Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

1 lb. of ground sausage

1 medium onion, diced

1 TBSP. of garlic

1 20 oz. can of diced tomatoes

3 containers of chicken broth

1 package of frozen tortellini

1 TBSP. Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese rind (optional)

Directions

1.  In a large soup pot add 1 TBSP of olive oil and diced onion.  Sautee 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.  Add garlic, and ground sausage.  Cook until sausage is brown.  Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
2. Add diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.  Add parmesan cheese rind (optional)
3. Add chicken broth and let simmer for 30 minutes.  Add tortellini and cook another 3 minutes.
4. Remove parmesan cheese rind
5. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese

Spinach and Artichoke Bites

Ingredients

2 boxes of mini phyllo shells

1 package of frozen chopped spinach

1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and diced

10 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup of mayonnaise

1/3 cup of sour cream

1 tsp. of garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Thaw frozen chopped spinach and squeeze out excess water.  Place in large mixing bowl
2. Dice artichokes and place in bowl.  Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, mayo, sour cream and mozzarella cheese
3. Mix all ingredients until combined
4. Place phyllo shells on a baking sheet and fill with spinach and artichoke mixture
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

Christmas Punch Recipe

Ingredients

2 Bottles of Sparkling Wine (Sparkling Brut)

1 Bottle of Sprite (I used 2 Liter Sprite Zero)

1 Container of Raspberry Sherbet (I used 4-6 scoops)

2 Cups of Cranberries

Directions

1.)  Mix all ingredients together and serve chilled

Baked Brie Bites

Ingredients

1 Can of Crescent Dough (You can use the rolls or sheet)

1 Wedge of Brie Cheese

1 Jar of Fig Spread (You can use any flavor, Sour Cherry, Cranberries, Honey, etc.)

1/4 Cup of Pecans Chopped

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

2.) Grease a mini muffin tin

3.)  Cut crescent dough into squares and place in muffin tins

4.)  Chop Brie into squares and place in muffin tin on top of crescent dough

5.)  Top Brie with fig spread and chopped pecans

6.) Bake at 350 Degrees for 10 minutes

Christmas Potpourri

Potpourri Recipe

Ingredients

1 Orange, Sliced

1 Cup Fresh Cranberries

2-3 Sprigs of Pine or Rosemary

1 Tablespoon Cloves

2-4 Cinnamon Sticks

Directions

*Slice orange and place in a medium saucepan with cranberries, pine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water

*Simmer mixture and turn heat to low.  Your house will then smell amazing!

Baked Pineapple

Ingredients

1 Can of Crushed Pineapple

2 Eggs, beaten

1/2 cup of Sugar

1 tsp. Cinnamon

2 TBSP Cornstarch

1 TBSP Butter, melted

Directions

1.) In a medium bowl add crushed Pineapple, Eggs, Sugar, Cornstarch, and Cinnamon.  Mix well until all ingredients are evenly mixed together

2.)  Pour into a baking dish

3.)  Drizzle melted butter on top and sprinkle with cinnamon

4.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

2 packages of whole Mushrooms

1 package of Bob Evans Ground Sausage

4 oz. Cream Cheese

1 TBSP minced garlic

1 TBSP Parsley

1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese

1/4 cup of Panko Bread Crumbs

Directions

1.)  Clean Mushrooms and remove stems (be careful not to break the mushroom).  Set mushrooms on baking sheet

2.)  In a skillet cook sausage until browned.  Add in garlic, cream cheese, and parsley.  Once cream cheese is melted remove from heat

3.)  Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Bread Crumbs

4.)  Divide sausage mixture evenly among mushrooms

5.)  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are cooked through and the tops are golden brown.

6.)  Garnish with chopped Parsley and serve!

Baked Brie with Pecans

Ingredients

1 Package of Brie wrapped in Puff Pastry

1 cup of chopped Pecans

1/4 cup of Brown Sugar

1/4 cup of Maple Syrup

1 tsp Cinnamon

Directions

1.)  In a saucepan over medium heat stir together Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, and Pecans.  Stir until brown sugar is melted and all Pecans are evenly coated

2.)  Place Brie in the center of a baking dish and top with Pecans and syrup

3.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

4.)  Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or cinnamon and sugar pita chips

**If you cannot find Brie already wrapped in puff pastry you can make your own.  Just buy a Brie wheel and puff pastry.  Wrap the brie in the puff pastry and baste with egg white

Sticky Buns

Ingredients

Frozen Rolls (I use Rhodes)

1 Box Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding

1 Stick of Butter

1 Cup of Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Milk

2 tsp. Cinnamon

Nuts (Optional)

Directions

1.) Spray bunt pan with Pam

2.)  On stove top bring Butter, Pudding, Brown Sugar, Milk, and Cinnamon to a boil over medium heat

3.)  Pour hot mixture into bunt pan and place 15-20 frozen rolls around the pan

4.)  Cover with Cling Wrap that has been sprayed with Pam and let rise overnight

5.)  Bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes (I typically cover the pan with foil until the last 10-15 minutes)

Christmas Tree Drink Dispenser

Ornament Cup with Straw

Red Cake Stand

Christmas Wine Glasses

Bar Cart

Christmas Punch Recipe

Ingredients

2 Bottles of Sparkling Wine (Sparkling Brut)

1 Bottle of Sprite (I used 2 Liter Sprite Zero)

1 Container of Raspberry Sherbet (I used 4-6 scoops)

2 Cups of Cranberries

Directions

1.)  Mix all ingredients together and serve chilled

Baked Brie Bites

Ingredients

1 Can of Crescent Dough (You can use the rolls or sheet)

1 Wedge of Brie Cheese

1 Jar of Fig Spread (You can use any flavor, Sour Cherry, Cranberries, Honey, etc.)

1/4 Cup of Pecans Chopped

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

2.) Grease a mini muffin tin

3.)  Cut crescent dough into squares and place in muffin tins

4.)  Chop Brie into squares and place in muffin tin on top of crescent dough

5.)  Top Brie with fig spread and chopped pecans

6.) Bake at 350 Degrees for 10 minutes

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Christmas Potpourri

Potpourri Recipe

Ingredients

1 Orange, Sliced

1 Cup Fresh Cranberries

2-3 Sprigs of Pine or Rosemary

1 Tablespoon Cloves

2-4 Cinnamon Sticks

Directions

*Slice orange and place in a medium saucepan with cranberries, pine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water

*Simmer mixture and turn heat to low.  Your house will then smell amazing!

Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients

1 Can Pumpkin

1 Box Vanilla Instant Pudding

1 Container of Cool Whip

1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon

Directions

1.)  Mix together Pumpkin, Vanilla Pudding, Cool Whip, and Pumpkin Pie Spice with a mixer

2.)  Place in fridge for at least 1 hour to chill

3.)  Sprinkle ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon on top

4.)  Serve with Nilla Wafers, Graham Crackers, or Apple Slices

Pumpkin Cheeseball

Ingredients

2 Packages of Cream Cheese

3 Slices of Cooked Bacon, Crumbled

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 TBSP. Worcestershire Sauce

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Bunch of Parsley

Crackers of Choice

Directions

1.)  Cook Bacon, I like to place on baking sheet and cook in oven for 20 minutes at 350 Degrees.  Let cool and crumble

2.)  Mix together Cream Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Garlic Powder, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, and half of the Cheddar Cheese

3.)  Form Cheeseball into Carrot and place on serving platter.  Cover with remaining Cheddar Cheese

4.)  Place Parsley in the top of the carrot cheese ball

5.)  Refrigerate until ready to serve

6.)  Serve with crackers of choice

Dutch Apple Pie with Caramel Drizzle and Graham Cracker Crust

Pie Filling Ingredients

1 Store Bought Graham Cracker Pie Crust

5 Medium Apples, Peeled, Cored, and Sliced (I used Jonagold)

2 TBSP Unsalted Butter, Melted

1 TBSP Lemon Juice

1/2 Cup of Sugar

3 TBSP Flour

1 tsp Cinnamon

Pie Topping Ingredients

1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar

3/4 Cup of Flour

1/2 tsp Nutmeg

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

6 TBSP Butter, Melted

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Jar of Caramel Sauce to drizzle on top (Optional)

Directions

1.) Slice Apples and place in mixing bowl. Pour in Melted Butter, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Flour and Cinnamon. Stir until all ingredients are mixed and apples are evenly coated

2.) Pour apple mixture in graham cracker crust

3.) Using another bowl mix brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla together until a crumb mixture forms

4.) Sprinkle crumb topping over pie filling

5.) Bake at 350 Degrees for 40 minutes

6.) Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm with ice cream

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients

1 8 oz. package of Cream Cheese, softened

1 15 oz. can of Pumpkin

1 package of Cheesecake Instant Pudding

1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 container of Cool Whip

3 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 Cup of Graham Cracker Crumbs (you can buy the pre-crushed or crush your own with food processor)

4 Tablespoons Butter, melted

2 Tablespoons Sugar

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Directions

1.)  Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar together.  Place in the bottom of individual cups

2.)  Using a hand mixer beat cream cheese until creamy.  Add pumpkin, pudding, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetened condensed milk.  Beat with mixer until all ingredients are combined

3.)  Gently fold Cool Whip into pumpkin mixture with spatula.  Mix by hand until combined

4.)  Spoon pumpkin mixture into cups.  Set in refrigerator for at least an hour to set

5.)  Garnish top with additional Cool Whip and pumpkin pie spice.  Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve

Fall Cocktails

Prosecco Pink Lemonade Punch

Ingredients

1 Can of Frozen Pink Lemonade

1  2 Liter Bottle of Sprite Zero

1-2 Bottles of Champagne (I used 2 Bottles of Prosecco)

1 Bag of Frozen Strawberries (they add flavor and act as ice)

**To make an individual glass of this punch follow this recipe

1/2 Can of Sprite

1/2 Cup of Pink Lemonade (Ready to serve juice)

1 Cup of Prosecco

Handful of strawberries

Apple Cider Sangria

Ingredients

1 Bottle of One Hope Pinot Grigio

1 Can of Sprite

4 Cups Apple Cider

1 Apple, diced

1 cup Cranberries

1.) Mix Wine, Sprite, and Apple Cider together and then add diced Apples and Cranberries

2.)  Chill until ready to serve

Prosciutto Wrapped Apples Proscuitto Wrapped Apples

Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters with Chipotle Aioli

Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters with Chipotle Aioli

Baked Pineapple

This baked pineapple dish was one that my Mom made every Christmas and it always reminds me of her.  It goes perfectly with ham and is an easy side dish to whip up.

Ingredients

1 Can of Crushed Pineapple

2 Eggs, beaten

1/2 cup of Sugar

1 tsp. Cinnamon

2 TBSP Cornstarch

1 TBSP Butter, melted

Directions

1.) In a medium bowl add crushed Pineapple, Eggs, Sugar, Cornstarch, and Cinnamon.  Mix well until all ingredients are evenly mixed together

2.)  Pour into a baking dish

3.)  Drizzle melted butter on top and sprinkle with cinnamon

4.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

Appetizers

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

2 packages of whole Mushrooms

1 package of Bob Evans Ground Sausage

4 oz. Cream Cheese

1 TBSP minced garlic

1 TBSP Parsley

1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese

1/4 cup of Panko Bread Crumbs

Directions

1.)  Clean Mushrooms and remove stems (be careful not to break the mushroom).  Set mushrooms on baking sheet

2.)  In a skillet cook sausage until browned.  Add in garlic, cream cheese, and parsley.  Once cream cheese is melted remove from heat

3.)  Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Bread Crumbs

4.)  Divide sausage mixture evenly among mushrooms

5.)  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are cooked through and the tops are golden brown.

6.)  Garnish with chopped Parsley and serve!

Baked Brie with Pecans

Ingredients

1 Package of Brie wrapped in Puff Pastry

1 cup of chopped Pecans

1/4 cup of Brown Sugar

1/4 cup of Maple Syrup

1 tsp Cinnamon

Directions

1.)  In a saucepan over medium heat stir together Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, and Pecans.  Stir until brown sugar is melted and all Pecans are evenly coated

2.)  Place Brie in the center of a baking dish and top with Pecans and syrup

3.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

4.)  Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or cinnamon and sugar pita chips

**If you cannot find Brie already wrapped in puff pastry you can make your own.  Just buy a Brie wheel and puff pastry.  Wrap the brie in the puff pastry and baste with egg white

Brie Bites

Ingredients

1 Can of Crescent Dough (You can use the rolls or sheet)

1 Wedge of Brie Cheese

1 Jar of Fig Spread (You can use any flavor, Sour Cherry, Cranberries, Honey, etc.)

1/4 Cup of Pecans Chopped

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

2.) Grease a mini muffin tin

3.)  Cut crescent dough into squares and place in muffin tins

4.)  Chop Brie into squares and place in muffin tin on top of crescent dough

5.)  Top Brie with fig spread and chopped pecans

6.) Bake at 350 Degrees for 10 minutes

Sticky Buns

 Ingredients

Frozen Rolls (I use Rhodes)

1 Box Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding

1 Stick of Butter

1 Cup of Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Milk

2 tsp. Cinnamon

Nuts (Optional)

Directions

1.) Spray bunt pan with Pam

2.)  On stove top bring Butter, Pudding, Brown Sugar, Milk, and Cinnamon to a boil over medium heat

3.)  Pour hot mixture into bunt pan and place 15-20 frozen rolls around the pan

4.)  Cover with Cling Wrap that has been sprayed with Pam and let rise overnight

5.)  Bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes (I typically cover the pan with foil until the last 10-15 minutes)

You know I love a good party and a reason to entertain.  Just because we are at home in quarantine doesn’t mean you still can’t throw a little party at home.  In our house tonight we are having a video game party with homemade pizza and appetizers!  The kids love it!  I have been trying out new recipes lately and here are a few of my favorite party food recipes!

Plus a party at home especially in quarantine is not complete without a fun cocktail and dessert!  Check out my single serve Prosecco Pink Lemonade drink!  For dessert we are going to have an ice cream bar!  The kids love making their own sundaes!

Mexican Corn Salad

Ingredients

1 Bag of frozen Sweet Corn

1 Small Red Onion, diced

1 Red Pepper, diced

2-3 Jalapeno’s, diced

1 Bunch of Cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup of Queso Fresco Cheese, crumbled

2 TBSP. Olive Oil

Dressing

3 TBSP. Sour Cream

2 TBSP. Mayo

Juice of 1 Lime

1/2 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1/2 tsp. Chipotle Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

Directions

1.)  Heat Olive Oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add corn and cook until golden brown (you can also grill corn cobs) about 10 minutes

2.)  Chop Red Onion, Red Pepper, Jalapenos and Cilantro.  Add to a medium bowl and add Corn and Queso Fresco Cheese

3.)  In a separate bowl mix all dressing ingredients together.  Whisk until creamy

4.)  Pour dressing over corn mixture and mix all ingredients together

5.)  Top with additional crumbled Queso Fresco

6.)  Place in fridge until ready to serve (you can serve hot or cold)

**Serve as a side dish when you grill out or would be great served as corn salsa with chips

Prosecco Lemonade Punch

Ingredients

1 Can of Frozen Pink Lemonade

1  2 Liter Bottle of Sprite Zero

1-2 Bottles of Champagne (I used 2 Bottles of Prosecco)

1 Bag of Frozen Strawberries (they add flavor and act as ice)

**To make an individual glass of this punch follow this recipe

1/2 Can of Sprite

1/2 Cup of Pink Lemonade (Ready to serve juice)

1 Cup of Prosecco

Handful of strawberries

Arancini (Rice Balls)

Recipe from Joanna Gaines

Magnolia Table 2 Cookbook

Easter will be here very soon and I like to start planning out my recipes and putting together my menu.  I like to have fun and festive food that is easy to make ahead.  Here are two easy appetizer and snack recipes that will be a hit with adults and kids!  I always like to have a signature drink for each party.  Here is a really easy champagne punch recipe that you can throw together last minute.

Carrot Cheese Ball

Ingredients

2 Packages of Cream Cheese

3 Slices of Cooked Bacon, Crumbled

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 TBSP. Worcestershire Sauce

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Bunch of Parsley

Crackers of Choice

Directions

1.)  Cook Bacon, I like to place on baking sheet and cook in oven for 20 minutes at 350 Degrees.  Let cool and crumble

2.)  Mix together Cream Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Garlic Powder, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, and half of the Cheddar Cheese

3.)  Form Cheeseball into Carrot and place on serving platter.  Cover with remaining Cheddar Cheese

4.)  Place Parsley in the top of the carrot cheese ball

5.)  Refrigerate until ready to serve

6.)  Serve with crackers of choice

Bunny Trail Mix

This fun and festive trail mix is perfect for Easter!  Plus it is a super easy snack for kids to help make!  You can also add anything you want to create your own signature mix!

Ingredients

1 cup Annie’s Bunny Grahams

1 cup Pretzels

1 cup Mini Marshmallows

1 cup M&M’s

1 cup  White Chocolate Chips

Directions

*Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

*You can adjust the amount if you are making this snack for a large party!

Champagne Punch

Ingredients

1 Can of Frozen Pink Lemonade

1  2 Liter Bottle of Sprite Zero

1-2 Bottles of Champagne (I used 2 Bottles of Prosecco)

1 Bag of Frozen Strawberries (they add flavor and act as ice)

Directions

1.)  Mix all ingredients in a beverage dispenser or pitcher

2.)  Add frozen strawberries for ice

Peyton loves pepperoni rolls so I made my own and he loves them!  He is now requesting them all the time.  Here is a really easy recipe that would be perfect to have at your next party or a weeknight meal!

Ingredients

1 Bag of Rhodes frozen Bread Dough or Rolls

10-12 Slices of Sandwich Pepperoni (or a bag of pizza size pepperoni)

1 Bag of Grated Mozzarella Cheese

2 TBSP. Melted Butter

1 tsp. Garlic

1 tsp. Italian Seasoning

1 Jar Pizza Sauce

**NOTE:  You can also use Refrigerated Pizza Dough, and other toppings

Directions:

1.)  If using frozen dough let it thaw and knead it into a ball

2.)  Flour rolling pin and roll out dough

3.)  Once dough is rolled out sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni

4.)  Tightly roll dough into a jelly roll log

5.)  Melt butter and mix in garlic and italian seasoning

6.)  Baste butter and seasonings onto the top of the dough

7.)  Gently cut dough into 1 inch pieces and place on baking sheet

8.)  Bake at 350 Degrees for 15-20 minutes (you want to make sure the dough is golden brown)

9.)  Serve with your favorite pizza sauce