Italian Style Turkey Meat Loaf

I know a lot of people just skip over meatloaf recipes...but believe me, just try this one! My husband LOVES beef so I was hesitant to try this recipe, but it was a hit. It is very moist and flavorful.

(I usually half the recipe for our family of 5)

2 lbs lean ground turkey

1 c. Italian style bread crumbs

1/2 c. ketchup

1 c. grated mozzarella

1 c. finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 c. pasta sauce (or a little more if desired)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients except pasta sauce. Mix well. Transfer to baking pan and shape into a loaf about 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from oven and pour pasta sauce over top. Keep baking until it is cooked through, about 30 minutes more. Allow to sit in pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Addi May's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

3 c. flour 

1 tsp. salt 

1 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 c. chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it is nice and fluffy, approx. 5 minutes on medium speed in a mixer. Make sure it gets very creamy!

Add the eggs and vanilla and beat for an additional 2 minutes. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Finally, add chocolate chips. The cookie batter should be somewhat thick. 

Bake 8-
10 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and leave the cookies for 2 minutes before removing from pan. 

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

1 1/2 c. baby carrots, sliced in half

2 c. sugar snap peas

(I have also substituted broccoli and cauliflower)

3 c. uncooked penne pasta

1 Tbs. olive oil

32 or so medium fresh or thawed peeled shrimp

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 c. chicken broth

1/3 c. whipping cream

1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1/4 c. grated fresh parmesan cheese

parsley

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add carrots and let them simmer for about 2 minutes. Add the snap peas and simmer for another 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the veggies to a bowl. Now cook the pasta in the water according to the package directions.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add the veggies, salt, pepper, and garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often or until the shrimp are done (they will be pink).

Stir in the broth, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits. Then stir in the cream and lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Add the pasta and grated cheese, stirring well to coat. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.

Cinnamon Rolls or Orange Rolls

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/8 c. warm water
1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. oil
2 Tbs. yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
3 1/2 c. flour

4 Tbs. butter
brown sugar (about 1 c.)
cinnamon (about 1 Tbs.)

Combine the water, sugar, and yeast.  Let sit for about 10 minutes, or until foamy.  

Add the oil and egg, stir.  Add the salt and flour.  Mix well.  (dough will be slightly sticky).  Place the dough in a clean, greased bowl, cover and let rise until double (about an hour).

Transfer the dough to a floured surface.  Roll the dough into a large rectangle (not too thin).  Soften the butter then spread over the dough.  Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough.

Roll the dough up.  Cut into 1” sections (dental floss is the best!).  Place on greased cookie sheet leaving just a little space in between rolls.  Let rise about 30 minutes.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Top with cream cheese frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese
3 Tbs. butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1 Tbs. milk

Orange Rolls and Frosting
Inside:
combine the following and spread onto rolled dough:
6 Tbs. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
zest of one orange (reserve 1/4 for frosting)

Frosting:
Juice of one orange
1 lb. powdered sugar
milk to thickness
1/4 zest of orange

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Make 1/2 the recipe for pizza dough.

2 Tbs. softened salted butter

2 cloves garlic

1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese (the real stuff, and I use a little more)

1/4 lb. grated mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Mix butter and garlic in a small bowl and spread over rolled out dough. Top with cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot, with marinara for dipping.

The best Pizza Dough

makes 2- 12 inch pizzas

1 c. warm water

2 1/4 tsp. yeast

1 Tbs. sugar

2 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. olive oil

3- 3 1/2 c. flour

In a large mixing bowl, stir yeast and sugar in water. Let stand for 5-10 until bubbly. Pour in salt, oil, and half the flour and mix. When it is all mixed in, slowly add more flour and mix until it is slightly tacky, but doesn't stick to your fingers. Knead for 6 minutes in mixer. The dough should be smooth and easy to work with and clean the bowl.

Transfer the dough to a clean, greased bowl and let rise for 1-2 hours, covered.