Chicken Pot Pie

You have no idea how happy I am that I tried this recipe!  I am SO NOT a chicken pot pie kind of girl...it's just not something I would ever order at a restaurant, so the fact that I had this planned to make at home this week surprised myself and the husband too!  

You just have to check out my friend Terra's blog Sunshine & Stovetops...that's where I discovered this delicious recipe that I simply couldn't resist.  Click HERE for the recipe!

  Oh man, it was so good.  I made it exactly the way Terra did, except I added cubes of chicken breast and a cup of sliced mushrooms...that is all.  Could you believe this was my first "puff pastry experience"?!?  It was a little too easy!  Without a doubt I will be making this again!  Thanks Terra for allowing me the chance to share this delicious recipe!

Sunday Sauce

Okay...I think it's finally time for this.  I'm ALWAYS talking about making sauce on Sunday's.  I guess it's about time I share the recipe with you all.  The only reason I have been holding out is because I literally NEVER make it the same way twice.  However, I think I've done it enough times that it is safe to share the basics!  The last time I made it, I took note of all of my measurements...and since I was VERY pleased with how that particular batch came out, it is the winning version that I will share!  Not only do I find this sauce delicious, I also love making it.  It smells so good cooking low and slow!  There is nothing like a traditional Sunday Sauce (or gravy....if that's what your family calls it)!

Ingredients:

Olive oil - 2 Tbsp.

3/4 lb. of ground chuck

3 hot italian sausages - cut in half

1 large onion - finely diced

3 cloves of garlic - minced

1 handful of baby carrots - chopped in a food processor

1 cup of red wine - I use merlot

3 28 oz. cans of tomato puree

1 tbsp. of Mrs. Dash - original seasoning

salt

pepper
2/3 cup of parmesan cheese
A handful of basil leaves - chopped

Directions:
1.  In a large pot, brown ground chuck and then remove.
2.  Next heat up about a Tbsp. of olive oil and brown the sausage on all sides.  You don't need to cook it throughout, just let the outside get nice and golden brown and then remove from the pot.
3.  Add another Tbsp. of olive oil to the pot, lower the heat to medium and sauté the onions for about 4-5 minutes until translucent.  Next, add the garlic, carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4.  Add the meat back into the pot, and red wine, cook for about 4 minutes until wine starts to reduce.
5.  Add the three cans of tomato puree, Mrs. Dash, salt, and pepper.  *Don't waste the rest of the puree in the cans.  I filled each can about 1/4 of the way with water, gently rinsing sauce off the edges then added to the sauce.
6.  Stir sauce thouroughly, after it starts to bubble lower the heat to a simmer.  Cook for about 4 hours stirring every 15-20 minutes or so.  Make sure to stir from the bottom up, making sure nothing is burning to the bottom of the pot.
7.  When it is finished cooking, add the parmesan cheese, and basil - stir.  Serve with your favorite pasta.  Top with extra parmesan cheese, and basil!  ENJOY!  

What's cooking this week & Sunday Social!

Last week was a nice little break, but it's time to get back into my usual routine!  My stomach is literally growling as I am typing this!

Tonight: Italian Wedding Soup

Monday: Crock Pot Turkey Veggie Chili

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie

Wednesday: Chipotle Mac & Cheese

Thursday: Eggplant Rollatini or Parmesan - I haven't decided yet :)

It's going to be a yummy week, and it looks like there will be a TON of leftovers too!  Perfect!

And now real quick, because I NEED food stat...let's have a little fun with Neely from A Complete Waste of Makeup & Ashley from Ashleys Carnival Ride for the Sunday Social!

What is your ideal way to relax?

First of all, I MUST be wearing leggings - on my couch with my iPad, & nook close by, with the Cooking Channel, or Food Network on tv - this is my idea of perfection!

Where is your favorite place to be?

See above!  You can throw hubby into the mix, but instead of cooking shows we can opt for a movie marathon!

Who do you consider your biggest role model?

I can't pick just one, for obvious reasons I have to say my parents - they are both amazing, I'm going to leave it at that before I get too deep! 

Aren't they too cute?!?! 

But I have to also say, the little brother is pretty inspirational.  He is so talented, and has done nothing but follow his dreams!  Yes, I look up to my little brother in more ways than one!  

This was from last night...wish I could have been there!

What does your life look like in 3 years?

I hope to be doing exactly what I'm doing now, just with some kids and in a house instead of an apartment! 

If you could go back and change one decision what would it be?

No regrets,  I wouldn't want to rock the boat!  Life is good! 

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

Taking a HUGE leap of faith, and moving to Florida completely jobless on July 21, 2009, officially getting hired as a guidance counselor on July 27, 2009, and moving into our apartment a few days after that....total WHIRLWIND!  Also the craziest thing we have ever/probably will ever do!  

We had NO idea what was in store for us...so exciting/scary!!

Happy Sunday!!! :):):)

You will "wannabe" the winner of this one!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Ashley at Wannabe Green is my hero.  I'm so happy to be a part of this January giveaway, along with some of her pretty awesome sponsors!

1 lucky Winner will take it all.....

a ton of ad space, gift cards, and 3 MONTHS of BIRCHBOX!

So cool!  Thanks lady!  

Make sure you enter this one...it's a biggie!!!

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300x250 ad on Free Spirit Reigns

2 month 200x200 ad on Pinkie for Pink

200x200 ad and $10 Surprise Pack Glamorous, Affordable Life

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$5 Starbucks Gift Card from Quite the Blog

$10 Target Gift card from Faith Love & Babies

$15 Panera Bread Gift Card Never The Same Spice Twice

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3 Month Subscription to Birch Box from Wannabe Green

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a Rafflecopter giveaway If you would like to be a part of Wannabe Green next month.. Get 50% OFF all Sponsor Ads for February with Promo Code "LOVEGREEN"
Good Luck & Stay Crafty,

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

I used to make these meatballs on their own without the mozzarella inside, and ever since I tried it this way...I have never gone back to the original way.  Why mess around?  These are delicious!  I usually make them when I have some leftover Grandpa's Marinara sauce.  I eat these all on their own, usually with a side of a roasted veggie.  Often times, I will boil up a little pasta for hubby (depending on just how much sauce I have left).  With or without pasta, I know you will love these!

Ingredients:

1 lb. - ground turkey meat
8 baby carrots
1/2 onion
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning

1 egg white
3/4 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs (cut out the Italian seasoning if using the seasoned breadcrumbs)
Salt
Pepper
Block of part skim mozzarella cut into 3/4 inch cubes
Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:

(Preheat oven to 375 degrees)

1. Put turkey meat into a large bowl. Pulse carrots, onions, and garlic in a food processor then add to bowl with turkey meat. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, egg white, bread crumbs, and a little bit of salt and pepper.
2. Get your hands into the mix, mush it all together....roll into balls with a cube of mozzarella inside. I usually make them about 2 inches around. Last time I ended up with about 14 meatballs.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
4. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.