ROASTED SQUASH SEEDS

I have done this with pumpkin seeds and thought I would give spaghetti squash seeds a try.  They came out perfect.  Next time I will likely use my oven instead of the air fryer just because there is more room to spread them in an even layer no a sheet pan.

ROASTED SQUASH SEEDS

Ingredients:

1 cup spaghetti squash seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix together and place on parchment paper in your air fryer.  Cook 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees - stirring every five minutes.  Enjoy!

 

Guest Recipe - Homemade Potato Chips

Sunflower Sue sent me this quick recipe for homemade potato chips. They are cooked in the microwave! I've tried this and they really are tasty. I made mine with a little olive oil. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite snack without all the guilt.

Single Serve Potato Chips

Sunflower Sue says: I tried this and they were soooo good. I hate to buy chips because I tend to eat them all, so this saves me.

All you need-
Potato's
Plate or bowl which is microwave safe
cooking spray spray
some paper towels
Seasonings of your choice

I did not peel the potato I just scrubbed it. Then you slice it thinly. Aim to be consistent with the thickness more then slicing it thinly as it will cook nice and evenly. Then cover the chips in a little oil on both sides and then flavor to your taste. You can be really inventive here or just stick to your old favorites! Though if you are going to use salt and vinegar I would recommend soaking the potato in the vinegar prior to oiling up.

Then stick the potato to the plate in a single layer, making sure that there isn't any overlap. Put the plate in the micro wave on full power.

For my 1-2mm thick chips, in a 700watt microwave it took about 5 Min's, turning the potato over about 3 Min's in.

This will be trial and error, all micros are different. So watch them. Please note that they do crisp up after cooling so its normal for them to be a bit soft when they come out of the microwave. Judging is easier on the colour and texture then anything else.

Beef Nachos

Years ago there was a little Pub in a nearby town that served the most wonderful nachos.  I think they were actually made with Nacho flavored Doritos, but the salsa was made in their little kitchen.  I’ve spent a lot of years trying to duplicate their recipe and haven’t quite succeeded.  But, this version is quick and easy.  It’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef.

Beef Nachos

Tortilla Chips – enough to cover the bottom of pan

*1 cup cooked, seasoned ground beef with onions

3/4 cup medium salsa

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese

sour cream – optional topping after cooking

Layer chips on bottom of a cookie sheet or pan.  Top with beef/onion, salsa and cheese.  Cook under broiler for about 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted to your liking.  Top with sour cream and enjoy!

*If you’re not using leftover ground beef, season your meat with garlic, pepper, cumin and salt to taste.  Brown over medium heat with 1/2 cup diced onion.  Drain well and you’re ready to top your tortilla chips.

Check out more great recipes at this weeks The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap.

Skipping Breakfast?

I'm as guilty as anyone of skipping breakfast. I'll end up feeling famished an hour later and grabbing something, well, something not so good for me. So, I was pretty excited when General Mills provided me with free cereal, product information and a gift pack through MyBlogSpark.

The timing was perfect since I had baked all those yummy treats in December and was hoping to start the new year off on the right track! Did you know that General Mills has been reducing sugar in their cereals - especially those advertised to kids under 12? For more information, visit General Mills: Cereal Health and Wellness. Their site has some great information on the benefits of cereal. As for me, I also like to have cereal as snack before bedtime and I don't feel one bit guilty about it! What's your favorite time of day to eat cereal?

Susan's Pizza Cups

Here's a yummy recipe from Susan!
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Susan's Pizza Cups
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1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup green pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup pepperoni slices
1/2 cup pasta sauce
Canned Biscuits (12)
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Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine onion, pepper, pepperoni and sauce in a food processor. Chop slightly until mixture is just a little chunky. Press biscuits into muffin tins. Top with about two tablespoons of sauce mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted - about 10 to 15 minutes.

English Muffin Pizza

Sometimes it's just all about what you have in the pantry and a desire to use up some leftovers. I tried these individual English muffin pizza snacks and discovered a tasty, guilt-free treat. Try adding your favorite toppings and make this recipe your own. I used cheese sticks because it's what I had on hand, but slices or shredded cheese would work fine. I also used whole wheat muffins.
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English Muffin Pizza
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2 English muffins, sliced in half
4 tablespoons, spaghetti sauce
banana pepper rings, 4
2 cheese sticks, sliced
Parmesan cheese
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Turn oven temp to broil. Top each English muffin half with sauce, banana peppers, cheese stick slices. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Broil for approximately 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and muffins are slightly browned.
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Check out more great recipes at this weeks Grocery Cart challenge Recipe Swap.

Since I joined MyBlogSpark, I've been given several opportunities to review new products. MyBlogSpark recently sent me a selection of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters. These bitesize clusters of nuts, granola and a touch of honey are 100% natural and a delicious snack anytime day or night. There are four flavor selections: Honey Roasted Peanut, Nut Lovers, Roasted Cashews, and Roasted Almond. The Nut Lovers contains cashews, pecans and peanuts. While all the flavors are wonderful, my favorite was the Roasted Cashews. The package promised a lightly sweet, yet salty flavor combination and the product delivered. The pouch is resealable, so it's the perfect 'on the go' snack. Try it the next time you're grocery shopping.