Meatballs

The other day Zak asked if I'd make spaghetti & meatballs, which we haven't had in a long time.  I ended up using a Better Homes & Garden recipe for the meatballs, but changed it a little bit to what I thought would be good.  The meatballs turned out really yummy, I can't wait to have them again soon!

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic
1 egg
1/4 c. diced onion
3/4 c. normal breadcrumbs
sprinkles of parmesan cheese

1.  Dice onion.  Add to bowl with meat and spices.
2.  Beat egg, add with breadcrumbs.  Mix and add in cheese.
3.  Form into 1/2" (?) balls.  I got about 22 good sized meatballs from this recipe.
4.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

so delicious!

Breaded Chicken Parmesan

This recipe is so simple and tasty. We've had it a few times, last time Zak was in charge of the chicken. We have this with mashed potatoes and corn, easy and delicious!

12 oz. chicken breast

1 Tbl. grated parmesan cheese

1/4 c. Italian-style bread crumbs

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbl. dried onions

sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

salt & pepper

1-2 Tbl. olive oil

1. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally (filet) into thin pieces.

2. Lightly rub each piece with olive oil.

3. Mix dry ingredients and pat each piece of chicken with it.

4. Bake at 375 minutes for about 20 minutes.

Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken

I found this recipe on a Yahoo site and decided to try it. It turned out pretty well, but we had leftovers for days. I would add a few more spices (especially salt) to the breading or to the chicken itself, but overall, it was pretty tasty and easy...once I got all the skin off the chicken.

2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 c. fine dry bread crumbs
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. black pepper
4 lbs. meat chicken pieces, skinned (I used 16 drumsticks)
3 Tbl. butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Grease two large shallow baking pans; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine egg and milk.
3. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, and pepper.
4. Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.
5. Arrange chicken pieces in prepared baking pans, making sure pieces don't touch. Drizzle chicken pieces with melted butter.
6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink (170 degree F for breasts; 180° degree F for thighs and drumsticks). Do not turn chicken pieces during baking. Immediately transfer chicken to a covered container; serve within 1 hour. (Or cover and chill chicken; transport in an insulated container with ice packs.)

Mac & Cheese

I didn't grow up having homemade mac & cheese that often, but I decided enough was enough and that I would try making it! I found this basic recipe that turned out pretty good.

3 c. macaroni, cooked
1 1/2 c. milk
2 1/2 c. cheese
1/3 c. butter
1/2 tsp. onion salt (or garlic salt)
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
pepper
salt
breadcrumbs (I have and use Italian style)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook macaroni noodles.
3. Heat milk, cheese and butter together until it resembles a sauce.
4. Add noodles and cheese sauce to the dish being used to cook it in (I use a 2 qt. round casserole dish with lid).
5. Add spices, continue to mix.
6. Add breadcrumbs and extra cheese, if desired, to top.
7. Cook for 30 minutes.