese.  Cheese Balls?  Even better!  I have had this recipe pinned on Pinterest since last Christmas, and a few weeks ago I was at an event where the host served it.  At that point, I knew I had to try it myself.  It was definitely worth the wait! It was so simple, and was a huge hit with the guests. 

>>Ingredients

~ 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy, crumbled and divided

~ 1/4 cup chopped pecans

~ 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

~ 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

~ 2 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley

~ 1 garlic clove, minced

~ pinch cayenne pepper

~ juice of 1 lime

~ 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

~ 2 jalapeños, finely chopped and divided (depending on how spicy you want it, remove the seeds and ribs)

~ crackers for serving

>>Directions

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F for five to seven minutes, until fragrant.  In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic, cayenne pepper, lime juice, worcestershire sauce, half of the jalapeños, and half of the bacon, until combined.  (I used my kitchen aid mixer on the 'stir' setting for this, which worked wonders).

Add the remaining bacon and jalapeños to the baking tray with the pecans and stir them evenly together.  With damp hands, form a ball out of the cheese mixture, and then roll in the pecan mixture until evenly coated.  Place in a dish, cover, and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.  

{{I couldn't snap a picture quick enough, it was so good!}}

>>The recipe was pinned from www.traceysculinaryadventures.com.  I omitted the cumin because I didn't have it, but I don't think it needs it

>>Steak Dinner, 2 Ways

Generally when I make dinner, I don't have to worry about making different meals for each of us.  My husband will gladly eat whatever I put in front of him, unless the main course is a salad!  Here is a simple steak dinner, done two different ways.  This could also translate easily into a next day meal if you had leftovers.  Sometimes I make double the amount needed so that I can prepare the leftovers differently for lunch or dinner the next day.  This saves money and time, and the planner in me loves it!

>>Steak
Grill steak of choice to desired temp (we actually love mark angelo marinated grilling steaks)

>>Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
~ Russet Potatoes, cut into 1in cubes, skin left on
~ Buttermilk (1%)
~ Salt and Pepper to taste

I like to leave the skin on because it retains nutrients.  Boil until tender, and mash.  I use buttermilk in mashed potatoes if I have it on hand.  It gives you that same flavour and creamy texture, without all the calories.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

>>Grilled Veggies
Ingredients:
~ 1 zucchini, sliced
~ 1 red pepper, sliced
~ 1 small red onion, sliced
~ Olive Oil
~ Veggie Seasoning (I use clubhouse, but you can really use anything)

Toss veggies in olive oil and seasoning.  Grill on the BBQ at medium heat, 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally until crisp and slightly charred.

>>Salad
Top mixed greens with grilled veggies and sliced steak, and drizzle with your favourite dressing! (See below for my favourite home made dressing) Easy peasy!

>>Dressing
~ 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
~ 1/2 cup olive oil
~ 2 tbsp dijon mustard
~ 1 tbsp honey
~ salt and pepper to taste

>>Potato and Barley Soup

Cooler weather calls for home made soup.

Ingredients:

1 cup onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced

2 large carrots, sliced

2 bay leaves

3/4 cup barley, rinced

4 cups low sodium chicken broth

4 cups water

salt to taste

pepper to taste

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

garnish:

additional salt and pepper to taste

sliced green onions

Directions:

Saute onions, garlic, and potatoes in olive oil until soft (5 minutes)

Add all other ingredients and bring to boil.  simmer low 45 minutes or until ready to eat (i let simmer most of the afternoon)

Remove bay leaves, garnish with salt, pepper and green onions, and serve.

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