Turkey Joes

We made these a couple weeks ago and they turned out really well. Doug and I were both skeptical of what the texture would be like, but they were great.

Turkey Joes (from Weight Watchers)

1 lb uncooked ground turkey

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup tangy barbecue sauce

4 mixed grain hamburger rolls

Brown turkey in nonstick skillet for about 8-10 minutes. Drain liquid and add peppers and onions and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add BBQ sauce and cayenne pepper and stir frequently until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve on buns.

Linguini with Asparagus and Pine Nuts

We made this Real Simple recipe and it turned out really well. We substituted slivered almonds for the pine nuts because we already had almonds at home. I thought it made a lot more than 4 servings, so I've cut the recipe in half below:

6 oz linguini

1/8 cup olive oil

1/8 cup pine nuts

2 garlic cloves, sliced

1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup shaved Parmesan

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 1-2 minutes. Add asparagus and cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Add asparagus to pasta along with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan just before serving.

Butternut Cream Soup

This recipe from Pamela was delicious!

BUTTERNUT CREAM SOUP

3 green onions, white portion sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T. butter

1 butternut squash, peeled & cut up

4 cups chicken broth

1/4 t. ground ginger

ground pepper

1-1/2 t. dried parsley

1/2 to 1 cup creme fraiche or whipping cream

croutons (optional)

Saute onions & garlic in butter in a large pan. Add squash, broth & ginger, some pepper & dried parsley; simmer until squash is done (about 15-20 min). Puree with an immersion blender. Right before serving, reheat until simmering; turn off fire and add cream. Serve with croutons if desired. Serves 8.

Apple Cheddar Quesadillas

These were great. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, light supper... yum.

1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

6 large whole wheat tortillas

1 or 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced

Sprinkle cheese over 1/2 of each tortilla. Arrange apple slices on top of cheese then sprinkle more cheese. Fold tortilla in half. Cook in nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes each side. Repeat with other tortillas. Serve warm.

Dressed up (store bought) ravioli

This Real Simple recipe was fast and delicious. It starts with a package of cheese ravioli- easy!

Cheese ravioli with toasted walnuts

serves 4

14-16 oz package cheese ravioli (frozen or refrigerated)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 clove garlic, sliced

1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Drain, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking water. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and walnuts. Cook, stirring until the nuts are lighly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in teh lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, and reserved cooking water. Add the ravioli and toss to coat. Divide among individual plates and sprinkle with Parmesan.