Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Pepperoni Rolls

I went to a party in New Hampshire last weekend and made what I think is a pretty common snack, pepperoni rolls. Only one girl actually knew what they were, and she's from WV too! However, everyone seemed to love them and we blew through a good 47 or so of them. I may or may not have eaten a few myself...

Pepperoni Rolls

Frozen yeast rolls
pepperoni
mozzarella cheese

Thaw the rolls and let rise according to the package directions. Once risen, take 2-3 pieces of pepperoni and a small sliver of mozzarella and place on top of the roll. Stretch the dough around the filling and pinch it closed (like a tiny calzone). Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake according to the roll directions on the bag. These are tasty served warm, but perfectly wonderful after they have reached room temp also.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A friend linked to this recipe on Facebook. It's from a blog called www.howsweeteats.com. I love Buffalo Chicken dip, so really, how could I not love this? I need to try this. Soon. Like this weekend soon.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

serves 4-6

1 pound pasta (I used whole wheat orecchiette)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into chunks
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups milk
4 ounces grated monterey jack cheese (I used half a brick) + more for topping
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese + more for topping
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

for garnish: 3/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, additional buffalo wing sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Prepare water for pasta and cook according to directions.

While pasta is cooking, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter, and once it’s melted and bubbly add the flour. Whisk together to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture gets a bit golden in color. Add milk, stir and turn down heat to low. Continue stirring until milk thickens. Add in grated cheeses and continue to stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in buffalo wing sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Spray a baking dish (9 x 13 is fine, I used a round 4-inch deep dish) with non-stick spray. Add pasta and chicken, then pour cheese sauce over and mix throughly until everything is coated. Sprinkle with additional grated cheese and bread crumbs. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately top with gorgonzola, green onions and cilantro. Drizzle with buffalo wing sauce.