scroodles & noodles, dickels & deedles

Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

**Ingredients:**

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)

- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

- 1/2 can of milk (use the same can from the soup)

- Olive oil (for browning)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, mix the chopped onions into the ground meat. Shape into meatballs.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.

3. Brown the meatballs on all sides.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth.

5. Pour the soup mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet.

6. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy! 🍽️

Let me know if you need another recipe or if you're up for something else!

tortellini soup Papa's

**Ingredients:**

- 1 teaspoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can salt-free diced tomatoes, such as garlic and onion

- 14 oz chicken broth

- 1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini

- 1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan; sauté for 3 minutes or until tender.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.

4. Add tortellini to the boiling mixture; cook for 5 minutes or until tortellini are done.

5. Reduce heat to medium; stir in spinach and black pepper.

6. Cook for 2 minutes or until spinach wilts.

7. Ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Two Quiche Options

HASHED BROWN QUICHE

INGREDIENTS 

3 cups shredded hash brown potatoes (consider browning first)
1/3 cup butter, melted
seasoned salt to taste
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Press hash browns onto the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie dish.
3. Drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until beginning to brown.
4. In a small bowl, combine ham, onion and shredded cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a little seasoned salt.
5. When crust is ready, spread ham mixture on the bottom, then cover with egg mixture.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until filling is puffed and golden brown.

SPINACH QUICHE

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
* 4 eggs
* 1 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 1/2 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Prick the pie
crust all over with fork and bake for 5 minutes.
2. Place the frozen spinach in microwave safe bowl and cook until
thawed. Drain as much of the liquid as you can and then use paper
towels to get the spinach as dry as possible.
3. Beat together the eggs, yogurt or sour cream, flour, and pepper
until well mixed. Stir in the spinach. Layer the sliced mushrooms,
cheese, and chopped scallions in that order on the bottom of the pie
crust. Top with the spinach mixture.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes and then decrease
temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for 30
additional minutes. Let cool before serving.

Campagnuolo Pizzeria Night (Pizza)

Bonnie: I like to get the water warm, then pour in into the bowl with the yeast and stir with a knife before adding the sugar. I think it dissolves better rather than pouring yeast into the water. 

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (preferably unbleached): 3 ½ cups (20oz or 565g)

• Water: 12oz (355ml), Warm (110°F/45°C)

• 1 packet active dry yeast (fast rising or highly active yeast): 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g)

• Sugar: ½ teaspoon (1g)

• Salt, fine granulation: 1 tablespoon (18g)

• Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon (14g)

• Semolina flour or medium granulation corn meal: For dusting your pizza peel

Instructions:

1. Proof Your Yeast:

   • Add one packet of yeast to warm water (110°F/45°C) and stir to dissolve. Add ½ teaspoon of sugar and set aside. If the yeast gets foamy and smells like bread, it's active.

2. Measure & Mix:

   • Combine the flour, salt, and oil.

3. Add Proofed Yeast Mixture:

   • Fold in the yeast mixture until the dough is shaggy and doesn't stick to your hands.

4. Knead Your Dough:

   • Hand Kneading: Place your dough on a lightly floured surface. Press down with the palm of your hand, press it forward, fold it over, and repeat until smooth and elastic.

   • Stand Mixer: Use a dough hook on medium-low speed until you have a shiny, smooth ball of dough.

Dough Rising & Storing:

• Quick Rise:

  • Room Temp (75°F/24°C): about 2 hours (then refrigerate or freeze)

  • Fridge: 3-5 days

  • Freezer: 3 months

• Cold Rise:

  • Room Temp (75°F/24°C): about 2 hours (thawed and/or risen from the fridge)

  • Fridge: 3-5 days

  • Freezer: 3 months

• From the Freezer:

• Room Temp (75°F/24°C): 24 hours to thaw and rise

• Fridge: use within 1 day after thawed

• Do NOT refreeze thawed dough

• Perfect Pizza Sauce

  Ingredients:

  • Tomato sauce: 1 can (15oz or 425g)

  • Tomato paste: 1 can (6oz or 170g)

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)

  • Garlic, minced: 2 cloves

  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (1g)

  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon (1g)

  • Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon (0.5g)

  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)

  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon (4g)

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon (0.5g)

  • Water: ½ cup (120ml)

  Instructions:

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:

     • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. Add Tomato Sauce and Paste:

     • Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste until well combined.

  3. Season the Sauce:

     • Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

  4. Simmer:

     • Add the water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Cool and Store:

     • Let the sauce cool before using it on your pizza. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pizza Possibilities

Margherita Pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough: 1 ball (from the Perfect Pizza Dough recipe)

• Pizza sauce: ½ cup (from the Perfect Pizza Sauce recipe)

• Fresh mozzarella cheese: 8oz (225g), sliced

• Fresh basil leaves: 10-12 leaves

• Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon (14g)

• Salt: to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Prepare Dough:

   • Stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30cm) circle on a floured surface.

3. Add Sauce and Toppings:

   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top and sprinkle with salt.

4. Bake:

   • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Finish with Basil and Olive Oil:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough: 1 ball (from the Perfect Pizza Dough recipe)

• Pizza sauce: ½ cup (from the Perfect Pizza Sauce recipe)

• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded

• Pepperoni slices: 20-25 slices

• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (1g)

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon (0.5g)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Prepare Dough:

   • Stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30cm) circle on a floured surface.

3. Add Sauce and Toppings:

   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Bake:

   • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Veggie Delight Pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough: 1 ball (from the Perfect Pizza Dough recipe)

• Pizza sauce: ½ cup (from the Perfect Pizza Sauce recipe)

• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded

• Bell peppers: 1 cup (150g), sliced

• Red onion: ½ cup (75g), thinly sliced

• Mushrooms: 1 cup (100g), sliced

• Black olives: ¼ cup (40g), sliced

• Fresh spinach: 1 cup (30g)

• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (1g)

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon (0.5g)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Prepare Dough:

   • Stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30cm) circle on a floured surface.

3. Add Sauce and Toppings:

   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, black olives, and fresh spinach. Sprinkle with dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Bake:

   • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Peppermint Stick Crisps Cookies

This recipe was in Better Homes magazine in 1952

Cream together

½ cup Butter Crisco

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Sift together

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp soda

½ tsp salt

½ tsp fresh grated nutmeg

Make Cookies

Add dry ingredients alternately to creamed mix with 2 Tbsp milk

Chill dough to avoid a mess, then

Drop by very small teaspoonfuls onto parchment cookie sheet

Flatten with a glass dipped in powdered sugar.

Sprinkle with coarsely crushed candy canes

Bake 8 minutes at 350. Don’t over bake. Remove from pan immediately.

If you have parchment paper for the cookie sheets it is helpful. 

Stuffed Shells

Tip: For a change of pace, add fresh chopped spinach, prosciutto ham, fresh chopped mint, and some pine nuts to the cheese mixture. My grandmother always included fresh mint; it adds an unexpected and worthwhile lift.

Time Saving Tip: Double the recipe and freeze the extra shells for dinner at a later date. These shells will keep well in the freezer, and you do not have to defrost, just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to baking time.


Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

One half of a 12-ounce box of jumbo pasta shells (about 18 shells)
1 teaspoon salt

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or mint (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 (26-ounce) jar Italian pasta sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the pasta shells to the water. Boil the pasta shells until they are tender, but still a little firm (al dente), about 10 minutes. When pasta is done, drain the shells, run under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
3. In a large bowl stir together: the ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parsley or mint. 
4. Pour about 1 cup of pasta sauce into a 9x12 casserole dish. 
5. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling into each cooked pasta shell. Place the filled shells, side by side, (three lengthwise rows of 6 shells per row), into the casserole dish. At this point, the dish can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
6. Spoon the remaining pasta sauce on top of the shells and bake uncovered until bubbly, about 30 minutes. 
7. If using refrigerated shells, allow 40 minutes baking time

Garlic Bread, Italian (angry kitchen loaves)

Narrow baguettes

Onion powder

Red pepper flakes

Olive oil

Granulated garlic

Salt

Fresh parsley

Tiny bit of dried oregano

Tiny bit of parmesan

Cut the loaves so they fit onto a jelly roll pan

Then cut the loaves in half

Brown the bottom half of the loaves under a low broiler.

Then flip it over. Add everything else by hand. Don't do a pre-mixed version.

To make:

Oil salt on bottom, then slightly brown

Oil

Salt

Garlic

Pepper

Onion 

RPF

Parsley

Oregano

Cheese