Holiday Cheer, 11 Weeks Until Christmas is Here!

This week almost got away from me!!  The season is so busy with students going back to school. Winterizing your home, yard and car; and in addition to your daily life routines you have to find time to plan and decorate for 4 holidays!

So here are a couple of recipes that are easy to make and both make great left-overs. (Obviously one is healthier than the other)

Cold or Warm Pasta Salad

1/2 - 1 pkg Pasta (your choice)

Cook according to pkg instructions and drain.  If making a cold salad, blanch in ice water until chilled and drain again

6 green onions

1 garlic clove

Sautee both in 1 TBSP butter

salt & pepper to taste

fresh or dried basil to taste

If using dried, it is good sautéed with onions and garlic

4 medium tomatoes diced

Grate fresh parmesan over plate when serving

Additional optional ingredients I like to add when I have them on hand or need to clean out the fridge. You can really use your imagination here.

• mushrooms
• avocados
• mozzarella pearls 
• olives
• grated carrots
• bell peppers (sautéed or raw)
• chicken
• shrimp
• Combine and mix all ingredients

*since the only dressing on this salad is the salt, pepper and butter you may need to adjust amount of butter used when sautéing based on the number of ingredients you add.

And the really unhealthy but extremely yummy:

Wild Rice Soup

2 Boxes Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice Original

2 Cans cream of mushroom soup

4 cans cream of potato soup

2 pints half and half

2 pints of milk

2/3 large box of Velveeta

Prepare Uncle Ben’s as directed on package.  When done, add in the rest of the ingredients. (You can add bacon bits or diced ham if desired)

Cook until warmed through and cheese has melted.  Can be done in a crockpot or on the stove top.

ENJOY!!