Triple Cheese Casserole

I used to call this pan of deliciousness "Wagon Wheel" casserole because my mom once made it with wagon wheel noodles and what's not fun & memorable about that?! One day I remembered I ate this as a kid and wanted to make it for my pasta loving husband.  Mom emailed the recipe and I decided to tweak it for a somewhat healthier version.

TASTYPANTS...

1.25 lbs ground turkey 

1 small onion, chopped

3 gloves garlic, minced

2/3 of a 28oz can tomato sauce (about 20 oz)

1-1/4 teaspoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 -1 tsp crushed red pepper

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

16oz package whole wheat pasta, wagon wheels/rotini/macaroni all work

1 cup + 1 tbsp small curd low fat cottage cheese

1-8oz container lite cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp reduced fat sour cream

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare noodles according to package; drain. 

In large skillet, cook ground turkey, garlic, and onion until browned.  Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, red pepper, oregano, basil, and pepper. Simmer briefly.  Remove from heat.

Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and green pepper.

Spread half the noodles in 9 x 13 baking dish.  Top with small amount of the meat sauce (about one third).  Cover with the cheese mixture.  Layer remaining noodles, then meat sauce.  Top with Parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Makes 8 servings.

Serve with garlic bread... because garlic bread RULES. Isn't this super easy?

Here's the original recipe in case you want to know what I changed:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

2  8-oz cans tomato sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 cups noodles (about 2/3 of a 12-oz package - I must have used wagon wheels)

1 cup cream-style cottage cheese

1  8-oz container soft cream cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.  Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, garlic salt, and pepper.  Remove from heat.

Prepare noodles according to package; drain.  Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and green pepper.

Spread half of the noodles in 11" by 7" glass baking dish.  Top with small amount of the meat sauce.  Cover with the cheese mixture.  Layer remaining noodles, then meat sauce.  Top with Parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Makes 8 servings.

Makeup Shtuff

Here are a couple looks. The first is an "every day" that I've been doing since college.  It's ironic that I used to tease my mom for doing the same look for decades and here I am repeating history.  Ah well, when you've got something you think works I guess you stick to it.  At least... I think it works for me.

For this I used...

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (green)

Smashbox Studio Skin 15hr Foundation

CG liquid cover up (that's so old the label is gone)

CG powder

Sephora blush me! Framboise Attraction no.3

Loreal shadow palette 823 - Bronzes

CG Perfect Point Plus black eye liner (smudged)

Maybelline Great Lash BIG in very black

Korres lip butter in Quince

I tend to stick with bronze and neutral shades of eyeshadow because of my inexperience with makeup. I don't mind experimenting but tend to stay on the safe side if I'm going to be seen in public.  Plus bronzes really make my blue eyes pop. For a more neutral look, I use brown eye liner under the shadow and brown mascara.  I realize I'd benefit from false eye lashes-- baby steps.

For Valentine's Day, my husband got me "Beauty and the Beast: the Enchanted Christmas" on blu-ray and this awesome Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay. How lucky am I?!

 This was my first experiment... which looks eerily similar to the above look, but in natural light (which I don't have a lot of in my apartment) I promise it looked different. I also tried to wing the liner a bit but it's hard with an eye pencil instead of liquid liner which I don't own...yet.

Makeup making an appearance in these photos...

(same foundation/coverup/blush/liner/mascara as before)

Bootycall for the brow, cheek highlight, inner eye

Suspect for the lid

Snakebite for the crease and lower lid

Urban Decay Lip Junkie gloss in Cools & Pumps (a new FAVE!)

What do you think? Do you have any advice on looks to do with the palette? I'm really excited to have black eye shadow but am not sure what to do with it.

Catching Up, Jan to Feb 2012

Because you can't live without my A-mazing blogs, I'm positive you've been missing my witty writing and uber interesting topics of all shapes and sizes.  This is a summary of all the amazing things I've been doing the past month.

First, my husband's friend Erin took us to downtown LA where we wandered through Little Tokyo and climbed a mountain steep hill to see the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Next, my mom came for an impromptu visit in January. Aren't we adorable?

 We went to the Getty Villa in Malibu...

 ...and pretended to be statues.

 Then we headed to Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade and went to the Americana where I took a sparkly light picture.

And then a week and a half ago, Michael and I got struck with a terrible flu bug that has morphed into a cold that just won't let go.  

We survived on cold medicine and soup for the first three days and were able to function when my little bro came for a visit.

John arrived last Monday and on Tuesday we drove down to Anaheim to spend 4 days in Disney. This was Michael's first time ever doing Disney. We shopped and ate at Downtown Disney, rode lots of rides, and visited Sleeping Beauty's castle. 

 

And of course, we met The Mouse.

John heads home tomorrow and we've got Valentine's plans at the Grand Lux for lunch. So now you're all caught up and hopefully I'll be back blogging regularly.  What have you been up to?

Lite Baked Spaghetti

This recipe comes from the January 2012 issue of Food Network Magazine. Since I don't want to get in trouble with FNM, I won't post the recipes on my public blog anymore. I think they frown upon it.  But I will tell you to get this month's issue because there're loads of cooking tips and recipes for a healthier lifestyle! Here's a few worth trying: Baked Buffalo Wings, Ginger Carrot Soup, Bulgur Salad, Tofu-Potato Scramble, and Baked Alaska. And if you love Red Velvet: Cheesecake, Cake Roll, Layer Cake, and Sandwich cookies.  Okay, I'm done with the shameless plug.

Anyway, I semi-doubled the spaghetti so it looked like this right out of the oven:

It was fabulous!  The author of this recipe is actually Bobby Deen, Paula "I love butter" Deen's son.  He traded up ingredients from his mom's original baked spaghetti to make a flavorful yet less caloric version. Apparently Bobby also has a new show on the Cooking Channel-- if I had cable I'd definitely tune in since this next gen chef knows what he's doing. Definitely some tastypants food.

My favorite ingredients are the fresh cremini mushrooms, fresh basil, green peppers, and chicken sausage. I'd never cooked with chicken sausage before so this was another cooking first.  Thank you FNM.

And if you're DYING to try this recipe... send me a message and we'll work something out.

Spicy Thai Noodles

I found this delightfully easy and delicious recipe courtesy of my favorite food go-to: Pinterest.  Here's the professionally amazing photo--

We love Asian food and carbs at my house so I'm always trying to find recipes that combine both. Success!  First you make your own spicy oil (crushed red pepper, vegetable oil, and sesame oil simmered then strained), combine it with honey and soy sauce, boil a bunch of whole wheat pasta, and marry the two in a union of flavor.  Toss in lots of cilantro, shaved carrot, green onion, and unsalted peanuts and you're set!  

Check out mine:

Yes those are awesome wooden chopsticks. If you love Asian food, you MUST click the link provided above and make this dish!  The author even has photo documentation of the whole process (and who doesn't love visual aids?).  Just note: the word "spicy" is an understatement. I used a tablespoon of red pepper and there was still a good amount of heat to the sauce.  If you shy away from spicy foods, I'd suggest a 1/4 to 1/2 tsp and work your way up.

Golden Globes Fashion: 2012 Edition

I realize I live in LA, want to work in film/TV, and love all things that pertain to the big and small screens, BUUUUUUUT I didn't see most of the nominated movies and programs (with the exception of the utterly amazing miniseries Downton Abbey which begins its second season this month!).  Why?  Have you seen the prices for movies and gas these days?! If I'm going to the cin-e-ma the film better be a) Damn good and b) Worth watching in a theater. Plus I didn't watch the Globes as I'm sans cable and woke up after 5:30PM  (please don't tell my mother).  And SO-- we focus our attention on the gowns because that's the most exciting part anyway.

First of all, you should know I have an EXCELLENT eye for fashion. It's true. Don't believe the rumors.  The fact that I spend most of my time in PJ's without makeup and my hair tied in that I-need-to-wash-my-face messy bun is irrelevant. Although "they" say beauty is in the Eye(s) of the Beholder, today I'm the Beholder so my Eye(s) state facts.  Feel free to contradict me because... deep down in your heart... you know that you are wrong.

Let's start with the VERSUS Round! WARNING: This segment may contain some violence and definitely profanity.  Please ask your small children to stop reading over the shoulder.

1. RED

Reese Witherspoon is lovely in general, but her hair and makeup are blah, the bodice doesn't fit (boob job candidate?), and the bottom requires steaming possibly because it's too long.  Love the lines on the hips though.

Ignoring Kyle Richards's ridiculous expression... wait, she still looks awful.  For some reason her dress makes her small form look beefy, it's too short, plain, and Kyle's hair should ALWAYS be straight. Always. And that gaudy ass jewelry-- no.

Finally Amber Riley: the clear winner. Her shade of red hits close to that of the carpet but it's bright and when set against her skin tone accents all her best features. The cut is perfect for her curves, there's just enough cleavage to be sexy and not slutty, and her hair makes me jealous.  

2. YELLOW

Anyone else find it serendipitous that Seth Rogen's wife's first name is Rogen?  Fate, people.  Despite her cool coincidental name and flair for adventurous color, Mrs. Rogen Rogen is wearing a hot mess that does nothing for her.  Paula Patton, on the other hand, looks great in the glaring mermaid gown that compliments her coloring PERFECTLY. Look at Paula laughing maniacally at Rogen Rogen like she wants to slap that obnoxious red lipped smile off RR's face.  Well done, Mrs. Thicke.

However, I rule in favor of Maria Menounos because she has the whole f'in package. Sequins (which is sketchy a lot of the time but not so here), the form fitting cut, the barely-capped sleeve, the elegant up do-- WINNING.  At first it seems plain, but take in the whole picture and your eyes will soon agree with mine.

3. MOTHER/DAUGHTER

If you hadn't already figured it out, I did not pick the Osbourne Ladies.  Rock on for staying true to thyselves, Sharon and Kelly, but come ON! I can't decide if I hate the Bed Bath Beyond Comforter or the Wrinkly Blue Mess with Robot Shoulders more.  And Kelly, you worked your adorable ass off to lead a healthy lifestyle, to look and feel better, and then you gave yourself gray hair?! The only place that's actually sexy is anime. 

Andie MacDowell and her daughter, Rainy Qualley, looked SUNNY-- get it!!! (again with the weird celebrity names... please be merciful to your children!!)-- actually I was going to say "classy" but I can't miss a cheesy joke when it's staring right at me.  The dresses compliment them individually as well as each other, I love the opposite hair styles (long hair as you age makes you look YOUNGER-- hint hint, ladies), and adore the pop of red on Rainy's nails. Fabulous.  

Disclaimer: Yes, I do see the ever so slight tan line on Rainy.  But who can blame her?  This is CA after all.

4. PLUS SIZE

Though Amber Riley is another lovely plus size beauty, she did not qualify because she's in the RED category. Better luck next time, Amber, but rules are rules. Let's do this quickly--

Melissa McCarthy: blinged out Moo Moo and rectangular hair. Pleats are a curvy girl's worst enemy.  

Octavia Spencer: Feminine, hugs all the right curves, ruching KO's pleating, and the light color is refreshing. Plus the makeup is rad too.

5. NUDE

As you can see, there is one clear winner in the "Battle of the Nudes:" the fierce leopard heel behind Julie Bowen. I get it Julie Bowen, you were going for Old Hollywood/ Grace Kelly-- everything but your hair failed.  And Emily Watson... we wouldn't be speaking if you weren't AMAZING in Downton Abbey (and everything else you're in).

BEST DRESSED TOP 5

It was difficult picking a "Top 5" because, honestly, the fashion volume seemed to be on mute.  Lack of color, lack of artistic makeup, lack of sexy shoes.  MUTE.  But I'm confident these 5 represent the American award show pomp and circumstance well.  

Starting with #5, Sarah Hyland of the oh-so-hilarious Modern Family impressed me both with maturity of choice (she looks so grown up!), the unique lower messy up-ish do, muted lips with smoky eyes, and the use of the lace trend.  The black and nude makes her stand out.

While I still haven't figured out why Nicole Richie was at the GG's, she looks lovely in metallic gray. Everyone loves a great come back: RDJ, Mickey Rourke, Teri Hatcher, and hopefully we can add LiLo to that list some day (Parent Trap is one of my fave films to.this.day.), and I, for one, am loving Richie's rebirth into decent society and celebrityhood, hence why she's #4. Sure I have no idea what artistic talents she has other than being a cool mom, but damnit-- she's blossomed!  I desperately want her bangs.

#3 goes to Kate Beckinsale because she's just... lovely.  There's nothing else to say really, other than the fact that she kicks ass in the deliciously bad/fun Underworld films.  Slight subtraction on the clunky shoe... Footwear FAIL.

The stunning Sofia Vergara wins #2 in a land slide with her navy mermaid gown.  I'm particularly in love with the flow of the fabric coupled with the flow of her hair. Success.

#1: Emma Stone.  The fact that I have a not-as-creepy-as-Jim Carrey lady crush on Emma may or may not have swayed the judging a tad, but I truly love the whimsical, slight Renaissance gown paired with the dark liner and swept back hair.  Did I mention maroon is a wonderful color and should be worn by all?  And for once the stylist didn't predictably dress a red head in black and accessorized with GREEN... emeralds, jade, etc.  (for examples, click here and here). Boring!  Emma wins!!!

HONORABLE MENTION

Laura Dern & Nicole Kidman earned this category because overall their dresses were flattering, Nicole's was especially interesting, and they accessorized well.  Way to stay awesome ladies! 

BEST COUPLE

Duh.

BEST DRESSED GUY

Though I am not member of Leo's fan club, DiCaprio has become attractive (gasp!) since entering his 30's.  He holds up a tux quite well.

WORST DRESSED TOP 5

Let us not dwell on the negative, but instead LEARN from the MISTAKES of others so we are not doomed to repeat history.

Tina Fey: Her tense face and lazy hair are reminiscent of the Agnes Gooch makeover from Auntie Mame (see the movie) while her boring dress has a Muppet inspired flair.  Honestly, Fey always seems extremely uncomfortable at these events so why bother?

Elizabeth McGovern at #4: Mother of the Bride or Matron of Honor?  That blue is HORRIBLE on her and made worse with the God awful lipstick.  McGovern always seemed slightly off in interviews... almost... crazy.  But the harmless, I'm-going-to-pretend-you're-my-dog crazy rather than the you-belong-in-my-freezer crazy.  There's no denying her acting chops though.

#3. I love The Good Wife. I loved ER.  I do not love Julianna Marguiles in that muted maroon, horizontally challenged, makes her boobs sag MESS of a gown.  And who the hell thought it would be a good idea to put away her gorgeous hair?!

Two words for our #2, Jessica Biel: Miss Havisham. 

Why?! WHY WHY WHY?!  Who the f**k wears tie dye to the Golden f'in Globes?!  Oh that's right: Buffy (you're not even worthy of your name, SMG).

DISHONORABLE MENTION

Anyone know what the random rectangular sequined thing is on Glenn Close's chest?  Or who quit in the middle of sewing the "accent" on the front of Jodie Foster's dress?

It pains me to put Salma here... and from the waist up she's actually interesting (and yes that means her boobage) plus her hair is STUNNING. Theeeeeen there's the pleated skirt.

WTF

Like contemporary art, these are the gowns I just don't understand.

I guess Charlize looks different but to be honest, the most that dress accentuates is how flat her chest is. Plus the shoes are terrible. Mila, Mila, Mila... wasn't Black Swan last year?  Not to mention, the waistline cuts her off awkwardly, the strap is pointless, and once again an actress is trying to show her limited cup size.  For goodness sakes, ladies-- FLATTER YOURSELVES!

There's not really much I can say about Tilda Swinton's fashion choice.. but... I... kind of like it.  The coloring is superb, the cut is excellently tailored, and it's eye catching.  I'd never pick something like that out for myself or someone I liked, but the uniqueness that is Tilda pulls it off.

I GUESS I SHOULD TALK ABOUT THESE...

Angelina looks good-- she's Angelina Jolie after all... but I can't get past my strong dislike of her snobbish personality and her recent attempts to revamp her "bad girl" reputation by dropping stupidly obvious hints that she and Brad have a busy sex life.  What's with the stupid red neckline... thing?  And then matching your lipstick & bag?  Nice shoes though.

Lea Michele. Talented? Yes. Pretty? Yes. But this dress just says "I'm trying SO HARD to be cool and risque in Hollywood." And no one is buying it.

I hate velvet. That is all.

And finally... WHAT ON EARTH WAS SHE THINKING?!

Wearing a vintage sun dress to the Golden Globes is equivalent to that dream when you show up to school naked.  Connie Britton-- Put some fashionable clothes on!

I hope you enjoyed my facts opinions on the GG 2012 Fashions.  For more Red Carpet looks, click here.

What were your favorites? Do you agree or disagree?  Did you watch and enjoy the show?