Spinach, Mushroom, & Ham Quiche

Remember when I finished White Collar-- and my world felt empty ;)  On Facebook, my go to source during boredom, a friend of mine posted about the show Suits. I watched an episode of Suits randomly and it was pretty good. So, when I saw that post, I decided to ask the hubby to get me the first two seasons, because sadly it is not on instant streaming through Netflix ::sadness:: I watched all of Season 1 in about 2 days and I am now almost done with Season 2 :) The show is awesome! Right up the White Collar alley. Isn't it amazing how many shows can be mystery solving  without being a police show- in this case it is lawyers. I highly reccomend the show. Though, Numb3rs is my favorite show, since it is so nerdy.

I now have to tell you about my lame slip-up. In the same post that I told you about White Collar, I mentioned that I ordered and sent out almost all of my wedding thank you's. When I went to the post office, I apparently left the unaddressed ones there (on a Thursday) and then I did not notice that I left them there until Monday! And by then, they told me they could not find it. I was in a panic because I needed to send a thank you to the hubby's former boss, who coincidentally, got me one of my favorite presents-- a Cuisinart food processor! Thankfully, a week later, the post office called me letting me know that they found it! YAY!

One of the best parts of food blogging, is always trying new recipes. Though I think that may be more of the hubby's favorite part, since he is definitely one of those people, who never orders the same thing from a restaurant, always wanting to try something different. Well, I wanted to try something very much outside box. I have only made a pie once- and the most difficult part of a pie is the crust. I also realized that I have never made a quiche. What better way to eat two cupcakes with one mouth ;)....then to make a quiche, because then I get my quiche and another go at making a pie crust. Plus, I get to say I made a quiche- now doesn't that sound very French fancy? This recipe is by no means "simple" but it is straight forward and yummy.

SPINACH, MUSHROOM, & HAM QUICHE

Crust from Add a Pinch

Quiche adapted from Budget Bytes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 400F Degrees

CRUST
1 1/2 c. of flour (+ little more for rolling)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. shortening
1/4c. butter
4-5 tbsp. of ice water
olive oil for brushing

FILLING
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic 
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 large eggs, whisked
1 c. milk
3/4 c. grated Parmesan (or other grated cheese)
1 box (or bag) of frozen spinach, thawed and drained (completely dry)
2/3 c. diced ham
1/2 c. Mozarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

For the Crust:
First, butter a 9 inch pie pan and set aside. Then in a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Dump into the bowl of  a food processor, fitted with pastry tool (i.e., the plastic blade). Then cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture resembles a course sand. Gradually, one tbsp. at a time, add in ice water to the mixture until a dough forms.

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and kneed. Then, lightly flour the top of the pie dough and cover the top with a sheet of plastic wrap.Rolling from the center, roll the dough into 1/8inch thick circle. Remove the plastic wrap, and gently fold dough over and across the pie pan. Press the bottom and sides of dough to conform to the pie pan. Shape the pie crust edge to desired design. I chose to be simple and just use a fork to create a creased edge. Cover the pie crust with a piece of plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Remove from freezer and lightly pierce the bottom and sides of the pie crust with a fork. Brush pie crust with a light coat of olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

For the Filling:
Before beginning, reduce oven to 350F degrees. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in garlic and saute until fragrant and slightly browned. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, and then toss in mushrooms and saute for 8-10 minutes. At this pint, the mushrooms should have released all their moisture, and no water should remain at the bottom of the skillet. Set mushrooms aside.

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs. Then whisk in milk and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Assemble the quiche as follows: cover the bottom of the pie crust with the thawed and completely drained spinach (this is important- you do not want to make your crust soggy with wet spinach). Next, cover the spinach with a layer of mushrooms, followed by a layer of ham. Once layers have been made, pour milk and egg mixture over the layers, until completely submerged (batter should be slightly below the brim of the the pie dish). Sprinkle Mozarella cheese over the top of the quiche. If it looks really full, that is okay, this quiche does not rise very much.. 

Place pie on  on baking sheet for easy transfer into and out of the oven. Bake for 45 minutes- 1 hour until the top of the quiche is golden brown and center is solid.  

•  After 30 minutes on the top rack, I transferred the quiche to the bottom rack. At which point, if you have a pie crust protector (so it does not burn) you should use it. If not, do what I did: Place a lined baking sheet on the rack above the quiche, and position so it is directly over the quiche. Allow to completely cool before serving.

Enjoy,
Chika

Onion, Spinach, Mushroom Alfredo Pizza

I think I am failing miserably at my attempt to try to post every day. And the sad part about it is- that it is not because I do not have anything to post. I have quite a few really awesome recipes to share and some cupcakery reviews! I do not know what it has been about February but I have been so busy! The week just flies by--I feel like I am always on the go-- and by the time the evenings rolls around, I am just too tired post. I literally just pass out. Thankfully, the weekend has rolled around and I am ready to post...and to nap :)

Today I took Ninja to the dog park. His first day back in almost 4 months. Ninja freaked out! He was so excited, he did not even give me time to take off his harness- he was just trying with all his might to rush the gate and push it open...to bad there was a latch in his way. This Friday we are going to the vet for his 8-week follow up and I am hoping that he will give us the A-Okay on his coming back to the dog park in the evenings so he can have some fun times with his friends! Can't wait :) Here's a picture of my drooly face this morning, makes my heart melt every time!

I had made this delicious pizza a while ago as the hubby and I were long over due for some pizza, since the last time we had any was on New Years Eve. I have only made pizza once before-- BBQ Chicken Pizza, which turned out awesome, so I thought I would try making pizza from scratch again. I was pretty darn proud of myself for mastering how to make my own dough! The recipe usually makes enough for two pizzas, so I cut the dough in half and freeze the rest for another day! 

CARAMELIZED ONION, SPINACH AND MUSHROOM ALFREDO PIZZA

Adapted from Budget Bytes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 425F Degrees

FOR THE CRUST

1 1/3 c. warm water

1/4 c. non-fat dry milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (4oz) package of yeast

2 tbsp. olive oil

3-4 c. flour

FOR THE SAUCE

1 tbsp. butter

1/2 tbsp. garlic, diced

4 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. milk 

Pinch of salt

FOR THE PIZZA

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 c. onion, diced

Pinch of salt and pepper

1 carton of mushrooms

2 c. spinach leaves

1 c. shredded mozarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

For the Crust:
In a small bowl combine warm water, dry milk, salt, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 3-5 minutes (until it begins to bubble at the top), then add in oil and allow to sit for another minute. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook- mix into 3 c. of flour.  Slowly add in the last c. until the dough comes together. If it is too dry add more warm water or if too wet add more flour. Place in large bowl coated with cooking spray and cover. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. When dough has risen, "punch" dough to deflate. Cut dough in half, wrap one of the halves in saran wrap, and freeze for future use. Grease pizza pan.  Roll remaining dough (the half not frozen) onto a 12 inch pizza pan. Poke holes in crust with fork and brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minute until begins to bubble slightly on top. Remove from oven.

For the sauce: 
Heat butter over medium heat in a medium size pot. Add garlic and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Next add cream cheese, milk and pinch of salt. Whisk mixture until smooth. Reduce to low heat and allow sauce to thicken (about 5-8 minutes). Allow to cool slightly. 

For the topping: heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. The saute onions until transparent and slightly brown. Toss in mushrooms (and pinch of salt if desired) and saute until tender-- about 8-10 minutes. Finally stir in the fresh spinach, one cup at a time, until the spinach wilts. 

To assemble pizza: 
Spread sauce over the surface of dough with the back of a large spoon (spoon the sauce in the middle of the pizza and spread by making larger, and larger circular motions-- moving outward). Then evenly cover pizza with onion, spinach and mushroom topping. Finally top with mozarella cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown. I cook my pizza on the bottom oven rack.

Enjoy,

Chika

One Skillet Spinach & Sausage Spaghetti

First, I have to say that I am writing this while watching Guy Code on MTV. When I saw the previews for this show-- I was thinking it was another lame shown on MTV that is just a bit much. But I have to say- it's pretty darn funny. It is more like a comedy show where guys talk about different topics- and I really like it! So, although I never plug for a T.V. show especially not one on MTV-- I have to say--that you should take the time to watch it, it's a good laugh.

This morning the hubby, Luke, Justin and I decided to have a cupcakery adventure at a new bakery that opened up in Bryan/College Station area called BCS (i.e., Bryan College Station) Chocolate Gallery. All of their cupcakes seemed yummy! It is a chocolate store + bakery all in one-- who would not love this place?! Right when I entered, I just became overwhelmed with joy! And after enjoying some cupcake and cake truffle fun this afternoon-- I must say that I have officially found the cupcakery for me :) Ok-- it's technically a chocolate gallery but it has amazing cupcakes! YAY-- there is finally a good cupcake place in the area :)  And there is so much to try-- that I have many reasons to go back!

I did my weekly menu planning and grocery shopping yesterday. I like to do most of my cooking on the weekends because I get too busy on the weekdays but I still want the hubby to have homemade meals. Well when I woke up this morning I realized that I forgot to take out the different meats I need to use- and thaw it :( Tragic. But that is alright, because I was meeting Justin and Luke at noon. The only meat that I had thawed was the turkey sausage for one my recipes- which worked well- a simple, one skillet meal that is actually another Blogger retake on the original version of Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe that I made a while back. How interesting- foodie versions of the same recipe can come out so differently--both so yummy!

Update: the hubby came home and tried this and said it was good but he much preferred the Spicy Sausage Pasta.

ONE SKILLET SPINACH AND SAUSAGE SPAGHETTI

Adapted from Budget Bytes

INGREDIENTS

14 oz. turkey sausage 

1 tbsp. olive oi

1 c. diced onions

1- 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes w/ chiles

2.5-3 c. of chicken broth

8 oz. of spaghetti (break spaghetti in half)

3 c. of fresh spinach

1 c. of shredded cheese 

1 whole green onion, diced

Crushed red peppers (optional- if like spicy)

DIRECTIONS

Thinly slice sausage into medallions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add sausage. Saute the sausage until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Then add diced onion (not green onion) and saute onion until browned and slightly translucent. Add the can of diced tomatoes (do not drain) and chicken broth (first only add 2.5 c.). Stir to combine. 

Add the uncooked spaghetti (broken in half) to the skillet and make sure that all the pasta is submerged under the liquid (if you need additional liquid add the remaining half a cup of chicken broth). Place a lid on the skillet and allow the mixture to come to a heavy boil. Once boiling, remove lid, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes (stir only occasionally), until most but not all of the liquid has evaporated. The pasta should be tender. 

Stir in the fresh spinach, one cup at a time, until the spinach wilts. Once all the spinach is added, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and place lid on skillet- let sit for a few minutes until cheese had melted. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes (optional).

Enjoy,

Chika 

Gnocchi with Butter Beans and Spinach

The infamous Bucket List. Things to aspire to, want to do, to accomplish, see, or become all before- so to say- you "kick the bucket." Interesting really- if you think about it. I mean it is basically a Life To-Do-List. I can see why people have them--either written down or in their heads. It is nice knowing that throughout our life we attain little dreams we've had or have things we never dreamed of come true! I decided I wanted to make a bucket list. A list I will probably and will hopefully add to as life goes on.

This list is in no way complete-- and there are many things that I have already accomplished or done that I would have written on my bucket list-- had I not waited till I was so darn old ;) Like, going to college/graduate school, going to a concert, living on my own, getting married, owning a pet, living somewhere other than California, learning to become independent, starting my own blog! But here are some others:

1. Have children (happy, healty, cuties)

2. Visit the following places: Costa Rica, Peru, Fiij, France, Italy, Greece, Thailand, China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, Egypt (I'll just group these for now)

3. Get my Ph.D. (almost there....)

4. Buy a home

5. Learn to crochet 

6. Go on a cruise

7. Have a facial (yes, I have never had one- and though small, I really want to have one)

8. Learn to ride a bike (do not judge me :)...I just never learned

9. Run a marathon (even just a tiny little 2.5k one :)

10. Learn Sign Language

11. Open a bakery (Duh! Cannot believe I did not think of this right away)

That seems like a nice odd number to end with....for now ;) Have any ideas?! Please share! Alight, let's now enjoy a nice dish for those rainy, Texas days!

GNOCCHI WITH BUTTER BEANS AND SPINACH

Adapted from WebMD

INGREDIENTS

1 (16 oz) box of Gnocchi (I got Tri-Colored)
1 chicken breast, diced*
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. onions diced*
10 oz. Spinach
14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes
16 oz. can of butter beans
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2. shredded cheese or Parmesan cheese

*The original recipe did not use chicken or onions. I added chicken, onions and just a touch of garlic for the hubby. But not necessary if you do not have it

DIRECTIONS

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add Gnocchi and reduce to medium-high heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until Gnocchi begin to float. Drain excess water and set aside. It is very easy to overcook Gnocchi, so be careful not to overcook.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil, over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until tender and no longer pink in the middle- remove from skillet and set aside. Then, either in the same skillet (wiped down) or a new skillet- heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Once hot- add onions and cook until clear. Then add and saute spinach for 2-4 minutes. Next add in tomatoes and beans and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Combine veggies with with Gnocchi and chicken- incorporating all the ingredients well (I used a spatula and "folded" the ingredients together gently). Toss with a little salt and pepper for flavor (as much as you prefer). Top with either shredded or Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy,
Chika