Favorite Baked Spaghetti

Here's an easy one that always puts a smile on my kids' faces. It's really just spaghetti but better according to my sons.

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

2 lbs. ground beef
1 large jar spaghetti sauce (I use Prego Traditional)
1 box vermicelli
1 package shredded cheese (I use Kraft Classic Melts)

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Add sauce and any seasonings to taste. Let simmer while spaghetti cooks (aldente). Drain vermicelli and mix together with sauce in large casserole/lasagna pan. Top with shredded cheese, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Goes great with a side salad and garlic bread.

Enjoy!! ~SS

Easy Party Dip #1 - Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Do you like chips and dip? Do you like Rotel? How about being a little more healthy with your snack foods? You'll love this dip, even if you normally don't like the ingredients you see. The kids love it and for a little good luck on New Year's, it's a great way to get your "luck".

Black Eyed Pea Salsa
2 cans black eye peas (drained)
2 cans RoTel (drained)
1 small red onion diced
1 bell pepper diced
14 oz. Zesty Italian salad dressing

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, cover and let sit in refrigerator at least 4 hours before serving.

This is a great party dish that goes well with Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips.

Enjoy!! ~SS

Dessert/Sweet Treat #1 - Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

I grew up watching the ladies of my family making pies. Anytime MawMaw or Aunt Pean went to making pies, I knew that meant that I got to make "cinnamon rolls" with the left over dough. They were more like a chewy cookie than a cinnamon roll but oh so tasty! It was so much fun to knead the dough, roll it out and then add the other ingredients. It is something you can do alone or with the kids for a little family fun. The kids will especially love making this memory with you.

Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
Pie Crust
butter or margarine
sugar
cinnamon

Make your favorite pie crust or use one from the refigerator section at the grocery store. Roll your dough, spread butter on top, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over entire area of dough and roll the dough (butter, sugar, cinnamon on inside). Now slice into 1/4 - 1/2 inch sections and lay on buttered baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven until golden brown.

After these little confection goodies cool they will be ready to be enjoyed by all! Save one for me! God Bless!! ~SS

Easy Meal #3 - MawMaw ' s Okie Goulash

Okay, so I haven't been able to blog nightly. I guess I will have to shoot for 3-5 times per week. I am certain that this recipe is a winner with the kids and adults alike. It's tasty and easy to modify to suit your taste if it isn't exciting enough for you.

MawMaw's Okie Goulash:

1 lb hamburger

1 small white or yellow onion (chop 1/2)

2 cans tomato sauce

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

First Boil water to cook macaroni. Boil macaroni 8-10 minutes. While macaroni is cooking, Brown hamburger with the chopped onion (dain fat). Add tomato sauce seasoning to meat. When macaroni is done, drain water (don't rinse) and add noodles to meat sauce mixture. Mix well and enjoy!!! This dish goes great with green beans and texas toast.

Happy eating! ~SS

Easy Meal #2 - Ravioli Bake

I'm sitting here listening to the rain and watcing TV. I'm pretty tired, so I think after I publish this I'll get some sleep. This meal is one that is really easy but totally satisfying. We have several Italian meals that are regular menu items at our house. You can totally play with this one to adjust to your own taste and hunger. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ravioli Bake:
1 package frozen ravioli (meat, cheese or both)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 package of shredded cheese (we use Kraft 3 Cheese Blend)

Mix frozen ravioli and sauce and pour into large casserole dish. Add layer of cheese and cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 70-80 minutes. Remove from oven and leave covered while preparing garlic bread or other side. After everything is ready, remove foil and serve.

Have a great night! ~SS

Easy Meal #1 - Sausage Macaroni Yum!

I like Hamburger Helper but honestly get tired of it. After awhile they all start tasting the same. My family started to get very frustrated with them as well, so I started to experiment. This recipe is just so simple it's silly! It is one of our favorites!!

Sausage Macaroni Yum!:
1 box family size macaroni & cheese (follow box directions)
1 lb sausage browned and crumbled (don't drain)
Mix sausage and macaroni & cheese together

Warm up a side vegetable and/or a side salad to make it a meal.

Enjoy! ~SS