Easy Feast

Ever have those nights where you feel like the QUEEN of the kitchen? Everything turns out perfect, smells amazing, and even tastes good. I had such a night last evening. :) It was an easy meal {tho different and special...} that came together perfectly. I even had a 3 year old asking for more of the "special salad". Spaghetti, Artichoke-Pepperoni Tossed salad, and Italian cheese bread. Yuuuum. I couldn't keep these recipes to myself in hopes that other mommas could have a smooth, semi-special, and delicious night, too. Better still - inexpensive! I found ALL of my ingredients at Aldi in one trip and spent WAY less then $20 for everything. I didn't break it up into servings and cost per plate, but, it was cheap. Love some cheap.

Now for the recipes:

Artichoke-Pepperoni Tossed Salad

10oz ready to serve salad (I bought Aldi brand salad and I've also made just a homemade salad, too)

14oz jar water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
4oz shredded italian cheese blend or mozzarella

3 1/2oz pkg pepperoni slices

2oz jar pimientos (we skipped those...I think they taste like bland gobs of goop)

1/4c chopped red onion

1/3c italian dressing

1)In a large bowl, combine salad, artichokes, cheese, pepperoni, onion and pimientos. Drizzle with salad dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

*Does not store well overnight so eat the WHOLE salad. :) Ahem, have guests over so there is someone to share it with.

Italian Cheese Bread

1/4c butter, softened

1lb French Bread, halved lengthwise (I used a Ciabatta loaf... and it was ah-mazing still)

4oz shredded italian cheese blend

1t dried oregano
1/2t garlic salt or just granulated garlic

1) Spread butter over cut sides of bread. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Combine cheese, oregano and garlic in a small bowl; sprinkle over bread. Bake at 350 until cheese melts, about 12-15 minutes.

For the spaghetti - no special recipe. Used whole wheat spaghetti and chose a new tomato basil sauce. Yum. {sigh} It feels so rewarding to serve a meal that everyone loves and asks for seconds on! :)