Make it – Stuffed Crust ZA

This recipe was posted quite some time ago, but I’m posting it again because the Mister’s birthday’s coming up and it’s the meal he’s requested I make. If he deems it delicious enough for his birthday dinner, I figured those of you who missed it the first time might be interested in trying it yourself!

Some background info: The Mister is OBSESSED with Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust pizza. I realize that obsessed is a strong word and some people may even tend to over-use it. To put it simply, obsessed doesn’t even do his adoration for the stuffed crust justice. Bottom line: he loves the stuff.

Now, yes, this particular za is one tasty pie, but I’ll tell ya, I’m not real wild about the calorie and fat count. Half the pizza is more than 1,100 calories! (and you all know the Mister and I go ‘halfsies,’ cuz that’s how we roll).

I knew that some creative thinking and time in the kitchen could present an equally delicious treat that didn’t contain all the nasty fat and calories.

People, I DID IT! Not only did I manage to cut the calories to 750 calories for HALF the pizza, but it turned out even MORE delicious than the original. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but… I WILL (TOOT! TOOT!). Because I am kind of a genius.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2/3 cup Kraft 2% mozzarella cheese

2/3 cup pizza sauce (we used Mid’s)

Whole wheat pizza dough (The Mister’s favorite is Whole Foods’ Multigrain)

Reduced fat string cheese (6 pieces) (we used Sargentio’s)

Step one: Using your hands, spread the dough into a pie shaped circle.

Step two: Fold the edges of the dough over pieces of string cheese (make sure you seal the dough, or the cheese with melt out). forming a crust. Continue around the entire pie.

Step 3: Top with sauce, cheese and Italian seasonings

Step 4: Bake according to directions given with the dough

Step 5: ENJOY!

What do you typically request for your Birthday dinner? I have a special cake I’ll be making, as well – I can’t wait to share the recipe!

Daily Delish – Kitchen Shortcuts

Who says that taking the long way has it’s rewards? Clearly they’ve never encounter pre-cooked chicken sausage.

Don’t get me wrong, the scenic route is great and making homemade food provides a real sense of accomplishment and added happiness when you eat your dishes. People, this is not one of those times.

This next recipe requires 6 ingredients and makes a complete, delicious meal.

You’ll need (serves two hungry people):

1 package of mushrooms (I used baby bellas – pre-washed and sliced, of course!)

1 package of chicken sausage

Your favorite pasta sauce – about 1 1/2 cups – go with the jarred, people! Save the homemade stuff for a long, winter/fall afternoon.

2 slices of bread

Butter

Parmesan Cheese

First, place a saute pan on medium heat and mist with cooking spray. Add your mushrooms and brown on both sides.

Now that things are getting hot and steamy, add the chicken sausage (make sure to slice it before hand). Since it’s already cooked, you shouldn’t have to cook it long.

Add the pasta sauce an mix, reducing the heat to low/med.

While this is simmering, turn your broiler on to low/med and microwave a few tablespoons of butter. Add Parmesan cheese and stir — keep adding cheese until the butter thickens, resembling a paste (but not too thick). Spread on top of bread and place in the broiler for about 3 minutes.

Remove sausages/sauce/shrooms from stove top and transfer into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve along side garlic bread, the perfect “dipper!”

Rub your belly and thank yourself for taking the shortcuts ;)

What are your favorite kitchen shortcuts?

Fashion Friday – My attempts to looks classy while being pregnant

Happy Friday!

Lots going on today — meetings all morning at work, and leaving around 2:00 for Tracy’s rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Then later tonight I’m headed to a family party to celebrate the birth of my new cousin! I can’t wait to meet him and see the rest of my fam ;)

Before I scurry off and head into the day, let’s share some fashion pics!

In the mix:

  • Cardigan – Nine West
  • Skirt – Talbots
  • Shirt – Zella
  • Shoes – BCBG
  • Necklace – J. Crew

I’m lucky that I have so many wonderful skirts, because for the most part, I can just pull them up over my bump and I’m good to go!

  • Shirt – Zella
  • Cardigan – Can’t remember!
  • Shoes – Espirt

If I could wear these Zella shirts every day of my life, I would. I’m going to try and find them in EVERY color! They are actually an “active wear”/workout shirt, but they are so stretchy and versatile, the make the perfect pregnancy shirt! I love you, Zella ;)

  • Dress – Boutique in Cleveland
  • Cardigan – Banana Republic
  • Shoes – Calvin Klein

This is what I’m wearing to the rehearsal today. I’ll tell ya what, it is HARD to look nice and polished when you have a baby in your belly! I hope I manage to look somewhat presentable ;)

Have a wonderful day! What are you all up to this weekend?

Thankful Thursday – Weddings, peaches and cake (lots of cake)

Greetings! I can taste the weekend!

But before I start my Thursday dance, I want to take a few moments to reflect on the week and call out what I’m thankful for.

This week, I’m thankful for:

Being able to lunch with the Mister almost EVERY DAY ;)

Fresh peaches

Walks with my Mama

Cooler weather! I’m loving the fact that it’s been feeling like FALL!

The perfect b-day gift I found for the Mister

Celebrating new begininngs at my best friend’s wedding this weekend

The wedding cake ;)

Good maternity clothes

New opportunities – I’ll have something else to share soon, as well!

Skinny Cow ice cream

Your turn! You know the drill ;)

Work it – Toning shoes, feeling full and ideal body fat percentages

Happy Humpday! Once again, I’ve scoured the web and found the most interesting fitness articles that I think you’ll enjoy reading — and maybe even learn a thing or two!

New study shows that exercise can actually make you feel full.

Do you suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness after lifting? Lean how to AVOID IT!

Do those toning shoes live up to the hype? The America Council on Excercise conducted a study to test the marketing claims.

Looking to music for workout motivation? Check out these recommended running songs.

Trying to lose weight? You might want to drink some water before your meal.

Ever wonder what your ideal body fat percentage is? Find out here.

Did you read any fitness articles this month that are worth sharing? Any personal fitness news to share that we can all give you mad props for?I’ll start: This week I am proud of the fact that I’ve gone on a power walk every day. Tonight I plan on doing an arm and shoulder weight training workout that’ll surely make me sore (it’s adapted from P90x!). What about you? What fitness goals have you acheived this week?

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