Goulash

This goulash is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also very satisfying. It can be made with any pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce. I make mine with Hunt's Garlic & Herb Spaghetti Sauce. I do add red pepper flakes, which gives this goulash a 'bit of a kick'. It's comfort food at it's best!



Goulash

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 of one large onion, finely chopped

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, minced (Or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Lawry's Seasoning Salt, add according to taste

black pepper, add according to taste

1-1/4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

2-1/2 cups Hunts Spaghetti Sauce or Pasta Sauce

dried parsley flakes, optional

Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional

1.)  In a large deep skillet, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic.

2.)  Season the beef mixture with the seasoned salt & black pepper.

3.)  (While the beef mixture is browning, start cooking the macaroni according to package directions. I cooked mine for 9 minutes.)

4.)  Once the beef mixture is done cooking, drain off any excess grease.

5.)  Place the beef mixture back in the skillet, and then add the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the pasta sauce.  Simmer over low heat while you finish cooking the macaroni; stirring the meat sauce frequently.  

6.)  When the macaroni is done cooking, drain it, then add it to the meat sauce, and finishing heating it through.

5.)  Once heated through; sprinkle on a bit of dried parsley flakes.

6.)  Serve immediately, and top with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

7.)  Yields: 4 to 5 servings

Photo of Goulash topped with Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese.

Goulash Recipe | Just A Pinch

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

I came across this side dish recipe at Food.com, which Karen=^..^= had posted the recipe, but I did modify the recipe to my liking. This delicious side dish is so quick and easy to prepare. My husband and I agree... this side dish is very good, and I look forward to making it often.



Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

9 ounces (2-1/2 cups) penne pasta, uncooked
2 Tablespoons butter
1 very large clove of garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
6 tablespoons Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese

1.)  In a large saucepan, cook the pasta in boiling for 11 minutes, along with a bit of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.  Once cooked; drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse with cold water.  Drain again to remove any excess water, then set the pasta aside.

2.)  In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.

3.)  To the pan, add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir continuously for about 1 minute.  (I only cooked the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.)

4.)  Now add the flour, and continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute.  (I only cooked the flour for 30 seconds.)

5.)  Gradually add the broth and milk; stirring continuously, until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.

6.)  Once the sauce has thickened, quickly add the remaining spices and the parmesan cheese; stirring continuously until the cheese has melted.

7.)  Once the cheese has melted, reduce the heat, and add the cooked pasta; stir until the sauce is incorporated into the pasta, then serve immediately.

8.)  Season pasta with a bit more salt & pepper, if need be.

9.)  Yields: 4 servings

An additional photo of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Food.com

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup

I happen to come across this dessert recipe at food.com.
My husband loves peanut butter and bananas, and I love
chocolate, so we both enjoy this delectable dessert.



Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup 

1 banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or more)
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or more)
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Optional toppings:
Reddi Wip Whipped Topping
Colorful candy sprinkles

1.)  Peel banana; split lengthwise, and place on a plate.

2.)  Spread peanut butter on the banana.

3.)  Drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana.

4.)  If desired, top with some Reddi Wip and candy sprinkles.

5.)  Serve immediately.

6.)  Makes: 1 serving

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom pasta carbonara.  This is my recipe that was published in the Taste of Home's Simple & Delicious Magazine; May/June 2009 (on page 29).

Photo by: Taste of Home 

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara 

2-1/2 cups uncooked mostaccioli pasta

8 bacon strips, diced

1 or 2 jars (4.5 oz. each) whole mushrooms, drained

3/4 cup half-and-half cream

1/3 cup butter, cubed

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon minced garlic

6 to 8 drops hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1.)  Cook mostaccioli according to package directions.

2.)  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain.

3.)  Brown mushrooms in bacon drippings; then remove to paper towels.  Drain drippings from the skillet.

4.)  Add the cream, butter, parsley, garlic, pepper sauce, and salt if desired, to the skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat, until butter is melted.

5.)  Drain mostaccioli; add to cream mixture.

6.)  Stir in the bacon, mushrooms and cheese; heat through.

7.)  Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with green onions.

8.)  Yields: 4 servings

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara Recipe: How to Make It (tasteofhome.com)

Pumpkin Mousse Parfait

I really enjoy this layered Pumpkin Mousse Parfait!



Pumpkin Mousse Parfait 

3 cups cold milk (I used 2% milk)
2 pkgs. (3.4 ounces) each, instant vanilla pudding
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
Additional Cool Whip (for layering)
Additional ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top the dessert)

1.)  Beat milk and pudding mix in a large-deep bowl, for 2 minutes.

2.)  Blend in the pumpkin and spices.

3.)  Stir in the 1 cup of Cool Whip, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4.)  Layer the pumpkin mousse and additional Cool Whip into a trifle bowl, or parfait glasses.  (Or use other individual glasses of your choice.)

5.)  Top each dessert with a light sprinkle of the ground cinnamon.

6.)  Serve immediately, or place the dessert in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

7.) Note: Depending on the size of dessert glasses you are using, and how much of the pumpkin mousse and whipped topping you layer into them, that pretty much will determine the servings you will get.

8.) Optional Variation: Omit layering the additional Cool Whip and the pumpkin mousse.  Just add the pumpkin mousse into smaller individual serving dishes, and top each with a dollop of Cool Whip and a light sprinkle of the ground cinnamon.  This will yield more servings.

Pumpkin Mousse Parfait | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes

This cheesy-scalloped potato recipe was posted by metzstar at allrecipes. I did however, modify the recipe to my liking. The original recipe stated to use 4 cups of the shredded cheese, but by accident, I only used 2 cups, which my husband and I thought that was plenty of cheese. If you want yours to be cheesier, than add more. Also, you can pretty much substitute one can of soup for another.



Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes

8 cups thinly sliced red potatoes (with the skins on)

3 Tablespoons butter

2 medium sized onions, finely chopped

2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced (I used 3 cloves)

1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of broccoli soup

1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup

1 cup milk (I used 1/2 cup each, milk & Half-N-Half)

salt (I added 1/2 a teaspoon)

pepper (I added a 1/4 teaspoon)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

dried parsley flakes, to garnish the potatoes

1.)  First - be sure to wash and pat dry, the red potatoes you are going to use for this recipe.

2.)  Butter the inside of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set pan aside.

3.)  Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.  (I used a very large Teflon coated pan.)  Add the onion, and saute' for about 3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, and saute' it for about 1 minute.

4.)  Reduce the heat under the pan to low, then add both cans of soup, the milk, plus the salt & pepper; stir to incorporate.


5.)  Now add 1 cup of the shredded cheese, cook and stir until the cheese has melted through.


6.)  Add the thinly sliced red potatoes to the pan; stir to coat the potatoes evenly, then add them to the buttered baking pan.


7.)  Sprinkle the top the potatoes with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.


8.)  Cover the pan with foil, and bake the potatoes for 1 hour 25 minutes in a 350º oven.

9.)  Remove the foil, and continue to bake the potatoes for another 10 minutes.

10.)  Once the potatoes are done baking, place the pan on top of the stove, and let the potatoes set for 15 minutes, so they will absorb the sauce in the pan.

11.)  Sprinkle the potatoes with the dried parsley flakes, then serve immediately.


12.)  Yields: 10 servings

Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (allrecipes.com)

Five O'Clock Franks

This recipe is from my 1975 Campbell's Cookbook titled...
A Campbell Cookbook Most-For-The-Money Main Dishes.
I did however tweak the recipe a bit, substituting one soup
for another, and also using another kind of noodles.



Five O'Clock Franks

1 (l6-oz.) package franks, cut into 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1/3 cup water
1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini noodles
8 oz. frozen cut green beans, cooked and drained

1.)  In a 10-inch skillet, brown the franks and onion in butter until tender; stirring often.  (I browned the franks and onion over medium to medium-low heat within 5 minutes.)

2.)  Stir in the soup, ketchup, and water.

3.)  Add the cooked noodles and cooked green beans; stir and heat through.

4.)  Season with salt and pepper, according to taste.

5.)  Yields: 5 servings

6.) *Note: Campbell's original recipe states to use a can of cheddar cheese soup, but I opt to use Fiesta Nacho Cheese, which gave this hot dish a bit of a 'kick'.  Also, I cooked the frozen green beans with 2 tablespoons of water, in a 900 watt microwave oven for 9 minutes; stirring them after 4 minutes and 30 seconds.  I should also mention, I cooked the noodles for 9 minutes.

Five O'Clock Franks | Just A Pinch Recipes

My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

This is my favorite way to eat Mac 'n Cheese from a box.  The salsa added, makes it taste so good!  By the way, I wanted to let everyone know... The photo of the mac 'n cheese was taken by, mydesigirl at: Food.com   




My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

1 (7.25 ounce) box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk (I use 2% milk)
4 to 5 Tablespoons salsa (See *Note)

1.)  Prepare the mac 'n cheese according to package directions.

2.)  Just before serving, (and while still hot) stir in the salsa.

3.)  Servings: 3

4.) *Note: Whenever I make this recipe adding salsa that has more
heat to it (like my husband's homemade 'hot' salsa), I only add 4 Tablespoons to the mac 'n cheese, but if I use a store bought brand that's not so hot, and is a medium-heat tasting salsa, then I'll add 5 Tablespoons of the salsa.

My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Food.com

Coffee L'Orange

This is a delicious orange chocolate flavored coffee, which I top with either Reddi Wip or Cool Wip Whipped Topping, and a light sprinkle of either ground cinnamon or nutmeg.



Coffee L'Orange 

2 Tablespoons ground coffee
1/2 teaspoon ground coffee
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 tablespoons chocolate flavored syrup
1 cup cold water
1/8 cup cold water
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
large dollop (or two) Reddi Wip Dairy Topping, or Cool Whip
light sprinkle ground cinnamon, or ground nutmeg

1.)  Place the coffee grounds inside paper filled (brewing) basket.

2.)  Sprinkle the orange zest over the coffee grounds.

3.)  Adjust brewing basket to fit inside the coffee maker.

4.)  Add the chocolate syrup to the empty coffee pot of the coffee maker.

5.)  Pour the cold water inside the coffee maker, and start brewing the coffee.

6.)  When brewing is completed, add the orange extract to the coffee pot.  Stir the chocolate/coffee mixture, until it's well blended.  (At this point, I add my coffee to a mug, and heat it up a bit more in the microwave.)

7.)  Stir coffee, then top it with a dollop or two of Reddi Wip or Cool Whip.

8.)  Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top the Reddi Wip or Cool Wip.

9.)  Yields: 1-serving (8 ounces)

Coffee L'Orange | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mashed Potato Salad

This is my favorite potato salad, plus it's so easy to make.



Mashed Potato Salad 

6 medium size potatoes (2-1/2 lbs. unpeeled potatoes)

 
1/3 cup sweet pickled relish (all ready chilled)

2 Tablespoons diced onion

1/3 cup diced celery

salt and pepper, season according to taste

 
1 Tablespoon 5% white vinegar

 
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

 
1 cup salad dressing (all ready chilled)

5 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped

 

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1.)  Peel, cut, and cook potatoes as for making mashed potatoes.

 

2.)  When done cooking, drain the potatoes well, and then mash them.

 

3.)  To the mashed potatoes, add the relish, onion, celery, salt and pepper.

 

4.)  In a medium size bowl mix the vinegar and sugar; mix until sugar is dissolved.

5.)  Add the salad dressing to the vinegar/sugar mixture, and mix well.

6.)  Pour the salad dressing mixture into the mashed potatoes, and mix thoroughly.  (If the potatoes seem too dry, add more of the salad dressing.)

7.)  Fold in the chopped eggs.

 

8.)  Serve salad immediately while still warm, or serve it at room temp, or refrigerate the salad overnight, and serve it the next day.

9.)  Yields: 9 to 10 servings (or 3 lbs. of potato salad)

10.) Note: One thing I wanted to mention... if you were to use already "chilled" relish, hard boiled eggs and salad dressing, it helps to cool down the heated mashed potatoes, so you can eat this potato salad once your done preparing it.  We enjoy this salad served warm, at room temp, or even chilled and eaten the next day.  Also, I found it only took me 1 hour to prepare this salad.

Mashed Potato Salad | Just A Pinch Recipes

Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich

My husband and I enjoy this Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich.  The tuna mixture is also delicious on Ritz Crackers, or Keebler Club Crackers.



Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich

1 (5 oz.) can tuna packed in water, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
1 hard boiled egg, peeled & chopped
1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/3 cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise
4 slices bread, toasted

1.)  In a bowl combine together, the tuna, celery, chopped hard boiled egg, sweetened cranberries, and the mayonnaise.

2.)  Spread the tuna salad mixture on 2 slices of toasted bread.

3.)  Top each with the remaining slices of the toasted bread, and serve immediately.

4.)  Yields: 2 sandwiches

5.)  Note: This also tastes great served on crackers, such as, Keebler Club Crackers.

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This sandwich was featured on the recipe website: FOOD.

It was also submitted by Ambrosia for Guen

It truly is a delicious sandwich!

 Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe - Food.com

Both my husband and I enjoy this sandwich.

 Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich | Just A Pinch Recipes

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JELL-O IN A CAN

JELL-O IN A CAN

1 (20-oz.) can sliced pineapple

1 (3-oz.) pkg. Jell-O Gelatin, a gelatin of your choice

1 cup boiling water

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1.)  Pour off pineapple juice from can, but leave pineapple in the can.

2.)  Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water.  Cool slightly.

3.)  Pour Jell-O into can over the pineapple.  Chill in refrigerator until set (firmed-up).

4.)  To serve, run a sharp knife around inside of can, and tip pineapple out onto a plate.

5.)  Slice between the pineapple rings and serve. 

6.)  Yields: 4 to 5 Servings

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Herb Roasted Turkey (Baked in Reynolds® Oven Cooking Bag)

This is how I cook my turkey for Thanksgiving.  I prep the turkey the night before, and place the turkey in an oven cooking bag in a large roasting pan, and in the refrigerator.  Then I am set to cook the bird the next day.  Most of the time I do this a day or two before Thanksgiving (prepping and cooking the turkey).  Afterwards, I'll remove all the meat from the turkey, then when it's time to heat the gravy, I'll add as much of the cooked turkey meat to it as I can.  Usually everyone pours gravy over their meat, so I figure why not just mix the two together.  Also, when it's time to make the gravy, and if I've already refrigerated the pan juices the day before, I'll then scrape off the fat that has accumulated on top.  I've found this is a good way to remove excess fat from the gravy.  Years past I've even cheated and on many occasions, I've use jarred gravy in place of the home-cooked gravy, and I'll add the cooked meat to it.  And by the way, the jarred gravy I used was... Heinz.



Herb Roasted Turkey (Baked in Oven Cooking Bag) 

Reynolds® Oven Cooking Bag, Turkey Size (for 8-24 lbs.)
1 Tablespoon flour
1 (12 to 24 lb.) turkey, already thawed (See *Note)
2 carrots, peeled and rinsed
2 stalks celery, cut in half if need be
1 medium size onion, peeled and cut in half
a few whole cloves of garlic, peeled

About 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1 Tablespoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon regular table salt (or desired amount)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (or desired amount)

1.)  Preheat oven to 350°F.

2.)  Spray inside of bag with a nonstick spray, to reduce sticking, if desired.  Shake flour in Reynolds Oven Cooking Bag.  Place in a large roasting pan, at least 2 inches deep.

3.)  Remove neck and giblets from turkey.
Rinse turkey; pat dry.  Brush turkey with the vegetable oil. 

(See *Note)

4.)  Combine the thyme, rosemary, seasoned salt, sage, table salt, and black pepper, then sprinkle and rub the herb mixture inside the cavity of the bird, plus over the entire the turkey; turning to coat evenly.

5.)  Place turkey inside oven cooking bag.  Add vegetables inside the bird cavity.  Close oven bag with nylon tie; cut 6 (1/2-inch) slits in top.  Tuck ends of bag in pan.

6.)  Bake: 8-12 pound turkeys 1-1/2 to 2 hours, 12-16 pound turkeys 2 to 2-1/2 hours, 16-20 pound turkeys 2-1/2 to 3 hours, 20-24 pound turkeys 3 to 3-1/2 hours.  (See *Note for roasting a 16 and a 19 pound turkey.)

7.)  For easy slicing, let turkey rest in oven bag (on top your stove) for 20 minutes before opening.  If the turkey sticks to the oven bag, gently loosen the bag from the turkey, before opening the bag.

8.) *Note: When it comes to prepping the bird, I do not brush the turkey with vegetable oil.  Also, when it comes to baking the turkeys, I'll bake a (16 lb.) turkey for 2 hours & 15 minutes, and a (19 lb.) turkey for exactly 2 hours & 30 minutes.  But, when I add the herbs and seasonings to the 19 lb. turkey, I use the following amount... 1-1/2 tablespoons of rubbed sage, 1-1/2 teaspoons each... of Lawry's Seasoned Salt, dried thyme, and rosemary, plus I add the 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and the 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.  And after I bake the 19 lb. turkey, I let it rest on top the stove for 30 minutes, before removing it from the cooking bag.

Additional pictures of the turkey...





I wanted to let everyone know, that as of yesterday I had prepared an 18 lb.  Butterball Turkey, and used the following vegetables, dried herbs, and spices...

1 medium size onion
4 medium size carrots
3 stalks of celery, each cut in half
3 extremely large size whole garlic cloves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 Tablespoons dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon table salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon of table salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus 1/16 teaspoon of black pepper

I placed the onion and 2 carrots inside the cavity of the bird, and 1 carrot each inside the pockets, which are on each side of the drumsticks and next to the breast of the bird.  I also placed a celery half in each pocket, and the remaining halves of celery inside the cavity of the bird.  I then placed an extra large clove of garlic in each pocket, and the remaining clove inside the cavity of the bird.  I baked the turkey for 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the meat was so moist and tender.

As you can see, I upped the amount of carrots and celery, plus the dried herbs and spices this time when I prepared my turkey, which not only made my kitchen smell even more wonderful while it was baking, but I'm sure it will also make the gravy taste even more flavorful!

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I have also posted this recipe at the Just-A-Pinch website.

Which the Kitchen Crew posted the following photo.                          

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Herb Roasted Turkey (In a bag) | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Lovely and Luscious Mug of Coffee

Mirj at food.com, inspired me to make this coffee, but I tweaked the recipe to suit my taste.  Also, instead of using boiling water, I just added cold water and the instant coffee in my mug, then placed the mug in a 900 watt microwave, and nuked it for 1 minute & 66 seconds.



Love and Lucious Mug of Coffee

1-1/2 teaspoons Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee
1-1/2 teaspoons Taster's Choice Hazelnut Instant Coffee
11 ounces boiling water
1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) liquid hazelnut coffee creamer
2 ounces (4 Tablespoons) heavy whipping cream (See *Note)

1.)  Place both coffees in bottom of a tall coffee mug.

2.)  Add boiling water to the mug, and stir.

3.)  Add the hazelnut coffee creamer and whipping cream, and stir.

4.)  Yields: 14 ounces of coffee

*Note: When making this coffee, I used those individual single serve packets of instant coffee, which you can purchase either 7 or 20 in a box, and each packet equals 1-1/2 teaspoons.  Also, be sure you use real cream in this recipe.  Do not substitute using milk or skim milk!!

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Lovely and Luscious Mug of Coffee Recipe - Food.com