I've been thinking about making some Lasagna for awhile now. There were a couple things stopping me from making it:

So yesterday afternoon I search the net for an easier lasagna recipe that I could try out. The one I found and used came from Tammy's Recipes ... I just changed around some of the ingredients because I like to make my own sauce. I also did my own sauce because I read in one of the comments that the noodles soaked up all the liquid... and I didn't want it to be dry. If you want to see the original recipe click the link above. ;)

I've been meaning to post some of the yummy recipes I've been trying out lately. I think I've only actually posted one in this blog... and that was several months ago. When I get around to it I'll also post the chicken enchilada recipe I tried last week.

So here's what we tried last night. :)

Single Skillet Chicken and Shells

I found this recipe on whatsfordinner.net and I modified it just a little. It was super easy to throw together and you can make this as spicy or as mild as you'd like. Took about 20-30 minutes to prepare and it served 4.







1 pound cooked chicken (I used 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast that I cooked and chopped up in a frying pan)
1 can tomatoes, diced
1 package pasta shells
2 cups water
1-2 stalks cilantro, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dill weed (I didn't have any so I left it out)
1/4 cup salsa


* I also added a small can of rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained. It added a bit more flavor and spicyness to the meal.

1. Combine all ingredients in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until pasta is tender and most of the water has been absorbed (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally.
2. Serve. 

Wasn't that easy?


image via whatsfordinner.net

I completely ruined dinner last night, almost severely injured myself in the process and messed up our other plans for the evening.

Josh was on his way home when he called me. My wedding ring was back from being sized and he said we should go pick it up... and maybe get a Christmas tree while we were out. I was excited about doing both. I've been waiting for a couple weeks for my ring and I can't wait any longer to start decorating for Christmas!

The boys were ready and dinner was cooling on the stove when Josh walked in the door. He wanted to shower, eat and take the dog out before we left....

So this is how I ruined everything:
I baked this yummy dinner in the oven and when it was done I took it out and put it on top of the stove to cool off. Well what I didn't know was that I accidentally left on a burner (Can't believe I did that!)... and put the casserole dish on top of it. When I finally noticed it, I shut the burner off and looked underneath the dish and saw that it was badly burned. No biggie... only half was ruined. I walk away. Just as I turn the corner I hear the biggest POP! The ENTIRE casserole dish shattered in to a million pieces... scorching hot food and glass EVERYWHERE. Oh My Gosh! I wanted to cry. Thank goodness the boys and I weren't in there when it happened!

Josh watched the boys as I took Bella outside and then while I picked up glass off the floor. He asked if he should bother getting dressed to go out. I told him not to bother.... I didn't mean it! I wanted him to say something like, "It's ok Babe, we can still go out. We can pick up some dinner while we're out!" I was in a really bad mood after all this happened. I was really looking forward to that dinner. I was also mad at myself for being so careless! I wanted him to read my mind! I'm laughing at myself now for not just saying what I wanted... Josh would have gladly continued on with our night... I don't know why I do that to both of us. I need to work on that.

The rest of the night was spent with me sulking and Josh asking what was wrong. After the boys were in bed I went out alone... I had to pick up some formula and diapers for the baby. I listened to Christmas music on the way to the store and it got me out of the funk I was in. I came home and explained to Josh why I was being such a you-know-what. He just laughed at me. I love that man for being so loving and supportive.

Josh - I know you can't read my mind and I promise to work on saying what I mean and meaning what I say! Love you!

Last night I wasn't sure what to make for dinner. It's getting close to grocery shopping day and I'm running out of food. I have to make a lot of what ever I cook because Josh eats a lot and we're also having my best friend's husband stay with us for a few weeks.

I remembered a recipe from this book I have called, 5 Ingredients or Less. It's called Asian Beef and Noodle. It's pretty good when you're on a tight budget and need to be able to feed a big family. It's also super easy to throw together at the last minute.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 (3-ounce) packages Oriental-flavored instant ramen noodles, broken up
• 2 cups frozen vegetable mixture, such as broccoli, carrots, red peppers, water chestnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion

1. Brown ground beef in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up into 3/4-inch crumbles. Remove beef with slotted spoon; season with one seasoning packet from noodles. Pour off drippings.
   
2. Place noodles in skillet. Add vegetable mixture, 2 cups water, ginger and remaining seasoning packet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
   
3. Return beef to skillet; heat through. Stir in green onion.
   
   Makes 4 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Beef Industry Council.