Sweet & Spicy Chili

While experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to ditch the tomato sauce and try something different when I eyed a can of Manwich on the shelf... So glad I did because this sweet chili is perfect for those who don't like things too spicy, but still enjoy a hearty bowl of beans.  Loved this so much, I ate it again the next day with a Grilled Daiya (cheese)!

1 can white kidney beans
1 can red kidney beans
2/3 can Manwich sloppy joe sauce
chopped onions and peppers
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
cracked pepper & salt

1: Saute onions and peppers

2: Add drained beans, sloppy joe sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika (and salt & pepper to your taste)

3: Cover on low-medium heat until beans are softened, stirring occasionally

Option: Add these ingredients to a Crock-pot and simmer the afternoon away for a more flavor-infused chili

Red Love Pizza

A delicious idea for a themed pizza night with the kiddies!  The special ingredient is always LOVE!

Dough
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour2 1/4 tsp yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried parsley

Toppings
red pizza sauce
Daiya mozzarella shreds
red peppers
red onions

1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2: Mix flour, yeast and salt together
3: Add olive oil, warm water, salt and dried parsley
4: Cover and set aside for 10 minutes

5: Oil baking pan and spread dough out in shape preference.  I chose heart!

6: Bake for 10 minutes

7: Add toppings, including pizza sauce

8: Red onions and red peppers (or whatever you prefer...I was going for a "red" theme!)

9: Add Daiya

10: Get creative ;)

11: Bake for 10-15 minutes until Daiya is completely melted. 

Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown Daiya and outer edge of crust if you'd like.

Bruschetta

A-Mazing!  Love the crunchy crust of a toasted baguette with an oil-soaked center... my favorite appetizer!  Quick to make with dinner or just as a snack when you're feeling fancy.  *wink*

1 French Baguette loaf
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large tomato, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10-15 chiffonade basil leaves

*extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar to brush onto bread

1: Combine both canned and fresh diced tomato along with chiffonade basil leaves, olive oil and balsamic vinegar
2: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

3: Slice baguette in a diagonal fashion and spread out on a baking sheet

4: Brush on a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and broil on high until edges are crispy

5: Top with chilled bruschetta and serve immediately

Baked Ziti

I'm fairly certain this dish is even more scrumptious on Day Two!  Leftover City, here I come! 

1 package ziti style pasta
2 cans of tomato sauce (seasoned with garlic, oregano, salt and pepper) OR
  Jarred pasta sauce (if you'd like something quicker)
10-12 basil leaves cut chiffon style
1 package Daiya Mozzarella cheese

1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2: Prepare pasta according to packaging, drain and set aside
3: Add pasta, sauce and basil together in a cake or casserole pan

4: Top with Daiya and a bit of salt

5: Bake for about 25 minutes, then broil on high for 2-3 minutes until Daiya is lightly browned

Serves: 8

Dill Pickle Potatoes

If you love dill pickles, this dish is for you!  Soak these potatoes in the pickle juice for about an hour before baking if you like a little more of a bite!

6 russet potatoes
1/2 cup pickle juice
several sprigs of fresh dill

1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2: Peel and slice potatoes

3: Blanche potatoes in boiling water for about 5 minutes and strain

4: Cut up a few sprigs of dill

5: Spread out on an oiled baking sheet (olive oil) with dill and pour pickle juice over potatoes

6: Add any other seasonings you may like and bake for 30 minutes, flipping potatoes halfway through

7: These can be easily reheated or other toppings added as well...

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Wafer Cookies

Super, super sweet... like, toothache sweet!  Delicious with a glass of vanilla soy milk!

3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup Earth Balance
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg replacer (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 water)
1 tbsp soymilk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup chocolate chips

1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2: Cream together Earth Balance and peanut butter

3: Add in both sugars, egg replacer, soymilk and vanilla

4: Next, add in flour, baking powder and salt, then fold in chocolate chips

5: Form into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet

6: Use a fork to press cookies and bake for 10-12 minutes

7: Let cookies cool for up to 20 minutes to allow them to harden a bit