Thursday, August 29, 2013

Tasty Thursday - Mini Feta, Mushroom, and Sundried Tomato Quiche

There is this pasta dish that I LOVE at a little Italian restaurant downtown.  I was chatting with a co-worker about it, because I could not figure out why I liked it so much.  She told me that it was because of the Feta cheese.

I didn't actually know what the cheese was, because the menu did not specify and I was embarrased to ask.  So I have been wanting to try a recipe using similar ingredients to see if that really is what I like so much about the dish.

In keeping with the pie theme of my party last month, I decided to make mini quiche as the second savory item.  I used Rachel Ray's Basic Quiche recipe and also consulted this recipe from Nigella.  Then, I just decided to venture out on my own and start experimenting.

First, I sauteed the mushrooms in a little butter and olive oil until they were brown.  I made sure to chop them into very small pieces so that they would fit into the mini muffin tins.  (Please ignore the soap spots on my skillet.)






While this was cooking, I chopped the sundried tomatoes up using a mini food processor and then added them to the pan once the mushrooms were golden brown.  I cooked for a couple more minutes, and then removed to cool.



While this mixture was cooling, I prepared the crusts.  I used a store-bought pie crust, small biscuit cutter, and mini muffin tin.


 Then, I whisked together the eggs, cream, milk, and a little salt and pepper.



I added the mushroom mixture and cheese to the crusts.



I poured the egg mixture into a measuring cup with a spout to make it easier to pour into the crusts and then filled them up.


I baked according to the recipe instructions and then allowed to cool on a cooling rack.




 I will be honest.  I think I liked these more than anyone else did, but I did really like the flavor combination.  Maybe sometime when Deputy D will not be at home, I will try this again as a full-size quiche and see how it turns out!




Monday, August 26, 2013

Make Something Monday - Get Your Kicks on Route 66

This one was tough, because I decided to try and cover the inside of the pockets.  The edges were also tough.  But I think it turned out alright in the end.







Thursday, August 22, 2013

Tasty Thursday - Mini Pigs in a Blanket

This is a really simple thing to make, and it always such a hit at parties.  I never have any left-over to munch on the next day.


I used Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit'l Smokies and store-brand crescent rolls.  It took one can of rolls to make the entire package of Lit'l Smokies.



Rolls out the crescent rolls, and push together the seams as firmly as possible.  I work in batches and do not roll out the whole can at once.  The dough seems to stay together better this way.  Otherwise, it gets sticky and hard to work with.


Cut the dough into rectangles (I use a pizza cutter) and wrap around the Lit'l Smokies.  


Line them up onto a cookie sheet.  You can fit one whole package onto one cookie sheet!


Bake according to the crescent roll package directions.



Serve with a side of BBQ sauce or mustard.  And watch them disappear rather quickly!






Monday, August 19, 2013

Make Something Monday - Mod Podge Tissue Box

I love, love, love the way this tissue box cover turned out.  I purchased the wooden shell at Hobby Lobby, and if you decide to make one, keep in mind that a regular, full-size tissue box will not fix inside with the bottom cover on.  So for future versions, I have decided to not use the bottom lid at all.