Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie
serves 6
from Joy the Baker

1 package (2 sheets) all-butter puff pastry, defrosted but still cold
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
1/2 pound thinly sliced Black Forest Ham
1/4 to 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, sliced (depending on how much cheese you like)

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet, or round pizza pan with parchment paper.  Set aside.
Unfold or unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.  Gently roll with a rolling pin until each side is increased by about 1/2-inch.  This is just a light rolling.  Place the  pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush pastry, from edge to edge with egg wash.  Spread mustard atop the egg wash, leaving 1/2-inch of space between the mustard and the edge of pastry.  Layer on ham slices.  Top with sliced cheese.
Gently roll out the second piece of puff pastry.  Layer on top of the ham and cheese pastry.  Press the edges together with your fingers.  Gently fold about 1/2-inch of the edges over, creating and thick crust.  Press with the tines of a fork.  Dip the fork in flour if the fork sticks to the puff pastry during pressing.
Brush with egg wash from edge to edge.  Use a sharp knife to cut three venting holes through the top pastry.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.  Serve warm.

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

This is hands down the best stuffed pepper recipe I've tried.  Yummy and healthy!

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
Serves 6

4 bell peppers, halved
1 T. butter
1 T. olive oil
1/2 c. green pepper
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 t. oregano
1/2 t. basil
2 t. salt, divided
1/2 t. pepper, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 t. Worcetershire sauce
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef (or ground turkey), uncooked
1 1/2 c. rice, cooked
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cut tops off peppers; remove seeds and membranes.  Chop edible part of tops and set aside.  Rinse peppers and place in a large pot; cover with salted water.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Drain peppers and set aside.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.  Saute chopped green pepper (from tops), onion and celery for 5 minutes or until tender.  Add tomatoes, sauce, garlic, oregano, basil, 1 t. salt and 1/4 t. pepper.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine egg with 1 t. salt, 1/4 t. pepper and Worcestershire cause.  Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 c. of the tomato mixture.  Mix well.  Stuff peppers with meat mixture and place in a baking dish.  Pour remaining tomato mixture over peppers.  Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes.  If desired, top peppers with cheese just before finished cooking. 

Turkey Tetrazzini

Perfect for leftover turkey after Thanksgiving!

Turkey Tetrazzini

8 oz. spaghetti, broken in pieces
5 T. butter
6 T. flour
3 c. chicken or turkey broth
1 c. light cream
1 t. salt
pepper
4 oz. canned mushrooms, undrained
5 T. minced green pepper
3 c. cooked turkey
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain and set aside.  Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Add flour and whisk until smooth, simmering for 1 minute.  Add chicken broth, cream, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.  Add mushrooms, peppers, turkey and cooked spaghetti to white sauce.  Spread mixture in a 9x13 baking dish.  Top with cheeses.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Serves 8-10.