I love finding new recipes to try online. A friend of mine posted a link to Mexican Stuffed Shells on my facebook wall and when I saw it, I had to try it. 

These were a hit with my children and friends.  Wouldn't these be perfect to take to a potluck, or to serve at a party?  They can be messy to make, but are oh so good.

I used this recipe *clickity-click* but I omitted the tomato sauce, used Rotel tomatoes instead of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning.

Be sure to check out my recipe for egg and cheese egg rolls on Living Locurto!

*conner  lol 

I am the type of person who sees something online and I try it at home. Kids seem to love rice krispie treats and when I saw an alternative using fruit loops, I had to try. My kids loved them.

Box of Fruit loops

1 bag of Marshmallows

2 tbsp of butter

In large plastic bowl, microwave butter and marshmallows until marshmallows puff up.  Immediately take out and add the cereal, stirring until cereal is evenly coated.  Spread in pan or on cookie sheet. Let set and then cut into bars. 

Oh my this sandwich is delicious. I wanted to make lasagna but did not want to wait, so I made these instead.

You will need:

for the patties

Ground Beef (1lb)

4 tbsp of italian seasoning

4 tbsp of parmesan

2 tsp salt

2 tsp of pepper

Garlic Butter

For the topping

4 cups of ricotta

1 cup of shredded cheese

2 cups of cooked spinach

Marinara sauce

Mix ground beef and seasoning together well. You can add more or less depending on your taste.  Form into thin patties and cook on medium heat until done.

With garlic butter at room temperature, spread over bagel or bun of your choice...place in clean skillet or toaster over until toasted.

Mix ricotta, spinach, cheese in another bowl.  You can microwave this mixture for about 30-40 seconds to make warm. 

Now to assemble. Place burger first, then top with your ricotta mixture, add a nice heaping of marinara sauce and top with another buttered bun.

This is so messy but it is so good!! The perfect alternative to lasagna if you are pressed for time and have a taste for it. Delicious, I tell you!

Should make 3-4 burgers.

This is so refreshing and filling and easy!  What a great breakfast or lunch idea if you are pressed for time or simply want to try something delish and fresh!

1 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt

6-8 strawberries, sliced

1/2 granny smith apple

2 cups spinach (do not press down)

Blend on high in blender until it is very smooth and thick.

If it is too thick, you can add  soy/milk or a bit of water.  Place in refrigerator to chill or drink right then. Since all of my ingredients were in the fridge, it was chilled and ready to drink! Garnish with strawberry and spinach! 

Back when I was in college, I was taking my 4th year of French (2 in high school and 2 in college) and working as a waitress at a local upscale restaurant. One of the perks would be that each shift we got a free meal. I am a creature of habit when it comes to eating out....as adventurous as I am in the kitchen, I am not so much when dining at a restaurant. I always, always find something I like and get it each time. I have not had a Monte Cristo since those restaurant days.....I burned myself out on them that I didn't think twice about them until I got some awesome Blackberry Honey by Kyvan.

I love honey but I am not much of a sweets person. I love the idea of mixing savory and sweet! It helps balance everything out and has a way of enhancing the flavors.  When I got the honey from Kyvan, I knew I wanted to make a Monte Cristo.

I did a variation. No ham around, so I just used turkey and swiss.

Turkey and Swiss Monte Cristo

(serving one sandwich)

3 slices of bread (I used an oatmeal loaf)

2 eggs

1/3 cup of milk

Turkey

2 slices of Swiss Cheese

Butter or non stick spray

Layer your sandwich with the bread, cheese and meat. I love a nice helping of meat, so I was very liberal with applying the turkey.

In a mixing bowl, mix eggs and milk well. Take your layered sandwich and dip into the egg mixture. Coat all sides.  Place on griddle or skillet (buttered or sprayed) on medium  heat. Cook slowly and after about five minutes turn over....cook for five more minutes then turn back over and place something heavy on top. I placed a sheet of wax paper on top of the sandwich and then put a heavy cast iron skillet on top. Press down and cook until both sides are golden brown.

This honey is the perfect compliment to a Monte Cristo. Blackberry Honey? Are you kidding me? Love! 

Serve your Monte Cristo with a side of this honey for dipping and a nice side salad. The perfect meal.

*Half of this sandwich is enough for one person. It is so large, the full sandwich can serve two people.