Talking About Tuesday

Do you like to do something during the middle of the week that helps you reach Friday a little easier? For me it’s having my family visit and just being together, even if it’s just for a short while. I never thought just a 2 hour distance would feel like so far! And since I only have one class on campus Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, we are going to try and get together once a week. We refers to my mom, grandma, and I. =)

So they came down yesterday and even though the weather was icky, we still had a blast. Something I really miss from home is cooking meals everyday for my mom and dad because they are so busy and it was just something I did that really helped em’ out. But, since I obviously can’t be at home forever, I just cook here for them when they come!

Yesterday for lunch, I put together a nice little meal of homemade calzones and a roasted spaghetti squash with a really good and sweet glaze. We obviously enjoyed it!

 

Candied Spaghetti Squash

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash (1 1/2-2 lb)
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp light butter spread
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F.
• Cut spaghetti squash in half, and then cut each half in half. Remove all seeds and place face down in a casserole pan.

• Bake for 20 minutes and remove from oven.
• Meanwhile, mix together brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

• Once cooled, scrape spaghetti flesh into 4 bowls. Place a dollop of the brown sugar mixture on top and stir to coat squash.

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Of course this was just the side dish to the fabulous homemade calzones—I have actually never made calzones before, but they are so fun and rather easy!

 

Homemade Calzones

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

(These are the fillings I used, but of course you can customize them to your heart’s delight!)

• 1 batch of my whole-wheat dough, or any other dough recipe that makes about 9 slices of pizza
• 2/3 c shredded Italian blend cheese, or shredded cheese of your choice
• 1 c baby spinach
• 1/2 c tomato sauce (Yes, it is a small amount, but it will prevent calzones from becoming soggy. You can dip them in more sauce while eating.)
• 1/2 c sliced and diced mushrooms
• 1 c assorted veggies, sautéed—I used red onion and green pepper.
• 1/4 c cubed pre-cooked ham
• 1/4 c Boca soy crumbles

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 F.
• Follow bread machine instructions, or make dough by hand.
• Once dough is done, divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a square about 8’ x 12’ inches.
• Divide all veggies, cheese, and meat into 4 portions. First put the layer of spinach, followed by cheese, meat, sauce, and sautéed veggies.

• Take one end and fold to match the other. Seal with a little water on your fingers.
• Place on cookie sheet, and bake for about 12-15, or until dough does not feel sticky to the touch.
• Take out, let cool a little—dig in!

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So as you can see, lunch was delish, but I’d have to say that our dinner was a close second! We went to the Green Mill, which is a chain restaurant in Minnesota. If you ever visit the land of 10,000 lakes, pay a visit to the Green Mill. They have gourmet looking/tasting food for extremely reasonable prices, not to mention the whole atmosphere is just really fun.

My mom and I actually got the same dish which rarely happens. We both got the Chicken Parmesan which the menu describes as breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, roasted bruschetta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and parmesan herbs. Served with a choice of potato and grilled vegetables. We both opted for grilled chicken breasts in place of the breaded and I got a baked potato sans butter, and the chicken light on the cheese.

This meal hit the spot! Everything was perfection and I will definitely be getting it again. What’s your favorite chicken dish?

Of course we couldn’t have had a day without the necessary trip to Wally World Wal-mart—mom found a new vest!

Have a marvy day friends!