Creamy Ham and Cheese Spaghetti with Red Peppers and Snap Peas.

 HAM RERUN

Looking for inspiration for your leftover ham? 

Ever Ready has got you covered with a new recipe, Creamy Ham and Cheese Spaghetti with Red Peppers and Snap Peas. 

Cook's Notes:  The recipe serves four. Advance preparation makes the cooking process more efficient and reduces stress by allowing you to focus on cooking rather than searching for items. In addition, it minimizes the risk of forgetting essential steps or ingredients during cooking.   

Advance Prep

• In a container, place diced ham and grated cheeses
• In another container, add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced red mini peppers 
• Refrigerate both containers until you start the meal preparation   

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz. of dry spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon of each butter and olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup minced onions
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets 
• 3/4 cup mini-diced red peppers
• 1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 
•  1/2 cup heavy cream
• Dash of red pepper flakes 
• 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 
•  1 tablespoon lemon juice
•  1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
•  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons  dry white wine

 Directions:

• Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. 
• Set pasta aside, keep covered.
• Melt butter with oil and at medium heat, saute garlic and onions. Adding in spices at the end. 
• Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add in chicken broth, pasta water, and cream. Cook until thickened. Add in lemon juice and cheeses. Simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until cheeses are melted.
• Add in peppers, cooked spaghetti, and diced ham. Simmer a few minutes more.  
• To serve, grate more Parmesan cheese over each serving.

     

 
 

Radish and Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Tart

Radish and Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Tart

Cook's Notes: A great start to your day with a delicious puff pastry treat. It's a combination of flavors you're sure to love. Recipe adapted from Food Network April 2019.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (half a 17-ounce package) 
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch of radishes (about 1-1/2 cups) thinly sliced
• 1-5-ounce package (container of garlic herb cheese such as Boursin) at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar  
• 2 oz. smoked salmon
• Optional garnish fresh snipped parsley, dill or tarragon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on parchment paper or a silicone pad, then transfer it to a baking sheet.

• Beat the egg with a splash of heavy cream. Brush a 1-inch border of the egg wash around the edges of the dough. Then fold in each side about 1/2 inch to make a thin border and press to seal. Prick the center of the dough all over with a fork, then brush it with egg wash.
•  Bake the dough until crisp and golden brown, 22 minutes. Prick the center of the dough with a paring knife, then gently press the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten it a bit. Remove to a wire rack to cool. 
• Meanwhile, soak radishes in a large bowl of ice water until crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain radishes and pat dry with a paper towel. 
• Mix garlic herb spread with heavy cream until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the tart with a spatula.  
• Crumble salmon pieces over the tart.
• Whisk vinegar, radishes, and a pinch of sea salt. Top the tart with sliced radishes. 
Now we have choices, choices...
Cut the tart into fourths for a brunch item or cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer.

 

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with Asparagus

 

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with Asparagus

Cook's Notes:  This recipe is perfect for a special brunch, a holiday meal, and overnight guests. It's prepared the day before, refrigerated, and cooked the next day. How easy is that! It’s a decadent splurge meal when topped with a creamy Hollandaise sauce, but oh, so good. English muffins are cut into pieces and layered with lots of chopped Canadian bacon and asparagus. Recipe serves six, 

Knorrs Hollandaise Sauce packet is a great shortcut (timesaver) to making a homemade sauce. Follow packet directions and add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking Tip: Place muffins on a baking sheet uncovered for a few hours to dry out, so the bread does not get soggy when baking. 

Ingredients:

• 6 English Buttermilk muffins, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 (6-ounce) packages Canadian bacon, cut into small cubes (I used Canadian bacon that was not sliced, as it is easier to cube. Ham steak cubes could be substituted)
• 1½ cups fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• ¼ cup diced green onions
• 1-1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk, not skim ( I used 1 cup 2% and 1-1/2 cups half and half)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon each of chives and parsley flakes
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet of hollandaise sauce mix made according to package directions, adding in 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

• Grease well a 3 qt. Bake in a baking dish, and cube English muffins and Canadian bacon.
• Dice green onions and cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
• Spread half of the English muffin cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer half the Canadian bacon cubes, green onions, and asparagus pieces over the muffin cubes. Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese over this mixture. Repeat layers in the same order, ending with grated Swiss cheese.
• In a blender, add eggs, milk, salt, pepper, spices, and mustard. Mix well.
• Pour milk evenly over the casserole dish. Press down cubes into the milk mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  
  
  
• Bring casserole to room temperature about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncover and cook 8-10 minutes longer.
• Serve warm, drizzled with Hollandaise sauce.
  

Homemade Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

• Whisk together until well blended. Bring to a slow boil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened.

Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich

 

In my world, it can always be breakfast time anytime, especially when enjoying this Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich. 

Cook's Notes: Creamy scrambled eggs, spicy pork sausage patty, sliced tomatoes, and avocado play starring roles in the ingredient list for this sandwich. There are several options to consider when preparing the sandwich. This recipe serves two. 

• Fried eggs or scrambled
• Toast or croissant
• Sausage, ham, or go meatless for a vegetarian option

Ingredients and advanced  preparation:

• Two croissants, muffins, or pieces of toast 
• Scrambled eggs-4 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 teaspoon each Elote seasoning and herb combination (parsley flakes and spinach herb), salt, and pepper to taste.
• Pork sausage patties, pre-cooked and warmed up  (as a side note, I liked this product below as no fillers were added to the sausage mix)

• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 1 small tomato, sliced 

Directions

Step one

• Place the scrambled egg mixture in a blender and mix well.

Step Two

• Heat two sausage patties in a small skillet. Set aside on a paper towel, lightly covered with tin foil.
• Wipe the small skillet clean and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  
• Add the scrambled egg mixture and cook on a medium-low heat. 

Step Three

• Place a halved sausage patty at the bottom of each croissant. 
• Divide the scrambled mixture between the two and top with avocado and tomato slices. 

Desert Spring is unfolding.

Holiday Appetizers

 

Move over charcuterie for a jarcuterie experience.

What is a Jarcuterie?

Jarcuteries are single-serving charcuteries assembled in small jars They typically contain things like cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, berries, nuts, and crackers.

Why you will love them 

Unique and Customizable – With endless options for fillings and toppings, you can create a custom snack that caters to your taste buds. They can also be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. You can easily make vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free versions by swapping out certain ingredients or using alternatives.
Practical – Unlike a charcuterie board, these jars are perfect for serving smaller groups, making them ideal for movie nights or intimate gatherings. Plus, they are easy to assemble and require no special tools or equipment.

Mini Meatballs with Hot Pepper Jam Sauce and Jasmine Rice

Cook's Notes: Oh, the possibilities with this recipe. You can use prepared frozen meatballs to shortcut the recipe, or use my meatloaf recipe below. The meatballs can be shaped and baked a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately. This recipe makes about 22-24 meatballs. 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs (I used 3 whole bread slices)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped onion (1 small)
• 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
• 1 pound lean ground beef and 3/4 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup each ketchup and chili sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Jasmine rice-shortcut use Minute rice 
  
• Chopped cashews

Ingredients:

• In a small fry pan, saute onions and garlic.
• In a bowl, mix all ingredients, including garlic and onions. Shape into two-inch meatballs. 
• Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange meatballs on them. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. 
• Make hot pepper jelly sauce, recipe below.
• Heat meatballs and sauce together in a crockpot on low for 1-2 hours or place in a baking dish covered with foil and bake for 22 minutes.  

For the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot pepper jelly  (store-bought or homemade) check the deli  section 
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Directions:

• Place ingredients in a small saucepan,
• Whisk and cook on medium-low heat until smooth.
• Place a scoop of rice in a small dish, topping with a meatball. Add crushed cashews on top. 
  
  to the appetizer trays I added French Macarons from Costco 
  
  
  Small decorative bowls from Amazon-just in case you want to splurge 
  
  
    

  Seasoning bowls with gold rim,6 pcs Pink Cherry Flower Crystal Glass Appetizer Plates, dipping bowls, Small Glass Dish 3.26*1.42 inch ,6.2oz pink glass plates mini for charcuterie board (Phnom Penh)

https://www.amazon.com/Seasoning-Crystal-Appetizer-dipping-charcuterie/dp/B0CSSQ16YC?pd_rd_w=LFDLl&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bb79025-718b-4ad1-b8ec-68027fb35564&pf_rd_p=6bb79025-718b-4ad1-b8ec-68027fb35564&pf_rd_r=SNZ1MC25D3EVWAKM3C1V&pd_rd_wg=tCkEf&pd_rd_r

Easter Round-Up

 

Hop on by Ever Ready's site to find a recipe for your Easter dinner, brunch, or your next spring gathering.

Orange Sorbet and Raspberry Parfaits

Cook's notes: In a time crunch, this recipe is perfect for any special occasion. It's 15 minutes from start to finish using all prepared ingredients with no compromise on taste. Your guests will love the light, refreshing, and tasty finish to their meal.
Any fancy glass will work, including a parfait, wine, or sherbet glass.

The recipe is adapted from bettycrocker.com and serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 1-pint raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange or raspberry liqueur
• angel food, sponge cake, or pound cake cubes (I used a small angel food cake from the bakery) 
• 1-pint orange sorbet

Directions:

• Reserve 1/4 cup raspberries for garnish.
• Mix remaining raspberries, sugar, and liqueur in a bowl.
• Cut cake into 1/2 inch cubes.
• Layer in the following manner: cake,  a drizzle of raspberry mixture, raspberries, and a tablespoon of sorbet. Then repeat layers ending with sorbet on top. Garnish with raspberries.

Other company-worthy Ever Ready Specials include:

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/03/easter-treats.html

https://www.creationsbykara.com/easter-recipe-nest-cookies/

Bunny Veggie Tray  

Easter Charcuterie Board

Link below for the how-to

https://www.number-2-pencil.com/easter-charcuterie-board/?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Easter+Charcuterie+Board+%F0%9F%90%B0++-+21116147

Asparagus and Ham Tart

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/03/spring-for-brunch-meal.html

Roasted Veggies with Salmon and Mustard Sauce

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/02/roasted-vegetables-and-salmon-with.html

Overnight Breakfast Casserole 

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-brunch-from-seasonal-plate.html

Spinach Pear Salad 

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2021/10/spinach-pear-salad-with-cranberries-and_11.html

Carrot Cake 

Cook's Notes: The best Carrot Cake recipe that's extra moist from buttermilk and crushed pineapple, with a hefty coating of dreamy cream cheese frosting. Note, it does not need a holiday to be served and enjoyed. 

Ahead of time, prep the raisins by soaking them in 2 tablespoons of bourbon for 8 minutes, and then drain them in a strainer.

Toast chopped nuts and coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet for 4 minutes at 350 degrees. 

The recipe was adapted from tastesbetterfromscratch.com

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar 
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil (I used canola because the taste is a little more neutral)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• Optional 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained and patted dry with a paper towel  
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1- 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 2 tablespoons Saigon cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 2 cups carrots, finely grated, about 3-4 large carrots 
• 1-1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (reserve 1/2 cup for sprinkling on frosting) 
• optional 34 cup toasted coconut
• 1 cup golden or dark raisins 

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 

• 1 8-oz package of regular cream cheese, softened 
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 4 cups powdered sugar 
• Half and half (use as needed for the right consistency)

Cake Directions: 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans* by lightly coating them with cooking spray, then lining with parchment paper, or use one 13 x 9 pan.
• Wet ingredients: Beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and pineapple together in a large bowl.
• Dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and nutmeg. Use a whisk for this step.
• Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix until incorporated. Fold in the carrots, pecans or walnuts, and raisins just until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Bake: Pour the batter into prepared pans. Bake on the center rack until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 25 minutes for a 13 x 9 pan, 22 minutes for a round cake pan. 
• Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting: 

• Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Add in powdered sugar, and add half-and-half by the tablespoon until you reach the right frosting consistency. Beat for several minutes until smooth and fluffy.
• Assemble: Place the bottom layer on a cardboard round or serving plate. Spoon about ½ cup cream cheese frosting onto the bottom cake layer, spreading evenly over the surface and out to the edge of the cake. Repeat with the remaining cake layers. Spread frosting around the sides of the cake, adding more as needed, until it's covered. Use the palm of your hand to cup chopped nuts around the edge of the cake, if desired. If using a 13 x 9 pan, frost the cake in the pan and sprinkle with finely chopped toasted nuts.  
• Keep cake refrigerated until serving.

Book Review Just Look At Those Boots

Award-winning author Sherry Roberts weaves a heartfelt story about a young boy, A.J., growing up in the 1930s and 1940s during the depression in Northeast Oklahoma. This is the second book in a series of stories about A.J., his family, and friends. The stories are inspired by Roberts's father's childhood during an era when hardworking people struggled to make it in farming and often had to supplement their income by working in town. Factual events from this time period are included in the storytelling. The story is character and action-driven. 

The story is told from A.J.'s point of view, who dreams of owning his own horse, a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots. For A.J., in book two, a pair of cowboy boots is something he has longed for, and he has proved himself ready for the responsibility. When his parents gifted him with the boots, he was excited to wear them on the first day of third grade. But his first day of school is marred by a classmate's teasing and the struggle to keep his boots clean.  As the story unfolds, A.J.'s daydreaming often led him to lose focus as he completed farm chores and on the trail ride with his horse, Lady Star. Jon, the farmhand, was a constant character in the storyline, reminding A.J. that daydreaming often has consequences. Jon offers him guidance as A.J. learns some hard lessons about the importance of being responsible. The story is a realistic look at farm life during this time period.   

As a former middle school and elementary teacher, I found the story moved at a good pace. Realistic themes of responsibility, family bonding, bullying, perseverance, and resilience are woven throughout. There are so many elements in this story that lend themselves to classroom discussion. It's the perfect read-aloud. The book's vocabulary was age-appropriate and served as a good introduction for readers moving from picture books to early chapter books. A.J.'s daily life offers life lessons young readers can relate to. Victoria Marble's illustrations perfectly complemented the storyline, with one picture per chapter that highlighted a learning moment for A.J. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

https://www.sjrobertscreative.net/

Sherry Roberts was recently interviewed on the Rendezvous with a Writer podcast about her writing. https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vf83s-1a8247d

Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. Her personal experiences shape her emotionally rich stories. One of her goals is to help children navigate life through engaging, character-driven fiction. Roberts is a former middle school teacher. Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel. Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe, is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt, launched on August 12, 2024. Book three of the series, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, launched in February 2025.

Dr. Roberts is also a picture book author. Her picture books include Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus; Hello, Can I Bug You?; Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s In Your Bonnet?; The Best Reading Buddy; What’s Wrong With Barnaby?; and Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day. Her newest picture book is Amica Helps Zoe, released in April 2025.