Happy Husband Baked Ziti

Lately, I've experimented with too many chicken recipes. Consequently, my husband went on a well-justified chicken strike. So, it's time to roll up my sleeves and tap my imagination for delicious meals that feature beef and pork.

This is a delicious, hearty meal that I hestitate to post as a recipe because now people will know how simple it is! Despite spending only a few minutes in the kitchen preparing it, you're spouse will get the happy glow of Italian-restaurant-satisfaction after taking his first bite. This is also a great meal for company: the extra spices in the sauce disguise its jar-origins and, since this is a casserole, you can have a spotless kitchen when guests arrive.

Happy Husband Baked Ziti

1 lb lean ground beef, browned

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 Tbsp Parsley

1/2 tsp Oregano

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

6 oz high fiber ziti, cooked al dente

Combine all ingredients except the cheese in a casserole dish. Top with cheese and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves 4 at 6 points each.

Baked Spaghetti

This casserole is another one from my "prenatal collection", but it should be a part of every cook's repertoire. Imagine the tomato-y, cheesy goodness of spaghetti without spending any time in the kitchen the night you serve it. In fact, this could be paired with a nice salad and French bread for romantic dinner after spending the day together. Your significant other with marvel at your resourcefulness and your miraculous dinner preparation skills...

Baked Spaghetti

1 lb lean ground beef

1 lb box of high fiber spaghetti, cooked

1 bell pepper (I prefer 1/2 each of red and green)

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown beef, then add diced peppers and cook until they are tender, but not browned. Stir in a jar of spaghetti sauce and season with pepper and oregano. Toss the sauce and cooked noodles together, then transfer to a pan already prepared with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Either bake at 350 degrees for one hour or freeze at this point for later enjoyment.

Ham & Cheese Quiche

My husband teases me that he would be able to identify me from a Body Snatcher from my love of cheese. One of my favorite vehicles for cheese is quiche. Typically, quiche is considered a no-no because of the rich cheese, heavy cream, and savory bacon. However, I firmly believe in smart, delicious substitutions, not denial.

This quiche is extremely satisfying - so creamy and cheesy... If you like spinach, feel free to add that, too. We like to serve spinach as a side dish with the quiche instead of in it.

Ham & Cheese Quiche

8 oz fat free cream cheese

1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese

1 c lean ham, cubed

1 1/2 c egg substitute

1/4 c 1% milk

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried parsley

1 pastry shell

Spray a pie plate with canola cooking spray, then line with the pastry dough. Crimp or flute the top edge. Drop small pieces of the cream cheese around theentire bottom of the pastry shell. Sprinkle the ham evenly over the surface of the pie shell next. Then, whisk salt, pepper, milk, and egg substitute in a bowl, then pour over the pie shell. Finish by sprinkling cheddar cheese and parsley over the top. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 375 degrees and continue cooking for 40 minutes. Serves 6.

Turkey Pot Pie

One of my all-time favorite meals is turkey pot pie with cottage cheese and peas. It fills your belly and warms your soul like a good hug. Casseroles make a great gift because they not only provide a quick and delicious dinner for the recipient, but also because someone cared enough to plan, grocery shop, and cook for you. It's edible love.

Tonight's casserole was part of my "prenatal collection". Before having our son, I made a bunch of casseroles to freeze for dinners. For the first three weeks (and several other subsequent evenings), my husband would cook a defrosted casserole and a vegetable for our dinner. I didn't need to do anything except rest and nurse our son. What a huge blessing to enjoy a healthy, delicious dinners! We rotated through about six types of casseroles frozen in a two-person portions, so we didn't eat the same meal too frequently. However, this pot pie was and continues to be my favorite.

Turkey Pot Pie
3 cups chopped turkey
2 lbs frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp poultry seasoning
Dough for a double crust pie
Chicken white sauce

Grease a pie plate with vegetable shortening or canola cooking spray and line it with one layer of pie dough. Combine the turkey, frozen vegetables, white sauce, and spices in a bowl, and then pour into then pie plate. Cover with the second layer of pie dough. Seal and flute the edges of the pie and create vents on top of the pie, using a fork. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 45 minutes, when the top is golden brown. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked pie and defrost/bake when desired.

Dough for a Double Crust Pie
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup vegetable shortening
6-7 Tbsp water

Combine flour, salt, and shortening by using two butter knives or a pastry cutter. Cut in the water and finish combining by using clean hands. Divide dough in half. Roll out onto one half at a time on a floured surface.

Chicken White Sauce
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
2 chicken bouillon cubes

Melt butter or margarine in a pan, and then stir in flour. Pour in milk all at once. Add bouillon cubes and stir until mixture thickens.