Saturday, January 31, 2026

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

4 lbs tortellini, cooked following package directions
2 blocks cream cheese (16 oz total)
3 lbs. ground beef
1-2 red or green bell peppers
12 oz. Provolone cheese

1) Cook tortellini according to package directions

2) Cook peppers and ground beef until beef is no longer pink. Add in cream cheese, breaking it up as it melts. Turn off heat.

3) When tortellini is cooked, drain and add to the ground beef mixture. Stir continuously until pasta is coated and well combined. 

4) Add half of the provolone cheese and stir into pasta mixture and stir until melted. Add the remaining cheese on top and place a lid on to allow cheese to melt.

Mild Taco Seasoning

 original recipe found here

1 TBSP chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Combine everything in a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed. Use immediately, or store in an air-tight container, away from heat and sunlight, until ready to use.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Asian Lettuce Wraps

 original recipe here

3 tsp olive oil, divided
1 lb 93% lean ground chicken
4 - 5 TBSP hoisin sauce
1 TBSP soy sauce
2 tsp sriracha (optional)
1 TBSP rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 TBSP minced fresh garlic (3 cloves)
1 TBSP peeled and minced fresh ginger
2/3 cup sliced green onions, white and light green portion
1/2 cup carrot, peeled and shredded
1 (8 oz) can diced water chestnuts, drained
1 large head Bibb lettuce or iceberg lettuce

  • Heat 1 1/2 tsp oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add turkey or chicken in large crumbles then let cook until slightly browned on bottom, about 3 minutes, then break up and continue to cook until it's fully cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.
  • whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, then set aside.
  • Drain of excess liquid from turkey (if there is any) then push to one far side of pan and pull that side of pan off heat.
  • Heat remaining 1 1/2 tsp oil in now empty skillet.
  • Add green onions and carrots and saute 1 1/2 minutes. Add in garlic and ginger and saute 30 seconds longer.
  • Pour in sauce and water chestnuts then cook and toss 30 seconds longer.
  • Serve warm in lettuce leaves garnished with sliced green onions.