Bring 2 quarts water to boil. Add rice pasta and 1 Tbsp sea salt to the boiling water. Keep heat on for 2 minutes. Turn off heat, keep lid on and allow pasta to cook in the water for 20 minutes.
Cheese Mixture
Add fresh chopped basil (I used Genovese and Purple Basil), parsley, and half of the oregano to a mixing bowl. Add in all the cheeses – cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar, Chevre, and the sour cream. Mix well with the herbs.
Pasta Sauce
In a saucepan, heat up the pasta sauce. Add in the tomatoes, oregano, garlic salt, onion powder, Italian seasonings, and any veggies that you might like, including mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Add in the ground turkey and heat for about 10 minutes.
Putting It All Together
In a 9×13 casserole dish, lay out a row of the lasagna pasta noodles. Spoon the pasta mixture on top of the noodles until it coats it evenly. The cheese mixture is not easy to just spread out. Either put it in a pastry bag or a sandwich bag and cut out a corner, or do what I did, and just plop gobs of cheese everywhere. Add another layer of noodles, sauce, cheese. Repeat until you have no more noodles or space in the dish. I always end with a layer of sauce on the top. Then spread the shaved Parmesan cheese and a little Cheddar cheese on top. In a preheated 400F oven, put in the uncovered lasagna and bake for 25 minutes.
My picture might not be the best, but this was by far the best tasting lasagna I have ever made. I served it at a networking event and it was a major hit.
I love Arizona Restaurant Week for the one simple reason – I make it my mission to go to at least two restaurants I have never been to before. There are a couple of my faves that are on this list that might also make it into the rotation. So here are my top 5 choices for where to dine this week. Wanna join me?
I have been enjoying Chef Justin Beckett’s comfort food since he opened last year. I have been about a dozen times and really adore how friendly the staff is mixed with a great atmosphere, and some of my favorite food in the Valley. Beckett’s Table has both Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options as well. Their dinner even comes with a glass of wine or a draught beer – now that is awesome!
I have yet to go here and can’t wait to try it out. They serve American Campfire Cuisine – this I have to see. The menu was created by Matt Carter,owner of Zinc Bistro and The Mission – two great restaurants in the Valley. I’m also intrigued because they prepare all of the entrees on an open pecan grill. Yummy! They also have Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options plus you get a beverage too!
This is what I would order:
Grilled sweet corn with charred scallions,smoked paprika aioli, white cheddar
Short ribs & root vegetables: beer braised onions, mashed potatoes, honey carrots and black pepper bourbon sauce
Cast-iron toasted marshmallow with shaved chocolate, graham cracker cookie, ice cream
I went here for lunch recently and was quite impressed with the quality of the food. I had put it on my list to try them for dinner, and Arizona Restaurant Week is the perfect chance. Love seeing that they also have Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options!
This is what I would order:
Gazpacho: Made from AZ grown vegetables with a jicama salad
Pork Roast: Harissa spiced, sweet potato mash, chimichurri, red wine
Coconut Rice Pudding with strawberry compote, local pistachio
I am probably the only foodie in the Valley who hasn’t been to Prado yet. I know – shameful! I need to rectify that asap. Prado is nestled inside the beautiful Montelucia Resort – what more could you want – beautiful surroundings and amazing cuisine. Definitely need someone to go with me because I really want to taste everything on their menu!
This is what I would order:
Savory Puff Pastry Tart – pears, bacon, cheddar, petite greens, cider dressing
Wood Grilled & Brined Pork Chop – celery root puree, cabbage, caraway, braised apples
Province is new to Phoenix and it has been on my list to try. It is an American restaurant with cuisine inspired by South America and Spain – what a great combination! One thing I really like about Province is that they are a farm-to-table restaurant and the wine list features organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines from around the world as well as a selection of local Arizona wines! Now that’s what I call awesome! For an additional $10 there are wine pairings with each course – sign me up!
This is what I would order:
Melted Goat Cheese Fondue with oven dried tomatoes, smoked onions, and herbed crisps
Marinated & Grilled Skirt Steak with artichoke-leek gratin, chimichurri
Chef’s Tasting of Squash Cupcake, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Flan, and Seasonal Fruit Tart << OMG!! Wowsers!
We are 2 weeks into the amazing 5-weeks of wine tasting that Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar hosts every September. The Fleming’s 100 is their elusive wine list that is debuted every year. Each Friday in September taste 20 wines for $25! Now that’s what I call a tasting! Every Fleming’s in the country has the same 80 national selections, which are their heavy hitters and a standout in each wine category. The remaining 20 wines are personally chosen by each restaurant’s Wine Manager for their guests to enjoy. Together, these two groups make up the complete Fleming’s 100.
Last year I had the opportunity to go to to the wine tastings at the DC Ranch location in Scottsdale, AZ. Read about last year’s experience where I fell in love with Fleming’s. I’m not usually a fan of corporate establishments, but Fleming’s has won me over with their outstanding customer service and incredible generosity for their community, not to mention the amazing food paired perfectly with some of the best wines I have ever eaten. I am happy to say that I love Fleming’s – the people that make each visit memorable, and the food that makes me crave my leftovers the next day.
So far this September, I have gone to two different locations and will visit all 4 valley locations before the Fleming’s 100 Wine Event is over and tweeting with the hashtag #Flem100. I started out at the Peoria location, which I had never been to. I met Operating Partner Scot Densford who was so gracious to this little wine blogger. The next Friday night I ventured over to the Scottsdale location where Operating Partner Darrin Visser sure knows how to make a girl feel welcome. He introduced me to Barry Marshall of Marshall Family Wines that just so happened to be there. That was so awesome!
Here are some of my fave wines from the last two weeks.
Started off in Heaven with a little bubbly from DOMAINE CHANDON, étoile Brut Napa-Sonoma Counties NV. This sparkling wine sure has a way with tickling my taste buds with flavors of honey, apple, and a creamy caramel finish. A great bottle to have on hand for a special celebration or to just celebrate the art of life. Twitter: @chandon
Surprise Surprise that I also loved the MIONETTO, Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Italy NV – I am seriously in love with sparkling wines. Bubbles make me oh so happy! I just recently started drinking Proseccos over the last two years and my palate has welcomed the dryness and crispness of these sparklings. Before I had enjoyed mostly sweet sparklings, but now I am happy to say that Prosecco is on my list of favorite bubblies.
I absolutely adored the CONUNDRUM, California, 2010with its soft creamy finish and with the powerful scent of vanilla and honeysuckle. This wine is very complex and left me wanting more. This is a wine that I should have in my personal wine cabinet to enjoy when I need to smile. It is that yummy! Twitter: @ConundrumWinery
I tend to lean towards a nice buttery Chardonnay and the SILVERADO, Chardonnay Napa Valley, 2008/2009does not disappoint. This wine has aromas of vanilla and citrus, with great undertones thanks to the oak barreling. This would be a wine I would share with friends to show them my love of whites – it is well balanced and a very easy wine to enjoy after a long day at work.
There was one bottle that just had a simple tag that just said Saldo on it. Nothing else. I was definitely intrigued. When I swirled my ORIN SWIFT, Zinfandel California Saldo, 2009/2010I was entranced by this wine. I learned that the wine is blended from grapes all over Northern California and uses the best of the best grape lots. It definitely shows!
Another label that made me wonder what was in the bottle was PARDUCCI, Petite Sirah Mendocino True Grit, 2007/2008. I found this Petite Sirah to have a dry fruity finish, a little peppery, and very heardy – the type you pour with a big juicy steak. I can already see drinking this on a cold winter’s night (yes here in Phoenix!) and enjoying the bold robust flavors that this wine brings forth.
The LADERA, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2007/2008 blew me away with its bold dark fruit flavors of plum and bramble berry with a soft and lush finish. This vineyard married grapes from two mountain estate vineyards and I have to say, it was a match made in Heaven. I love Ladera. Period. The end. It’s awesome! Twitter: @LaderaVineyard
One wine I was ecstatic to see was Arizona Stronghold’s Tazi at the Scottsdale location. Tazi is a great white and am so excited to see Arizona wines be on the wine list of a such a great restaurant. Twitter: @azstronghold
Pic compliments of @myvinespot
I would be remiss if I didn’t share the info about Winesdays this September at Fleming’s: 25% off any bottle from the Fleming’s 100. This is the month to explore the new Fleming’s 100 wine list and find a new favorite. Enjoy 25% off any bottle from the new Fleming’s 100 when you dine on Wednesday evenings in September. Now that is a great deal! Love it.
I can’t wait to taste the other 60 wines on the Fleming’s 100. You should join me!!
Disclosure: I was provided with a free entrance to all of the Fleming’s 100 wine tastings. Any consequent obsession with wine or how much I adore Fleming’s Steakhouse had no bearing on this review of their wines. All opinions are my own as is the gratitude I have for a company that gives so freely to others and supports their community with abundance.
Brown the ground turkey and set aside. Bring chicken stock and butter to a boil, then add in quinoa and Italian seasonings. Cook on medium heat for about 15-30 minutes stirring occasionally. When the stock is almost completely absorbed add in the tomatoes, parsley, spinach, and scallions. Stir them in slowly and cook for 5 minutes. Add in the ground turkey meat and give it a great big stir.
Can sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy!
This is by far my new favorite Quinoa recipe. I have to say that I surprised myself with how good this came out.
In a quart pan, Bring the vegetable broth, crushed garlic, lemon, and seasonings to a boil. Stir in the Quinoa. Reduce heat to medium simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occassionally. The quinoa should be tender. Add in the tomatoes and green chilies and cook for another 5 minutes.
Use this as a side dish, or with diced chicken or fish, even as a wrap filler. I loved it!
If you are not using Bob’s Red Mill Quinoa, then make sure you rinse the quinoa first. This brand is already prerinsed. I found it at Costco for $10 for a huge bag.
Look at the nutrition in Quinoa! It has the most protein than any other grain.
Boil 2 cups water and add the Steel Cut Oats. Once the water has boiled down (10 minutes) add in all the other ingredients. Stir! The leftovers heat up easily, add a dash of almond milk if needed.
Steel Cut Oats is a great way to start the day! It is very filling and quite nutritious.
I always love it when new restaurants come to town – makes me giddy with excitement to see if it will be a place that I can call home. I had heard about Parc Central for a few months from friends who talked about their amazing Happy Hour and the live bands that play Thursday – Sunday. Needless to say, I was super excited to go check out this place in the Scottsdale Quarter. Just like the name suggests, Parc Central’s ambiance and surroundings are inspired from Central Park – down to the swanky lounge atmosphere with unabashed New York City glamor set against Arizona’s desert landscape. I was blessed to sit on their patio and enjoy a cool spring evening. Before I sat down though, I checked out both bars (that’s right – 2 bars!), their private dining room, and of course the restrooms – I admit, I am always curious to see how they are decorated.
I saw this glorious Wine Wall and thought I died and went to Heaven. Do you think they’d let me move in?
First up was the City Garden – which was a bubbly blend of cucumber vodka, peach schnapps, champagne, and lime. Two of my favorite ingredients (champagne and lime) in one drink – sign me up! Ok, I might have had two… but shhhh, our secret.
I was happy to be there with my partner in crime, J.E. Pizarro with Foodies Like Us as we tried some of their Happy Hour menu. I have to say, that I was pleasantly surprised by the offerings, but also, about the prices. They sure know what Happy Hour means! The evening started out with a bowl of crispy beet chips. I need to state for the record that I *hate* beets. Seriously do. Well, let’s just say, I love beet chips! Wow. I almost ordered a second bowl. We then shared the Prime Beef Carpaccio that came with Kalamata olives, salty capers, fresh arugula, and a tangy dijon vinaigrette for $6. Look at all meat on this plate! The Carpaccio was full of flavor and the arugula accented the beef beautifully.
Next up was the Fromage and Charcuterie Board, complete with figs, stuffed olives, and artisan crackers. If you don’t know this about me by now – I love cheese. So anytime I can order a meat and cheese board, I’m on it. It came with three different types of meat and cheeses – I was in carnivore heaven! Hmmm prosciutto…
For dinner, J.E. chose the Grilled Lobster Lasagna and it came with a ton of lobster on top and on each layer. It was made with fresh-made lasagna noodles, fontina, baby wilted spinach, and buerre blanc. I kept asking for bites of this dish so I could taste the layers of flavors. I had never thought to put lobster into a lasagna and would definitely recommend this dinner to any seafood lover. This was paired with Sterling’s Sauvignon Blanc – the dryness of the wine brought out the rich flavors in the sauce.
I have had a lot of steak over the years… it is by far my favorite meal. This is the first time I have had one with Boursin Cheese melted on top of it. This Bousin Cheese Crusted Ribeye is my new bff. A succulent, juicy ribeye drizzled with a truffle sauce as the Boursin cheese lends this steak a remarkable flavor. It is really hard to describe. I just know I want it again! The ribeye was coupled with au gratin potatos and a wild mushroom-asparagus ragout. I paired this beautifully with Rosenblum’s Zinfandel – the richness of this wine balances well with the robustness of the ribeye. Match made in foodie heaven I tell ya.
What was cool about this night was that I had an assortment of friends join me over a few hour period. None of them had ever been to Parc Central before and I was happy to make the introduction. The servers here are so freaking nice and attentive, I was stunned – was I really in Scottsdale? One thing that Parc Central could improve upon is to have more gluten-free choices, or better yet, a whole gluten-free menu. One of my friends had a hard time with the menu because of his severe food allergies.
Call today to make reservations – you won’t regret it. They do take walk-ins, but why chance it? This is a great place to bring your client for lunch, a perfect place to celebrate your birthday, and a romantic dinner setting for your anniversary. On a first date? Pony up to the bar and relax with one of their signature Martinis.
Parc Central
15323 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.907.5333
Sometimes it’s funny how one week can change your perspective on something that you have loved your entire adult life – wine! I have visited Sonoma and Napa in California many times, but was not familiar with the Paso Robles Wine Region. When I heard that they were coming to town to do a Grand Tasting of over 30 wineries, I knew I had to attend. I was a very lucky girl when they allowed me to attend all of the events. I met some of the most amazing wine makers, tasted some incredible wines – a couple I hadn’t even heard of before, and shared great experiences with people I now call friends.
The first night I had the pleasure of going to Rancho Pinot where I met Chris Taranto with Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Chris was an abundance of knowledge on this beautiful wine region, knew all the wine makers, their best varietals, and was a great resource for all of my questions, too. During dinner I sat next to Kenneth Volk and soaked up so much history and learned that he had been making world-class wines for over 25 years, best known as the founder of Wild Horse Winery. I was amazed by how quiet and driven this man was and his willingness to talk about what he loved so dearly – the grapes, the land, and the wine he loved to create. It truly was an honor to talk to him over the course of the week.
Midnight Cellars 2008 Aurora accompanied the Grilled Scallop appetizer. Boy were those two great together! Midnight Cellars is a very small winery at only 32 acres with soil similar to the Rhone Valley. This wine is only distributed in Arizona – very happy to hear that! I’ll take a bottle please. One of the best dishes of the night was the Ricotta Gnocchi with Rustic Lamb Ragu. It was perfectly paired with the Halter Ranch 2008 Cotes de Paso. I could taste the Grenache and Syrah in this succulent blend coupled with blackberries and currants. Yummeee.
By far one of the best wines I tried this week was J. Lohr 2006 Cuvee. This bold blend consisted of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, accented with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Can I say utterly delicious? Every time they allowed me to taste this wine over the course of the week, I never turned it down. Most people who know me, know that J. Lohr has been my go to wine if I was ever uncertain as to what to bring to a party or what to order at a restaurant. I had never had the opportunity to taste any of their higher end wines and it was love at first taste for this amazing wine.
Here is a wine segment I did for Smart Family on ABC15 about great wines under $20 – looky who I talked about!
This night at Rancho Pinot was a great start to what turned out to be an amazing week with Paso Robles wine! Can’t wait to write about all of my adventures…
I am always excited when a new restaurant opens up in my neighborhood. I am a big fan and proponent of shopping local, especially in food establishments. I won’t lie, when I first researched the Mellow Mushroom and found out that they were a franchise, I was a tad sad. Then I learned that each of the 110 restaurants are completely different from one another – no cookie cutter layouts here! I had the pleasure to sit down with owners Jay and Diana, and was impressed with how they give back to our community. One of the first things you notice about each Mellow Mushroom location is the unique art on the walls. At the Happy Valley location I recognized shots of the local Phoenix scene and great art from local Phoenicians. As part of being in the Mellow Mushroom family, each location gives back a substantial amount of money to local artists to outfit each location with visual wonderfulness.
I enjoy good wine, but when you go to the Mellow Mushroom, it is the beers that have top reign here. With more than 36 beers on tap, (Tempe has 48) it is very easy to pair the perfect beer to your pie. When you become a regular here and don’t see your favorite libation on tap – just ask. If you are there often enough, they are more than happy to bring it in for you. I was stunned. Seriously? I could just name my poison and you will bring it in? Now that is what I call service! There is even a Beer Club that you can join if you want to taste all of their beers.
My love for root beer started when I was very young and I would ask for one each time we went out for pizza (long before there was delivery). The Sonoran Root Beer is crafted locally and made from Sonoran Desert honey, plus it is mighty delicious. Next time I go in I have to try it with a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Yum!!
I admit, I have eaten at the Mushroom quite a few times, and often enjoy their Happy Hour from 3-6pm and I have been known to come back for their Reverse Happy Hour from 10pm-2am. Seriously – can’t go wrong with half priced appetizers and beers. The crowd is usually those coming in for a beer after work and meeting a buddy to relax a bit before going home.
One of my favorite appetizers is definitely the Spinach & Artichoke Dip – tons of cheesy goodness with the right mix of spinach and artichoke hearts. Often times, I split the Capri salad with its delicious mix of fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, and the most orgasmic balsamic reduction that I have ever tasted. OMG – can I have a bottle of that reduction please!?!
Meatballs. Seriously. I just need to say it again – Meatballs. These are freaking awesome! The sauce is sweet, just the way I like it, fresh basil, shaved Parmesan, and inside each meatball is a soft cheesy center = Heaven. Please make more because I am not sharing!
I am not usually a fan of pretzels, but boy was I pleasantly surprised when I tasted theirs! You could taste the freshness and the softness when they came right out of the oven. The pretzel dough tasted like it had been mixed with honey – actually it’s made with molasses and Georgia Spring Water. I was hooked! For all of the Vegan lovers out there, the dough is Vegan, but make sure to ask for it sans the Parmesan cheese. The same dough that made those awesome pretzels also creates the crust for their signatures pizzas. That is the only thing required from each franchise is that the dough is made in their flagship location in Atlanta, Georgia.
On one of my adventures to the Mellow Mushroom, I had the help of eating my way through a few of the pizzas with @skinnyjeans aka @noshtopia. Read her review as she talks about all the great gluten-free and vegan items that are on their menu.
We were able to sit down with the owners and really learn about this new pizza place that hit the valley last year and is opening its second location in Tempe this spring. The owners’ son came up with a pizza that is unique to Arizona, but with the name of the establishment, I was quite surprised that not all of the franchises have it on their menus – the Fun Guy Pizza. This is by far my favorite pizza and it has five different types of mushrooms loaded on it: Shiitake, Crimini, Button, Portobello, and Oyster Mushrooms with lots of Mozzarella cheese and the sauce is a house-made Grilled Mushroom Vinaigrette. I’m in love. I seriously didn’t want to share.
I have tried all of these pizza too:
Kosmic Karma: This pizza has a love of olive oil and pesto chicken, with tons of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Feta, and fresh tomatoes. Loved it!!
House Special: Their signature pizza loaded with flavor and freshness with Pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes, ham, bacon, and of course, extra cheese.
Mighty Meaty: Stacked with Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, ground beef, ham, and bacon – definitely a must try for the meat lover in the family. Might need to hit the gym after you nosh on this one.
Hot Potato Pie: I didn’t think I was going to like this one, but I was wrong! It was loaded with potato, bacon, onions, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sprinkled with chives and drizzled with sour cream and spicy Ranch dressing. The base sauce was olive oil and garlic – yummy.
Egg & Pancetta: I had to try this pizza, anything with egg on it must be delicious! This pizza starts with an olive oil and garlic base, sunny side up eggs, and pancetta, garnished with scallions, and seasoned with cracked pepper. My only wish is that my eggs would have been runnier, they were a bit too firm as I was hoping for yolk all over my pizza. But I’m weird like that.
I am so happy to welcome the Mellow Mushroom to my hood and if you are looking for me, more than likely, I am nestled up at their bar. I’m so excited to announce that they also offer a great @Foursquare deal: Free soft drink with every check-in except for that yummy root beer (dang it!) and the Mayor receives 10% off their tab each and every time they go in. The Mayor race is fierce here too. Good luck to all the hopefuls!
Don’t forget to check out their lunch specials either. For $5.99 have either a pizza and soda, salad and soda, or half a hoagie and soda. Great deals. With lunch specials, Happy Hour, Reverse Happy Hour you might need to bring a pillow and blanket and just move in! With just a great family-friendly atmosphere I don’t think the owners would mind.
This was my first time making Quinoa and my second time eating it. I have to say that I surprised myself with how good this came out.
In a quart pan, melt the butter and sauté the shallot and garlic until just golden brown. Stir in the chicken broth and the Quinoa. Bring to a boil then simmer on medium for 10-12 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. The quinoa should be tender. Cool slightly, then fluff with a fork.
I mixed in some fresh ground pepper plus sprinkled a little bit of onion powder throughout. It was delicious! I can see adding some chives, lemon, and even cilantro (my favorite herb) to the next batch.
If you are not using Bob’s Red Mill Quinoa, then make sure you rinse it first. This brand is already prerinsed. I found it at Costco for $10 for a huge bag.
Look at the nutrition in Quinoa! It has the most protein than any other grain. You must try this as either a side dish or be creative and make it your main dish tonight!
I am a Social Media Specialist and Editor based in Phoenix, AZ. I absolutely love everything about organic gardening, decadent food, and my all time love, yummy wine. ~ Read More
Welcome to my lifestyle blog! I'm single with a passion for life and love good food and wine while trying to eat healthy. Here is an overview what you will find on my Blog:
Manic Mondays, Tech Tuesdays, Weigh-In Wednesdays, Green Thumb Thursdays, and Foodie Friday
On Orange Dragonfly Blog, I am available to review a variety of products and services. If interested in sponsoring a review, giveaway, advertising, or sponsorship, please contact me at Kristi@OrangeDragonfly.com. Read More
I am a 
Welcome to my lifestyle blog! I'm single with a passion for life and love good food and wine while trying to eat healthy. Here is an overview what you will find on my Blog:
