Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Crisp

This dish is delicious but also very rich.

4 apples cored, peeled and sliced (I used Cortland)
1 8oz jar of caramel sauce warmed
1 cup of peanut butter warmed
2 T milk
3/4 c flour
3/4 c brown sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2c butter cubed

Heat the oven to 375*, spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Place the apples in the baking dish, pour both caramel and peanut butter over apples, mix to coat evenly.
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 45-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes
Serve with ice cream and whipped cream!

Quick and Easy Au Gratin Potatoes

I was in a pinch the other night and wanted to make Au Gratin Potatoes but didn't want to bake them for over an hour, so here goes!

4 large potatoes sliced thin
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 onion minced
3/4 cup milk
4T butter into 4 pieces
8 slices American Cheese

Heat oven to 400*, in a large stock pot boil water enough water to cover potatoes, place potatoes in pot and boil for 10 minutes.
Spray a 9x9 safe pan with non-stick. Layer cheddar cheese, boiled potatoes, milk, onion, butter and American cheese.
** add black pepper if you wish before putting on American cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for 5 more. The dish should be bubbling and browning on the sides.
Serve and enjoy!!

Super Easy Peanut Butter Layer Treat

MMMM There is not much that can go wrong when you mix peanut butter into a dessert. I whipped this up one night when we were having company and then again 3 days later because it went over so well.

1 package of graham crackers  (save 2 for the last step)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup cream cheese
3 cups of whipped topping, separated into 1 and 2 cup increments
3T powdered sugar
chocolate sauce
3 T peanut butter

Spray a 9x9 inch pan with non stick spray. In a gallon size ziploc bag crush the graham crackers, remembering to leave 2 for the last step. Spread the crumbs into the bottom of the pan evenly.
In a microwave safe bowl combine the peanut butter, cream cheese and 1 cup of whipped topping and heat for 30 seconds until it is easy to mix. If you prefer not to microwave use a mixer to combine ingredients.  Add in powdered sugar and mix thoroughly.
Spread this mixture over the graham crumb layer, I find it easier to spread it if it is warmed.
Use the 2 cups of whipped topping that was set aside and spread this over the peanut butter layer.
With the chocolate sauce drizzle enough to your liking over the top and then warm the 3 T of peanut butter for 30 seconds and drizzle over the chocolate. Next use the last 2 graham crackers, break them into small bits in your hands and sprinkle over the top.
Let it set in the refrigerator with tin foil on top before serving (approx 30 min)

Enjoy!

Lemon Parsley Pasta with Lemon Sauce

MMMM If you live in Rochester, NY you are lucky to have access to one of the best public markets. The pasta in this recipe is purchased from there, however if you don't have the pleasure to live here, this is the website if you wish to order...
http://www.pappardellespasta.com/

1/2 lb Lemon Parsley pasta
1 T olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1 jar Artichoke Hearts, chopped
1/2c white cooking white
2 T lemon juice
1/4c Parmesan cheese

Boil and cook pasta for approximately 9-11 minutes until cooked. Place pasta in strainer in the sink and let sit when completely cooked. In the same pot that you used to cook the pasta, heat the olive oil and add in garlic until sauteed.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Add pasta back into the pot and stir to coat. Take off of heat source and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Enjoy!

Homemade Nutty Goat Salad

I get this every time that I go to Great Northern Pizza but it's so easy to make at home!!

2 cups lettuce
1T goat cheese (I like the option available to my grocer, it's a goat cheese rolled with cranberries and cinnamon)
1/4 cup pecans
Croutons if you wish

Dressing
I just do a olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but be careful to not add too much balsamic vinegar otherwise it's overwhelming.

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients and toss with dress, enjoy for a great summer meal!