Creamy Feta & Cucumber Dip

This recipe would be great to take to a holiday party, would go great with a glass of wine... SO CHEERS!

• 1 pound of blocked feta cheese, at room temperature
• 4 oz of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 English cucumber, cut in half, center removed, and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry oregano
• salt/pepper to taste
• warm pita bread, crackers.

1. Allow feta cheese to soak in water for 30 mins, to remove some of the salt.
2. Drain the water and place feta into a mixer, I used my kitchen aid with cream cheese, heavy cream, olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Whip on high until creamy. Place into the fridge for 1 hour.
3. Place cucumber into a small bowl at 1 tablespoon of lime juice, oregano and salt/pepper. Cover and place into fridge until 1 hour.Serve cheese at room temperature.
4.  Also great with slices of roasted red peppers, or greek/black olives.

Italian Garden Penne

This recipe is perfect for those 100 degrees days in Texas or quick meal during the week.

 

• 1 lb of penne pasta, cooked accorded to the package
• 1lb of Italian sausage, (mild, hot, sweet, or cheese you pick your favorite flavor)
• 8oz of fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut up in to bite size pieces
• 10.5 oz of cherry tomatoes whole or cut in half
• 1 cup of fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of Kraft's  roasted red pepper dressing
• 2 Tablespoons of oil
• 1 cup of fresh Parmesan Cheese

 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, with skin on place Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook on all sides until it reaches 165 degrees. Place onto a cutting board allow them to rest for about 7 mins. Slice into bite size pieces. (at this time if you notice the sausage is still a little pink, you can finish cooking the sliced sausage with the tomatoes.)
2. In the same large skillet add the garlic and cherry tomatoes until tomatoes are warm, add the mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Add the sausage back into pan.
3. Add the cooked pasta, dressing, and basil. Toss everything together,cook for a few mins until warm.

 

Basil Pork Chops

I have made these pork chops twice for my boyfriend and he loves them so much! He told me he never knew pork chops could taste so good.

2 boneless pork chops 1 inch thick
2 limes
1 teaspoon garlic
2 teaspoons fresh basil (I found fresh basil in a tube. It last months!)
2 tablespoons of Olive Oil

1. Place pork chops into a plastic bag.
2.  Squeeze both limes over the pork, add basil, garlic.
3. Close up the bag and place into the fridge only for 30 mins, no longer.
4. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the pork chops until 145 degrees

I serve this with asparagus and a nice glass of wine...enjoy

Fried Ravioli

This is so easy to make and great for little fingers.

• 1 Bag of frozen cheese ravioli's or your favorite flavor; thawed
• 2 egg w/ 2 tablespoons of water; beaten
• 1 Package of Italian breadcrumbs
• Fresh Parmesan cheese
• Your favorite marinara sauce; heated

1. Place the thawed ravioli into egg mixture
2. Then place into breadcrumbs to coat.
3. I like to double dip the ravoli and if you are like me repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Allow them to rest as you heat the oil to 350.
5. Fry until golden brown.
6. Top with fresh Parmesan cheese