Time To Move On

Over the last year, I have come to the realization that a particular friendship has gone by the wayside.  I tried to deny it, but it's true.  I tried to hang on to it, but I got blown off.  I realized, I was being treated as an acquaintance, and not a friend.

I don't know why exactly it happened.  Perhaps, the whole out of sight, out of mind thing, but then I got to thinking, that's not an excuse because all of my close friends live far off, and they all make the effort that a friendship takes.

It hurts, and I think it's because I took/take it personally, like, that person doesn't like me any more.  But really, our views are different, our values are different, and we really don't have anything in common anymore.  But still.  They didn't make an effort! It was so one-sided.  I slowly gave up, and today, I'm moving on.  I've complained, and now I'll move on.

Scheduling Life

So, I have discovered in the last week or two that scheduling life does not work like it does say, your work day.  I got really frustrated at myself for not having tasks done at the end of the day, so I figured it was because I was mismanaging my time.  The truth is, life "got in the way."  Kids are demanding of your time and attention, and have no regard to your "schedule."  So, I would be exhausted at the end of the day, busy, busy, busy, but nothing was done...what had I done all day?  Oh yeah, took care of the kids, cleaned up after them, fed them, changed diapers/help use the potty, get them down for a nap, kiss boo boos, dole out morning and afternoon snacks, make dinner, feed kids again, clean up kids, get ready for bed, read bedtime stories, sing a bedtime song, tell Carter 3 times good night before you close the door, and then collapse on the couch to have a minute to yourself.  And of course, that's just the basics...there's always the unexpected that creeps in there daily.

What I did learn though is, you can have a schedule to a point.  Like, I will sweep and mop this morning, and then start lunch/dinner at this time, and fold clothes while watching evening TV.  So, really, I guess that's not a schedule, but more of a to-do list. 

Making a schedule/to-do list has made me more aware of how my time is spent, and that I need to make the time to do the things that I need to and want to.

So, next on my list is to clean the kitchen...so ta ta for now.

Remembering With Antiques

I was very young when my mamaw passed away.  I was about to be in the 4th or 5th grade, as it was summer.  My mom worked at the elementary school at the time, and was helping out with summer school.  My papaw called to say Mamaw passed away.  I called Mom at the school to let her know.  (This is back when people didn't have cell phones on them 24/7.)  She came to the office to answer the phone and I relayed the message.  Papaw called a couple more times to see when we were coming up there, and I told him that Mom wasn't home yet.  He asked that I call her again to let her know that Mamaw had passed away.  I did...but I don't think she fully grasped what had happened.

See, her mamaw, (my great-grandmother) had just recently been in the hospital, so she had assumed it was her that had passed.  She didn't find out that it was her own mother and my mamaw that had passed until we arrived at their house.  I remember her crying, but not a lot else since it was such a long time ago.  I wished that I had known her better.  From what I hear, I have a tender heart just like her.

After her passing, my mom got some of her china and the china cabinet.  Below are a few things that Mom passed onto me.  The first is my favorite.  They sat on top of her stove, and now that's where they are in my home.

Blogger and I are not getting along right now...it won't upload my picture correctly, so here's a link to my pink McCoy vase...http://flic.kr/p/8JWFYA

And here's my white McCoy teapot.

and another link (grr at Blogger) to my blue pitcher...http://flic.kr/p/8JWF8E

and finally, a link to my old metal Snowdrift can.  In case you didn't know, Snowdrift was a brand of vegetable shortening, such as Crisco.  They just don't make 'em like this anymore! http://flic.kr/p/8JWGRf

It's not a great picture, because I didn't get it down, plus it's pretty faded, but you get the idea!

I love that my life is filled with reminders of my Mamaw through these antiques and even loved ones.  My son is named after her; Carter was her maiden name.  My niece is also named after her.  Eva Ray was her name, and my niece's name is Eva Raylynn. 

One day I'll pass these memories through antiques onto my children, but for now, they are proudly displayed in my kitchen.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

The saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."  Well, we must be having lots of fun, because it seems like we just got married!

Five years ago today, we got married.  It was one of the most wonderful days of my life.  Lots of fun - family, friends, and topped off with the best honeymoon vacation.  (We stayed at Disney World and on the Disney Cruise for a week.)

Over the next 5 years, we're still just as silly and in love...

We added to the fun by having our first child.  Our son, Peamite Alpha.

 Then we moved to Birmingham and had a new adventure and some fun along the way.

Then we decided to celebrate all the fun we were having by going on vacation...

Then we added to our fun by having another baby.  Our baby girl, Peamite Bravo.

We moved back to Mississippi and bought our first home.  We then proceeded to have lots of fun remodeling the house and getting moved in.

Then we got a dog.  Isn't Comet just so cute playing with Peamite Alpha?

And in the other picture, you can't even see Peamite Bravo because the dog is over her playing.  She was justa giggling. :)

 

 So, five years have passed, and God willing we will have many more to come.  I'm just so glad it's with the cuties in the pictures below.

Banana ?Nut? Muffins

It always seems to happen.  You buy the beautiful greenish yellow bananas in hopes that you'll get to them before they're too ripe, but before you know it, they have the black spots indicating they're ripe, or in my case, too far gone.  I'm a little strange, I like my bananas just past green.  I mean - they just turned yellow.  So, I had a bunch of bananas that needed using, because I hate to waste.  It's like that Ziploc commercial where they're throwing money in the garbage can when they throw out their old food.  I feel like that. I know. It's sad.

So, this is what I had on hand:

So, I found a recipe for Banana Bread.  But I didn't have an hour to wait on a loaf of bread to cook.  I needed breakfast relatively soon.  So, I cut the cooking time in half by making them muffins.

So, here's what we do.  I just noticed I've been saying 'so' a lot.  Sorry.  :) So, roll up your sleeves and get to work with me.  Mash the ripe bananas.  It's fun!  See my new masher?  I finally got one!  This was it's maiden voyage.  

Cream the butter and the sugar together.  Then, mix in the eggs and mashed bananas.

Add the flour and salt.  And if you desire nuts (Slap Chop anyone? hahaha) fold them in now.  I typically like pecans in banana nut bread, but I didn't have any on hand.  BUT, I did have some slivered almonds on hand.  They tasted great in the muffins!  I bet walnuts would be a nice addition, too. And if you don't like nuts, or you're allergic, by all means omit them.  That's why the title is ?Nut? 'cause it's totally up to you.  Anyway, don't beat the mixture, gently mix together.  Basically just mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.  If you over mix, the bread will be tough. (Ew)

Get your handy dandy scooper (or tablespoon) and dip the lovely mixture into your greased muffin tins.

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown.  They smell soooooo good baking.  Warm bananas. Mmm.

Pop 'em out and server 'em warm.  They taste great cooled, too, but there's just something about a warm banana nut muffin that is just so right.

 So, (there I go again) would you like the recipe?  Well, here it is regardless.;)

Banana Nut Muffins

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas, mashed

2 cups self-rising flour

1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Mash the bananas. 

Cream the butter and sugar together.

Add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas.

Mix in the flour and salt.  Fold in nuts if desired.  (Mix gently until just moistened)

Pour into greased muffin tin.

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown.

BBQ Meatloaf Muffins Mmmmm

Meatloaf.  Hmm, doesn't sound that appetizing does it?  But trust me, these BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are sooo delicious.  The inside is moist and flavorful and with these, more of my favorite part of meatloaf, the crusty exterior.  Aaannd...if it makes you feel better, you can just call them BBQ Meatballs, because hey, that works, too.

To get these muffins of yummy goodness started, grab a pound of ground beef, salt, pepper, and Tony's.

Add an egg beaten with a little milk

Mix some bbq sauce, picante sauce, and worcestershire sauce together in a separate bowl.  I really love what the picante sauce offers - spice, onions, bell peppers, and tomato all in one go.

Add half of the bbq mixture to the meat and a cup of bread crumbs.

Here, take your rings off, and use the kitchen's best tools - your hands - to mix it all together.

Form balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and place in a greased muffin tin.  (Makes 10 muffins)

Now is a good time to use my favorite soap.  Fresh Lemongrass from the Pass Christian Soap Co. 
Looks like I need to go get another bottle before I run out!

Spoon the remaining bbq mixture over the muffins and bake in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes.

The whole kitchen will be smelling so good, and you'll just be dying to dig in, and then when you do, you'll burn your tongue because you were just a little too eager.  Oh wait... nevermind. 

I really hope you like these as much as we do!

BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

1 1b ground beef
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
1 egg
1 Tbsp milk
1 cup BBQ sauce
3/4 cup Picante Sauce (Pace)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire
1 cup bread crumbs

Season the ground beef with the salt, pepper, and Tony's.  Beat an egg with the milk and add to the meat along with the bread crumbs.
Mix the BBQ sauce, Picante sauce, and Worcestershire together in a separate bowl.  Add half of the bbq mixture to the meat and reserve the rest.
Mix the meat mixture together and form into balls about 2 inches in diameter.  Place them in a greased muffin tin and top each with the remaining BBQ mixture.
Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Dear Laundry

Dear Laundry,
Please take care of yourself.  You are always needed, but I'm tired of trying to make sure you are clean, dried, folded, and put away.  You should be able to do this by yourself now.  Take the initiative to get it done, and before I need that particular shirt clean.  Just have it in my closet hanging, waiting for me to wear.

Yours Truly,
I Don't Like To Fold.


Dear Dishes,
See above letter to laundry, and apply the sentiment to yourself.

Thank you,
I Don't Like To Scrub

Good Dog and Good Food

Hiya lovelies.  I had a great weekend filled with lots of laughs and meeting new people.  It was fun and relaxing, but I'm always so glad to see home after a trip.  I was really antsy to get back yesterday because it was the day we were getting our new dog.  I couldn't tell who was more excited - me or my 3 year old. :)

My little brother saved him from being homeless, but since he already has a dog, he called me first to see if I would take him.  We've been wanting a dog, but just kept putting it off because I wasn't fully convinced we could afford one.  What can I say? I was convinced.  He's a pure bred Golden Retriever, which reminded me of the dog on Full House, so I named him Comet.  The first time I saw him, it was at night, so he's not exactly like Comet from Full House, because my doggie is a bit of a red head and the TV dog was more blond.  Even though he's big already, he's still technically a puppy at 10 or 11 months old, and he's very sweet and playful.

Here's a picture of my cutie.

He's saying, "Hi, there!"
"Did that dog just say, 'Hi there'?"  - name that movie.

Onto good food.
Baked Chicken Parmesan - need I say more?  Well, yes, I should tell you all about it.

I had been wanting to make some for over a month now.  I finally got all the ingredients at the store, and then they sat in my fridge and pantry just waiting for me to make it.  They waited a while, but I finally A) had everyone home last night and B) was in the mood to cook it.  (I have to be in certain mood to cook certain foods - don't know why, I'm just weird like that, I guess.)

I don't know what the "traditional" way to make this dish is, but I thought this way was pretty darn tasty.

I started out with an assembly line of salt and peppered chicken, beaten egg with a splash of water, and a plate of seasoned bread crumbs.  (Sorry no pictures of these steps. It gets messy, and I didn't want to handle my camera and then wind up with egg wash and bread crumbs on it.)  Dip the seasoned chicken breasts into the egg wash, and then coat in the bread crumbs.

Coat a pan with just enough olive oil to cover the bottom and fry the chicken until golden (it'll finish cooking in the oven)  My frying pan wasn't big enough, so I had to cook them in batches until they were all done.

Make or pour from a jar your favorite tomato sauce into a casserole dish.  I varied the kind I usually make for spaghetti for this dish, by adding diced tomatoes and omitting the ground beef.

Place your golden brown chicken breasts on top of the tomato sauce...

Slice fresh mozzarella and place on top of the chicken.  Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

I like to eat mine with noodles, so I cooked up some spaghetti noodles, and piled the sauce and chicken on.  It was so delicious.  The chicken was moist and the fresh mozzarella just oozed - sooo good.  Try it and you will see.

Baked Chicken Parmesan
4 - 6 chicken breasts
salt and pepper
1 egg
1 tsp water
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbsp olive oil
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 jar spaghetti sauce or make your favorite (mine's below)
*1/2 lb spaghetti or favorite noodles *optional

For The Sauce
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 packet of McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix (You may think it's cheating, but I always come back to it after trying different recipes for spaghetti sauce - it just makes the best in my opinion.)
 1/2 can of water

Salt and pepper the chicken breasts.  Beat the egg with a splash of water in a shallow dish.  Spread the bread crumbs out in a shallow dish or plate.  Heat just enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

In an assembly line, dip the seasoned chicken into the egg, coat with bread crumbs, and then fry until golden brown.  (The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.)

If you're using the above recipe for the sauce, combine and let simmer while preparing the chicken.  Pour the sauce into a casserole dish and place the golden chicken breasts on top.

Slice fresh mozzarella and place on top of the chicken.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.

If desired, cook noodles in salted water and serve chicken and sauce on top.

Is It Too Much To Ask?

Is it too much to ask that I just get some sweet and sour sauce with my chicken strips?  If you're going to take the time to ask me what kind of sauce I want, then please take the time to put it on my tray or in my bag.  Every time I order, you ask, "What kind of sauce?" and every time, you fail to give me any.  It's quite frustrating.

That's all.

Blueberry Muffins. Yum.

Is it sad that I used to think of blueberry muffins as the Martha White dry mix that you just added milk to?  I'm not knockin them...they're good...but they just don't compare to a fresh, homemade muffin.  And they're so easy to make, why not do that instead?  I haven't bought the dry mix since I learned this recipe from my mother-in-law.

The fresh blueberries add a little burst of tartness in the sweet muffin...and the way warm berries taste is 'outta this world' as Paula Deen would say.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease muffin tins.
Mix dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, and oil.
Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry mixture.  Mix only until flour is moistened.
Fold in the blueberries.
Spoon two heaping tablespoons into each muffin tin.
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

Makes about 10 muffins. 

But Dinosaurs Were Trying To Get In!

Sorry, Dave...I don't know where you were this time, but he came back in my dreams again.  Yeah, it was him...Michael Buble.  I don't know why I have dreams about him, but I certainly don't mind...he's pretty easy on the eyes dontcha think?  Well, you probably don't think that since you're a dude.  Whatever.  You know he's handsome and has a voice that even our son can pick out. (One time at a restaurant, a Michael Buble song came on and he started yelling his name over and over...yes, I know son, it's him.)

But why does he show up in my dreams?  No idea.  This time, he was playing tennis by himself.  He was really getting into it, hitting the ball against the wall and it would spring right back to him.  But as all my dreams do, well, maybe not all, but a vast majority, they turned really weird and hard to explain.  Like, for instance, in this dream, dinosaurs were trying to get onto the court.  I was just watching him play, and I knew who he was, but I didn't want to bother Mr. Buble since he was having time to himself away from crowds.  But those dinosaurs were trying to get in!  I had to warn him or he was supposed to save me or something.

I wish I knew what happened, but then I heard a door shut very loudly and the pitter patter of little Peamite Alpha footsteps.  Oh well, maybe he'll show up again one day and I'll know what happens.  Or, I'll just forever wonder what happens like I am with my other dream I had about him.  S'ok.  Maybe I'll have enough dreams that I can just piece them together one day and have a heck of a story for ya. ha.


Ok, so if you didn't know this already, you definitely know now, that I am indeed a little weird.  I may have scared some of you away, and I apologize.  Please come back, and I'll try to be a little more normal next time.

Kbye.

Oh, and I'll leave you with one of my favorite cartoons depicting what really happened to dinosaurs.

She Loves This Chair

I have a couple of chairs on my front porch.  One my size and one kid size.  They used to sit out on our tiny little balcony when we lived in an apartment.  Now, they sit on my front porch in place of rocking chairs and a porch swing that I hope to get one day soon.

Whenever I take the kids outside to play, I'll take a break in the shade on my chair, and Peamite Bravo will toddle right behind me and climb in the chair her size.  She's gotten very good at maneuvering on and off of it now.  She always looks so proud when she gets up there, too.  It's especially funny when she slouches and has her legs crossed.  Unfortunately, I have not caught her doing this with a camera, yet.

Last night when David arrived home from the store, I held the front door open for him so he could get in easily with the few groceries he had picked up.  Peamite Bravo wanted to go outside, too!  She was already dressed for bed, but that was not to deter her!  She skillfully climb down the step onto the porch and made a beeline straight to her chair.  So, here she is sitting in her favorite chair in her jammies.  How cute.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I was really in the mood for some Asian flavors last night.  But what in the world would I have at the house that I could whip up?  I looked on the internet for inspiration, but every recipe I found required several ingredients that I didn't have on hand.  Well, I did finally find inspiration...lettuce wraps.  I loved getting them as an appetizer whenever we went to PF Chang's or Cheesecake Factory.   I had the right ingredients...at least for something that I would like, and got to working.

Since I never found a recipe with everything that I had or would like, I ended up just making my own version, and I think they're turned out very good thank you very much.  Seriously good.  I'm actually eating some of the leftover filling right now...yum.  David had 2nd and 3rds last night and bragged on me.  I just couldn't wait to share this with all of you.  Now, go to your kitchen, and make these! (or go to the grocery store and buy the ingredients and promise to make them!)

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 4 Tablespoons Canola Oil (divided Use)
• 1 cup (2 Servings) Minute Rice
• 1 cup Water
• 1 whole Carrot, Shredded
• ¾ cups Dry Roasted Peanuts
• 3 Tablespoons Chopped Onions
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 8 leaves Iceberg Or Bibb Lettuce

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cups Sugar
• ¼ cups Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Spicy Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 1 dash Crushed Red Pepper

Heat a large frying pan or wok with 3 Tablespoons of oil on high heat and saute the chicken breasts. Remove the chicken and cut into small, bite-size pieces.

Prepare the Minute Rice per package instructions (1 cup rice to 1 cup water). I like to do mine in the microwave for 6 minutes.

For the sauce, dissolve the sugar in water in a small bowl. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and mix well.

In the hot pan/wok, add the remaining Tablespoon of oil, the diced chicken, shredded carrots, peanuts, chopped onion, minced garlic, rice, and stir in the sauce. Saute for a couple of minutes and then serve in the lettuce leaves.

PANCAKES!!

This title has a double meaning today.  First, a story, and then, a recipe.

When we lived in Birmingham, we had a friend that would come over and play video games with my husband.  Peamite Alpha was (and still is) at the age where he repeated everything he heard.  I'm sure many of you know what that means....you have to watch your mouth.

Gamers really get into whatever they're playing.  It could be something as simple as Tetris or as complex as one of my husband's games of NCAA 10.  If something doesn't go just the way they want, they yell.  And yell loudly or in this case, rudely.

I was discussing this with David saying,

I really don't like that he (his friend) uses that language when Peamite Alpha is around.  You know how he picks up on things when you think he's not really listening. 

David responds with, I don't remember him saying that.

Of course he didn't.  David doesn't remember what he wore yesterday.

I didn't feel comfortable "getting on" to his friend, and I thought it should be David's place to tell him to watch it around the peamite.  So, since David said that he doesn't even notice when he says anything out of place, that I should let him know when it happens.

But how to do that without being so obvious?

But I want it to be you that brings it up, not me!

David comes up with the idea of using a code word.

Pancakes!

Huh?

Huh?

That'll be the code word you say when I need to discuss the language situation.

So, from that day forward, that is the word we say whenever our language is not appropriate and the other needs to be reminded to watch their mouth.  It was meant to just point out when this one particular friend was using language in front of my son, but it quickly turned into a code word for both us.  Hey, none of us are perfect.  Afterall, David was a Marine and I have a temper, so things slip out.


Onto pancakes that will have your mouth too full to say anything bad. ;)

I asked David what he wanted for breakfast, and after a few, I don't knows and I'm not a morning person and me saying I'll make you anything you want, he finally came up with pancakes.

Fine, finally, I got something out of him.  Pancakes were no problem.  The kids love them, I love them, and obviously my husband loves them since he requested them.

I wanted to jazz them up a bit with some fresh strawberries that I bought yesterday.  Fresh fruit is so yummy, and it's even better when in season.  I also love how the warm fruit tastes in the pancake.

So, Strawberry Pancakes it is.  This recipe is the one I use for regular, plain ol fluffy pancakes, but in this case I added a cup of diced strawberries.  Feel free to add different fruits, or try without any.

Strawberry Pancakes
1 1/2 cups self rising flour  (you can use All Purpose, but I really like them fluffy)
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup diced strawberries
2 Tbsp butter

Sift all the dry ingredients together.  Beat the egg in the milk and add to the dry ingredients.  Stir until moistened.  (Don't over mix or the pancakes will be tough) Fold in the strawberries.

Melt the butter and add the pancakes to the griddle/pan.  When the pancakes start to bubble around the edges, check the pancake for brownness. Flip and brown on the other side.  Put butter between each pancake. If you're working in batches, keep them warm in a 250 degree oven until ready to serve.

Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

I made this dish the other night for a potluck, and they were delectable.  Since my husband and kids were not accompanying me to said potluck, I made sure they had some in their own dish.  These are a bit time consuming to make, so I don't break out this recipe that often, but man, they are good.  To help with time, the filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until needed.

I start off defrosting a couple of packages of frozen spinach under running water...

While the spinach is defrosting, I brown the ground meat...

 and chop an onion... (Sorry Dave, but the rest of us like onions)

When the meat is browned, drain off the fat reserving a tablespoon or 2 to saute the onions in until translucent.

Once the spinach has thawed, squeeze all of the water out of it and place in a large bowl with the drained meat.  Add a block of cream cheese to the meat and spinach and stir until blended.

Add in the onions, shredded Parmesan, salt, pepper, and combine.

The kids showed up and said take my picture! So I did. Here are Peamite Alpha and Peamite Bravo.

Now, back to the food. Let the mixture cool and then add the egg.  (Don't want scrambled eggs in your mix...)

If you're on top of things, which I'm usually not, you'll remember to cook your pasta shells in boiling salted water while you're making the stuffing mixture.  That way, when you're done with the mixture, the shells will be cool to the touch, so you're able to get ta stuffin.

Put a little tomato sauce in the bottom of your baking dish...

and place your stuffed pasta shells on top.  Pour the rest of the tomato sauce on top of the shells.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about an hour.  During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top to your liking.  Bake uncovered for the remaining time.

 

Mmmm...yummy.

They were a success.  I didn't have a single one left over from the potluck.  When I got home, my husband informed me that my newly-one-year-old ate 2 shells.  Wow...that's a lot for the little lady! Since I had a brain fart and totally forgot to leave some mixture onion-free, my poor husband didn't get to enjoy them. (he reeeeeaally doesn't like the taste of onions.)  But hey, more for me.  I enjoyed them next day for lunch, too!

Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

2 packages frozen, chopped spinach

1 1/2 lb ground beef

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 large egg

1 (12 oz) package jumbo pasta shells

2 cups tomato sauce (your own or jarred)

1/2 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Place the spinach in a colander and run under water until thawed.  Meanwhile, brown the meat and chop the onion.  Drain the meat reserving a tbsp of fat to saute the onions in.  Squeeze all the water out of the spinach and place in a large bowl with the meat and a package of softened cream cheese.  Stir until blended together.  Add the sauteed onions, shredded Parmesan, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine.  Let the mixture cool and then add the egg.

Cook the shells in boiling, salted water until they are al dente.  Drain and cool.  Stuff the shells with the mixture.  Pour a little tomato sauce into the baking dish and spread around until lightly covered.  Add the stuffed pasta shells and top with the remaining tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake for about an hour.  During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil and add the shredded mozzarella and baked uncovered for the remaining time.