Meatless Monday...

Well it is official I have taken the pledge go go meatless on Mondays.  Meatless Monday is a great idea!  I do not eat much meat  not because I do not like it just because it is better for my over all health.  I am only eating meat every 6 weeks and I found it very easy to eat other items in place of meat. Some may find this idea daunting and crazy but it is very easy.  There is no reason to feel deprived of meat when you can eat a stuffed portabella with a veggie side accompanied by a nice glass of red wine. So why not take the pledge with me, http://www.meatlessmonday.com,

and see how easy it is to cut meat out at least once a week. I will help you  along the way with recipes from my cookbook Forkful of Simplicity.

Happy Meatless Monday!  

Bellissimo Bellas

4 Poratabella Mushrooms (cleaned with gills removed) 

Salt/pepper

4 Large Red Roasted Peppers 

4 Thick Slices of Wet Mozzarella 

Dried Basil

1/4 Cup Organic Chicken Soup 

1/3 Cup Red Wine 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

Place mushrooms in a deep glass dish 

Season the inside of each mushroom with salt/pepper 

Place the red pepper inside of mushroom and top with wet mozzarella 

Season mozzarella with a shake or two of dried basil 

Pour soup and wine around mushrooms

Cover with tin foil 

Bake for 30 minutes 

Cool and Enjoy...

Crumbled Asparagus

1 Bunch of Asparagus
Salt / Pepper
Bread Crumbs (plain or seasoned Italian)
Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Rinse and remove tough ends of asparagus
Arrange asparagus, single layer, on an oven proof dish
Season with salt / pepper
Cover asparagus with bread crumbs
Sprinkle with cheese
Drizzle with olive oil
Bake for 20 minutes


***Cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes then add the asparagus to the oven for the remaining 20 minutes and dinner will be hot and ready at the same time***

An Easy Lover's Day Menu...

Happy Valentine's Day! A holiday filled with love and devotion for the ones we hold nearest and dearest is upon us and what a better way to celebrate than with a home cooked meal.  This dinner selection is for the new cook, the old cook and everyone in between.  Nothing too fancy or complicated but your dinner will be nothing short of spectacular. Go get some roses, a nice big box of chocolates, light the candles, take out the good china, and share some great food with your someone special. This menu selection is given to you from my heart to yours and I hope that your meal is filled with much love and happiness!  Enjoy...


Steak Sicilian - Everyone Loves A Sicilian 
2 Filet Mignons
Vegetable Oil
Fresh Ground Pepper
Seasoned Bread Crumbs


Preheat Oven to Broil
Lightly coat steaks with vegetable oil
Season steaks with pepper
Press breadcrumbs onto both sides of steak
Brush nonstick cookie sheet with vegetable oil
Place steaks on cookie sheet
Broil each side of steak 5-6 minutes for medium rare
Broil longer for desired doneness


Lemon Kissed Orzo
1/2 lb. Orzo Pasta
Salt/Pepper
1 Lemon (zested and juiced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Cook pasta according to directions and drain well
While pasta is still warm season with salt/pepper
Add zest and juice of the lemon
Drizzle with oil
Toss till pasta is coated
Serve warm or cold
***If serving cold refrigerate for at least 1 hour***


Bundles of Mushrooms


1lb. Mushrooms (sliced)
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Tablespoons Minced Onion
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Salt/Pepper


In a large pan over medium heat melt the butter till brown about 5 minutes
Add mushrooms to butter
Season with salt/pepper
Cook for 15-20 minutes on medium low heat
Add lemon juice and serve warm


***If making this dish ahead of time allow the mushrooms to cool
Place mushrooms in air tight container and refrigerate
When you are ready to serve mushrooms bring to room temperature
Place mushrooms in microwave safe container and warm for 10 minutes
Turn once and serve warm***