Author: CookDiaries

Pasta

Baked Mostaccioli

Mostaccioli is a hearty baked pasta that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Essentially an easier lasagna made with penne. Top it with plenty of cheese and you’ll soon have a new favorite to add to the rotation.  INGREDIENTS : 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 lb. sweet italian sausage, remove from casing 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/8 tsp. crushed […]

Dinner & Lunch

Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata

“Even with just one layer of filling in the middle of this strata, you’ll be looking at a gorgeous casserole which should thoroughly impress your brunch guests . . . bottomless Mimosas or no.” Ingredients: 1 tablespoon bacon grease 1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread, cubed1 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon […]

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Red Plum Salad

Charred plums make this nutty salad a summer standout. Ingredients: 4 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 4 red plums, cut into 1-inch wedges) 2 scallions, thinly sliced 6 c. baby arugula 1/2 c. fresh dill, very roughly chopped 1/4 c. roasted almonds, chopped […]

Appetizers

Brown Sugar Smokies

“Bacon-wrapped yummies! You can make these little smokies on skewers or toothpick them to secure.” Ingredients: 1 pound bacon 1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. […]

Desserts

Baked Fudge

Ingredients: 2 whole eggs  1 cup sugar  2 tablespoons (heaping) cocoa  2 tablespoons all-purpose flour  1 stick butter, melted  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  Serving suggestions: sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Beat the eggs until light in color. Beat in the sugar until just combined. Add […]

Dinner & Lunch

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 6 slices bacon, cut 1/2-inch thick 2 1/4 pounds russet potatoes (about 4), scrubbed clean and cut into 1-inch chunks Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups shredded Cheddar 2/3 cup sour cream 2 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly […]

Seafood

Seafood Chowder Casserole

New England seafood chowder inspired the flavors here, but we’ve enhanced them further with Gruyère cheese and a crispy crumb topping. We like the combination of shrimp, cod and crab, but feel free to experiment with other types of seafood–scallops, clams and mahi-mahi would also work well. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2010 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon plus […]

Cakes

Can’t Wait Microwave Lava Cake

“This fudgy, easy can’t-wait microwave lava cake is ready in only 7 minutes and uses cake mix and prepared frosting in the can. Mind blowing!” Ingredients: cooking spray 1 (15.25 ounce) package spiced cake mix (such as Betty Crocker®) 1 cup water3 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup semisweet chocolate […]

Dinner & Lunch

Hot Sausage Cast-Iron Skillet Pan Pizza

Ingredients: 1 cup diced canned tomatoes 2 tablespoons sundried tomato paste  1 large clove garlic, crushed  1 scant teaspoon (1/3 palm full) oregano  A pinch of sugar and salt  A few leaves of torn basil, plus a few torn to serve  1 pound ball dough from market or your favorite pizza parlor or EZ Pizza […]

Soups & Salads

Copycat Panera® Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 onion, chopped 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups chicken stock 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions: Melt 1 tablespoon […]