Carrie’s Cookbook

For the pizza crust:
1 egg
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb ground chicken breast, or ground chicken
For the toppings:
9 oz chopped romaine lettuce, ~1 head romaine lettuce
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup prepared Caesar salad dressing
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, or more or less
pinch red chili pepper flakes, squeeze of fresh lemon, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees then line a 13" pizza pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper
or nonstick sprayed-foil and set aside. Place a half sheet pan on the bottom rack of your oven in
case of spillovers (the chicken releases a little bit of liquid during the baking process, but it cooks
off by the end).
To a large mixing bowl add the egg, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and
pepper then stir with a fork to combine. Add the mozzarella cheese then stir to combine.
Crumble the ground chicken over the top then stir with a fork until the ingredients are well
combined.
Scoop the chicken mixture onto the prepared pan then use a spatula to spread it into an 11" circle
(spread into a rectangle if using a half sheet pan). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is
golden brown on top, rotating the pan halfway through. Note: you may see excess liquid when
rotating the pan but it will cook off by the end of the baking time. Set the crust aside to cool
slightly.
While the crust is cooling, add the lettuce to a medium-sized mixing bowl then add the Caesar
salad dressing and toss to coat. Slice the chicken crust into four slices (or more) then top with the
dressed Caesar salad, sliced red onion, and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
If you plan on saving some of the crust to eat later, wait to dress the lettuce and top the chicken
crust with it until just before eating.

Salad Base
1, 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1, 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen fire roasted corn, thawed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
1/4 cup cilantro, minced

 

Dressing
Zest of one lime
Juice of 2 limes or 1/4 cup lime juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 large clove of garlic, crushed or 1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder or Tajin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt

In a medium mixing bowl, combine beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
In a separate cup or bowl combine lime zest, lime juice, oil, maple syrup, and remaining
seasonings. Whisk the vinaigrette together and pour dressing over beans and gently toss
everything together to coat.
Place beans in the fridge to chill for at least an hour before serving. When ready to serve, make
sure to toss again, then enjoy!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli

Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5
minutes until tender-crisp.
Add the cherry tomatoes and garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another
2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until
everything is heated through.
Serve the ravioli hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

2 cans crescent roll dough
1 lb corned beef (sliced or shredded)
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 ½ cups sauerkraut (drained)
½ cup Thousand Island dressing
1 egg (beaten)
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Rueben Crescent Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer half of the Swiss cheese on top of the dough.
Spread the corned beef evenly, then add the drained sauerkraut.
Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut.
Top with the remaining Swiss cheese slices.
Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it on top, sealing the edges.
Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

* 1 pound rigatoni pasta
* 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for better flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (or a mix)
* Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Lemon Vinaigrette
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (to balance the tartness)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water
to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
While the pasta is cooking, lightly toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat
for a few minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool slightly and then
chop them if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey/maple syrup,
minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted nuts,
and chopped herbs. Add the sliced red onion, if using.
Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
The salad is best served chilled. You can cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow
the flavors to meld.

Southwest Chicken Salad
1-1.5 lbs. chicken tenderloin, cooked and shredded
¾ cup black beans rinsed, drained and dried
¾ cup red bell pepper diced
¾ cup chickpeas rinsed, drained and dried
¾ cup whole kernel corn rinsed, drained and dried
¾ cup cucumber core and dice
⅓ cup shallots finely diced
¼ cup jalapeno finely diced
¼ cup cilantro chopped small
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
kosher salt to taste
cracked black pepper to taste
Chili Lime Yogurt Dressing
½ cup 0% Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice fresh squeezed
2 tablespoons diced green chilis mild, canned works best
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1-2 tablespoons water add more or less based on your preferred thickness

Carrie's Featured Recipe

Boil a pot of water and add the chicken tenderloin. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the internal
temperature reaches 165 degrees. Drain off the water and allow the chicken to cool. Then shred
the chicken using two forks.
Next, grab a small mixing bowl and combine the 0% Greek yogurt, fresh squeezed lime juice,
mild canned diced green chilis (with the juice), garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt
and water. Whisk well and set aside.
For a thicker dressing add less water, for a thinner dressing add more water. You can adjust
based on your preference.
Add the shredded chicken, vegetables, shredded cheese and herbs to a large mixing bowl. Season
with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly. Then, pour as much or
as little chili lime yogurt dressing as you desire. I used about half. Toss until everything is well
coated.

2 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Baked Sweet Potato with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Spinach

For the Spinach:
1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Pierce each sweet potato with a fork several times. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic
powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they are
tender when pierced with a fork.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add
minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, parsley, oregano,
salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach until wilted.
Assemble and Serve:
Once the sweet potatoes are done, cut them in half lengthwise. Top with sautéed spinach and
drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.

1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast cut into cubes
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4-5 Cloves Garlic mashed
¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil and drained
2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 Teaspoons Paprika
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Cup Orzo
2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
¾ Cup Heavy Cream
2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated

To make this recipe, start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper
towel and slice them into cubes. Set them aside while you prepare the skillet.
Heat a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the oil.
Once the oil is hot, add in the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to cook.
Then, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper,
and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
Then, add in the orzo and broth and stir well.
Reduce the heat to medium, then cover the pan and allow it to cook for 12 minutes. Remove the
cover every few minutes and stir, to ensure that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the orzo is cooked through, add in the coconut milk or heavy cream and spinach and stir
until the spinach is wilted.
Finally, add in the freshly-grated parmesan cheese and stir one last time.
Once it’s done, remove it from the heat, serve it immediately, and enjoy!

5 strips bacon
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
3/4 cup store-bought Buffalo hot sauce
1 pound cream cheese, softened
5 tablespoons ranch dressing
1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
1 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded and roughly chopped into 1/2-inch
lengths
1 c canned corn (could use Mexi corn)
1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese 3 scallions, cut into small pieces
Tortilla chips and celery sticks, for serving

Arrange bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and set oven to 400°F.
Place bacon in oven as it preheats and bake until crisp, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, thoroughly mix refried beans with 1/4 cup of Buffalo hot sauce.
Spread refried beans in an even layer in an 8- by 8-inch baking dish or round casserole dish.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix cream cheese with ranch dressing and dry ranch seasoning.
Gently spread cream cheese mixture over bean layer in baking dish, being careful not to blend
the two together.
Mix chicken with remaining 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce. Spread chicken all over cream cheese
layer.
Sprinkle pepper jack cheese evenly over chicken.
Layer the corn over the cheese.
Layer the bacon over the corn.
While dip is still hot, top with blue cheese crumbles and scallions.
This dip can be eaten hot or at room temperature.
Enjoy with tortillas, celery sticks or the cracker of your choice!

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 cup toffee bits
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a dough forms. Press two-thirds
of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the dough layer.
In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips,
and vanilla extract until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture over the toffee bits.
Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely
before slicing and serving.