Chicken Sausage Pasta

A year and a half ago, Brett and I flew to New York to visit Holly and see some sights in Palmyra and NYC.  On part of our flight, we sat next to a really nice man who we found out is the CEO of a natural and organic meat company called Bilinski's.  He told us all about his company and what they make and who sells it.  One of their products is chicken sausage and I had seriously never heard of such a thing.  (I don't get out much).  In my mind I was thinking, "ew that sounds gross," but I told him I would have to try that some time.  

Fast forward to last week when I was in Trader Joe's and I sampled some chicken sausage and it was good!  I decided I needed to give it a chance and make something with it for my family to try.  This is what they suggested at Trader Joe's and we loved it!

1 16 oz. bag of Farfalle pasta (I used about 3/4 of the bag)
1 jar pasta sauce (TJ's creamy tomato basil is our fave)
3 links chicken sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces (I used Italian flavored)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded

*Boil pasta according to package directions.  Drain pasta and then pour into a casserole dish.  Pour in the jar of sauce and mix together.  Sprinkle in sausage and mix again.  Top with some shredded mozzarella and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

5 INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE COOKIES

I was looking for a chocolate cookie recipe I used to have and can't find. Thought maybe the internet could help me --because after all you can find ANYTHING on the internet, right? I didn't find my recipe, but ran across this from the Yahoo chef (didn't know there was such a person) and thought they sounded interesting.  His name is Fabio (yes, it really is) Viviani.  The recipe is small and only has 5 ingredients, so I tried them.  They really are good and easy and oh so tasty!! The reason:  NUTELLA!!! I only know one person (my very own daughter) who doesn't love it! I think she might have been adopted--JK--love you Megs!!  Here goes

1 c. Nutella
2 T. brown sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix above ingredients  on low for a few minutes and slowly add 3/4 c. flour just until well mixed.  Scoop with spoon or small cookie/ice cream scoop onto parchment lined cookie sheet--about walnut size.  Sprinkle the tops with a small amount of coarse sea salt.  Salt enhances the sweetness of baked goods.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from cookie sheet and cool on baking rack.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Sometimes you just don't have time to make 4 dozen cookies.

Your intentions are good and your butter is sitting out all soft and ready to go.  Then you look at the clock and realize that it's just not happening.

Cookie Bars to the rescue!  Same great taste in only 18-20 minutes.  These are even kind of healthy-ish.  Relatively speaking.

You will love this cookie alternative!!

1 cup butter, softened to room temp.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbs. vanilla
1 3/4 cup white wheat flour
2 cups oats
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 bag milk chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is my fave)
1 bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

*Mix butter and brown sugar for a few minutes until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.  Add the next four ingredients and mix until combined.  Add chocolate chips and mix.  Spread into an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.  18 minutes is perfection in my oven.  Cool for 30 minutes or so before cutting.

ORANGE ROLLS

I tasted this version of orange rolls for the first time a few weeks ago.  My new friend Jackie who is our son and daughter-in-law's sweet nanny is the BEST cook (and takes great care of our grand-son).  I immediately put the recipe in my "favorites"!!  I love that there is orange juice in the dough.  Most orange rolls only have the juice in the frosting. Betcha can't eat just one!!

1Tbl. Yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water and 1 tsp. sugar
1 cup warm orange juice
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups flour

Mix all ingredients, except flour, together. Add the 4 cups flour. Mix and knead until all flour is moist. Let raise until almost double. Knead slightly on floured surface and divide in half. Roll into a circle and brush with melted butter mixed with a little orange juice and a Tablespoon of sugar. Cut into
wedges, 12 per circle. Roll up wide end first. Let rise until double. Bake 375 10 minutes.