Skillet Lasagna

Couple of months ago, I was having just a crap day and really needed some comfort and something to feed my soul. Pasta is a great comfort food and it doesn’t take much time or energy to make a huge serving. Within 30 or so minutes Dean and I were enjoying this cheesy, gooey, [...]

Chicken with mushroom cream sauce

Chicken with mushroom cream sauce
Since I’m a huge fan of mushrooms I have recently been making tons of recipes with chicken and mushrooms. When I came across this recipe I was so excited because for the most part it’s pretty healthy. It does have cream in the sauce but it’s only two tablespoons so it [...]

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

pulled chicken
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.

Barbecue is becoming one of my favorite things to cook. This pulled chicken recipe is incredibly simple and so tasty. I know a lot of people are intimidated by making their own barbecue sauce but it can be very simple. I have used this sauce recipe with pork also. I [...]

Pickled Mostaccioli

Pickled Mostaccioli
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.

Pasta salads are always a good go-to recipe for a barbecue, family reunion, or just a snack. Pickled mostaccioli is a freshing twist on traditional pasta salad. It has a wonderfully zesty taste and perfect for summer because it doesn’t have mayonnaise. Michelle, a friend of mine from Iowa, gave me [...]

Five-Spice Chicken Salad in Wonton Shells

Chicken wontons
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.
I can’t thank my father-in-law, Denny, enough for turning me on to this recipe. Over the last three years I have made this appetizer ten or so times. People love the light and refreshing taste of the orange and cilantro. And who can beat an appetizer with such a cute presentation.
A [...]

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.

Dean and I hosted a going-away this weekend for our friend Rachel. Rachel is one of the few people who was working at Dean’s office when he first started working there four years ago. I can’t thank Rachel enough for helping to keep Dean sane during some of the crazy [...]

Mini Cheeseburger Salad with Yellow Mustard Vinaigrette

cheeseburger salad
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.

Another favorite from Serendipitous Reflections (May 5, 2005)
This salad is quickly becoming our favorite. It is so yummy and easy. I use a cast iron grill skillet to grill the mini burgers. I have always put salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in my hamburgers, but the onions keep the burgers moist [...]

Balsamic-glazed chicken sandwiches with red onions and goat cheese

Balsamic glazed chicken sandwiches with red onions and goat cheese
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.
I decided to bring over some of my favorite recipes from Serendipitous Reflections. So here’s the first.
I made these chicken sandwiches on Saturday night and they were wonderful. Honestly they were some of the simplest sandwiches to make and so full of flavor, [...]

Turkey and Rice Soup with Andouille Sausage

Turkey and Rice Soup with Andouille Sausage
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.
I know I’m posting this a little late for the holidays, but here is a great recipe for leftover turkey. I think it would be great with leftover chicken also. And thanks to Clay’s great suggestion to make a second turkey just for stock, I [...]

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Caramelized Onion-Balsamic Gravy

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by jenianddean.

Clay and I started planning the Thanksgiving menu several weeks in advance. He sent me about 10 different turkey recipes and we finally settled on this one. Clay was the master behind the turkey and he did a fantastic job! The bird turned out beautifully and the gravy was to die [...]