Zesty Italian Sausage Pasta

I love pasta and the variety of ways you can prepare it. Some recipes are better than others, and this one fell short of my expectations. It's a colorful, healthy pasta dish but lacked flavor.

Zesty Italian Sausage Pasta

1 pkg (19.76 oz.) Italian Mild Sausage Links
1 pkg. (16 oz.) of linguine
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 can (14.5) diced Italian tomatoes
1 can (10.5 oz.) chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets

Prepare sausage according to directions. Cool slightly; cut into 1/4-in. slices.
Prepare pasta according to package directions.

In a large saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Stir in tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Add the broccoli and cooked pasta. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 5 mintues. Add sausage; toss to combine. 5 servings.

Note: I used fresh chicken stock and added 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Pinto Beans Surprise!

I love hot foods when it's cold or raining outside. This morning, I decided to cook some Pinto beans with ground turkey and vegetables. I got the idea from a recipe I saw on a can of "zesty chili style" diced tomatoes. It sounded good, so I wanted to make it with a few changes and addition's. I used fresh, cooked Pinto beans instead of canned kidney beans and added extra seasonings to the beans while they were cooking. Fresh is always better than canned, and with this recipe, I couldn't agree more. The result was a pot of flavorful beans out of this world, a "Pinto Beans Surprise." You'll definitely want to try this recipe! It's quick, easy, and doesn't require many ingredients.


Pinto Beans Surprise

1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
(1) (15 oz.) can of Pinto, or Kidney beans, drained
Or
(1) 16 oz. bag of Pinto beans,
soaked for 6 to 8 hours or overnight
1/2 cup onions
1 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 tsp Paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp parsley

(1) can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes,
zesty chili style
(1) can (15 oz.) Whole Kernel Corn
(1) can (4 oz.) diced green chiles

Cover beans with water and cook about 1 and 1/2 hours on medium high heat with seasonings, onions and garlic (covered with lid). While the beans are cooking, brown meat in large sauce pan; drain.
Once the beans are cooked, stir in remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes. Top with sliced green onions, cilantro and shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.

Note: This dish can also be served with white rice.

Free body lotion at Bath & Body Works!

Love free stuff? I know I do. Then head to your nearest Bath & Body Works and pick up a free 2 oz body lotion in the newest scent, Country Chic (Facebook Fan Exclusive). I got one today and love it. It's a nice, fresh scent for spring. But hurry to get yours. It's only available today and tomorrow.

Stir-fried Rice

This was another meal I threw together quickly, and it tastes delicious! A Stir-fry dish is a great way to use vegetables you have in the refrigerator or freezer. I never know when I'll want Stir-fried Rice, so I keep shrimp and chicken on hand to add to the vegetables.

Stir-fried Rice

3 tsp sesame oil
1 medium boneless/skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
or 1/2 cup cooked chicken
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Chinese 5 Spice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup onions
1/2 cup celery
1 tbsp Hoisin sauce
Raw medium shrimp

white rice (about 3/4 cup to 1 cup cooked in 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock)
1 beaten egg

Heat oil in skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add seasonings, garlic, onions, and celery and cook two to three minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in Hoisin sauce, shrimp, and cooked rice with beaten egg and cook a few mintues more. Add soy sauce to taste and serve.

Great Clearance at Lane Bryant!

I went into Lane Bryant yesterday at East ridge Mall and immediately went to the Clearance section. My eyes lit up when I noticed the sign "Take an additional "70% off." This was music to my ears. I smiled when I saw some of the sweaters I had contemplated buying last year. So, now was my chance, and at $4.50 each, it was a steal. Ross isn't the only store where you can "dress for less."

Chicken with Broccoli & Onions

I had onions, broccoli and chicken thawed out, so I made a chicken casserole. Just about any vegetables will do, but I used what I had onhand. I always use cream of chicken or mushroom soup, but this time I used cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup. It was delicious. I use garlic in just about everything I cook, so I knew I'd like the garlic and mushroom flavor together. The white wine and seasonings on the chicken really brought out all the wonderful flavors.

6 to 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or thighs)
Salt and pepper
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp chicken seasoning
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup of chopped onions
2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli
1 (10 3/4 oz) can of cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup

Directions:
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in a casserole dish, then sprinkle remaining seasonings on top. Place bay leaf in the middle of the dish under chicken. Pour wine over chicken, cover and marinate 30 minutes or overnight. Place onions and broccoli on top of chicken, then spread soup on top. Bake at 375 degrees for one hour. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Clinique facial soap: cleans well, priced low!

When it comes to skin care, a good moisturizer and foundation are a must for me. And so is a good cleanser! I used my sister's Clinique facial soap once and was amazed how well it removed all my makeup. In fact, it took everything off, and my skin felt smooth and clean. And when she told me it was only $15 for a 6.7 ounce bottle, I knew I was buying it. It's less than half the price of Bobbi Brown's cleansing oil ($39 for 6.7 ounces), which I like but don't purchase regularly. Hopefully, it's good for all skin types.