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Feb 20, 2012

Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

This recipe was such a hit! It calls for homemade alfredo sauce which I HIGHLY recommend. It makes ALL the difference! This was such a different, fun, DELICIOUS meal that we will definitely be eating more of! It's what I call, "this tastes like we're at a restaurant" meal!
The only thing I changed, was that I couldn't fit all 9 lasagna noodles in my 8X8 pan, so instead I just used 6.
Also, I used a rotisserie chicken from the store and just shredded it.

 


To make:

9 lasagna noodles

2 ½ cups alfredo sauce (optional homemade recipe below)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
oregano
garlic salt
3 cups shredded Mozzarella, or cheese of your choice



Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray and pour ½ cup alfredo sauce, or just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Boil 8-10 cups water in a large pan, cook lasagne noodles until al dente. (I usually cook 1 or 2 extra just because lasagna noodles always seem to break on me when I am stirring them.)

Now this is the important part! Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking to each other. Then, lay out each noodle individually and blot dry with a paper towel.

Spread about 2 Tbs. alfredo sauce over each noodle. (if there is too much sauce you will have a big mess on your hands!) Sprinkle oregano and garlic salt on top of sauce. Take 1/9 of the shredded chicken and spread it out evenly over each noodle. Add approx. 3 Tbs. cheese. 

To roll up, start at one end and roll the noodle over the toppings. You will need to lift the noodle a little to prevent squishing out the inside ingredients while rolling.


Place the roll-ups in the pan, one by one, seam-side down so they don't come undone. Once they are all in the pan, pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the top. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted on top.



The Best Garlic Alfredo Sauce


½ cup butter
2 ounces cream cheese
2 cups heavy cream (or substitute half and half)
2 teaspoon garlic powder
½  tsp. fresh minced garlic
salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
⅔ cup parmesan cheese

In a medium to large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add fresh minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the cream cheese and whisk to smooth and melted. Whisk in the heavy cream.
Season with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and whisk frequently until sauce thickens, around 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and when melted, remove from heat and serve.



Source: http://mmmcafe.blogspot.com

Feb 12, 2012

Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies
These are the PERFECT cookie to make for Valentine's Day that is just around the corner!

·                  1 cup of softened unsalted butter
·                  1 cup of powdered sugar
·                  1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
·                  3/4 tsp vanilla extract
·                  2-3 drops of red food dye (optional)
·                  2 1/4 cups of flour
·                  1/8 tsp salt
·                  1/2 cup of maraschino cherries, chopped up
·                  White sugar, to roll the cookies in
·                  36 chocolate kisses

Beat the butter with a mixer until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and red food dye (if using); beat with a mixer until smooth. Mix the flour and salt together then pour in batches into the dough. Mix with the beater, making sure to wipe the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the cherries and mix well with spoon. Place the dough into the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silpat mat.

Roll the cookie dough into small balls then drop into a bowl of sugar; roll to coat evenly. Place the balls on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart; press your thumb down in the center of the cookie gently. Repeat.

Place into the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes. Remove them from the oven and immediately place a kiss in the center of each cookie. Let them set up on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.