Easy Dinner Ideas & Healthy Recipes

Simple but TASTY Marinara Sauce

April 30th, 2012

Happy Plate

I have recently stated using jarred store bought sauce but I was taught to make my own! I made a simple, easy sauce that tastes great!

all you need is…

1 LARGE can crushed tomato

1 regular sized can diced tomato

a couple cloves of minced galic

1/2 an onion diced

a tablespoon of oregano or Italian seasoning

a dash or two red pepper flakes

1/2 a cup red wine

salt and pepper to taste

ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Combine all ingredients and let simmer for a couple hours on low heat stirring occasionally

If you desire a meat sauce, brown meat first

Beef Roast Dinner For Two

April 20th, 2012

Happy Plate

My aunt has always made an amazing Beef Roast… i never knew it could be sooooo easy!

As I have done before, I bought the Manager’s special, which happened to be a Beef Roast that even had a pop out timer in it.

I simply salted and peppered and popped int he oven at 350 until he timer popped! how easy?!?!

I used the pan drippings to make a gravy by adding a little flour and broth to thicken. Use either beef or vegetable broth I also added some chopped baby portebella mushrooms.

DELISH!

Oven Roasted Chicken with Asparagus

April 20th, 2012

Happy Plate

I recently read how GREAT asparagus is for you, it;s also super tasty and I think, chic

I cut my asparagus is thirds, discarding the lower portion. Toss in olive oil and salt and pepper. I also added garlic cloves, leaving skin on to prevent burning.

I then placed in a roasting pan, placing rack on top.

I then placed a bone in chicken breast on top and seasoned with my favorite spice, Weber grill’s roasted garlic.

Heat oven to 400 and pop in once preheated. cook for about a hour, or until juices run clear. Let rest for 5-10 mins then serve. SUPER easy and tasty!

Be sure to peel garlic before eating :)

Spinach Pie

March 26th, 2012

Happy Plate

This has ALWAYS been a fav of mine! My mom always made it during Lent and NOW I made it super easy!

1 package frozen spinach THAWED and Drained

1/2 onoin diced

3 carrots shredded

2 beaten eggs

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp oregano

salt and pepper to taste

4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese

4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese (use whatever cheese YOU like)

1 refrigerated pie crust

Pre heat to 425

Saute onions and carrots. Add spinach and oregano. add milk and eggs. season with desired salt and pepper. mix in cheese. pour in pie plate. MOST pie’s come with 2 crusts. double if you’d like 2.

bake about 30 mins. until pie looks settled and crust is golden.

Apple and Sage Roasted Chicken

March 13th, 2012

Happy Plate

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed

salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste

1/2 cup margarine, divided

1/2 an apple

1 sprig sage

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken in a roasting pan, and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside and out with onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons margarine in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining margarine around the chicken’s exterior. Cut theapple into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity along with the sage. Tuck wings under and close legs if possible.
Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat, and baste with melted margarine and drippings. Cover , and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.