Sunday, August 30, 2009

Lisa Tries.... Tuscan Soup with Tortellini

Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Tortellini
From: Sandra Lee


What you need:
2 tbsn canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tspn chopped garlic
1/2 tspn red pepper flakes (I didn't have so I didn't use)
1 (14.5-ounce) can less sodium beef broth
3 cups water
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (the can I chose had basil and olive oil in it)
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen Italian vegetable blend
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (I forgot to use these)
1 tbspn Italian seasoning
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen cheese tortellini (the bag I used was a couple of ounces over)


Directions
In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute for a couple of minutes then add everything but the tortellini. Bring to boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 mins. Add tortellini and simmer til tortellink is cooked. Salt and pepper as desired.


Verdict:

Super easy to make. I love a yummy heart soup that isn't too soupy. I would definitely make this one again and try it with red pepper flakes and beans and little less tortellini. I did need to add salt and pepper to my bowl otherwise it tasted like something was missing. Next time I might serve with foccacia or breadsticks. Keeper.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Lisa Tries... Mini Cheese and Olives Calzones

Recipe: Mini Cheese and Olive Calzones
From: Sandra Lee

What you need...
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Flour, for dusting (I didn't use. I am a rebel!)
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent-shaped dinner rolls



Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a bowl combine the cheeses, olives, and Italian seasoning.


Somehow you are supposed to make triangles out of crescent dough but I couldn't figure it out. So I made funny shapes. Place about two teaspoons of mixture into dough and shape. Also suppose to moisten the edges to close and use a fork to reinforce and make it pretty -- yeah, I didn't follow those directions either.


Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 mins.



Results:

Nice flakey, buttery tasting "calzone". Inside is tasty but tastes too much like olives. I think the next time I attempt this, I will add fresh basil, mozzerella cheese, and maybe like a couple of pepperoni's or something. Might even serve with some sauce for dipping pleasures.