Christmas Recipes that Rocked

Chicken Lasagna with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

4 cups finely chopped chicken

2 8 oz containers of chive-and-onion cream cheese

1 16 oz bag of frozen spinach thawed and drained

1 tsp pepper

1/4 garlic salt

9 no boil lasagna noodles

2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese

For Sauce

1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers
1 16 0z jar of creamy Alfredo sauce
3 oz Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper


Preheat oven to 350.
Blend first five ingredients.
Layer in a lightly greased 11 x 13 pan 1/3 of the roasted red bell pepper sauce, 3 noodles, and 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Repeat twice. Bake covered at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.


To make sauce:
Process all sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth.


I served it with a tossed salad, rosemary bread, and little saucers of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Good eats. I also built it before we went to the Christmas Eve service and threw it in the oven when we got home. Make-aheads are the bomb.


Everyone in my family liked this. They voted to keep it on the rotating menu. Mason, my pickiest eater, asked for it every week. Avery who doesn't like spinach (she thinks) said she couldn't even taste it. I might play with the recipe a little bit and add some artichokes next time. Also, using a roasted chicken from the deli would make it even easier.


OREO Balls
I also made a peppermint version. I used the peppermint Oreos and then crushed up candy canes to sprinkle on top. I used my coffee bean grinder to chop them up. I'm not sure this was a great idea. There was really weird smoky, peppermint haze coming from the grinder when I opened it up. 

Super yummy and they travel well for gift giving.


Lindy's Cheesecake


I used chocolate graham crackers for the crust. 3 cups of crushed grahams and a stick of melted butter. I did not use the almonds. My cake did end up cracking as it cooled, but I had hope for awhile. It was in good shape when I took it out of the oven. I didn't use the full amount of the orange and lemon peel, but I'll use even less orange the next time. I like the crispness of the peels against the creaminess, but I don't want it to taste orange-y. For the topping, I mixed jarred chocolate sauce with heavy whipping cream and cocoa to thin it out some. Delish.


I also made leg of lamb roast and a duck. I honestly have no idea how I did it. They were good, but I can't replicate the process. It was makeshift. I am still full from all this. It was worth it!