Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Dinner Tonight: Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Another chilly morning, 386 degrees. Turned into a beautiful sunny day, still not real warm high of 50 degrees. Lot of rain heading our way again. Monday thru Wednesday, heavy rain. Went to the Columbus Airport and picked up a friend of mine that flew in for a couple of days. Great catching up with him it had been a while. Dropped him off at his family's place and then home. Tried the new recipe for dinner tonight, Slow-Cooker Lasagna.

I came across the recipe from a Weekly Pillsbury Recipe e-mail. It looked and sounded good, plus it was prepared by one of my favorite ways to cook; by Crock Pot. And of my favorite Pasta Dishes, Lasagna. So why not give it a try. I was cooking for just myself tonight, Mom and Dad went out with friends for dinner tonight. The original Pillsbury recipe is 620 calories and 35 net carbs, a bit much than I normally like. So as usual I lightened it up a bit! I need the following ingredients; 1 lb. Jennie - O Lean Ground Turkey Breast, 1 (23.9 oz.) jar Ragu w/ Mushroom Pasta Sauce, 1 (8-oz.) can no-salt-added Tomato Sauce, 1/2 (9-oz.) pkg. (about 8) Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Grain No-Boil Lasagna Noodles, 1 (1-lb.) jar Newman's Own Alfredo Pasta Sauce, 12 oz. (3 cups) Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and Sargento Reduced Fat 3 Cheese Italian Cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese. The original Pillsbury Recipe is at the bottom of the post.





Then to prepare was the easy the part! I started by browning the  Ground Turkey in large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Placed a Reynolds Plastic Crock Pot Liner in my Crock Pot. Sprayed the slow cooker with Pam Nonstick Cooking Spray. Spread 3/4 cup of the Tomato Pasta Sauce in bottom of sprayed slow cooker. Stirred remaining Tomato Pasta Sauce and Tomato Sauce into the Ground Turkey.




Then layered 2 Lasagna Noodles over sauce in slow cooker, breaking noodles as necessary. Topped with 1/3 of the Alfredo Pasta Sauce, spreading evenly. Sprinkled with 1 cup of the Mozzarella and Italian Cheese. Top with 1/3 of the Ground Turkey mixture, spreading it evenly. Repeat layering three times. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese over top. Cover; cook on Low setting for 4 1/2 hours.




It came out delicious, just a fantastic flavor to it! Regular Baked Lasagna usually uses Ricotta Cheese where with this Recipe Alfredo Sauce was used instead of Ricotta, and it worked well. With the Alfredo Sauce it had a deep rich flavor with it. I may try substituting Ricotta Cheese for the Alfredo Sauce when I bake the Lasagna again. The only thing was, as you can tell by the picture, it doesn't stay together quite as well as Baked Lasagna. Minor problem though because as I said it came out delicious. The longer it sit and cooled the thicker the sauce became and just kept building up that fantastic flavor! Plenty of leftovers for lunch tomorrow and to freeze. Plus a lot easier clean-up by using the Slow Cooker. Nice alternative to Baked Lasagna. For dessert later a Healthy Choice Dark Fudge Swirl Frozen Yogurt.







Pillsbury Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Discover the convenient slow-cooker way to make lasagna! So easy. So delicious!


Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 (26 to 28-oz.) jar tomato pasta sauce
1 (8-oz.) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/2 (9-oz.) pkg. (about 8) no-boil lasagna noodles
1 (1-lb.) jar Alfredo pasta sauce
12 oz. (3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese



Steps
1 - Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.
2 - Spray 4 to 5-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup of the tomato pasta sauce in bottom of sprayed slow cooker. Stir remaining tomato pasta sauce and tomato sauce into ground beef.
3 - Layer 3 lasagna noodles over sauce in slow cooker, breaking noodles as necessary. Top with 1/3 of the Alfredo pasta sauce, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Top with 1/3 of the ground beef mixture, spreading evenly.
4 - Repeat layering twice, using 2 lasagna noodles in last layer. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
5 - Cover; cook on Low setting for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. If desired, cut into wedges to serve.



Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/8 of Recipe

Calories 620 Calories from Fat 340
Total Fat38g
Saturated Fat20g Cholesterol115mgSodium1010mgTotal Carbohydrate37g
Dietary Fiber2g  Sugars9g Protein32g% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A36%Vitamin C14%Calcium52%Iron14%
Exchanges:1 Starch; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 3 1/2 Fat;


http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/slow-cooker-lasagna/bae84d41-90a0-4faf-8678-256959a0bd26?nicam4=SocialMedia&nichn4=Pinterest&niseg4=Pillsbury&nicreatID4=Post&crlt.pid=camp.Rn8IhUbgfXfM

Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza

Dinner Tonight: Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza

Another beautiful sunny Spring day! Mid 60's today and the 70's next week, finally! For dinner tonight I wanted something easy and light so I went with Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza. Everything is there you just pop it in the oven at 425 degrees for about 12 minutes and you have Pizza! It's a Thin and Crispy Crust and the Pizza itself is well seasoned, a nice amount of toppings and fantastic flavor. Easy to make, a good Pizza, and a breeze to clean up. Plus it's a Newman's Own Product. Newman's Own has donated Millions to Charity from the sale of their products. For dessert/snack later a 100 Calorie Mini Bag of Jolly Time Pop Corn

Newman's Own Company and Products


In 1982, Newman’s Own started as a tiny boutique operation – parchment labels on elegant wine bottles that Paul Newman filled with his homemade salad dressing and gave to his neighbors as holiday gifts. He expected train wrecks along the way and, instead, got one astonishment followed by another.

But in these thirty years we have earned over $350 million, all of which we’ve given to countless charities. How to account for this massive success? We haven’t the slightest idea but one thing we do know is we’re not stopping.

Today, Newman’s Own produces nearly 100 individual food products across 9 categories. Always great tasting, always all-natural, just the way our founder, Paul Newman, insisted. We’ll always follow his vision for putting quality first. The result: you end up with a pretty darn good meal.

http://www.newmansown.com/

This idea was in Paul Newman's heart and, today, Newman's Own continues his commitment to donate all profits from the sale of our food products to charity. That's right, all of our after-tax profits are given to Newman's Own Foundation and then dispensed to charities throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Over $350 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982. To learn more about Newman's Own Foundation and its grantees, visit NewmansOwnFoundation.org.


Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza

Crowd pleasing pepperoni tops our uniquely delicious multi-grain crust.

All Natural Ingredients

Multigrain Crust (Wheat Flour, Water, Vegetable Oil [Corn Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil], Flaxseed, Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Whole Oat Flour), Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Sauce (Tomatoes [Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Juice], Water, Tomato Paste, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Garlic*, Onion*), Uncured Pepperoni No Nitrate or Nitrite added Except that Which Naturally Occurs In Sea Salt and Celery Juice Concentrate (Pork and Beef, Sea Salt, Natural Spices, Evaporated Cane Juice, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Natural Flavorings, [Including Celery Juice Concentrate], Oleoresin of Paprika), Parmesan Cheese (Part-Skim Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, and Enzymes), Parsley

*Dried

Contains: Milk, Wheat

Not Kosher

Nutrition Facts

Serv. Size1/3 pizza (125g)Calories320Calories from fat140Total fat16g (25% DV)Saturated fat6g (30% DV)Trans fat0g Cholesterol35mg (12% DV)Sodium800mg (33% DV)Total Carbohydrate31g (10% DV)Dietary Fiber1g (4% DV)Sugars3gProtein15gVitamin A(6% DV)Vitamin C(4% DV)Calcium(25% DV)Iron(6% DV) Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Garlic Knot Rolls

Today's Menu: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Garlic Knot Rolls

It was 50 degrees and sunny out today! It was nice to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Back on the inside for dinner tonight, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Garlic Knot Rolls.




I love Shrimp so why not jazz it up with some Alfredo Sauce and some Fettuccine! I used a 1 lb. bag of Kroger Brand Jumbo Shrimp, 1/2 jar of Newman's Own Alfredo Pasta Sauce, Al Dente Egg Fettuccine, Sea Salt, Minced Garlic, Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Blue Bonnet Light Stick Butter, and Garlic Knot Bread.



To prepare it I preheated my oven to 425 degrees for my Garlic Knot Bread, which will bake for about 6 - 7 minutes. Then cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter and add Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce. Drain Fettuccine; stir into pan. Stir in the Shrimp, Parm Cheese and Sea Salt; heat through. Sprinkle with the Parsley before serving along with the Garlic Knot Bread. I love Shrimp, I love Pasta, and I love this dish! The Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce is a quick and delicious way to make and serve the Sauce, and it's only 90 calories and 3 carbs. This is the first time I've ued the Al Dente Egg  Fettuccine, I picked a couple of bags of this up while at Jungle Jim's Market the other day. Very easy to prepare; boil your water and add the pasta. Heat for 3 minutes and it's ready and it's 190 calories, 31 carbs, and 1 gram of fat. They came out delicious, I'll be using this from now on when I need Fettucine. The recipe made 2 servings. For dessert/snack later some Ritz Whole Wheat Crackers topped with Philadelphia Reduced Fat cream Cheese.


 

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

(Makes 2 Servings)

Ingredients
4 ounces uncooked fettuccine, al dente egg Fettuccine
1/4 pound cooked Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Tbsp Blue Bonnet Light Stick Butter
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
2 tablespoons minced fresh Parsley
1/2 Jar Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce


Directions
Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter and add Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce. Drain Fettuccine; stir into pan. Stir in the Shrimp, Cheese and Salt; heat through. Sprinkle with Parsley before serving.



al dente egg fettuccine

Perfect for any occasion, any recipe, whether it is chicken soup, fettuccine alfredo or simply pasta with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Parents from all over the country write to us saying that even their kids can tell the difference between Al Dente Egg Fettuccine and others. That makes us feel so good!


http://www.aldentepasta.com/product-categories/fettuccines/

Dinner Tonight: Bison Top Sirloin Steak and Sauteed Mushrooms w/ Baked Potato and Green Beans

Started off the day at the Doctor's Office at my Family Doctor, 6 month check-up. My sugar was running a bit high the past 2 check-ups so he's put me back on Metformin for Diabetes 2. It's tough getting the right amount of exercise in a wheelchair. I'll just have to work harder I guess and try to turn it around again. For dinner it's Buffalo. I just can't get enough of these Wild idea Buffalo Top Sirloin Steaks! For dinner I prepared  Bison Top Sirloin Steak and Sauteed Mushrooms w/ Baked Potato and Green Beans.



Preparing the Buffalo Top Sirloin is always easy. To season I just use McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. i pan fried it in Canola Oil about 4 minutes per side to a delicious medium rare. I topped the Steak with Sauteed Baby Bella Mushrooms that I Sauteed and Seasoned with Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Roasted Cumin, parsley Flakes, and Minced Garlic. The Steak came juicy and delicious. The Wild Idea Buffalo is the finest Buffalo, or Bison, I have ever had. I've got some great and healthy recipes from Wild Idea that I will be passing along in the upcoming weeks also.



For side dishes, along with the Mushrooms, I prepared a Baked Potato that I topped with some Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa and a Single Serving can of Del Monte Cut Green Beans. It's the first time I've tried the Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa on a Baked Potato and it came fantastic! For dessert/snack later some Tostito's Baked Scoop Tortilla Chips along with some of Newman's Own Black Bean and Corn Salsa.

Wild Idea Buffalo meat is:

Lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than chicken or fish.
40% more protein than beef.
Nutrient-dense, flavor rich, outrageously lean, and high in antioxidant Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
100% native grass fed – delivering 3.5x more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed bison.
Red Meat That’s Good for You!

http://wildideabuffalo.com/

Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa

Wow I tried Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa for the first time and I'm going to have to make room for another Salsa! My favorite is still Newman's Own Black Bean and Corn Salsa but the Pineapple is awfully close! It's a completely different Salsa than the Black Bean and Corn. It's got a little heat from the Jalapenos and then you have the sweetness from the Pineapple, it ends up a perfect match for a Salsa. This would go good over your Eggs at Breakfast or at dinner for a topping for your Baked Potato. I'll be adding this to the Pantry Stock for sure.





Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa

Aloha-peno!  A little sweet with a bit of heat.

All Natural Ingredients

Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste, Citric Acid), Diced Tomatoes, Crushed Pineapples, Jalapeno Peppers, Brown Sugar (Sugar, Molasses), Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Onions*, Natural Flavors, Allspice

*Dried

Kosher with Circle U Symbol (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America)


Nutrition Facts

Serv. Size2 Tbsp (32g)Calories15Calories from fat0Total fat0gSaturated fat0gTrans fat0g Cholesterol0mgSodium90mg (4% DV)Total Carbohydrate3g (1% DV)Dietary Fiber<1g 2="" a="" alcium="" are="" based="" c="" calorie="" daily="" diet.="" dv="" itamin="" on="" p="" percent="" ron0g="" ugars3gprotein0gvitamin="" values="">

http://www.newmansown.com/products/newmans-own-pineapple-salsa/

Newman's Own Chicken Florentine & Farfalle Complete Skillet Meal

Dinner Tonight: Newman's Own Chicken Florentine & Farfalle Complete Skillet Meal

Tried something new for dinner tonight, Newman's Own Chicken Florentine & Farfalle Complete Skillet Meal. I came across this at Meijer while wandering around the Frozen Food Section. they had 2 or different selections but I went the Newman's Own Chicken Florentine & Farfalle Complete Skillet Meal. It has 370 calories and 42 carbs, which isn't bad considering it's a complete meal. It comes frozen and contains "Freshly made Pasta and White Chicken Meat in a Parmesan and Romano Cheese Sauce."

You want an easy and delicious Chicken Floretine meal, you have to try this! The only problem is it's a 2 serving meal and if your just preparing for yourself it's tough not to eat both servings! I really enjoyed this. The Pasta, Chicken and Sauce are perfect together. The only things i added was a bit of Sea Salt and a sprinkle of Kraft Shredded parm Cheese. my parents came in later and they finished off the other serving and love it also! I also had a couple of slices of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread. For dessert later a Jello Sugar free Dark Cherry Jello, at only 10 calories!





Newman's Own Chicken Florentine & Farfalle Complete Skillet Meal
 Complete Skillet Meals

Some made with freshly made pasta and Newman's Own® sauce
We couldn't resist the chance to provide yet another way to make a perfect meal. So this time, we're introducing our new Complete Skillet Meals! Available in 7 delicious flavors, these all-natural frozen meals are a cinch to prepare - just 10 minutes in the skillet and dinner is done! Find them in your grocer's frozen food aisle.

Directions
For food safety and quality follow these cooking instructions. Stovetop (Recommended): 1) Pour contents of bag into 12-inch nonstick skillet. 2) Cover and cook over high heat 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue cooking covered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is boiling and all ingredients are hot, about 6 minutes. Product should; be cooked to 165 degrees F. Toss and serve. Microwave: 1) Pour contents into 2-quart microwave-safe casserole. 2) Microwave covered at High 10 to 12 minutes. for high power microwave ovens (1000 to 1300 watts) or 13 to 20 minutes for low power microwave ovens (700 to 900 watts) or until sauce is boiling and all ingredients are hot, stir once halfway through. 3) Let stand covered 2 minutes. 4) Stir and serve. Product should be cooked to 165 degrees F. Microwave ovens vary; adjust times as needed. Casserole may be hot after microwaving. Do not microwave in bag. Keep frozen until ready to use. Do not refreeze. Refrigerate or discard leftovers.

All Natural Ingredients:
Ingredients: Sauce (Water, Seasoning [Parmesan & Romano Cheese Blend {Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes}, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salt, Butter {Sweet Cream, Salt}, Eggs, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Onion†, Garlic†, Spice], White Wine, Olive Oil), Blanched Farfalle Pasta (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina), All Natural* Fully Cooked Garlic Chicken Breast Strips (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Sea Salt, Garlic, Onion, Pepper, And Celery), Spinach.
†Dried
Contains: Wheat, Milk, Egg

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size 1/2 package (340g)
Servings Per Container 2
Calories 370
Calories from Fat 90

Total Fat 10g (15% DV)
Saturated Fat 4.5g (21% DV)
Trans Fat 0g
Cholest. 65mg (21% DV)
Sodium 800mg (33% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 42g (14% DV)
Dietary Fiber 3g (11% DV)
Sugars 4g
Protein 27g

http://www.newmansown.com/product_detail.aspx?productid=128

Italian Pork and Potato Casserole w/ 9 Grain French Bread

Today's Menu: Italian Pork and Potato Casserole w/ 9 Grain French Bread



I saw this yesterday in the latest issue of Healthy Cooking (Taste of Home) and I knew I had my dinner for today, Italian Pork and Potato Casserole. Pork, Potatoes, Minced Garlic,  Seasoning, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Smoked Gouda and Parmesan Cheese what's not to like! It's all baked into a Casserole, love these one pot meals. I added Sliced Black Olives, McCormick Grinder Italian Seasoning, and fresh Shredded Dutch Smoke Gouda to the original recipe. for my Marinara Sauce I used Newman's Own Marinara. This is an excellent Italian dish! The Pork Chops and Potatoes are natural pairings but then with Seasoning and Marinara it just explodes with flavor! Then you have Parmesan Cheese and the creamy Dutch Smoked Gouda to top it off, tooo good! it's an easy recipe to prepare and takes about 45 - 60 minutes baking time. The recipe says 40 - 45 but I baked for almost 60 minutes, till the pork was at 150 degrees. If your looking for a delicious and hearty  Italian dish give this one a try. I left the recipe at the end of the post, the items I added are listed above. I also had a slice of Walmart/Marketside 9 Grain French Bread. For dessert/snack later a 100 Calorie Mini Bag of Jolly Time Pop Corn.


Italian Pork and Potato Casserole

Recipe from Healthy Cooking and Theresa Kreyche

Ingredients:

6 Cups sliced Red Potatoes
3 Tbsp Water
1 Garlic Clove Minced
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper
6 Boneless Pork Loin Chops (6 oz. each)
1 Jar (24 oz.) Marinara Sauce
1/4 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Place potatoes and water in a microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes or just until tender; drain.
2. Place Potatoes in a 13 - in. x 9 - in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with Garlic, Salt, and Pepper. Top with Pork Chops and Marinara Sauce. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 145 degrees and Potatoes are tender.
3. Sprinkle with Cheese. Bake, uncovered, 3 - 5 minutes longer or until Cheese is melted.

Nutrition facts:

1 Pork Chop w/ 1 cup Potatoes and 1/2 cup Sauce equals 412 calories and 38 carbs.

Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Uncured Pepperoni Pizza

Today's Menu: Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Uncured Pepperoni Pizza



Tried something new for dinner tonight,  Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Uncured Pepperoni Pizza. It seemed no one was really hungry tonight so we went with the Thin Crust Pizza. Newman's Own had some good reviews so we gave it a try. Easy to fix, baked at 425 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes and we have Pizza! It was something different and something good. It was Thin Crust and 320 calories and 31 carbs, which isn't bad for Pizza. The Cheese, Sauce, Pepperoni, and Crust were all good and made a tasty Pizza. We'll have this again sometime soon! I left the product description and web site link at the bottom of the post. For dessert later a Yoplait Delight 100 Calorie Chocolate Eclair Parfait.


Newman's Own Thin Crust Pizza

For 26 years, we've been making the finest all-natural foods to help make great meals. Now, we're giving you a whole delicious meal in one box! Look for our new all-natural pizzas in the frozen aisle at a store near you - in crust we trust!

    All-natural ingredients
    Thin crust = fewer carbs
    Top of the crop toppings

Newman's Own Buffalo Style Chicken Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Four Cheese Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Italian Sausage Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Margherita Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Roasted Garlic & Chicken Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Roasted Vegetable Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Supreme Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza
Newman's Own White Thin & Crispy Pizza

http://www.newmansown.com/product_list.aspx?subcategoryid=15