Try something new today - Stromboli

Call me naive. But up until 3 months ago I had never heard of a Stromboli let alone tried one. We used to live in NJ and our wonderful friends who still live there came up to the country for a visit. This recipe I am about to share with you is one of the best things I have had in my life! The stromboli that was made was actually ham/mozzarella/chedder and the other half was Italian sausage with mushrooms and mozarella.

1 package refrigerated pizza dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Marinara sauce

black pepper

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. Top with a single layer of ham. Roll up tightly from a short side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on an ungreased baking sheet. Along the top make slices in dough on the diagonal. Brush top of loaf with butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife. Serve with your favorite marinara for dipping.



Now isn't that the most delicious looking thing ever?! And Alex isn't too shabby himself. ; )

Did I forget to tell you that Alex made this for us? My husband isn't the most skilled in the kitchen - but you gotta love a man who cooks! Thanks Alex! Please come back soon! : )

Try something new today...

Another thing I love doing is buying cookbooks, trying out new recipes, and watching cooking shows. So you think I would be some awesome chef, right?! Umm, not really. But I do want to share with you recipes that my family really enjoys.

Today it is Goulash! Well the recipe that I originally followed called it One Pot Rigatoni. I make it different each time I do it depending on what I have in the pantry. Besides being ridiculously easy to make, it is fast, easily adaptable to your families likes, and of course it tastes so delicious! Last night's version is as follows:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large can crushed tomotoes w/ garlic
• box of pasta (rigatoni, ziti, cellentani, etc)
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed)
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• shredded mozzarella

In a stockpot brown ground beef. You can season the meat at this time. Drain excess fat. Add all the ingredients in the pot, except mozzarella, and stir. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve on a plate and add mozzarella. Enjoy!