Saturday, March 14, 2009

Derby Dogs

These pigs in a blanket are too cute! We just love them, and they are so easy! Be creative...you can add a number of things to make these dogs more interesting (ie. bacon, different types of cheeses, etc...). We call them derby dogs, because my husband says they look like little derby hats. Enjoy!

1 can Pillsbury Croissants (makes 12) cut into 12 sort of rectangular sections
1 slice american cheese (cut into sixes)
2 -1/2 hotdogs cut into 12 one inch pieces (you will have 1/2 hotdog left over, give it to your dog)

I used the Redi-Set-Go for this one...with the 6 tiny wells. Spray wells with cooking spray and preheat. On a piece of croissant, lay cheese, then a hotdog. Roll and stick in well. Cook for 9 minutes, then do the same with the other six. (see photo)

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Ham and O-So-Cheesy Calzone

If you like ricotta cheese, this is simply ricotta heaven! The pizza place has nothing on me! You must try this. I guarrantee you will never buy calzones from your local pizza place again.

I cooked my calzone in the Xpress Redi Set Go without the divider insert, but I am sure you could cram one of these calzones into a well.

all-purpose flour, for working your dough (a palmful or so)
fresh, ready-to-use dough, room temperature (prepared by your grocery store or pizza place) (1/4 lb. of dough makes 1 calzone)

mix the following ingredients together: (this measurement is per calzone)

1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup mozzerella cheese
2 slices deli ham, chopped into 1" pieces
grated romano or parmesan cheese - 1 tsp.
salt and pepper, a sprinkle or two
garlic powder, a sprinkle or two
olive oil, just enough to coat your calzone

Preheat your GT Xpress or Redi Set Go. Meanwhile, place flour on your counter to easily work your dough into shape. Just keep tugging on it and rolling it with a rolling pin until you get a 5" round. It will be stubborn and try to keep shrinking on you, so do your best. Place ricotta, ham, mozzerella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and grated cheese mixture in the center of your dough. Fold dough in half, and crimp edges really well, so you don't have an explosion or blowout while cooking. Brush top and bottom of calzone with olive oil and place in cooker. Cook 7 minutes. (see photo, I know it's messy, but when I cut into that calzone, it was a cheese volcano!)

Rolled Chicken w/Cheese & Roasted Peppers

1 thin sliced chicken cutlet
S&P
Onion powder
Garlic powder
2 Tbsp. Alouette Garlic Herb Cheese Spread
1 2x2" piece jarred red roasted pepper

Preheat your GT Xpress or Xpress Redi Set Go (use divided pan insert) . Place chicken cutlet between 2 pcs of Saran Wrap & pound thin with a mallet. Season with S&P, onion & garlic powder. Spread Alouette Cheese in the center of the cutlet. Pat dry red roasted pepper & place it on top. Roll up the chicken (not too tight, but not too loose either). Cook 5 min. or until cooked through. (see photo)

I just bumped this recipe up, because I just made it yesterday, and because I haven't had the time lately to create new recipes. Life has been hectic. This recipe and the 15 minute meatloaf are sooooooo good! Try them!

GT Xpress 101

GT Xpress 101