School Pizza

 Ingredients

Crust:

2-2/3 cup flour

3/4 cup powdered milk

2 T sugar

1 package quick rise yeast

1 tsp salt

1-2/3 cup warm water (110-115)

2 T vegetable oil

Filling:

1/2 lb Italian sausage

1/2 lb ground chuck

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese

Sauce (I make the day before):

1 (6oz) can tomato paste

1 1/2 cups water

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 t salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 T dried oregano

1/2 T dried basil

1/2 t dried rosemary

 

How To Make School Pizza

Preheat oven to 475.

Spray 18 x 13 sheet pan with Pam and lay parchment paper down.

Add flour, powered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt to a large bowl. Whisk to blend.

Add oil to warm water. Pour into flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until batter forms. Don’t worry about lumps – you just want no dry spots.

Spread dough onto sheet pan with fingertips until even. If the dough doesn’t want to cooperate then let it rest for 5 min and try again.

Bake just the crust for 8-10 min. Remove from oven and set aside.

filling:

Brown meats (add salt and pepper) until it resembles crumbles. Drain, set aside.

Get out sauce.

To partially baked crust assemble:

Spread sauce all over crust.

Sprinkle meats.

Sprinkle cheese.

Bake at 475 for 8-10 min. Until cheese starts to brown.

Let stand 5 min, cut into slices and serve.

Mediterranean Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

 When you think of fried rice, your mind might go straight to Asian flavors—but this Mediterranean Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice puts a whole new spin on a classic! Packed with golden seared chicken, fragrant garlic, and nutty brown rice, this dish is fresh, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Wholesome: Uses brown rice for extra fiber and nutrients.

Mediterranean Twist: Olive oil, garlic, and herbs bring sunshine-inspired flavors.

One Pan, Easy Clean-up: A quick weeknight dinner with minimal mess.

Versatile: Works as a main dish or side, and pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or salad.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

4 cups cooked brown rice (preferably chilled for the crispiest texture)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Rice

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.

Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the cooked, chilled rice and spread it out in an even layer. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes before stirring, allowing it to crisp up. Continue cooking until golden and slightly crunchy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the rice.

Toss together until evenly coated in garlic and seasonings.

Adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for freshness.

Serve with lemon wedges for a bright Mediterranean finish.

 Tips & Variations

Rice Prep: Use leftover rice for the crispiest results. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft.

Veggie Boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Protein Swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a fiery kick.

Serving Ideas

This dish works beautifully as a standalone meal but also pairs well with:

A fresh Greek salad with feta and olives.

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers.

A dollop of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is proof that fried rice doesn’t have to be the same old recipe. With its fragrant garlic, golden chicken, and Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and packed with flavor. Whether served for dinner or meal-prepped for the week, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again

Elvis Presley Cake (Jailhouse Rock Cake)

 Ingredients:

- White Cake Mix

- 8 oz can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)

- 1 cup Granulated Sugar

- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)

- 8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened

- ½ cup Butter, softened

- 3 cups Powdered Sugar

- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)

- 3 cups Crushed Pecans

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake a white cake according to package directions in your desired cake pan. Once baked, cool the cake and poke holes throughout with the end of a wooden spoon.

2. In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring to a boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the hot pineapple mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, remaining vanilla extract, and 2 cups of crushed pecans, mixing until well combined. Spread this frosting over the pineapple-soaked cake.

4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pecans over the top of the cake.

5. For the best flavor, let the cake set overnight in the refrigerator or at least for 6 hours before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Apple Cinnamon Cake

 Apple Cinnamon Cake – A moist and spiced cake filled with chunks of apple and warm cinnamon. Perfect for dessert, coffee breaks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup milk

2 apples diced

½ cup walnuts/pecans optional

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease pan.

Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla.

Alternate adding dry mixture and milk.

Fold in apples and nuts.

Bake 40–45 minutes.

Cool, slice, and serve.

Notes

Use tart apples for best flavor.

Add extra spices for warmth.

Can be glazed or served plain.

Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

 Ingredients

 

• 12 large eggs – hard-boiled and peeled

• 1 lb elbow macaroni – cooked and cooled

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper – to taste

• 1/2 cup celery – finely chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion – finely chopped

• 1/4 cup dill pickles – finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (optional, for color)

 

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the eggs:

Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half. Remove the yolks and place them in a large mixing bowl. Chop the egg whites and set aside.

2. Make the deviled egg dressing:

Mash the yolks with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the salad:

To the dressing, add cooked macaroni, chopped egg whites, celery, red onion, dill pickles, and parsley (if using). Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill and serve:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle with extra paprika for a classic deviled egg look.

 

Servings: 10–12

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Festive Cranberry & Cream Cheese Spread

 Festive Cranberry & Cream Cheese Spread

Looking for a holiday-ready appetizer or breakfast topper that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet? This Cranberry & Cream Cheese Spread is the perfect seasonal treat. With smooth cream cheese, a hint of orange zest, and a swirl of cranberry sauce, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

¾ cup chilled heavy cream

½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Directions:

Prepare the Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until soft, creamy, and lump-free.

Blend & Chill

Pour in the cold heavy cream and beat until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to set slightly.

Whip it Up

Take the mixture out of the fridge and beat again until stiff peaks form, giving it a fluffy texture.

Swirl in Flavor

Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and orange zest. Be careful not to overmix — you want beautiful red swirls throughout.

Chill & Serve

Spoon the mixture into a sealed container and refrigerate until firm. Serve chilled with bagels, toast, muffins, or even as a fruit dip.

✨ Tip: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra orange zest or a few sugared cranberries on top before serving.

Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake

 Nothing beats a simple, straightforward recipe that is easy to adapt. If you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy this Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake. This is delicious as is, but you can modify it up and it will still be delicious! Try adding carrots, zucchini, and broccoli, and topping it with cheese. You can even substitute ham for the sausage. It is all up to you. This is a really adaptable recipe that will be delicious no matter what!

Ingredients:

1 package of sliced Eckrich skinless smoked sausage.

8 quartered Yukon gold potatoes.

1 diced green pepper.

1 diced yellow pepper.

2 tbsps of butter.

1 tsp of oregano.

1 tsp of basil.

½ tsp of black pepper.

2 tsps of olive oil.

How To Make Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake:

Preheat the oven to 375°.

In a pan, arrange the sausage, potatoes and peppers and place the butter over the top in small cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and season on top.

Bake covered for 40 to 50 minutes.

Bonne Appétit!

Simple, easy and yummy! I sometimes make this with veggies, carrots, zucchini, broccoli and some cheese over the top, it goes really well with the seasonings. I don’t love sausage very much so I make this with ham! Give it a try, you will love it!