Pizza Puffs

These are super easy, yummy and because they are baked in a mini muffin tin they are so cute and a great appetizer. We like them so much we can eat them for dinner with leftovers for lunch.

1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup milk
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup pepperoni, cut into small pieces (we usually add more)
1 cup sliced black olives
3 tsp of Italian seasoning or
      1 tsp dried oregano
      1 tsp dried basil
      1 tsp garlic powder
Pizza sauce for dipping.
Preheat oven to 375
Grease 24 mini muffin tin
In large mixing bowl whisk together flour and baking powder. Add milk and eggs stirring to combine. Mix in mozzarella, pepperoni, olives and seasonings. Allow mixture to sit for ten minutes. Pour batter into tins and bake until puffed and golden about 20-25 minutes. Serve with warmed pizza sauce.

Falafel

I needed more meatless recipes and decided to try this one out. I was surprised with the results. Not only did it taste good in the pita but the boys also enjoyed it and didn't even miss the meat. I know I sure didn't. This recipe was a fun discovery. I went out of the element and it was successful. One change, falafel is usually fried but I am not a fan of frying so I baked them as patties. Would be great between buns as well.

Falafel Sandwich

Falafel
1 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small fresh handful of cilantro, lightly chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 egg
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp red chili power (used paprika to cut down the spice)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp baking powder
1 T olive oil
1/4 cup white or wheat flour

Tzatziki sauce
1 small cucumber, diced
2 T fresh chopped dill
8 oz plain yogurt
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste (I like to use garlic or celery salt)

Toppings
pocket pita bread
hummus, enough to spread inside pita
mixed greens
sliced red onion
sliced tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400
Prepare Falafel
Add all ingredients to food processor pulse to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Use mini scoop to form into balls place on cookie sheet and slightly flatten. Bake 20-25 min.
Prepare Tzatziki sauce
Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

To assemble into pitas spread hummus on both sides of pita, then greens, *2 pieces of falafel, red onion, tomatoes more greens. Top with tzatziki sauce.

* I make the falafel like small patties so two fill the pita but more can be added according to size.

Mexican Stuffed Shells

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 pkg taco seasoning
4 oz cream cheese
14-16 Jumbo pasta shells
2 cups salsa and extra for topping
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded

3 chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, sour cream and extra salsa for toppings

Preheat oven to 350
Cook ground turkey or beef and season with taco seasoning. Add cream cheese and simmer until cheese is melted. Set aside and let cool. Prepare shells, drain and set shells out individually on cutting board or cookie sheets to avoid sticking together. Pour salsa on bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with meat mixture. Place shells in pan open side up and cover with taco sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 min add shredded cheese and bake 10-15 min longer uncovered. Top with shredded lettuce, green onions, sour cream and salsa.