Ham, Spinach and Ricotta Pie

This was something a little different for me.  I think I'd make it again but you definitely need at least 30 minutes to prep!  I used fresh spinach and actually found it easier than when I've done recipes before with frozen spinach...and I'm assuming it is healthier too!

What You'll Need:
2 cups diced ham
3 bags of fresh baby spinach (pre-washed)
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 container of ricotta cheese
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 refrigerated pie crust
a couple of tablespoons of olive oil

What You'll Do:
In a large pot add a little olive oil and one bag of spinach.  Wilt down and then add to colander in the sink to drain.  Repeat until you've wilted all three bags of spinach.

To the same pot, add some more olive oil and add the chopped onion, garlic and ham and let it brown for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, the eggs, and the Parmesan cheese.

Once cooled, chop up the wilted spinach.

Mix in the spinach with the ricotta mixture and then add the ham, onions and garlic.   Mix thoroughly.

Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts and fill with the spinach, ham, ricotta mixture.  Add the second pie crust to the top and use your fingers to pinch the top and the bottom together.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes to an hour being careful not to burn the crust.

Serve with a side salad.

Recipe inspiration from here.

No Bake Cheesecake

My husband complained the first time I made this because he thought it looked like I just jammed whipped cream in a graham cracker pie crust...and, in fairness, that is pretty much what it looks like.  But once you taste it, it is crazy how it tastes just like cheesecake...only lightened up!  It was good enough for me to make again and so easy that it is on my go-to list for quick desserts.

What You'll Need:

• 8 oz whipped topping (I like Tru-Whip)

• 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese

• 9 inch reduced fat Graham Cracker Crust

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (I have used lime both time and really like it)

What You'll Do:

Whip together the cream cheese, sugar and lime juice until thoroughly combined.  

Fold in the whipped topping and put into graham cracker crust.  

Chill and serve.

Yes, you read that correctly.  That's all there is to it!

Original recipe from here.

Loving Layers

I adore the look of layered rugs. I think it adds not only visual interest but great textural interest too.

I also love that the look can work well in a ton of different decorating styles from modern to traditional to bohemian to super chic.

It is also one of those decor tactics that is fairly hard to screw up.  You can easily pair a more graphic print with a neutral that has lots of texture and achieve the look without worrying that you'll mess it up.  Here are some rugs from a recent OKL sale that would layer perfectly.

Garlicky White Bean Stew with Chicken Sausage and Spinach

I had to work late this week and this was a perfect make ahead dish...and it is perfect for Fall!  This is weeknight inspiration for an easy dish for sure.

What You'll Need:
4 pieces of chicken sausage (any flavor variety you like)
2 cups chicken broth
5 cloves of garlic, diced finely
1.5 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups canned Cannellini Beans (rinse well!)
1 can diced tomatoes
6 cups baby spinach leaves
salt and pepper pepper to taste

What You'll Do:
Heat olive oil in a large pot.  Brown the chicken sausage and remove from pot.  

Add garlic and a little more olive oil and brown for about 2 minutes being careful not to burn the garlic. 

Pour in chicken broth and beans with the garlic. 

Place on medium high heat and bring to a simmer. Stir in the diced tomatoes. Heat through till the beans are tender. Once beans are tender add in the spinach and cook just until the leaves are wilted. Stir in the chicken sausage and season with salt and pepper.  

White Wine Coq Au Vin

This took a little time but overall it was easy enough to make and super tasty.  My husband has fun saying the name of this dish in a very dramatic French accent.  Me, I just like how it tastes.

What You'll Need:
•2 Tbsp butter
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 pieces of pancetta, sliced into thin strips
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• chicken pieces on the bone (I used 4 thighs and 5 drumsticks)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• large handful of chopped parsley

What You'll Do:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

 Melt the butter and oil together in a large pan.  Brown the chicken pieces all over and remove from the pan.

Add the onions and pancetta and allow to fry until the onions are soft and translucent and the pancetta has rendered it’s fat.

Add the garlic and allow to saute for another 30 seconds before removing the mixture from the pan (leaving the fat behind).  Add the chicken back in to the pan.  Pour in the wine and allow to come up to a boil. Turn down the heat and cover. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, uncover, turn up the heat and add the cream. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the chopped parsley and season to taste.

Serve with rice, pasta or crusty bread.

Recipe inspiration from here.

Great Gift Idea and Locally Made: Sydney Hale Candles

Christmas is a comin'.  Goodie goodie gum drops.  I have been widdling away at my shopping list and came across these candles that I LOVE and so I thought I'd share.  The company is called Sydney Hale and they are located near me in Arlington, VA.

Everybody knows I love a candle but there are quite a few things that make these candles exceptional in my opinion.

1. Good price point.  They are $28 bucks each.  A bargain for a good candle with a 50 hour burn time.

2. I love to buy local.  These are made in small batch and are right here in VA.  Sold.

3. Their scents are so original and all of them are divine!  I love the mix of so many of my favorite things...sea salt & bay rum; mint & geranium; fir & blue sage; and magnolia & rosewood just to name a few!

4. It is so depressing to me when I use up a really yummy smelling candle.  But check it, these can be reused as glasses or a vase.  So they are great...and green!

Shop all Sydney Hale candles here.