Strawberry Banana Trifle

 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
 3 cups cold milk
1 (9 inch) angel food cake, cut in cubes
4 bananas, sliced
1 (16 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Prepare pudding with milk according to package directions. In a trifle bowl or other glass serving dish, layer half the cake pieces, half the pudding, half the bananas, half the strawberries and half the whipped topping. Repeat layers. Cover and chill in refrigerator 4 hours before serving.

Chocolate Trifle

• 1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
• 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch squares.
2. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain.
3. In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture and half of the 12 ounce container of whipped topping. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

Strawberry Vinaigrette

 1/3 c Agave
1/3 c. white rice vinegar (unsweetened)
6-10 medium strawberries
Mix in blender until fruit is liquefied.  

Spinach Lasagna

• 20 lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 2/3 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups tomato pasta sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil until onions are tender. Drain excess liquid and cool. Boil spinach for 5 minutes. Drain, then squeeze out excess liquid. Chop spinach.
3. Combine ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, spinach, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and egg in a bowl. Add cooled mushroom mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Lay 5 lasagna noodles in bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread one third of the cheese/spinach mixture over noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese on top. Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce over cheese. Repeat layering 2 times.
4. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour. Cool 15 minutes before serving

Bowtie Pasta Salad

 We are trying to make a conscience effort at our house to eat better. I found a this yummy recipe in Runner's World and changed a few ingredients and a few other things and came up with this yummy pasta salad great for a light summer timer meal.  My boys even tired some of it and thought it was ok.

2 T Olive Oil
1 small red onion chopped
1 T minced garlic
1 c mixed olives pitted(I used a bag of salad olives that I found in the produce department)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 c cherry tomatoes
1/2 c crumbled feta cheese
1 box bow tie pasta cooked and drained
1 c spinach

Put oil in skillet over medium heat add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.  Stir in olives, lemon juice and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Cook until heated and then let cool.   Put pasta in a large bowl and add cooled mixture, feta and spinach. Enjoy!!

Sarah's Salad

I made this salad for a family party and was asked for the recipe.  Sorry the picture is not the best this was taken after most of the salad was eaten!

1 head iceberg lettuce
3 strips of bacon
1/2 10 ounce pkg frozen peas
1/4 t sugar
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 c shredded Swiss cheese or cut 2 1/2 ounces in strips
2/3 c. chopped green onion
1/4 c mayonnaise
1/4 c salad dressing

Wash an drain lettuce.  Dry thoroughly. Dice bacon and saute until crisp; drain on paper towels.  Run hot water over frozen peas and drain. Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces into salad bowl.  Sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper.  Add peas, cheese, onion, mayonnaise and salad dressing. (These ingredients by be layered, if desired, with mayonnaise spread on last. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.) Chill.  Toss when ready to serve and garnish with bacon.