When I decided to move to Orlando, I came to be closer to my family and friends. Unfortunately I left one important friend/ family member behind. I had spent the last three years with my Lil Sis right down the street from me, but now its a good four hour drive between us. My Sister is my best friend and I miss having her so close, so whenever we have a chance to visit each other I am very thankful.
This weekend my sis was in town to attend a wedding with her boyfriend, so I managed to snag her for a night. Of course I put her right to work in the kitchen and she managed to help me dish out an amazing meal. Caitlin joined us as we ate, drank wine, and gabbed about life. It was a perfect girls night in. π
For starters I wanted to attempt my Bloggers Secret Ingredient recipe for the week. This week the amazing Shannon selected Lentils as the ingredient of choice. I was thrilled because I actually had lentils in my cabinet that I could work my magic on.
I researched some lentil recipes and came across a take on crunchy lentils. I haven’t seen anyone use crunchy lentils so I decided to take that direction with the lentils. After some brainstorming I finally came up with the following recipe.
Crunchy Lentil Cheese Bites
All you need is:
- 1/2 cup dry lentils
- Cheese Cubes ( I used Cabot 2% Jalepeno Cheese)
- Egg Whites
- Fat Free Milk
- Salt
- Crackers
- Cook the dry lentils in boiling water as the directions, drain, and pat dry with paper towels
- Spread the lentils on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake in the over at 415 degrees for 10 minutes
- In a bowl combine equal amounts of egg whites and milk to cover the cheese cubes
- Place the crunchy lentils in a separate bowl and try to grind lentils
- Take cheese cube and dip in egg mixture and then in lentils and place on baking sheet
- Bake at 415 for 3 minutes
- Place cheese cubes on crackers and enjoy!
I was scared when the cheese melted more then I wanted to, but oh my god these were good! The perfect little appetizer to enjoy while chatting with a good glass of wine! I am happy to submit this recipe to the BSI of the week!!!
Speaking of wine… I enjoyed this glass of Chianti with my meal
I love Chianti wine. This exact bottle of wine reminds me of a guy I dated back in college. This was the bottle of wine we enjoyed together and it always reminds me of him. Awww… memories. π
For the main course my Sis did an excellent job in the kitchen helping me put this together. I was running late with food so I just kind of through her into the kitchen and started giver her directions. She happily did what she was told and did a fantastic job. I give her half credit for this meal.
I created a Santa Fe Spaghetti Squash Casserole loosely based on this recipe by the Fat Free Vegan.
I accidentally left out the spinach and added carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms to the dish. I also topped mine with a dollop of Fat Free Plain Yogurt.
This was delicious. Can you believe my Sister had never had spegetti squash before?!?! I think I won her over on it! I sent her home with some left overs for her boyfriend to enjoy.
For dessert Caitlin made these amazing cupcakes!
Look how cute her cupcake caddy is?!?!? I want one!
I had one and a half of these babies and I have another one in the fridge calling my name! Don’t expect it to still be there tomorrow π
I had so much fun catching up and gossiping about life, but now I am exhausted! I have to get up SUPER early tomorrow to meet my cousins for a 5k Breast Cancer walk. My aunt passed away from breast cancer in 1995 so we have put together a ‘Team Joan’ in her honor. My Aunt Joanie was an amazing person and I am so proud to be able to walk on her behalf.
I will be at the walk all morning, but should be back after lunch for a recap post. Have a great night!
Such a LOVELY evening!!! And between your clever BSI ingredient dish, and Caitlin’s beyond tantalizing cupcakes, I’m practically drooling, haha π
Enjoy the 5K Breast Cancer Walk!! Such an amazingly important cause to support – be proud that you’re representing your aunt.
good luck on your walk tomorrow!
too clever with the lentils! never even heard or seen anything about crunchy ones π How did that casserole come out for you? I tried it, but it really didn’t work for me…
have a great walk for your aunt!!
Shannon – I was going for creative! I hope it worked! The casserole came out great! I added some extra veggies to it to kick it up a notch, but I enjoyed it and everyone else seemed to enjoy it as well. DId you do anything differently with yours?
How fun!!!
I’ve never heard of crispy lentils. You always do the coolest shit, pardon my French!
I’m with Erin, how funnnnn! And everything looks so good! I finally added you to my list of favorite blogs- your blog is awesome π
what an interesting recipe for the lentils!!! i never would have thought of them as crunchy!!
and i’m so glad you enjoyed the spaghetti squash! i just discovered it in the beginning of the week and i’ve used it in so many different ways! it’s def a great veggie to have around!!! I actually just bought another and totally plan on using the recipe you tried…yummy!
have a good day tomorrow at the walk!
wow, those lentil crunchies look incredible!! i can almost taste it! the casserole looks delicious – you’re quite the talented cook π
Anything with melty cheese is amazing…I need to try those out! Sounds like a really fun night, have a great day at the walk!
I’ve also never seen crunchy lentils. What a great idea! π
What an interesting take on the lentil recipe – very creative!
Glad you had fun with Sis and Caitlin – its nice having a girls night in sometimes!
Hope your walk went well this morning!
It looks like a great night!
The cupcake carrier is too cute, I have one too! I love it.
what a great recipe! looks like dinner was a lot of fun π
hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
i bought a bottle of cheap bubbly for tonight π
oh and bring a pillow and running stuff! maybe if we arent too hung over we can go for a run in the AM. i took today off so i’m safe to run tomorrow. i can show you my 5 or 6 mile loop!
and bring abby’s crate!
and your game face…. obbbbviously.
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