Contessa Chicken Salad

Serves 2:

1 chicken breast- best if rotisserie chicken

olive oil

kosher salt and fresh pepper

1/2 C pecan halves

1/2 C walnut halves

1/2 C real mayonnaise

1/2 C sour cream

1 T chopped taragon leaves

1 C green grapes cut in halves

Celery

Lettuce leaves

Cook chicken and cut into 3/4 inch dice

toast pecans and walnuts (7-8 min in oven)

mix mayo, sour cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and half of tarragon leaves

add all remaining ingredients, serve over lettuce or on croissants.

Pear, pecan, gorgonzola salad

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 C rice wine vinegar

3 T sugar

1 T dijon mustard

1/3 C canola oil

1 16oz can pears

baby greens

sliced pears (fresh are best)

slices apples

candied pecans

gorgonzola cheese

put garlic, mustard, vinegar, oil, sugar, pears in blender until smooth- may need more sugar

add dressing over greens, pears, apples, pecans, gorgonzola and enjoy!

Tortellini Salad/ Herb and Tomato Vinaigrette

2 lb package tortellini

4 C freshly diced tomato

4 T chiffonade basil leaves

2 minced shallots

4 C fresh arugula or mixed greens

salt

pepper

1 1/2 lbs fresh mozzarella sliced approx 30 slices 1/4 inch thick

2 T extra virgin olive oil

1 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

4 T chopped tarragon leaves

2 T minced parsley leaves

6 T lemon juice

boil salted water and cook tortellini according to package directions. When cooked and drained, toss with 2 T olive oil and cool to room temperature.

in other bowl, combine diced tomatoes, herbs, shallots, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. mix to combine and season with salt and pepper.

when tortellini have cooled, toss with vinaigrette.

serve by: lining platter with overlapping slices of mozzerella, spoon tortellini salad in center and scatter mixed greens on top

Coffee Cake

1 ½ c. flour

¾ c. sugar

1 ½ tsp baking powder

¾ tsp salt

¼ c shortening

¾ c milk

Topping: (recommended to 1 ½ x topping)

1/3 c brown sugar

¼ c flour

½ tsp cinnamon

3 T firm butter

Heat oven to 375 degrees. 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan.

Bake 25-30 minutes.

Bean-and-Tortellini Zuppa (The one Tiff talks about :)

(Men’s Health; Serves 6; Prep time 30 m)

What you’ll need:

15 oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

15 oz can zucchini in tomato sauce (hard to find, with canned veggies)

2 14 oz cans low-sodium chicken broth

9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini

½ c chopped onion

¼ c finely chopped carrots

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

How to Make it:

In a 3-quart microwavable bowl, stir the onion, carrot, and garlic with the olive oil until coated. Nuke for 4 to 6 minutes or until soft. Stir in the chickpeas, zucchini, broth, tortellini, and Italian seasoning. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked. Stir in the salt and pepper. Top with parmesan cheese.

(note: This is a family friendly favorite, quick and easy!...dang I should advertise for them)

Heavenly White Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cupcakes

Heavenly White Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cupcakes
Cupcake:
1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c water
1pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1/2 c butter

Combine ingredients and scoop into cupcake liners. Fill about half full.

Filling:
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c sugar
1 egg
dash of salt
white chocolate chips

Drop a tablespoon of filling into each cupcake.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool and frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Then pass out from their goodness. Enjoy!

Tiff's Turkey Burgers

Ingredients

For Maple-Dijon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup

For Burgers:

• 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey breast
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 1/2 cup chunky applesauce
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Hamburger Buns
• Hamburger condiments

Directions

Set up grill for direct cooking over medium heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

For Maple-Dijon Sauce: In a small bowl, stir to combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup; set aside.

For Turkey Burgers: In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients for burgers. Wet hands to prevent sticking and shape into 4 patties.

Place burgers on hot oiled grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until done.

Serve on buns with traditional burger condiments and a dollop of maple-Dijon sauce.

Note - Indoor: Prepare burgers as directed. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot add burgers and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side or until done.