Busy Brunette Bakerista

We eat a lot of pasta in our family…a lot. So I like to find ways to change it up adding vegetables, different sauces, pasta sizes, etc. This is one of our favorites because the flavors taste more like a steak dinner than Italian pasta. The key is to use real bacon and fry it…bacon substitute or others will not taste the same. I adapted this from one of Rachael’s early recipes. Make a large pot and serve with a green salad and dinner is ready!   Campfire Spaghetti 1 box of spaghetti (16 oz.) olive oil for the pan 4 slices of good bacon 1 pound of ground turkey 1 yellow onion, chopped 4 cloves of garlic salt and  pepper to taste 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 1 (14 oz.) can of diced fire roasted tomatoes 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 to 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated 4 green onions, chopped Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to directions on the box. Drain and set aside. Heat skillet ove...

This is an easy, delicious, make-and-leave-it, slow-cooker recipe that I make all the time. The cornbread crust gives it a wonderful texture too. For a more meaty dish, add cooked, ground turkey or beef. Enjoy! Cornbread-Topped Enchilada Casserole 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 (15oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15 oz.) can of diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, drained 1 (11oz.) can of corn, drained 1 can (10 oz.) enchilada sauce (your choice) 2 green onions chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lb. cooked ground turkey or beef (optional) 1 package (8.5 oz.) cornbread mix 2 eggs 1 to 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend Combine seasonings, beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, green onions, and cilantro. Stir then cover and cook on low for six hours. In a small bowl, combine corn bread mix, two eggs and sp...

Being part Irish I love mashed potatoes! A true Shepherd's Pie recipe can be very complex with lots of ground beef, vegetables, homemade mashed potatoes, and more. This version is a little healthier with ground turkey, beans, and instant mashed potatoes. So tastey! Skinny Shepherd's Pie Ingredients: 1/2 lb. ground turkey 1 can (15oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1/3 cup water 3/4 cup taco sauce 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons sugar 2 cups cooked instant, mashed potatoes butter and milk for instant mashed potatoes low-fat cheddar cheese, grated Cook instant mashed potatoes according to directions on the box. Set aside and keep warm with a lid or foil on top. Cook ground turkey in a skillet on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Spoon meat-bean mixture into a serving bowl, top with mashed potatoes by spreading with a small spatula, and top with cheese. Let sit 2 min...

Pantry Chili  This yummy chili comes together easily with what you probably have stocked in your kitchen pantry. You can make it on the stove or ahead of time in a slow-cooker. For an extra crunch and salty finish, serve over corn chips. A true crowd-pleaser for a football game, potluck, or team party. 2 T. olive oil 1 pound ground turkey ½ to 1 chopped yellow onion 3 cloves of garlic (pressed or minced) 1 T. chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin pinch of cayenne pepper 1 (15oz.) can of black beans 1 (15oz.) can of pinto beans 1 (10oz.) can of diced tomatoes with green chiles 1 small can of corn salt and pepper to taste ½ cup chopped cilantro 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 1 bag of corn chips (Fritos) In a Dutch oven , heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the ground turkey and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Add chopped onion, pressed garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne and cook over medium-...

This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes not only because it’s delicious, creamy, and a true comfort food, but mostly because it reminds him of our years at our alma mater Santa Clara University ! Back in the day when we attended college, there was one, huge cafeteria for all of our meals… Benson Center . Imagine an up-scale dining hall with an occasional bout of food fights - similar to the scene from Animal House. Benson served a bland, carb-loaded, thick turkey tetrazzini that filled our stomachs.  My recipe a little healthier and has more flavor. For my fellow Broncos from Santa Clara, this one is for you!! Not-Benson’s Turkey Tetrazzini   Santa Clara University Benson Center dining room circa 1963 10 ounces uncooked vermicelli or thin pasta 2 tsp. vegetable oil (enough to cook turkey in the pan) 1 pound of turkey breast cutlets (you can also substitute and use chicken tenders) ¼ tsp. onion powder ½ tsp. salt, divided ½   ts...