It's the most wonderful time of the year...

So, I know this is usually a cooking blog, and that's great and fabulous, and I plan to keep it that way for all intensive purposes.  But, when you find something you love so much that you want to blog about it, and you will be rewarded for it, well, you just have to jump.  Rules go out the window.

What in the world am I talking about?  Well, Shutterfly is a fabulous picture hosting site, where you can also order photos, cards, and other gifts.  Their photo books are amazing and incredibly affordable.  They are easy to put together, and make fabulous gifts.  I did one for John and I's trip to Paris back in 2009, and it's one of my favorite things to look at when I'm missing France.

So, back to my point.  Shutterfly is offering 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers who blog about their amazing Christmas Cards.  If you are a blogger and would like to participate, go here.

Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Last year was the first year I made Christmas cards.  I had wanted to make sure I had a good picture of Lily in her Christmas outfit to send out.  It was her first Christmas and she was so darn cute.  The response was fabulous, and it was really good to send out Christmas cards to everyone I love.

I haven't decided who's going on our Christmas cards yet this year.... a picture of John and I, a picture of John, Lily, and me, or just a picture of Lily.  The plan is to have a photo shoot this weekend/early next week, and see what picture is best.  That doesn't mean I can't try to figure out which card I like best.  So, with that, here's my favorite Christmas card layouts from Shutterfly. 

#1.  I love this one.  It's so simple, pretty and elegant.  Problem is, I don't know if I can find FOUR pictures I like well enough to send out on Christmas cards.  So, I just had to put it in here as a possibility because I love it, but I probably won't use it because I would need four photos.  Link to this card

#2.  This one is different colors for a Christmas card, with the brown, cranberry, and pistachio.  I think this makes it feel kind of country, and homey.  I like that there's a lot of room to write a message, but that is also daunting, because I'd have to think of something cute and clever that I want to say to everyone...  It's got only one picture to fill, which makes it a great option and one of John and I's engagement photos would look fabulous in this one because of the natural colors.  Link to this card

#3.  I love the fun, whimsical feeling of this one!  It would be a great layout if I had kids, but I think it would be great for a picture of Lily too.  There's a lot of room to write a message again, but I guess I could handle it.  It's very fun and modern.  Plus, aren't those kids adorable...?  Link to this card

#4.  I can't decide why I like this one so much.  It feels so festive, and the cranberry/pistachio colors are really growing on me as Christmas colors.  Also, for some reason, I really love the black.  It feels very vintage.  Its name is Retro Kaleidoscope and I just really like that name.  It's seriously cute.  Link to this card

#5.  Let's try to ignore that adorable blond headed boy over there with the curls and the blue eyes.  Whew.  I love this card.  It's got your red, your green, some holy, and a quote from a well known Christmas song.  What's not to like?  This card is gorgeous and fantastically designed.  I would only need one good picture -- and as long as I can remember our names, I think I could handle filling out the text!  This is definitely a contender.  Link to this card

 

 #6.  Goodness gracious.  the lime, the candy cane letters, the stars.  There is so much I love about this card.  What I don't love?  3 pictures!  Sure, I could find 3 pictures from our engagement shots that I love and put them in there.  Or I could put in 3 pictures of Lily.  But I would be too picky about whether or not the pictures "flow" with one another, or match the background that I would drive myself absolutely batty.  It's still a contender because goodness gracious i love that lettering at the top. It's gorgeous.  Link to this card

#7.  This card is very classic, perhaps a little too mature for me, but the snowflake damask on the side has just captured my heart and won't let it go.  I think this would look great with one of our engagement shots in black and white.  Beautiful.  Link to this card

#8.  I love the color scheme on this.  The winter blue with the red, and then the white, with a black and white picture?  So festive and fun.  I love the snowflakes.  It's another fun, silly one, and I like that.  Link to this card


HOW AM I EVER GOING TO DECIDE???  Someone please help.  I am unable to kick any of them out of the running just yet...

I don't have any pictures of Lily yet so that you could see what she would look like, but here's my favorites from our engagement session that I've thought about using...  Imagine any of them in color or black and white...

 

All engagement photos taken by Jim Strathearn Photography.  Jim does an amazing job.  If you are within an hour of Delta, PA, he's your guy for kid pictures, engagement pictures, wedding pictures, or anything else you could possibly need!

Someone help choose!  And please, head on over to Shutterfly to make your Christmas cards this year.

Crustless Mushroom and Feta Quiche

I'm baaaaaaaack!  I apologize that I've been hiding behind loads of wedding planning, school, work, and LIFE, but I'm hoping to be back in action!


When I made this recipe, I cut it, and only made a 3rd, which filled my two small casseroles you see in the picture.  I'm going to give you the recipe sized for a 9x13 pan, so you can make it for a brunch or for more than 2 people, like I was.

18 eggs (yes, 18  -- they're good for you!  and this is serving lots of people!)
4 tbsp milk, cream, or half and half
1 pound mushrooms, washed and sliced
1 small onion, diced
Olive oil
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (use the reduced fat -- I think it has a better flavor!)
2 tsp Lawry's season salt
Pepper (fresh ground or the powdery stuff)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. 
Spray a glass or pottery 9x13 dish with nonstick spray.  (Don't use a metal dish -- gives the eggs a funny taste!)
Heat some olive oil in a saute pan.
Once heated, add the mushrooms and onions, and saute them for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are brown and the onions are soft.  Drain any liquid off the vegetables when finished cooking.
Spread your mushroom mixture over the bottom of the pan.  Cover with the crumbled feta cheese.
Beat the eggs in a large bowl with your milk (cream or half and half), season salt and pepper.
Pour over the mushroom mixture in your dish, and then stir if necessary to make sure the mushrooms and cheese are distributed evenly and deliciously. :)
Bake for 45 minutes.  Make sure the eggs are set, and the top will be starting to brown.
If you like, top with a little extra cheese on top -- I used just a small sprinkle of mozzarella.

My review:  Yummy!  What a delicious easy recipe that was fun to make, and delectable to eat!  I made this for a friend and I for dinner, and we both agreed that it was very good.  You could add more vegetables, too, if you like.  I think it would be good with some broccoli or zucchini.

Southwestern Fettucine

1/2 lb (8 oz) uncooked fettuccine noodles
1 cup chunky salsa
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/4 cup water
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 tsp Chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Shredded mild cheddar cheese for topping

Cook and drain fettuccine as directed on package.  Spray with cooking spray to make sure they don't stick together once drained.  (or you can throw some olive oil in the water while it's cooking)
While the noodles are cooking, mix salsa, corn, water, Tabasco, chili powder, ground cumin, and black beans in a small saucepan.  Cook over medium heat 8-10 minutes, then turn down to simmer.  Make sure that the corn is tender.
This makes four servings, so divide fettuccine noodles among four bowls.  Then top each with about 3/4 cup of the sauce mixture.  Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese for extra yumminess!

My review:  This was phenomenally good.  I have no words.  :-)  Very yummy.  I think it would be really good to use medium or hot salsa and give it a little more kick.  You could add chicken if you have major meat eaters who can't handle a meal without meat!

I'm still alive!

Fortunately, I am still alive...   Unfortunately, I haven't set foot in my kitchen to make anything not completely microwavable in what feels like weeks.  Summer is insane, and apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment, taking 2 grad classes this semester.  I've been living off bags of salad, microwave pizza, eggs, and takeout -- and LOTS of diet coke.  It's too hot to cook, and I'm in a food rut.  I miss cooking, but have no time!  But don't worry, I'll be back. 

I plan to get back into all of this in about a month -- 2nd week of August to be exact... After that, I will have my summer classes completed, and 2 relaxing weeks of vacation under my belt.  I will be ready to get back in the kitchen and start creating more delicious things.

Please bear with me. :-)  There are over 100 delicious recipes here on dragonfly kitchen that you can enjoy until then.  If you run out of ideas, please go check out my favorite places to find recipes:
Tasty Kitchen
Skinny Taste
How Sweet It Is
Cooking Ventures
Pioneer Woman Cooks!
Picky Palate

Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Roll Ups

I seem to have lost the picture that goes along with this... I will post it if I find it...


10 lasagna noodles, cooked
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed, and completely drained
10 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
15 oz. fat free ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 egg
salt and pepper
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1/2 - 1 cup of mozzerella cheese (depends how much you like!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Saute fresh mushrooms in some olive oil until they are cooked through. Set aside.
Combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, mushrooms, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Pour about a cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Place a piece of wax paper or a cuttting board on yoru counter top and lay out lasagna noodles.  Make sure that they are dry.
Spread ricotta mixture over each noodle (about 1/4 - 1/3 cup per noodle).  Roll carefully, placing the seam side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the noodles and top each one with mozzerella.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

My review:  These were good!  If I make them again, I want to try adding some zucchini too!  One roll up was really filling, I paired it up with a small salad, and I was so full!

Lemon Feta Chicken Breasts

2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Juice from one lemon
2 tsp garlic salt
3 tsp oregano
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup fat free feta cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Mix together the lemon juice, garlic salt, and oregano. 
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Pour flavor mixture over top of the chicken.
Bake for 35 minutes, until the chicken juices run clear.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with feta.
Broil on low for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is soft and melty.

My review:  This was really good.  The flavors all mixed together well, and was very Mediterranean.  I had mine with an ear of corn, but it would also be good with some rice or pasta, or just some veggies with hummus.  Yum!

Baked Bananas

This is like a lighter version of Bananas Foster, that gets all rich and buttery tasting, but contains no butter, and is very lowfat!

2 ripe bananas (they should be starting to get black speckles)
4 tsp honey
Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut bananas in half lengthwise.
Place in an oven safe dish.
Pour the honey over the bananas, and then sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or in crepes.  Tastes just like bananas foster!

My review:  These were delicious!  I was looking for a way to use my over ripened bananas, and this was great.  I had mine with a scoop of frozen lowfat Cool Whip, but would like to try them in a sweet crepe, with some ice cream on the side.

Spanokopita Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I am on such a Greek food kick right now.  The filling for these chicken breasts is inspired by Spanokopita, which is a Greek pie, with spinach, onions, and cheese.   It's yummy!  I served it with a version of my Tuscan Marinated Mushrooms, but used Greek salad dressing instead.

Serves 2.

5 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and juice squeezed out  (1/2 of a 10 oz package
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup fat free Feta cheese
1/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
2 chicken breasts, pounded flat
1 egg
1 tbsp water
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Heat the oil in small skillet.  Add the onions and garlic.  Cook for 2 minutes.
Add the spinach, parsley, salt and pepper, and let cook for another 2 minutes.
Take off the heat, and add in the feta and ricotta cheeses.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.  Put half the spinach mixture on one end each chicken breast, and roll up, securing with 2-3 toothpicks.
Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl.
Put the seasoned breadcrumbs in another small bowl.
Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, and then into the breadcrumbs, covering completely.
Place each chicken breast on a greased (I used PAM) cookie sheet, and bake for 30 minutes.

My review:  This was absolutely delicious, and easy to prepare.  I did everything up to securing the chicken breasts with toothpicks the night before.  Then, all I had to do was dip in egg and breadcrumbs, and bake!  It was a delicious meal that I will definitely make again.  Another plus is that it's very low fat.  The original recipe was a weight watcher recipe, but I took out some extra items that weren't necessary for the full flavor, and helped my grocery bill be a bit smaller!

Gyro Wraps

1/2 pound ground turkey
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
red onion, diced
tomato, diced
romaine lettuce, shredded
cucumber, diced
1/4 cup feta cheese
2 burrito size tortillas
Sour Cream

In a skillet, brown the garlic and ground turkey on medium heat until no longer pink.
Stir in the oregano and salt.
Spread sour cream on tortilla.
Top with lettuce, ground turkey mixture, onion, tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Wrap up and eat!!!


My review:  This was delicious, and a great, lighter version of a gyro.  Lots of yummy veggies went into it, and the ground turkey has a great flavor.  If you like gyros, you will love this!

Greek Chicken Salad

Serves Two

I know the picture isn't great, but trust me...

Two boneless skinless chicken breasts
Greek Marinade/Salad Dressing (Gazebo Room)
1/4 red onion, diced
1/2 cucumber, diced or sliced
4 mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
Romaine lettuce
Croutons

Marinate chicken breasts in a cup of greek salad dressing for at least 2 hours.
Grill, bake, or skillet fry until juices run clear, and then slice.
Grab two plates, and put a large amount of romaine lettuce on each.
Layer with onion, cucumber, and mushrooms.
Top with chicken, croutons, and feta cheese.
Use the greek dressing for salad dressing.

My review:  the biggest reason I made this was because i had feta, cucumbers, and red onions left from the gyro pizza.  However this turned out to be really good, and just like a greek chicken salad you would get in a restaurant.  Makes a great lunch to pack for work!

Gyro Pizza

This tasted just like a real gyro sandwich!  Delicious!

1 can classic pizza crust (not thin, there's too many ingredients on top, it wouldn't hold up!)
1/2 lb ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 1/2 cups mozzerella cheese
3/4 cup cucumber, chopped coarsely
1 medium tomato, chopped coarsely
1/2 red onion, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray and press pizza dough in the bottom and up sides to form a crust.
Bake for 7 minutes, until crust begins to turn brown on the edges.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, brown the garlic and ground turkey on medium heat until no longer pink.
Stir in the oregano and salt.
Spread the sour cream over the warm pizza crust.
Top with 1 cup of the mozzerella.
Top the cheese with the cooked turkey.
Sprinkle with cucumber and tomato.
Separate the red onion into rings and arrange over the top.
Sprinkle with remaining mozzerella and feta cheese crumbles.
Bake 13-15 minutes.

My review:  I loved this, but then I order gyro sandwiches every time I go to restaurants that offer them.  The ground turkey cooked with garlic, oregano, and salt made it taste just like the lamb used for gyro sandwiches.  I have some leftover that I want to mix up into some gyros, and that recipe will be up here soon!  I will definitely be making this more often!

Chicken Wrapped Asparagus Cheese Bundles

Serves 2.

Two chicken breasts (boneless skinless), flattened to about 1/4 " thickness
About 10 stalks asparagus with the ends trimmed
1 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
2 slices provolone cheese
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
3 tbsp mayonnaise
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoned Breadcrumbs

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat pan on medium heat.  Melt the butter.  Add in the garlic and let brown for a few seconds, then add the asparagus and saute for 5-10 minutes.
Mix lemon zest, juice, mustard, and mayonnaise together, and add salt and pepper as desired.
Salt and pepper one side of the chicken breasts.
Place a piece of provolone on each chicken breast.  Then top with 4-5 pieces of asparagus.
Roll up and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
Spoon mixture over top each chicken breast.
Top with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 30-40 minutes.

My review:  This was amazing.  I was skeptical of the mayo sauce, but it turned out amazing.  Delicious.  I hope to make this again soon!  It combined three of my favorite things: chicken, cheese, and asparagus.  2 thumbs up!  I served it with brown rice flavored with lemon juice and some dried basil, and tomatoes with fresh ground pepper and balsamic.

Repeat...

I made these again this week.  And I've been eating leftovers of them all week.

And guess what?


They're bettter than I remembered.  And if you haven't tried them yet, you're crazy.  Go. Cook. Now.

They are so easy to make, and you are going to love them.

Teri's Hot & Sweet Drumsticks = total love.

I hope to be back next week with new recipes... but until then, check out the old ones... I won't tell.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of this on my normal camera, I had to use my old one, and the upload cable is MIA.  If I find it, I'll add the picture...

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot
1/4 cup Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing
Lettuce
Tomato
Onion
Mozzerella Cheese
Hard or Soft Taco Shells
Cooked white rice (optional)

Place the chicken in a crock pot on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Remove any liquid, and use 2 forks to shred the meat.
Once shredded, add the Red Hot sauce and dressing, and stir to combine.
Let heat through for about 10 minutes in the crock pot.
Place in taco with desired toppings.  Rice is a good touch because it helps with the spiciness.


My review:  This was awesome.  I will definitely be making this again.  It reminded be of Buffalo Wing Dip, but it was really good to eat as a taco.  This would even be good on a sandwich too.

Margarita Cake with Tequila Lime infused frosting

Not giving you enough notice, but this is a great recipe for Cinco de Mayo!

1 boxed white cake mix
3 egg whites
3/4 cup bottled margarita drink mix
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 container Cool Whip
1 tablespoon tequila (optional)
2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh or bottled)  (if using fresh, zest the lime and add that too!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray, and flour it. (if using the spray for baking, omit the flouring).
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg whites, drink mix, water, and oil, and mix for 1-2 minutes on medium until smooth.  Pour into prepared cake pan.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Mix the tequila and lime juice into the Cool Whip until combined, and use to frost the cake once it has cooled.
Store in the refrigerator.

My review:  Yum!  This tasted really good, and the margarita flavor wasn't overwhelming like I thought it would be.  Make without the tequila if you're having an underage crowd, or people who won't enjoy the taste.