Mole Chili

Perfect for a chilly (get it?) winter night - this chili comes together in a matter of minutes. Deep, dark brown and thick enough to stand a spoon upright.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 additional minutes on simmer
Servings: 4 bowls

Brown: 1 lb ground beef + 1/4 c. chopped onion

Stir in:
2 cans diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can chili (or black or navy or kidney) beans (drained)
1/4 c. ketchup
1 T. garlic powder
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1 T. chili powder

... and the magic ingredient...
1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder.

Tuck into a bowl of THAT on a rainy/snowy night!

Mushroom Pasta

This is one speedy recipe, yet tastes divine... a super combo for any short-cut cook! And with all the holiday parties approaching... something different to bring!

Serves: 6-8 as a side
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes total

Cook 1 lb box of medium-sized pasta (penne, ziti are great)

Meanwhile, cook an entire 12 oz. package of microwave bacon (saving yourself an icky greasy pan to clean later!)(Or brown up about 12 slices if you like messes. Drain well.)

When pasta is done, drain, return to pasta pot and stir in:
2 - 8 oz. cartons of sliced mushrooms (can mix types)
1 c. chopped green onions (abut 6-7)
2 - 16 oz. jars Alfredo sauce
Generous dash of:
cayenne pepper
salt
garlic powder
1 c. grated Parmesan cheese
and at the very end, the crumbled bacon.

Serve now or store covered in refrig to reheat nicely.

Judy's Spicy Noodles

Another lifesaver from Guest ShortCutCook Judy A. -- helping out as I take a few to get through minor surgery. Very minor surgery, unless it's on YOU, of course!

1 lb linguini
1/2 cup chinese sesame oil
1/2 cup soy sauce (use lite if you prefer)
2 Tablespoons hot chili oil
2 tsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
toasted sesame seeds (if you have the time and energy)

Prepare linguini according to packaged directions. Combine the remainder of the ingredients and toss with the cooked linguini. Serve hot or cold. Even kids love this one.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Another way to get that hot/cool, ying/yang taste of Buffalo Chicken Wings... This pasta has plenty of kick - if you wish, tone it down a bit by using less cayenne.

Prep / Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Cook 1 lb. box pasta (penne works well) according to package directions.

Meanwhile, melt together:
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt

Turn off heat.

When pasta is almost done, wisk in:
1/2 c. prepared ranch dressing

Drain pasta, pour sauce over, stir in:
1 lb cooked chicken, sliced, diced or cubed
12 scallions/green onions, chopped
4 oz. package blue cheese crumble

Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Here's another one-pot-wonder-meal from Guest Chef Judy A. in the Twin Cities. Ahhh, the aroma of the Greek Islands floating through my kitchen...

Greek Chicken and Potatoes

6 split chicken breasts, skin-on, bone-in
3 large russet potatoes, cut into large wedges
2 large onions, cut into large wedges
3 to 4 Tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
4 Tablespoons oregano

Place chicken, potatoes, and onions in a roasting pan. Drizzle all with olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Then generously sprinkle oregano over all. Bake at 425 degrees for one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes.

Gettin' Saucy #1: Basil Rosa Sauce

Yes, yes, store-bought treats are your friends! These are in the refrigerated section of your store... just waiting for you on your next busy day!

3 - 4 ounces Basil Pesto (about half of a standard 7 oz. container)
3 - 4 ounces Light Alfredo Sauce (ditto above)
12 - ounce size container Marinara (or any tomato-based sauce)

Combine all, heat through, don't boil. Great on pasta or fish. Finish with a little freshly-grated Parm, if you wish.

Gettin' Saucy #2: Blue Steak Sauce

OK, it's not really blue, but this idea sends plain ole blue cheese into a nummy steak topper. And if a little spills over to mashed potatoes, it's your day!

In a small saucepan combine:
1/2 c. half-and-half or cream
4 oz. package of blue cheese crumbles

Let s-l-o-w-l-y melt together, stirring often. It takes about 10 minutes. Serves 6 generously.