Cats "Pineapple Pepperoni Puff Pastry Pizza"

 Hey everyone...hope y'all are doing great. I wanted to share a classic staple in my home that is easy & d'lish. We have another holiday approaching and this would be a great pizza to make with the kiddos or slice up as appetizers for a "get together." I'm always searching for something different but easy when entertaining. When using a "puff pastry" as your crust you get a light crunchy taste, and you can easily score your pastry to make individual sizes. Get the kiddos involved and have them personalize with their favorite toppings. If you have left over spaghetti sauce use that instead of the classic jar pizza sauce. Great way to use your left-over veggies as well. I'm all about fast & easy recipes this year so keep following and let's have "less-stress" in the kitchen this year!
Remember...the best ingredient in a recipe is a pinch of humor. Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* 1 Pepperidge Farm Puff Pasty Sheet (thawed if frozen)

* Turkey Pepperoni slices 

* Pineapple chunks ( if using can...drain & lightly pat w/paper towel

* Grape tomatoes (halved)

* Diced bell pepper

* Mozzarella pearls ( I love Belgioloso)

* Grated Mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 cup)

* Pizza Sauce

Here's all you do...

Preheat oven to 400*

* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

* Spread puff pastry on sheet and softly spread out a bit larger using fingers. 

* Crimp up sides using fingers

* Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on pastry but not on the crimped edges

* Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top

Bake for about 10 minutes then remove (your pastry will puff but will relax) 

add toppings as follows...

* Layer your pepperoni...pineapple...peppers...mozzarella pearls 

* Bake for about another 10-12 minutes (ovens vary)

Remove let set for a few minutes and slice as desired. 

Tip....baking the pizza in 2 stages makes sure your pizza crust cooks evenly without a "soggy crust."

Check back soon for some more Holiday recipes!

Talk soon,

Cat

Happy New Year!

 Hey everyone....Happy New Year! Wow...it's here...2023. Last year was a bit rough so I'm praying 2023 will bring us all joy. I know we all set goals every year but I'm trying to stick to the one that I promised my sweet grandson Davin. Yes...making my recipes "healthi-r." I've had a few "flops" lately, but I've realized they are not mistakes just trials :-) Although I hate wasting money. I've tried several healthy flours and nut substitutes, but I think I'm going to stick with the ones that I'm accustomed to and you can always substitute the ones to your liking. Everyone's dietary needs are different, and family needs as well. As I've gotten older my "needs" have really changed. Lord I never thought I'd say that! :-)  Thank you so much for following. I'm looking forward to sharing some more fun...healthi-r recipes with you along with some helpful tips in the kitchen! Remember the best ingredient is a "pinch of humor" and lately I've really been seasoning with that tip! Have a great New year!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"App the Classics for New Year's Eve!"

 Hey everyone...hope y'all are having a great Holiday Season. It's hard to believe the New Year is right around the corner. So, I wanted to share a "reminder" of the old school classic & easy appetizers. Sometimes I tend to forget the easy one's when party planning and this one is very easy on the budget as well. I always have the ingredients for the pepperoni roll ups on hand. The turkey pepperonis are a favorite snack of mine and grandson. Sometimes we even put a slice of pepperoni on top of a ritz cracker...slice cheese and we're both happy campers :-) Oh and yes...I'm still working on his "cookbook." Hate to admit I've had some "fails" in the kitchen lately twisting the recipes healthi-r. But I'm not giving up! :-) Well, I wish us all a great safe and Happy New Year in 2023. This year has been hard w/ the passing of my dear dad on New Year's Eve. We've all had rough times, but he would definitely want us to keep smiling and to always stay focused. I did "sew my stress away" this year and I plan on doing it again in 2023. So, if you're a quilter or would love to learn some fun & easy projects just pop on over to my quilt blog. I thank y'all so much for following me and stay tuned for some great "healthi-r" recipes in 2023. Of course, there might be some "fun" recipes too! Happy 2023 y'all!!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Low carb snack size tortillas (I use La Banderita)

* Turkey Pepperoni slices (I love Bridgford...gluten free & 70% less fat)

* Philadelphia Cream Cheese chive & onion

* Party pics (less mess)

* Cherry tomatoes (I could only find grape tomatoes so cut in half if you wish)

* Fresh Mozzarella pearls (I love Bel Gioioso)

Here's all you do...

* Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on tortilla & lay pepperoni slices per pic.

* Roll up tortilla tightly & slice with a sharp knife in a "saw motion" so it doesn't flatten and keeps the pinwheel design. 

* Place a party pic through center...that's it...easy & great appetizer to get the kiddos involved too :-)

Tip....the cream cheese also makes great "finger sandwiches"...it spreads easily, and you can cut off the crust with a sharp knife then cut in half or even quarters. Again, great on the budget :-)

* For the tomato and mozzarella pearls just pierce through with the party pic. I sometimes love to add a slice of pepperoni too....great for the kiddos :-)

* These appetizers are so easy but a classic in my home. I love how you can make them ahead and wrap & put in fridge while you tend to your other recipes. Enjoy!

"Tis the Season 4 a Christmas Crock Pot Appetizer"

 Hey everyone...hope your Christmas week is going great. I can't believe Christmas is Sunday. This year has flown by for me. I do love this time of year...all the Christmas cheer & get togethers but that can also lead to some stress as well. The one thing that I've always had a hard time letting go is trying to be perfect when entertaining. I've learned the hard way and now I actually do things a lot easier. I've realized lately that just because it's easy doesn't mean it's not great. This recipe I'm sharing is super easy & d'lish. I combined turkey sausage with Italian Meatballs to accommodate all "meat eaters." :-) Easy one pot wonder! If there is one of my recipes, you make I do hope it's this one. In fact, we had a few "leftovers" and they heated up great. My kind of appetizer! I will say that if you're watching your sugar or calorie intake you might want to change it up a bit to fit your dietary needs. Well, I hope you enjoy this easy appetizer, and it takes a little stress of your Holiday entertaining. I know it's a favorite in my family! Enjoy & Merry Christmas week!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

*1 bag 28oz. Italian Style Meatballs "pre-cooked"

* 1 13oz. Hillshire Farm Turkey Sausage Link (thinly sliced)

* 1 14 oz. can Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce

* 1 12oz. jar Heinz Chili Sauce

* 1 18 oz. Welch's Concord Grape Jelly

Add more spice if desired. 

Here's all you do...

* In large crockpot on medium heat combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce & jelly until all incorporated. 

* Add in meatballs & turkey sausage...cover and cook on low until all heated through. 

* Reduce heat to warm and stir as needed. 

Enjoy!

"Cats FUN-Green Bean Casserole"

 Hey everyone...hope your week is going great & your "Thanksgiving Menu" is coming along. Well, if you want to change it up a bit, I have the recipe for you. We all know that I've been working on my grandsons Davin cookbook for Christmas. So, I decided to "put a little fun" in a side dish that we all know and love so well. I know a green bean casserole is a much on our Holiday menu, but I had to put a spin on it. You know me! He loves "funyuns" and unfortunately has his Gege addicted to them too. But it's the Holidays and this is when we can splurge a bit but still keeping with the tradition as well. So, I decided to add a little "fun" in the classic green bean casserole by using a bag of "funyuns" instead. I have to say that I'm not too sure I'll make it any different now. It's d'lish and still gives you the classic casserole taste but with a bit more of a crunch. If you love "funyuns" please give this a try. Plus, what a "fun" way to get your kiddos involved in the kitchen. They will be surprised when you pull out a bag of funyuns. I know seeing a kids face light up during the Holidays makes me happy! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Tip....you can follow the traditional recipe and then sub the "funyuns" or make mine recipe below...remember fresh beans is always best but with the Holiday rush I love the cans :-)

Here's all you need...

* 2 (14.5) cans of French style green beans (Del Monte-drained)

Note...if you use fresh it's about 2 cups of already "cooked" green beans :-)

* 1 (10.5) can of cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup

* 1/2 to 3/4 cup of low-fat milk or your desired liquid

* 1 (2 oz.) bag of "Funyuns" (reserve a few to crumble on top before serving for that extra crunch!

* salt/pepper to taste

Here's all you do...

* Preheat oven to 350*

* Butter bottom and sides of a casserole dish and place on a baking pan...set aside.

* In a large bowl whisk soup with milk until creamy & season as desired.

* Fold in "drained" green beans. Mix until combined.

Now the "FUN" begins!

* On bottom of casserole layer a few funyuns...

* Spread 1/2 of green bean mixture

* Layer a few more funyuns

* Rest of green bean mixture

* Now top of the casserole with the "funyun rings" in a decorative manner.

Note...remember to leave a few back to "crumble " on top right before serving. This part is super fun for the kiddos :-)

* Cover tightly w/ aluminum foil and poke about 4 tiny holes in foil.

* Bake about 30 minutes or until cooked through (ovens vary)

I love this casserole...the funyuns become one with the soup when cooking and you get an extra creamy onion flavor. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and it becomes a new "tradition" for your family during the holidays. Seriously...anytime...great way to get the kiddos to eat their veggies :-)

Stay safe & check back soon for more recipes!

Cat

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"Tis the Season 4 Pancakes"...Cats Caramel Apple-Nut Pancakes!

 Hey everyone...hope all is well and your weekend is off to a great start. I'm still in shock that Thanksgiving is next week, and Christmas is right around the corner. This year has flown by for me and now the Holiday rush is upon us. Well...for me anyway. We all know by now what my sweet Grandson Davin requested for his Christmas gift this year. My recipes made "healthi-r" so he can make my recipes when he goes off to college. May I add...he's only 12. But when you grow up in a family where your mom & dad eat healthy...work out and lead a healthy-lifestyle it does set the standard. I know when I'm visiting that I lose a few extra pounds, but it seems to find me! Hmmmm. I will say when I did accept his "challenge" of twisting my recipes healthi-r...it has been a challenge for me. If you notice how I spell the word healthier that is due to the frustration I've had trying new ingredient's and wasting money when it doesn't turn out. Eating healthy is a choice a great lifestyle decision especially if you have health issues like me. But always no matter how "yummy" my pancakes look, always make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs. I love sharing recipes but I am not a dietitian so that is why I don't post the nutritional values on my recipes. Everyone's needs are different & if you're like me adjusting to those needs can be challenging. The Holidays are approaching, and everything is going to be "tempting" so brace yourself...stay focused. I love to cook & bake so I just make them for my loved ones that can eat them! Ha! Recipe is easy so make & a great breakfast for those Holiday mornings as well. These pancakes are d'lish made with King Arthur Baking Mix which is "gluten free." Basically, I eat the pancakes without the "yummy topping." But the caramel drizzle on top is sugar free....so let's just end on a positive note that "what college kid wouldn't love to make them for those late nights studying." :-) Or anytime...seriously they are d'lish. Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* 1 cup King Arthur all-purpose baking mix (gluten free)

* 3/4 c. unsweetened apple sauce

* 2 Tablespoons egg-whites (equivalent to 1 large egg)

* 1 Tablespoon of Agave (I use organic agave in the raw)

* 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1/4 c milk 2 % reduced fat (adjust liquid amount if needed)

* 2-3 apples (one grated in recipe and rest for topping)

* Smucker's sugar-free topping (optional but d'lish)

* 1 cup chopped walnuts (1/2 in recipe,1/2 for topping)

Tip...add toppings of your choice...I'm sure a few chocolate chips wouldn't hurt :-)

Here's all you do...

* In a large mixing bowl whisk together the wet ingredients.

* Sift over the bowl the baking mix & dry ingredients. (do not add nuts)

* Using whisk. Incorporate all ingredients until smooth. I like my pancakes a bit chunky but add more liquid if you like yours thinner.

* In a non-stick pan melt unsalted butter on low-medium heat until "slightly brown." This will give your pancakes an unbelievable "brown-butter taste."

* Using a 1/4" measuring cup scoop pancake mix into pan. Don't over crowd...I do about 2 at a time.

* Top each pancake with a few walnuts. Flip over once slightly browned and cook on other side.

* Set aside and cover with a lid to keep warm and continue until you've made your desired amount of pancakes. Amount varied due to size of pancakes :-)

* Top with sliced apples...chopped walnuts and drizzle w/ caramel sauce or your desired toppings. 

Thanks for following me & hope you enjoy this recipe and have a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Wish me luck on "twisting" more recipes health-r for my sweet Grandson Davin. 

Blessed Cooking,

Cat

 

"Tis the Season 4 Pancakes"...Cats Banana Nut Pancakes!

 Hey everyone...hope y'all are having a great weekend and enjoying some fall-ish weather. In Florida it's hard to decipher seasons so when the wind blows a bit this time of year, I tend to get a little excited. I do miss seeing the leaves changing and Pine Trees in Texas. I've gone from decorating with orange pumpkins to blue and white pumpkins and somehow that doesn't seem right. :-) But there's one thing in common no matter what state you live in is everyone loves pancakes. My family especially! My grandson Davin loves making pancakes with me and coming up new ways to create them. We all know from previous posts that I've been working on his "cookbook" that he requested for Christmas. I've been "tweaking my recipes" cause he requested then healthier. Well quick questions...have you seen posts lately? Exactly! I'll be honest...this has really been a challenge for me...but I accepted his challenge. But I've decided to do a "contribute" to what he loves with a "healthi-er" twist. Yes...pancakes! I can't go wrong, it's his favorite and what "college student" wouldn't want pancakes for dinner when studying. My thought is...he's only 12 so I've got plenty of time to tweak my recipes and we can just add them into the cookbook as needed. Also, he would be proud of me...I've made these pancakes "gluten free & used egg whites." I love how he's so healthy at such a young age. I can honestly say "he's inspired me to change my cooking habits!" When things get a bit caught up on my end...we've been dealing with "Hurricane weather", I'll post pics of him making my late dear dads omelet recipe. I'll be printing that pic along with the recipe for his cookbook. I'm so pleased that he wants my recipes because who knows when I'll be gone :-( and what a sweet way to always feel connected to your loved ones. I hope I've inspired you to share your families' recipes and possibly create a cookbook as well. So, on that note let's get this Pancake season started!

Oh, pop on over to my quilting blog if you want to make a "Pumpkin Spiced Latte' Trivet" for your Fall breakfast entertaining. Fun/easy & makes a great gift too!

www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* 1 cup King Arthur Gluten Free All-purpose baking mix

* 1/4 cup milk ( I use 2%) 

* 2 TB egg whites (equals 1 egg)

* 1 TB agave nectar

* 1/2 tsp. banana extract ( I use McCormick)

* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (McCormick)

* 1 ripe banana (smashed w/a potato smasher or fork)

* 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

* 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

* 1 cup of chopped walnuts or your desired nuts

Bonus...Smuckers Sugar Free Caramel Sundae Syrup :-) Optional but so d'lish!

Here's all you do...

In a mixing bowl...sift together your dry ingredients and set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl smash your bananas and whisk in your egg whites then add in rest of wet ingredients and mix together by hand into all incorporated. 

Now mix in your dry ingredients until all incorporated. (do not add nuts)

* Preheat your non-stick skillet with 1 Tb unsalted butter on low-med heat.

* Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup...scoop pancakes onto skillet...about 2 at a time...lightly press flat with a spatula and then sprinkle the top with walnuts. Flip over when golden brown.

Tip...this is a thick batter...if you'd like thinner just add a bit more liquid (little at a time) 

Makes about 6 medium sized "rustic pancakes"

Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle more walnuts on top if desired. Enjoy!

Check back soon for more healthi-er pancakes and a fun & easy sewing/quilting project to serve along with your Holiday Entertaining!

Talk soon, Cat