penne alla vodka

This was a quick and yummy dinner for a Monday night.  I added some sauteed turkey sausage for Brad.  :)

And, it's Weight Watchers!

2 c uncooked penne
2 Tbsp reduced calorie tub margarine
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 plum tomato, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup reduced fat chicken broth
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp vodka
1/4 c diced tomato
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley

Cook the penne according to package directions; drain and keep warm.  Meanwhile, melt the margarine in a medium nonstick skillet, then add the shallot and tomato. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomato paste, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream and vodka. Cook, stirring constantly, until just heated through (do not boil). Pour the sauce over the penne and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the diced tomato, cheese and parsley and serve at once.

*Jami's notes: I used shells instead of penne.  I used 1/2 of a large can of crushed tomatoes instead of the tomato and paste.  I used my trusty onion flake instead of shallot.  And, as mentioned above, I added some turkey sausage for my meat-lovin' husband.If you don't have cream or want to cut more calories/fat, you could try milk instead of cream.*

pork tenderloin

I usually buy those premarinated tenderloins but decided to season it myself this time.  This recipe is so easy and it yielded the most tender tenderloin.  Foil is the key!!!

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Weight Watchers Recipe
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 30 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

A simple blend of herbs and spices, with a touch of olive oil, transforms an ordinary pork roast into an exceptional main course.

Ingredients

1 spray(s) cooking spray
2 tsp dried thyme, or 2 Tbsp freshly chopped thyme
2 tsp dried oregano, or 2 Tbsp freshly chopped oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tsp olive oil
2 pound(s) lean pork tenderloin

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.  Combine thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.  Rub oil all over pork. Sprinkle thyme mixture all over pork and transfer to prepared pan. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of pork reads 160ºF, about 30 minutes. Let roast stand 10 minutes before slicing crosswise into thin slices. Yields about 3 ounces per serving.

* Jami's notes: I used onion flake instead of onion powder.  I roasted this wrapped in foil in a small casserole dish and that helped keep it tender.  I cooked a one-pound roast and still used the same amount of spices. *

peanut butter 'cheese' ball

Ok, go ahead and hate me now because this is not going to help your diet!  :)

This is another pinterest recipe and might be my favorite yet. 

Peanut Butter 'Cheese' Ball

8 oz softened cream cheese

1 c powdered sugar

3 tbsp brown sugar

3/4 creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)

3/4 c peanut butter chips

3/4 c milk chocolate chips

graham cracker sticks, apple slices or shortbread cookies for serving

Beat the first 4 ingredients together in a mixer.  Spoon the mixture into a large piece of saran wrap, wrap tightly and freeze for several hours to harden.  Once hard, roll in the chocolate and peanut butter chips.  Freeze again until it is ready to serve.  It will thaw out in about 30 minutes.

*I recommend using reduced fat peanut butter (at least) as the regular kind makes it very greasy.  I had a hard time finding the graham cracker sticks so I used Lorna Doone short bread cookies.  They were amazing and I think a better option.*

spoonburgers

These ain't pretty but they are darn yummy and about as easy as it gets!

They're like sloppy joes but classier.  :)

Spoonburgers

1 lb ground beef or venison

1 can chicken gumbo (drained of most of its juice)

ketchup and yellow mustard to taste (1/4 to 1/2 c each)

Brown the meat and drain.  Drain most of the liquid off of the gumbo and add to meat.  Add the ketchup and mustard.  This will take a lot more than you think.  Start with 1/4 c each and then go from there.  Serve on hamburger buns. 

One night I served with my fave spicy sweet potato fries and the next with this great broccoli and white cheddar mac & cheese. 

molly hopkins

Got to meet the precious Molly Hopkins the other day!  Her Daddy, Walker, is my brother's oldest friend and like a brother to me.  Walker and Melissa welcomed Mary Lyals 'Molly' about 4 months ago.  She's the cutest!  Congrats guys!

*Why are my pictures doing this???*

balsamic roasted chicken

Here's another favorite from Gena Knox - balsamic roasted chicken. 

It was super easy and very tender!  My veggies weren't quite done so make sure you cut them small enough. 

One dish and dinner is done.  Yes, please!

pinterest dinner

Last week, I made a dinner entirely of recipes I found on Pinterest.  I made Pioneer Woman's country fried steak and gravy, parm asparagus and broiled potatoes. 

* Side note: If you are not on Pinterest - do it today!  It is a virtual pinboard that lets you 'pin' various items to your board for future reference such as recipes, house ideas, fashion, crafts, etc.  I love it!*

Not sure why this picture won't post right-side up.  Ugh.

The country fried steak was A-mazing.  The cuts I got from Publix were, by far, the most tender I have ever bought.  And, the spices and double-dipping were definitely the way to go. 

I got a hold of the asparagus so make sure you don't overdo it.  Flavor was good but mine was a little dry.

Again, love the flavor of the potatoes but they needed a little more butter.  I think I am going to try olive oil next time. 

And, today, Brad had the leftover gravy on some biscuits.  Yum.  Here's a quick, fail-proof biscuit recipe for you.  

2 c SR flour

1 c buttermilk

1/2 c shortening

Cut all ingredients together to make a wet, sticky batter.  Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake at 450 until slightly browned and done through.  They will be crumbly but fantastic.  I half the recipe for just me and Brad.