Phaked-Out Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Phaked-Out Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

So much faster than traditional recipes, this is largely “assembly,” with a dash of real cooking thrown in just for effect.

4 Kaiser, hoagie, or sandwich rolls (or hot dog buns… or, heck, even toasted bread works!)
1 9 oz package of pre-cooked roast beef
1 cup sliced onion
1 c. prepared (jar or can) Mexican Salsa Con Queso (cheese sauce with salsa)

In medium skillet, cook onions in 1 T. butter or olive oil, just until softened. Add in roast beef and turn to coat and warm through.

Toast rolls/buns/bread. Warm cheese sauce in small pan or micro.

Pile rolls with warmed beef and onions, slather on cheese sauce.

So Many Hummus Among Us

Basic Hummus:
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
2 cloves garlic (or 2 tsp. minced garlic in a jar)
½ t. salt
½ t. black pepper
2 T. good quality olive oil
1 T. sesame seeds (or tahini paste)
Handful fresh or 1 T. dried parsley

Starting with the garbanzo beans, blend in food processor until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, continue to blend until smooth. If needed, add 1-2 Tbsp. additional oil. Refrigerate.

To get fancy:
Lemon Hummus
Add the zest of one lemon
2-3 Tbsp. lemon juice
Blend, refrigerate

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Add ½ c. jarred roasted red pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper
Blend, refrigerate

Mediterranean Hummus
Add one small can (2.5 ounces) chopped or sliced black olives
1 –14 oz. can small or quartered artichoke hearts (roughly chop first)
Blend, refrigerate

Jalapeno Hummus
Add 1/2 c. sliced jarred or canned jalapenos (more if you're needing some real heat
Blend, refrigerate


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Creamy Artichoke-Mushroom-Parmesan Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

1 lb. jar light Parmesan Alfredo sauce
3 c. milk
2- 14 oz. cans sliced mushrooms
1 14oz. can quartered artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (not in marinade)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 T. dried basil
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all together, heat thoroughly.



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Easiest Watermelon Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

4 c. watermelon, cubed and seeded
¼ c. lime juice
¼ c. honey
½ c. coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
1 T. grated lime zest

Toss all together. Serve well-chilled.





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Super Simple Tomato Sauce (or Soup!)

A quick yet homemade sauce. Or the start of Chicken Parmesan. Or the first steps to a creamy soup.

Pre time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes, boil to simmer
Servings: Makes 3 cups of sauce, about 4 servings

Stir together
1 14 ½ ounce can diced tomatoes (partially drained)
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 T. chopped garlic
1 tsp. chicken (or vegetable) base concentrate or a splash of chicken (or veggie) broth
1 T. dried Italian Seasoning (your favorite brand)
Black pepper to taste
2 tsp. sugar (trust me, this balances the tomato tang)

Bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes (in the time your pasta is cooking!).

For a creamy, hearty soup, add 2 cups of half-and-half.

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Cheesy Green Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Varies, according to brand used
Servings: 4 servings

Okay, this is the epitome of shortcut cooking – the use of potato flakes. I know, hold everything...Now while we don’t care much for them as plain potatoes, adding a few extra ingredients results in a pretty darn good side. (And sneaks in spinach for unsuspecting young ones!)

Mix a batch of potato flakes as directed, to end up with four servings. Except no salt, instead stir in a teaspoon of chicken (or vegetable)base concentrate. Or if you have chicken or vegetable broth on hand, use that instead of water in the potato mix. And also, use slightly less liquid than called for – adding fresh spinach later brings in extra moisture.

When potatoes are ready, stir in:
2 tsp. freshly-ground pepper
4 c. roughly-chopped fresh baby spinach,
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
Stir together, no need to actually cook the spinach, the hot potatoes will wilt it sufficiently. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top to serve.

Three Pork Events: Roast Once, Eat Thrice

Initial roasting prep time: 5 minutes
Initial roasting cook time: 1 ½ hours
Initial roast servings: 4 generous servings each dish.

THREE PORK EVENTS: Roast Once, Eat Thrice

4 lb. boneless pork loin, tied
1/4 c. olive oil
1 T. chopped fresh or dried rosemary
Generous salt and pepperStir together, rub on all sides of roast.

Grill indirectly, not over flame but on the other side of the grill. Grill for 1½ hours, turning a couple of times, lid closed, until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. To roast in oven, cook at 375 degrees 1 ½ hours, or until reaching an internal temp of 160 degrees. (Roast will continue to cook as it stands ten minutes before slicing.)

Divide meat into three components – 1/3 is served as Roast Pork, another 1/3 becomes Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and last 1/3 is used in Pork Fried Rice. Cover and refrigerate.

Pork Event #1: Roast Pork Dinner, serve with rice or potatoes and a veggie side or salad. A nice family dinner.

Pork Event #2: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cut the next 1/3 of original roast into a few large chunks. Put in slow-cooker.
Mix together and pour over pork:
1/3 c. ketchup
¼ c. hot sauce
¼ c. packed brown sugar
1 T. garlic powder
Near the end of cooking: Add 1 C. chunky applesauce. Stir well and reheat.

Cook on low, 4-6 hours, or until pork shreds easily. Serve as pulled barbequed pork on a sturdy roll. Can top with coleslaw or chopped onion. Or spoon into a taco shell, top with your favorite fixings.
Note: If you’re really crunched for time, just use your favorite barbeque sauce. We won't tell.


Pork Event #3: Pork Fried Rice
Prepare your favorite rice or rice pilaf to make 4 servings.
During last minutes of cook time, add 2 C. frozen chopped vegetables (usually a mix of peas,
carrots, green beans, corn) to the pot.
Cut remaining 1/3 of original roast into ½” or so cubes – should be about 3 cups.

In large skillet, over medium heat, coat pan with 1 T. olive oil.
Add in rice/vegetable mix, toss.
Add in pork pieces, toss.
Wisk together two eggs, stir in.
Add sauce: Mix together 2 T. teriyaki sauce, 2 T. soy sauce, 1 T. sesame oil.

Cook all together 5-8 minutes, stirring, until eggs are cooked.

Note: If you’re needing to impress friends/family feel free to break out the wok.