Sombrero Pasta Salad

I love a good pasta salad! Who doesn't, right? Anyway, I found the recipe for this one while clicking through all the goodies on Pinterest, and thought it would be the perfect dish to share as I make my way back into blogging. 

At the time I decided to take a break, I had no idea I'd be away this long. I have really missed sharing recipes! (Feels GOOD to be back!)

This dish is every thing that it's description said it would be; slightly spicy, very easy to prepare, and a COMPLETE winner! 

It does have Catalina dressing in it, and I know a lot of people aren't fans of bottled dressings. Don't let that scare you away from this dish! You can click right HERE to learn how to make your own.

Hello! As you can tell by my lack of posts these past few weeks, I am taking a little break from my blog. I really should have said something sooner, and I apologize for that. I will be back to sharing recipes in a few weeks. Until then, take care!

xo, Leslie

Lasagna {with Spicy Meat Sauce}

One can never have too much lasagna...Or too many versions. Me, I have several. The other night we made it with a spicy meat sauce. Well, spicier than usual. It turned out SO good!  I thought I'd share it with all of you.

I was looking for a "fluffier" cheese layer this time, so I added some cottage cheese to the mix. I am a HUGE fan of cottage cheese! I know that not everyone else is, though. So if cottage cheese gives you the skeeves, (new word), just leave it out and go with all ricotta instead. 

Bacon & Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Everyone seems to have their own version of scalloped potatoes. I like to make mine with bacon and cheddar. Big surprise there, right? (winks) Bacon and cheddar are quite possibly one of the happiest couples I have ever seen! In fact, I can't think of a single dish involving the pair, that isn't just SUPER bombdiggity.

These potatoes are all that, and then some!

This is a very rich dish, so please share the love! Don't put a huge pile of these on your plate or try to run off with half the pan. Your thighs will punish you later, I can attest! Last night I "shared the love" by baking these in two separate pie plates, so I could send one of them home with my daughter. I have absolutely no will power when it comes to potatoes...or cheese...or cream...or BACON!  (You get my point) 

 Enjoy!

Beer Braised Beef (Slow Cooker)

This is one of those dishes that is good for all seasons. In the Winter months, I like to serve it over garlic/parmesan mashed potatoes. And in the Summer months, I serve it on sandwich rolls. Just top it with some provolone and stick it under the broiler for a few minutes. Maybe toss some peperoncini on top of the melted cheese ,and you're good to go! Oh, and don't forget to dip your sandwich in the sauce! It's so good, you could drink it! (Don't ask me how I know this...)

Delicious!

To make the garlic/parmesan mashed potatoes: Simply make mashed potatoes the way you usually do. Add a small amount of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of cream, and 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. And then just stir it all into the mix.

To die for!