Spinach artichoke chicken lasagna

2 cups chicken (or turkey.. which I used in this one from leftover thanksgiving)
1/2-1 can marinated artichoke hearts (chopped)
1 pkg cream cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c parmesan
1/2 c marinated sun dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 c milk, 1/2 c heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp basil
1 c chopped fresh spinach
1/2 c -1 c ricotta cheese
parsley for topping
9 lasagna noodles (pre cooked or soaked)
1/2 c alfredo and 1/2c tomato sauce

I started by soaking in warm water the noodles in a pan
Then combine chicken, artichokes, about 1 c mozzarella cheese, parmesan, sun dried tomatoes, alfredo and tomato sauce.

beat softened cream cheese, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, basil, spinach, and ricotta in seperate bowl.

add about 1/3 or so of cheese mix to chicken mix and combine.
spread a small amount of cheese mix on bottom, then 3 noodles, then chicken mix, then top again with cheese mix, repeat ( sprinkle mozzarella cheese in between layers)

on the very top, finish with leftover cheese mix and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. sprinkle parsley and cover with foil.
 bake at 350 degrees for about 25 min.

Mac & Cheese

This macaroni and cheese was fabulous!

melt about 1-2 T butter
add: about 1/2-2/4 jar of alfredo sauce
1/2 heavy whipping cream
1 T garlic
basil
dash of paprika, dry mustard, and pepper
cook on med-low
add: shredded cheddar cheese ( I used the colby mixed cheese)

stir on low until melted

add: cooked ditalini pasta.. and indulge!

Strawberry Cheesecake

This was the first time I've made this and I made it for my brother's birthday..it turned out great..and it's less fat..you can't even tell!


1/2 c plain graham crackers
1/2 c vanilla wafers
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 1/2 (8oz) pkgs fat free cream cheese
1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 tbsp flour
1/2 tbsp vanilla
1/2 c 1/3 less fat sour cream
2 eggs

handful of strawberries

Preheat oven to 325. line circle pan with foil wrapping over the sides. blend graham crackers and vanilla wafers into crumbs. put crumbs in a bowl with 3 tbsp sugar and butter (softened), mix. press into pan evenly to desired thickness..there will be leftovers (you don't want the crust to be too thick). bake 10 min.

beat cream cheese, 1/2 c sugar, flour, vanilla on medium speed. add sour cream and eggs on low speed. pour over crust evenly.

heat strawberries with about 1 tbsp of sugar, until soft, about 1 minute. blend until pureed.

drizzle puree in lines and cut through with a knife to make marble effect..or whatever design you want..I did a 25 for my brother for his birthday..it was fun

bake @ 325 for about 40-45 minutes

cool in same pan, cover with plastic wrap..for at least 4 hours..preferably overnight.

serve with remaining strawberry puree and/or fresh strawberries and whip cream!

Cheese Ball

Ok I'm sure most of you know how to make a cheese ball.. but I figured I'd post it in case you don't! they are super easy and fast

depending on the size of your ball you want, I used 2 packages of cream cheese (fat free..no one can even tell). add 2 triangles of laughing cow swiss cheese(they are in the cheese isle in a small round container), parsley, 1/2 packet of ranch dip seasoning (I like to use Gonga Breath brand), shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese (keep adding the cheese until you get an even mix)..mix ingredients until well blended. Roll up your cheeses in a ball and roll in crushed walnuts (or whatever nuts you like). wrap in cellophane and store in fridge. serve with crackers.. like wheat thins or crackers hard enough to spread the cheese on it.