Author: Viki D

I'm a wife, mother, and a nurse. I love to cook, craft, and create. I am a Christmas fanatic and love entertaining and cooking for my friends and family. Follow me on Pinterest at Around the Butcher Block / VikiD

Viki D2 Comments

CHEESESTEak stuffed peppers

I recently posted this meal on IG and FB. I had a lot of requests to post the recipe so here it is!

It is very waist friendly by the way. If you’re doing WW or Keto, this is a good one. It’s also a good time of year to make it since peppers are readily plentiful and in most of our gardens. I promise you won’t miss the bread with this one.

I used shaved steak in my recipe. You could slice your own but this was so easy. Here is the pic of what I used. I found it at Food Lion. It was very tasty.

14oz of shaved steak from Food Lion[

Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cooking spray
  • 5 Uncooked bell peppers (I prefer red and orange but you can use any you prefer)
  • 14oz Shaved steak or any type of thinly sliced beef you would use for cheesesteaks
  • 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 C of sliced uncooked Vidalia onions
  • 1lb sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 3 medium cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • fresh ground pepper to taste
  • Reduced fat Provolone Cheese, 8 slices (you can also use whatever cheese you prefer on your cheesesteaks)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut 1 of the peppers into thin strips and set aside.
  2. Cut the other peppers in half scooping out the seeds and membrane. Arrange the peppers cut side up in a 13×9″ baking dish. Cover them with foil and bake at 400 degrees x 20 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. When ready add the steak to the pan; cook, turning occasionally until well browned, about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with the soy sauce and the Worcestershire sauce, toss, continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the meat is glazed, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat mixture from the pan and set aside.
  4. With the pan off of the heat recoat the pan with nonstick spray…you do not have to clean the pan out prior to this step. Reheat the pan over medium-high heat. When ready add the bell pepper strips, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook until just fragrant. DO NOT let the garlic burn. Add salt and pepper to taste and return the meat to the pan.
  5. Once the peppers are baked remove them from the oven and uncover discarding any liquid that is in the bottom of the pan. Divide the meat mixture evenly into the pepper halves. Top with a slice of cheese of choice. Bake at 400 until cheese melts and starts to brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. One serving is 2 stuffed pepper halves.

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo

Viki D

Viki D2 Comments

WW zero point CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY CRUNCH TOPPING

Over the years I have been a WW member and follow their program. COVID hit and I got hit like Santa with a fat suit. I mean seriously….all I did was cook, eat, and drink a lot of wine. Then reality smacks ya in the face. With summer just around the corner I decided to take my life and my body back. I am happy to say I am 23 pounds lighter since January.

If you know me, you know I love to cook. If you know me, you know I love to eat. You can do both of these things with the right tools. You can also enjoy delicious and healthy foods and recipes. My husband always says “I love when you do WW. We always have fantastic meals.” I’d say that’s a pretty good testimony to me and to WW.

I recently saw a post for this topping and it was used on ice cream cones. As a kid, I ate my share of these popsicles. One was called “Strawberry Shortcake” and the other was “Chocolate Eclair”. Loved both of them; haven’t had one in years. I set myself on a mission to make this topping but in it’s lightest version.

Give it a try and let me know your thoughts. I was quite pleased with the outcome. I can see it has many possibilities. Next time, I’ll attempt the chocolate eclair topping.

WW ZERO POINT CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY CRUNCH TOPPING

DIRECTIONS:

Cheesecake recipe can be found here: https://newtranvy.com/newtranvy/index.php/2020/01/05/weight-watchers-freestyle-zero-point-cheesecake/

STRAWBERRY SYRUP

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pint of fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and quartered
  • 2 T of Lakanto Monkfruit sweetener or Swerve of other sugar free sweetener of choice
  • 1 t pure vanilla extract
  • 2 T water
  • pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a small saucepan over med/low heat add the strawberries, sweetner, and water.
  2. Cook until the berries become soft and thick.
  3. Remove from the heat and using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the strawberries until smooth.
  4. Set aside to cool.

STRAWBERRY CRUNCH TOPPING

INGREDIENTS:

  • 12 golden Oreo Thins
  • 1 T of strawberry jello, sugar free
  • 1 T Lite Cool Whip Topping

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a food processor, process the Oreo Thins into crumbs, not too fine. You want some chunks in there.
  2. Remove half of the cookie crumbs and place in a bowl, leaving half in the food processor
  3. Add 1 T of strawberry sugar free jello and 1 T of cool whip to the remaining cookie crumbs and process until it comes together.
  4. Remove the strawberry crumb and put in the bowl with the plain crumb and mix together with a fork.
  5. Once your cheesecake is cooled, spread some of your strawberry syrup/puree over the top of the cake.
  6. Take the crumble and place over the top of the cheesecake. Use as much or as little as you desire.

This comes out to be 2 points per serving with 8 total servings. Calculations were done using the WW calculator.

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo

Viki D

Viki D1 Comment

ARUBA…..WHERE IT FIRST BEGAN

Admittedly, it’s been a while since I have posted anything. We are back in Aruba and I’m feeling nostalgic since this is where I began my blog in 2017. I have actually been working on my cookbook. I also have a new career after retiring from nursing. I have set a goal of April – May of this year to finish it. It’s been a work in progress.

Have you ever seen bluer water? It’s so amazing here!

We are once again with our Connecticut friends that we met in Aruba. We have so much fun together. Distance doesn’t allow us to see one another as often as we would like. However, we pick up where we left off. It doesn’t seem as though any time has passed between us at all.

Alfie’s in Aruba! Best burgers and wings on the island
.
Old and new friends! Life is good.
Pool friends!
Migs and Joey D (the hubster)

Sun, beach, and good food are never at a loss here. There is rarely ever any rain and always a nice breeze. The beautiful turquoise water just rejuvenates your every being. We left home just in time to miss a snow storm. Did I mention that my husband hates cold weather? I myself enjoy a good snow. Seems we only get one good one a year where we live now.

We have eaten some awesome food at some great restaurants. I have taken photos of some of our dishes. Others didn’t make it because I ate before I clicked……sometimes you just have to dive in. The food on this desert island is truly amazing, but so are the people. They truly make you feel at home and have your vacation interests at heart. It’s one of the reasons why we continue to come back every year.

Yemanja, Aruba! An absolute must!

If you’ve never been to Aruba it comes highly recommended. I can promise you won’t be sorry you took the time to explore this happy little island.

I hope you enjoy the pictures! I want to give my site a facelift! I also want to do some affiliation with a few folks that I enjoy. Stay tuned! I’m moving up! Stay safe and healthy too!

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo

Viki D

Viki D1 Comment

SPINACH LASAGNA

It’s cloudy and rainy here, and it’s Monday. I was in the mood for something warm and yummy. I haven’t made this lasagna in a while. I have, however, been making this particular recipe for about 30 years. I found it years ago and over the years I have tweaked it to my taste.

It’s very simple to make and takes no time at all. There is a little trick to the noodles which are generally the biggest pain; you’re going to love it! No, it’s not the oven ready noodles. Fill a very large bowl with the hottest tap water possible. Take your noodles and put them in the hot water while your are prepping your filling. By the time your done making your filling the noodles are ready. Pretty simple and they come out perfect! Nobody likes mushy noodles!!!!

Frozen spinach is used in this recipe. All you have to do is thaw it out and squeeze out the excess moisture. The only way I know how to do this is with a clean, lint free, cotton dishtowel. Put the thawed spinach in the center and squeeze the heck out of it. Don’t worry, your dishtowel will come out clean when you wash it. It’s amazing the amount of moisture that comes out of it! Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix well. In minutes you’re ready to assemble, and then to the oven.

If you have picky eaters or difficulty getting them to eat greens, give this one a try. My kids always loved it and never knew there was an onion in there. My husband just walked through and said “I don’t know what’s in the oven but it smells amazing. Can we eat now?”

This smells so awesome ….. wish you were here!

With that said, it’s time to crisp up some Italian bread and make an olive oil dipping sauce. Hope this one finds it’s way to your table. I know your gonna love it!

Spinach Lasagna

  • Servings: 10-12
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

INGREDIENTS:

  • 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 (9-oz) packages of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 C finely chopped sweet onion (you can add this raw or caramelized to take it to another level)
  • 1/4 C fresh parsley chopped, or 3 t of dried parsley
  • 1 (24-oz) carton of cottage cheese
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 (8-oz) container of chopped Baby Bella mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 C shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese (I use Parmeggiano/Reggiano )

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Fill a very large bowl with the hottest tap water possible. Put your noodles in the bowl and let them sit while you prepare the filling. For at least 20 minutes. Remove and lay flat on foil, or a silpat, or a cutting mat.
  2. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  3. In a medium bowl combine, spinach, onion, parsley, cottage cheese, goat cheese, mushrooms, garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and eggs and mix well.
  4. Using a 13×9 ungreased pan, layer 1/3 of the noodles, 1/3 of the spinach mixture, and 1 C of Mozzarella, repeat the layers twice more.
  5. Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
  7. Garnish with some additional parsley and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo

Viki D

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homemade MARSHMALLOWS covered in Chocolate

Well, 2020 has really been one for the books. I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to 2021.

Here we are, and it’s Christmas time once again. There’s something about putting up a tree and decorating the house that makes life a lot more tolerable. My favorite thing to do is bake cookies and make goodies for friends and family.

This year is no exception! So far I’ve made sugar cookies, Russian tea cakes, chocolate chip, and raspberry thumbprint cookies. I have also made chocolate covered pretzels. The one thing I love to make this time of year is homemade marshmallows. Just to step up my game, they also get dipped in chocolate and embellished with crushed candies or Christmas sprinkles. I have a friend that is a chef. He said “I don’t even know what’s in a marshmallow”. It’s pretty easy, basic stuff.

For years I was intimidated by having to use a candy thermometer. I got over it really quickly because I just had to try my hand at marshmallow making. Boy, am I glad that I did. Once you’ve had homemade you will never want store bought again. They make great gifts and are a definite crowd pleaser. Licking the bowl and the beater are an absolute must! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 packages unflavored gelatin
  • 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 1 C light corn syrup
  • 1/4 t kosher salt
  • 1 T pure vanilla extract (you can use other flavorings if you like)
  • Confectioners sugar, for dusting and to prevent sticking together

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk. Let this sit while you make the syrup.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 C of water in a small saucepan fitted with your candy thermometer. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. (you will be able to see the mixture becoming clear). Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees or soft ball stage on the candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
  3. With the mixer on low slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15-20 minutes. Add the vanilla or other flavoring and mix throughly.
  4. With a sieve/or wire strainer generously dust an 8×12 inch glass baking dish (no metal) with confectioners sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top and dust with more confectioners sugar. Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.
  5. Turn the marshmallow onto a board dusted with confectioners sugar and cut them into squares. Don’t panic, you will have to pull them out of your pan, they will not just fall out. You can make them any size you like. Dust them with more confectioners sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
  6. Use a good melting chocolate like Merckens or melting wafers. (We like dark chocolate). Melt your chocolate and using a fork, sit the marshmallow on top of the tines and put the marshmallow into the chocolate, covering all areas. Bring it up and tap the marshmallow against the side of the container to remove excess chocolate and help with sheeting. Move to a pan lined with parchment paper, using a chop stick or toothpick just to guide it off the fork in a sliding motion, add sprinkles or crushed candy of choice. Once all the marshmallows are prepped put in the refrigerator to harden the chocolate.
  7. Store in an airtight container after the chocolate is completely hardened and keep in a cool dry place.

Note: when melting chocolate I like to do it in the microwave. I set it to half power and melt at 30 seconds and stir after each with the fork that I use to dip them with. I use a plastic container with a lid so if I have chocolate left over I can cover it and save if for the next time.

Let someone you love lick the bowl and beaters….if you don’t get to them first!

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo and a Very Merry Christmas

Viki D

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apple cider doughnuts

It’s finally here….October! It’s fall and it’s my favorite time of year. In truth, I am just a cooler, cold weather person. I love the briskness and the scent of clean air. Not to mention I have always liked winter recipes much more than summer recipes. Let’s face it, comfort food is at it’s best in cooler months.

The past few days in Maryland have been beautiful. Nice cool breeze, sunshine, and a hint of what fall will bring. This weather always puts me in the mood to cook. So far this week I have made cornbread, fresh lima bean soup, shrimp tacos with a chipotle slaw and I just made some awesome apple cider doughnuts.

I can not take credit for the recipe but I am here to tell you, it’s one of the best doughnut recipes I have ever tried. The doughnut is tender and cake like. Hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg add to the warmth of this doughnut. The apple cider is boiled down into a thick syrup and added to the batter. Once they are done they are rolled into a sugar concoction that screams fall. I ask you….is there anything better than a warm doughnut???? I think not, especially with a good cup of coffee.

It’s a bonus that this doughnut is baked, not that there is anything wrong with a fried doughnut. I like that I don’t have to fool with hot oil. Honestly I can’t see the difference between baked and fried. It must be that this doughnut recipe is that good. In fact, our dog “Toby”, won’t let my husband get a bite because he likes them too….haha!

If your looking for a good recipe this is the one. You can find it at …. cakewhiz.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts/.

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo

Viki D