Friday, October 2, 2009

Macaroni Grill Foccacia Bread (by thatsmyhome.com)

9 T olive oil,l divided
3 c unsifted, all-purpose flour
3/4 c unsifted semolina flour
1/2 t salt, divided
1 1/2 T quick-rising yeast (2 pkgs)
1 1/2 c hot (120-130 degrees) milk
1 T fresh rosemary leaves

1. Pour a scant of a T of the olive oil into a 9" square cake pan; spread evenly to cover bottom and sides.
2. Place all-purpose flour, semolina flour, 2T of the olive oil, 1/4 t of salt, and all yeastin the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook (the mixing can be done by hand as well).
3. Blend ingredients on medium speed. Reduce speed to low and slowly add hot milk. Raise the speed to medium and continue mixing for 5 minutes (knead 8-10 minutes by hand).
4.Sprinkle bottom of cake pan with a little flour. Remove dough from bowl and spread out evenly in pan. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
5. Remove towel. Brush dough with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Sprinkle top with additional salt and rosemary. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining oil.
6-8 servings

In my opinion: I can't describe in words how good this bread is. I made my own rosemary oil to dip it in and we can't keep this around the house. To me it is as close to Macaroni Grill's bread as it gets.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Slow Cooker Lasagna (by Kraft)

1 lb ground beef
26 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 c water
15 oz ricotta
7 oz mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 c Parmesan cheese, divided
1 egg
2 T fresh chopped parsley (I used dried)
6 lasagna noodles, uncooked (I didn't use all 6)

1. Brown meat and drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 c mozzarella, 2 T Parmesan, egg, and parsley (in separate bowl).
2. Spoon 1 c meat sauce into Crock Pot; top with layers of half the noodles, broken to fit; and cheese mixture. Cover with 2 c meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles, remaining cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover with lid.
3. Cook on low 4-6 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Let stand covered 10 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Do not cook on high setting.

In my opinion: I was disappointed with the sauce even though I used my favorite spaghetti sauce. The bottom began to burn and I wonder if the burned part affected the sweetness of the sauce or if the ground beef was cooked too long. I loved the noodles and cheese but hope I can figure out the sauce problem next time. I loved that I only dirtied the skillet and a bowl preparing this meal.

For more Slow Cooker recipes that I've tried, click here.