And the winner is........

Ok, ok... let's cut right to the chase here....I know this is what everyone came for today anyway:

The winner of my 2nd blogiversary vanilla bean giveaway is:

And number 3 is - Andrea The Kitchen Witch!  Congratulations to Andrea and thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments - I so appreciate you all and wish I could give you each a little gift to show that appreciation - but alas, I don't make THAT much money, trust me :)  So instead, I will just thank you all (once again) and send you a great big internet hug (((((((HUGE HUGS))))))!!!

And a special thanks again to Whitney at IndriVanilla for having such a kick ass product!!

Here's to another year of great food blogging!!!

I'll be back here tomorrow with another great recipe....  Ciao!

Italian Sausage Pizza

I almost didn't post this recipe - I mean it's WAY simple and I used some pretty big shortcuts - but I thought, what the hell.. this can be one of those recipes for those nights when you just don't want to put a ton of effort into a good hearty dinner for your family.  Serve this with a nice side salad and you have a great meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make!

***Remember:  Today is the last day to enter my 2nd blogiversary vanilla bean giveaway.  You have until 8:00pm EST to enter.  Click HERE for all the details.***

Italian Sausage Pizza
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
1/2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed if necessary
1 yellow sweet pepper, chopped
2 oz black olives, sliced or chopped
1/2 cup pizza sauce, store bought or homemade
Pizza dough (I used Pillsbury classic crust)
2 cups mozzarella cheese

Directions:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).  Add the yellow peppers and cook another 3 minutes.  Remove from heat, drain, and allow to cool just a bit.

Preheat oven according to dough instructions.  On a greased cookie sheet, stretch out the dough (mine fit nicely on a 15"x10" cookie sheet).  Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.  Top with cooked sausage and peppers.  Add the black olives and cover with cheese.  Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.  Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Pepper Sauce and Beer Marinated Steaks with Potato Latkes
Two Years Ago:  Beer Cheese Soup with Red Pepper and Bacon

Pasta with Creamy Sweet Pepper Sauce

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's!  Can you believe it's 2012 already?  Wow... time truly does fly when you are having fun, doesn't it?  Heck, it flies even when you aren't!!

This was a little concoction I came up with one night while trying to use up the last of the sweet peppers and the yogurt I had in the fridge.  It wasn't the best thing I've ever created, but it was tasty.  It had a bit of a tang that didn't feel 100% right, but I chalk that up to using lemon and Greek yogurt as my base for the sauce.  Yep, that's right.. yogurt - creamy and yet healthy all at the same time.  And there is nothing wrong with that!

***Don't forget -  tomorrow is the last day to enter to win some amazing vanilla beans.  Click HERE for all the details - Good luck!***

Pasta with Creamy Sweet Pepper Sauce
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
13oz whole grain penne
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 garlic clover, quartered
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
2 large red sweet peppers, roughly chopped (I used one red and one yellow)
5 Tablespoons (5.3oz container) Greek yogurt
1 5oz can Albacore tuna, drained

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  Return to pot or place in a large bowl.

In a bowl of a food processor, add all the remaining ingredients except the tuna.  Process until smooth.  Add the mixture and tuna to the pasta and toss to combine.  Serve warm.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Simple Baked Fish with Rosemary Aioli
Two Years Ago:  Lasagna

Best of 2011 - Wishing You a Happy New Year!

As a way to celebrate the past year, I thought I would put together a post that included some of the "best of"s of 2011.  It's been a crazy year with a lot of ups and downs, but I would not change any of it for the world.  I'm looking forward to what 2012 has to bring!

The top 3 recipes searched in 2011:

Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Jo Jo Potatoes

Jenn's Food Journey's top 3 recipes of 2011:

Spicy Grilled Pork Chops with Mango Pineapple Salsa

Greek Style Fish

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

More top picks of 2011:

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Terrific Man Tacos - Chorizo Style

BLT Pizza

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here's wishing for a wonderful new year full of love and good food!
Ciao!
Jenn

***Remember, you still have time to enter my 2nd blogiversary vanilla bean giveaway.  Click HERE for all the yummy details***

One Year Ago:  Simple Marinated Chicken
 

Photo Friday - My Dad

Today I is my dad's birthday.  I feel like a complete shit because I have a card that I have been meaning to drop in the mail all week, but for some reason, I keep forgetting.  So, sorry dad - your card will be late - I figured sending him a blog-style birthday card would be the next best thing!

Happy birthday, dad - As always, I wish I could be there to celebrate with you - but know you are in my thoughts and always close to my heart.  I know being my dad has not always been easy, (I won't bring up all those pesky teenage years) but thank you for always being there for me.  Thank you for the encouragement you have given me throughout my life.  Thank you for letting me cry on your shoulder.  But most of all.. thank you for the love you give freely... it as helped make me the person I am.

Wishing you the best today and everyday - I love you, dad!!!!  Happy Birthday!!! xoxoxo

Now, on a less emotional note :)  Don't forget to enter my 2nd blogiversary giveaway for your chance to win more amazing IndriVanilla vanilla beans.  Click HERE for all the details.

And, of course, there is still Fire Day Friday, where I'm highlighting a favorite of mine - I've posted it here before - but - it's one of those "oldie but a goodie" recipe!

Grilled Potato Rounds

Oh.. and sorry for the lack of recipes lately.. starting Monday, I should be back to my normal routine.. or at least close to it :)  Enjoy your weekend and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The not so terrible 2's!!

Today is the 2nd blogiversary of Jenn's Food Journey!  It's been a crazy little ride over the past two years, and I have enjoyed every moment of it... good, bad, or indifferent!  What I loved the most is getting to know so many other bloggers.  They have brought inspiration and excitement into my life.  I have loved all my readers who are constantly encouraging me to keep going when things have felt a bit overwhelming.  I have loved the creations I have been able to come up with in my very own kitchen and that I have been able to share them so easily with all of you.

Because I love what I do and because I love all of you, I am hosting another giveaway.  This time, it's more vanilla beans!!  I mean, honestly, it's the most amazing gift I think I can give.  I have talked feverishly about these beans from IndriVanilla and I wish that everyone could sample these beauties - SO - with that said - all you have to do is leave a comment, right here and you are eligible for the great vanilla bean giveaway part 2!  Simple, right?  I will give you a second chance to win if you leave a comment on my facebook page too.  And, just for fun - if you mention this giveaway on YOUR blog, I'll give you another chance to win - all you have to do is leave me a link to the post where you mention it.

Three chances to win.. how can that be bad???

You have until 8:00pm pacific time on Tuesday, January 3rd to enter.  The winner will be picked by random.org and will be announced Wednesday morning (the 4th).  Good luck!

 

HO! HO! HO! - Merry Christmas!!

I'm going to take a day or two away from blogging... Enjoy your loved ones, eat lots of good food, and I'll see you back here soon!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

A few weeks ago, I received an email from my mom raving about these cheesecake bars she made.  She explained to me that they were so good, she and my dad devoured almost the whole pan.  Well, there was no way I was going to let my mom and dad enjoy something so scrumptious by themselves, so I thought I should probably try and make these to test how they really were.

So what was my thought on these bars?  They are DA BOMB!  Oh my goodness... you seriously could eat the whole pan.  They are decadent!!  And the worse part about them, they are so incredibly easy to make, you might not stop at just one pan!!

Now to save my butt from getting any larger just before Christmas, I decided to cut this recipe in half.  It made an 8 x 8 inch pan and it was perfect.  So don't feel like you HAVE to make the whole thing... unless you really, really want to... and you just might want to, trust me!

Oh.. I can't believe I almost forgot:  Have a Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Recipe sent from my mom
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
2 (8oz.) cans crescent rolls
2 (8oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.  Unroll one can of crescent rolls and lay flat in the bottom of the prepared dish. Stretch the rolls to cover the bottom of the pan and pinch any seams closed.

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, and vanilla bean until combined and smooth.  Spread mixture over top of crescent roll.  Unroll the remaining can of crescent rolls and lay on top, stretching to cover and pinching seams closed.

Mix together remaining sugar and cinnamon.  Brush melted butter over top crescent roll.  Sprinkle on the sugar cinnamon mixture.  Bake for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.  Let cool for approximately 20 minutes and then put in refrigerator to completely chill before cutting.  Enjoy!!

Grilled Bourbon Chicken

This is another "cheater" recipe!  I'm loving these more and more lately.  Back in January of last year, I posted a recipe for a Bourbon Chicken (stir fry).  We loved it!!  I was going to put it back in the rotation this past week when I realized, crap, if I do that, I won't have anything to blog about... so I though - why not change it up a bit?  And with the simple change of grilling... it's a brand new dish!

Grilled Bourbon Chicken
Adapted from Blogchef.net
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
1/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon cider vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I cut mine into strips-no reason, just felt like having strips)

Directions:
In a bowl or measuring cup, mix together all ingredients except the chicken.  Reserve 1/4 cup of sauce for dipping if desired.  Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a resealable bag.  Pour remaining mixture over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat grill to 375 degrees F.  Clean and oil grill grates.  Remove chicken from bag and discard the marinade.  Place chicken directly over the fire and grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.  Serve with reserved sauce if desired.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Lasagna Roll Ups

 

Once again, my photo taking skills (or lack there of) take away from just how wonderful this dish really is.  But that's ok...I can give you my word that you will love this dish.  Well, if you like pasta dishes that is :)

I think I mentioned once that I had my own personal chef business for a while.  One of my favorite recipes to make for people was for Spinach Stuffed Lasagna Ruffles.  I didn't particularly love the name - I'm just not a ruffles sort of of girl - but it was a fantastic dish to prepare and freeze and have come out tasting damn near like it was right out of the oven.

While going through Stephen's (The Obsessive Chef) new cook book, A Cook's Book for Cooks, he had a recipe for Lasagna Roll Ups that was very (VERY) similar to the one I had made.  So, of course, I thought this was the perfect little homage to him.  A dish I've made before, but this time, making it more to his notes than to mine.  All I can tell you is if you have never made lasagna roll ups before... make them soon.  I made my own sauce, but to simplify things a bit, you can always use a jarred sauce... I won't tell!!

Lasagna Roll Ups
Inspired by Stephen, The Obsessive Chef
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
8 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
1/2 lbs Italian sausage
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
pinch of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
garlic salt and pepper to taste
1 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
4-6 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
In a skillet, over medium heat, brown the sausage; drain any excess grease.  Add the tomato paste and stir until it's incorporated.  Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil; stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano until well combined.  Gently fold in the basil leaves.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Lay the noodles out on a flat surface.  Leaving a 1-inch area at one end of each noodle, spread about 1 Tablespoon (or more) of the cheese mixture on each noodle.  Roll the noodles up towards the clean side and place in prepared baking dish, seam side down.  (I cut my roll ups in half.. no reason why, just felt like they would be easier to eat that way)  Pour as much of the sauce as you want over the roll ups and top with shredded cheese.  Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove foil and baking another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.  Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Christmas Pasta

Thick and Hearty Beer Cheese Soup

I enjoyed the creaminess of the Stove Top Chorizo Mac and Cheese I made back in October, so when I decided to make a beer cheese soup again, I decided to go with the evaporated milk way.  Well, it was definitely creamy.  THICK and creamy, trust me.  It was almost too decadent to eat... almost :)  I'd eat more of it right now, though, trust me.

If you are looking for a nice little soup for your Christmas eve dinner, or just any time you need a little warming up, look no further...this is the soup for you!

Thick and Hearty Beer Cheese Soup
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipes 
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoon all purpose flour
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup beer
2 teaspoons Worcestershire
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (spend a little money and get really good cheese)
1 cup cooked chicken, cubed

Directions:
In a large saucepan or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.  Stir in the flour.  Continue to stir until the flour becomes bubbly.  Slowly whisk in the broth and evaporated milk.  Bring just to a boil and add the beer, Worcestershire, mustard, salt and cayenne.  Let simmer for 15 minutes.  Slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted.  Add the chicken and allow to simmer (do not boil) for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.  Enjoy!

Christmas Goodies

I would have liked to have a week's worth of Christmas goodies to share with you like I did last year, but alas, time just got by me.  Can you believe it's less than one week until Christmas?? Wow, where id the time go?  I wanted to make a bunch of new candy and cookie recipes this year, but with the new house and work, alone, I seem to have very little time to spend in the kitchen.  So instead of leaving you with no Christmas goodie ideas this year, I'm just going to highlight the goodies I made last year.

Nothing wrong with bringing back the classics :)

Butterhorns

Homemade Cherry Mash

My Grandma's Fudge

Pecan Tassies

Eggnog Bread

Enjoy!

 

Photo Friday - Snow in the Desert

(Photo Courtesy Mike Olbinski)

It has never snowed in the part of the valley that I live in, but I get to see the snow capped mountains from time to time.  Isn't it beautiful?  Most people think the desert is hot and dry and there are few things of beauty about it...... maybe this picture will change their minds?

Now I wish I could say I took this picture, but alas, I think we all know my photography skills are not that well refined!  Lucky for me, I stumbled on a picture that was posted by an awesome local photographer, Mike Olbinski.  He was kind enough to let me borrow his photo.  It has been very cold and rainy here in the valley, which leads to cold and snowy in the mountains.  I can see these mountains from my office and when the clouds broke Tuesday afternoon, we got an awesome view of this mountain range - Four Peaks.  I just wanted everyone to see the true beauty that lies within the desert.  So big thanks goes out to Mike for allowing me to share this photo with you!

And, don't forget to stop by Our Krazy Kitchen and check out my Fire Day Friday post... here's what you'll be missing if you don't:

Honey & Hoisin Grilled Trout

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ciao!

Jenn

One Year Ago:  Guest Post - Crab Delights

Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Lemon, and Breadcrumbs

This is a simple dish that is probably a lot like some others I have showcased here... but that's ok... sometimes just the smallest change to a recipe can really make it a whole new dish.  Plus, I think you all know me pretty well by now.. you know I love pasta.. you know I love shrimp... so you know I loved this!

As always, if you don't like shrimp, substitute chicken.. or use a bunch of veggies instead.  You know what I always say.. this is just the canvas.. you can create the painting!!

Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Lemon, and Breadcrumbs
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
2 slices rosemary olive oil bread (you can use any kind of bread)
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 lbs angel hair pasta
20 large shrimp (21/25), peeled, deviened, and cooked
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoons basil olive oil (you can use extra virgin)
1 garlic clove, finely minced
3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a food processor, pulse bread with 1 teaspoon olive oil until course crumbs form.  Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.  Bake until golden, tossing occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool just a bit.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and return to pot.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Add pasta water if needed to coat pasta more.  Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Fish Sandwiches with Jalapeno Slaw

Tangerine Beef with Snow Peas

Easy to prepare.  Amazing flavor.  What more could you ask for in a dish, right?  Well, if you are looking for easy and flavorful, look no further.  This is the dish for you.  I do so love making stir-frys during the week.  They're light, they're quick, and when you sit down to eat, you aren't completely exhausted!  Another perfect dish for all those busy week nights!

Tangerine Beef with Snow Peas
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons soy sauce, divided
4 Tablespoons Tangerine juice (or orange juice), divided
2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 lbs sirloin steaks, cut into strips
1 cup snow peas (or more if you want)
1 red pepper, diced
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions:
Mix together 2 tablespoons soy and 1 tablespoon tangerine juice.  Place the sirloin strips in a resealable bag and pour mixture over.  Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy, 3 tablespoons tangerine juice, rice wine, hoisin, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and cornstarch until well combined; set aside.

In a wok or large, deep non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the beef and stir fry for 3 minutes.  Add the red pepper and snow peas and stir fry for another 3 minutes or until the veggies are just starting to get tender.  Add the sauce mixture, bring to a boil, and stir.  Remove from heat as soon as the sauce thickens.  Serve over rice.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Lemon, Rosemary, and Balsamic Grilled Chicken