Pizza Roll

As a busy mom of three kids I'm always looking for an easy weeknight meal. Of course everyone loves pizza….so when I found this recipe I knew it would be a hit with the family!!! It is a great twist on your typical casserole or take-out pizza. The ingredients listed could easily be adapted to your tastes…..you could add more diced veggies or swap the hamburger meat for Italian sausage or ground turkey. Definitely adding this recipe to my "make-again" file!!!

Pizza Roll 

adapted from Taste of Home Freezer Cookbook

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup Italian tomato sauce

1 can (4 oz.) mushroom stems & pieces, drained

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tube (13.8 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the tomato sauce, mushrooms, garlic salt and oregano.  Unroll the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet; roll into a 15-in x 12-in rectangle.  Spoon meat mixture down the center of the rectangle; sprinkle with cheeses.  On each long side, cut 1-in wide strips about 2 1/2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips across filling.  Pinch ends to seal. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 6 servings.  

Freezer Options: Freeze the cooled unsliced pizza roll in heavy duty foil.  To use, remove from the freezer 30 minutes before reheating.  Remove from foil and reheat roll on a greased baking sheet in a preheated 325 degree oven until heated through.  

Frog's Eye Salad

This recipe has become a holiday tradition for my family. My mom has been making this delicious dish for many years! It is the perfect side to any type of meal….it pairs very well with a baked ham or roasted turkey. The surprising taste of pasta combined with the sweet fruit and whipped cream is amazing!!! The name "Frog's Eye" comes from the small acini di pepe pasta that cooks into tender round balls…..like eyes. Needless to say the name alone thrills my kids and encourages them to always ask for seconds!!!

You can find the very important ingredient, Acini Di Pepe, in the pasta section of your grocery store. It is truly unbelievable how one little bag of pasta can grow into such a large bowl!!! This recipe makes a crazy amount which is perfect for family events and potlucks. I'm always secretly thankful to have leftovers though…the flavors meld together beautifully the next day!!!

Frog's Eye Salad

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple tidbits, undrained

1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained

1 egg, beaten

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 package Acini di Pepe pasta, uncooked

2 cans (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained

1 (16 oz.) container Cool Whip

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 jar maraschino cherries, drained & chopped

1/2 cup flake coconut (optional)

In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, flour and salt.  Drain pineapple; reserving juice to equal 1 cup.  With whisk; gradually stir juice and egg into sugar mixture.  Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in lemon juice.  Cool mixture to room temperature.  Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.  In a large bowl, stir together pineapple juice mixture and cooked pasta.      Cover, refrigerate several hours or overnight. Add crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, cool whip, marshmallows and cherries; mix gently and thoroughly.  Cover; refrigerate until cold.  Makes 12 servings (about 1 cup each)

Because this recipe involves several steps, I like to prepare the pineapple juice/pasta mixture in the evening before a potluck. The next morning I simply mix in the remaining ingredients and then let the salad chill in the refrigerator before the event.  Also don't forget to store the drained pineapple in a small container in the refrigerator.  It will be nice and cold when you mix it in the next day. This recipe can easily be adapted to your own preference…..you can add sweetened coconut flakes or omit the cherries or increase the amount of mandarin oranges. Either way this creamy fruity pasta dish will stand out at any get together!!! Enjoy!!