Employee Appreciation Day!

So the economy isn't running hot right now and many employees are feeling neglected or jealous that "Betty's company gave them a Christmas bonus where's mine??". What are employers supposed to do? Well how about a little appreciation with possibly a huge outcome?!?! On March 2nd celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with some scratch of lotto tickets!

What I did was purchased one $1 scratch off ticket and enclosed it with a address label simply stating that we are LUCKY to have them :) The envelope is simply a piece of 8 1/2x11. I used a paper cutter to make it the correct size and then tightly folded (so it doesn't slip out) like an invitation envelope. My seal is an Avery 5160 address label and you can print your company logo or anything else you please. Another thought I had was to, while handing them out, have a jar of pennies if they needed one but that's up to you!

NOTE: Some people might not be down for this as they might consider it gambling and against their values. Auction off extras if you want. There are also other denominations of scratch offs if you have had a better year then us :) Finally if you work where you require a very clean, dust free, sensitive material place remember the scratch off dust and maybe deliver during lunch time instead.

Easiest Meatball Appetizer

Easiest Meatball Appetizer

I think one of the little stressors of life can be an invitation delivered to your home with those 6 little words on it... "Please bring a dish to pass." Oh what does that mean?!?! To a man it means bring some chips, to a person who tries to avoid the kitchen at all costs it means store bought cookies or cupcakes... But come on! You can do better then that!! Here is the easiest recipe you will ever find along with the most simple cooking instructions a 2 year old could do it!

You will need a medium sized crock pot. If you don't have one you NEED one! Wal-mart, $20 done!

1 bag of frozen beef meatballs (About 3-5lbs or so)

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

Take your crock pot, turn on low, pour in meatballs and add soup.... Yup... That's it! It will look as though you  do not have enough soup but do not worry! It will be plenty as it mixes with the juicy meatballs. Stir every so often to insure they don't stick and heat thoroughly. You can provide a box of toothpicks or let them serve with a spoon. It will take about an hour and a half to heat them thoroughly and you can turn the crock pot on high if you need them quicker. Just stir more frequent.

NOTE If you have leftovers (which is rare) you can serve over cooked egg noodles for a poor man's stroganoff. This item is so easy and you can even store the ingredients for unexpected company or a quick lunch. Goes great on hoggie buns too!

 

Gorgonzola Stuffed Burgers

Gorgonzola Stuffed Burgers

As a wife I have been feeling as though something has been lacking lately. Ever feel like something is missing? You need excitement, spice or something fun? Well I sure did and what better way to add some new pizzazz then a stuffed burger for your amazing husband!!

2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef

1 egg

1 package of Gorgonzola cheese

2 Tblsp. dry onion soup

1 Tblsp. Lawrys season salt

Cracked black pepper to taste

 1  package of your favorite buns and your favorite assortment of toppings (I just used ketchup and onion so I could enjoy the flavors!)

1st take off any rings or bracelets, your going to get your hands dirty today. In a mixing bowl add meat, egg, soup, salt and pepper and mix well. Once it is well blended take a small handful of meat and make a patty. Take some of the the Gorgonzola cheese and place it in the center of the patty pushing it in a little and then add another layer of meat to seal the cheese in.  How you cook your patties is up to you. On the grill, in a George Foreman grill or in a cast iron frying pan. Use a medium heat as these thick babies will need to get heated through the middle. A little cheese may start to drip out but don't sweat :) 

Serve your juicy burgers with any toppings you desire. You can even make a little topping bar. Lettuce, spinach, onion, tomato, avocado... let your imagination guide you!

Cheesy Potato Bake

Cheesy Potato Bake

Here is a winner for anyone. Great for potluck's, a side dish or even a meal in itself! 

1 2lb bag of frozen hash browns (I use the square cut)

2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup

2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup of sour cream

2 tablespoons of dry onion soup (or add to taste)

Topping

1-2 cups of corn flakes

1 tsp of butter (optional

I simply make this right in the 9x13 baking dish however feel free to use a mixing bowl. Simply pour in all the ingredients (minus the topping) and mix well. Spread evenly over dish. Next you have 2 options, pour the cornflakes directly onto your dish or put them in a frying pan with butter to get them a little crispy before putting on top. 

Place in the oven at 350 for at least 1 hour or until cheese is bubbling around the edges.

NOTE: an awesome reheating option is to throw it in a frying pan until heated. This helps re-crisp the corn flakes :)

Mozzarella Marinara

Mozzarella Marinara

Here is a great appetizer for any party or dinner or even a meal in itself! Can be fried in a pan or in deep fryer.

1 package of egg roll wonton shells (usually found by produce)
1 package of string cheese
(NOTE if you need to multiply the order buy more of the string cheese then the wraps, the wraps do NOT store after being opened but the cheese will.)
Olive oil for frying
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce (preferably not chunky) or dip with ranch
1 small cup/bowl of water

Start with your string cheese horizontal across the 1 corner. Start to roll the wonton around the string cheese to the halfway point. Then fold in corners two and three and continue rolling it to the final corner number 4. Dip your finger in the water and touch the inside of the 4th corner and seal the corner to the roll. Set aside on plate. Once you have assembled all of your wraps add a generous amount of olive oil to your frying pan. I use medium/hot setting and adjust as needed. You don't want to cook it too fast or the inside won't melt and not too slow or the inside will melt out! I cook about 4 at a time but just be sure they are not too close together. As they get golden turn them until they look nice and yummy. Remove them and set on drying rack or paper plate lined with paper towel. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!

If you want to reheat them in the microwave be careful not to go to long or all the cheese will come out!

No Boil Manicotti

No Boil Manicotti

 

Here is my take on the baked manicotti.This recipe with have my ingredients along with substitutions you may use. I do it a simple and less expensive way :)

1 package of uncooked manicotti shells

1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce

1/2-3/4 cup water depending on pasta sauce

1 32oz tub of cottage cheese minus 1 cup (or ricotta cheese)

1 4 cup package of mozzarella cheese (you will save 2 cups for topping)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)

1 egg beaten

3 Tbsp. Oregano

1 Tbsp. Garlic powder

In a mixing bowl pour in about 24oz of cottage cheese. I find that the 16oz container is not enough and the 32oz is too big. I use all but about 1 cup of the container for my filling. You can play around with the amount if you wish. Next add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder and mix well.

With a regular teaspoon you will start stuffing the shells and placing them in a 9x13 dish. Use the spoon to gently stuff the shells until it starts coming out of the other side. Be sure not to leave much air or space otherwise the noodles will taste dry. Once all of your shells are stuffed and in the pan (its ok if they are touching) pour the whole jar of pasta sauce and spread evenly. Slowly add the water. I actually pour the water into the sauce jar to get every last drop of sauce! Finally, use the remaining mozzarella cheese to top your dish. Add as much or as little as you please. Cover dish with foil and place pan in oven at 350 degrees for 45minutes. After 45min take the dish out and remove foil. (if sauce looks too dry add a little water) Place back in oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned. After cooking let the dish rest for about 10 minutes then serve.

Best BBQ Sauce Ever!!

Best BBQ Sauce Ever!! 

Great over wings, pulled pork, beef or straight out of the jar! Might sound like a lot of ingredients but it's well worth each one. Flavor will hit you in 3 levels. Not to spicy either.

1 1/2 cups honey
1 cup ketchup
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. paprika
1Tbsp. soy sauce
1Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Sriracha Asian chili sauce
1 tsp. chili powder

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over heat; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Use with your favorite chicken, ribs or steak. Makes about 3 cups. Feel free to double the recipe and store in jars. Keeps for about a month in the refrigerator. Enjoy!!!

Welcome to the Roeh Way!!

Hi and thanks for stopping by. Welcome to the Roeh Way and yes, that's pronounced RAY! :) I just wanted a place to share some of my favorite things. From recipes to kids stuff, from crafts to way of life. Hope you enjoy the information!