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Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Leannes Spaghetti Pie

 

Leanne’s Spaghetti Pie is a family favorite, for many reasons:

It’s a comfort food all star. 

It’s easier than lasagna, to prepare. 

It freezes well. 

It makes a great Spaghetti Sandwich. 

It can be made low carb, by replacing the noodles.


Leanne bakes her pie, in a 9” X 13” casserole. I prefer a 10” springform pan. Either or. They taste the same.



LEANNE'S SPAGHETTI PIE 

NOODLE LAYER:

16 Ounces spaghetti, cooked to al dente, in salted water

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Eggs, scrambled

 

CHEESE FILLING:

2 Cups ricotta cheese

1 Cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 Cup mozzarella cheese, grated

 

MEAT SAUCE:

2 Pounds ground beef - or ground turkey - or ground Italian sausage

1 Yellow onion, diced

1 Green bell pepper, diced

4 Cloves garlic, minced

1 (29 ounce) Can tomato sauce

1/2 Cup tomato paste

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon pepper

1 Teaspoon granulated garlic

4 Teaspoons oregano

1 Tablespoon sugar

 

CHEESE TOPPING:

1 Cup parmesan cheese, grated

3 Cups mozzarella cheese, grated

 

TO PREPARE NOODLE LAYER: Cook spaghetti, until al dente; drain well. Return to pot, to cool slightly. Stir in butter and egg. Divide mixture. Press into 2 greased (9 1/2") springform pans; that have been lightly oiled. Set aside.

 

TO PREPARE CHEESE FILLING: Combine ingredients, into a small bowl. Divide mixture. Spread mixture, evenly, over noodles. Set aside.

 

TO PREPARE MEAT SAUCE: Cook ground beef, until done. Drain grease. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until vegetables have softened. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes. Divide mixture. Spoon, evenly, over cheese filling.

 

TO PREPARE CHEESE TOPPING: Combine ingredients, in a medium sized bowl. Divide mixture. Sprinkle cheese, evenly, over meat sauce.

 

TO BAKE: Place springform pans, onto a baking tray. Bake at 350, for 45-55 minutes, until cheese is has turned golden brown. Yields 2 (9 1/2") pies. *This can be made in a 1 (9 X 13") casserole.



Nutrition information using low carb noodles, lean ground turkey, and low fat cheeses.


Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Coconut Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Let me start by stating, this bread pudding is rich and chocolaty. It’s like eating a warm Almond Joy candy bar. If that’s too much, or not enough chocolate, you have options: 

1. Leave as is, for the perfect balance of coconut and chocolate. 

2. Reduce the amount of chocolate chips, and let the coconut flavor come through. 

3. Omit chocolate chips, and top with chocolate ganache.

4. Leave as is, plus top with chocolate ganache; for an indulgent dessert.


Coconut Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, with whipped cream.


Coconut Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, with chocolate ganache and whipped cream.



COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP BREAD PUDDING

 

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tablespoons butter for baking pan

1/2 Cup butter

1 Cup sugar

5 Large eggs

1/2 Teaspoon coconut extract

1/2 Teaspoon almond extract

1 (14 ounce) Can coconut milk

1/3 Cup heavy cream 

1/2 Cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted

10 Ounces Texas Toast, Croissants, or Bolillo Buns, cubed

1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips

 

DIRECTIONS:

Butter an 8X8X3.75" baking pan. Set aside. In a large mixer, beat butter and sugar, until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in coconut and almond extracts, coconut milk, heavy cream, and toasted coconut. Fold in cubed bread and chocolate chips. Let bread soak up mixture, for 30 minutes. Spread, evenly, into prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown.


SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE GANACHE


INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream (1 tablespoon reserved)

1/2 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips


DIRECTIONS:

Heat heavy whipping cream, in a medium sized microwave safe mixing bowl, for 1 minute; until hot and steamy. Stir in chocolate chips, until smooth. Blend in reserved chocolate chips, until completely smooth. Spoon over, individual servings, of Coconut Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding.


Sunday, November 30, 2025

Coconut Cream Pie Jars

Need an easy dessert, that’s easy to whip up, and stores like a dream? Dessert Jars! I made these, the last two Thanksgivings, and they were a hit. Not having to make homemade piecrust, is such a winner. Plus,  the packaged shortbread cookies taste just like piecrust. 

A YouTube demonstration video is available, by clicking this link


COCONUT CREAM PIE JARS

 

SHORTBREAD CRUST:

6 Large packaged shortbread cookies, crushed in the jar

6 Large packaged shortbread cookies, crushed in a baggie

 

COCONUT CREAM PIE FILLING:

1/3 Cup sugar

1/4 Cup all-purpose flour

1/8 Teaspoon salt

3 Egg yolks

2 Cups milk

1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 Teaspoon coconut extract

1 Cup sweetened flaked coconut

2 Tablespoons butter

 

WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING:

1 Cup heavy whipping cream

1 Tablespoon sugar

 

TOASTED COCONUT TOPPING:

1/3 Cup flaked coconut

 

TO PREPARE SHORTBREAD CRUST:

Place 1 cookie, in each jar. Use a wooden tamper, to smash cookie into the bottom of the jar. Place 12 cookies in a baggie. Crush with a smooth mallet, or rolling pin.

 

COCONUT CREAM FILLING DIRECTIONS:

Blend all ingredients, except flaked coconut and butter. Transfer to a medium sized pot. Bring mixture to a boil, over medium heat; stirring continually. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in flaked coconut, and butter.

 

WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING DIRECTIONS:

Beat heavy whipping cream with sugar, until stiff peaks form.

 

TOASTED COCONUT TOPPING DIRECTIONS:

Spread flaked coconut on a small baking tray. Bake at 350. Stir coconut every 2 minutes; until browned and toasted, to your liking.

 

TO ASSEMBLE:

Smash 1 shortbread cookie into each jar. Then layer: coconut filling, crushed shortbread, whipped cream, toasted coconut. Makes 6 (8 ounce) jars.





Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Tiffanys Au Gratin Potatoes

 

If you can make Tiffany’s Mac And Cheese, You can make Tiffany’s Au Gratin Potatoes. They’re the same, except one has macaroni, the other has potatoes. These are an upgrade from my old recipe. Before, I dredged potatoes in flour and spices; then tossed into the casserole dish with cheese, butter, and milk. They were good, but Tiffany’s Au Gratin Potatoes, are the best in the world!


I’ve written recipes for large and small batches. The first photo is an 8 X 4” pan. The second, an 8 X 8” pan. These potatoes are indulgent. Enjoy!





TIFFANY’S AU GRATIN POTATOES (small batch)

 

POTATOES:

14 Ounces Russett potatoes, peeled, sliced crosswise to 1/8” thickness, soaking in water

2 Chicken bouillon cubes, in water, to boil potatoes

 

CHEESE SAUCE:

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon flour

1 Clove roasted garlic, mashed

3 Ounces canned evaporated milk

9 Ounces whole milk 

1/4 Teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 Teaspoon black pepper

1/2 Teaspoon white pepper

1 Splash Tobasco sauce

3 Ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

3.5 Ounces Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 1.5 ounces reserved for topping

3.5 Ounces Tillamook white cheddar cheese, grated, 1.5 ounces reserved for topping

1.5 Ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

 

CRUMB TOPPING:

2 Teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 1/2 Ritz crackers, crushed

2 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs

2 Teaspoons butter, melted

 

TO MAKE POTATOES: 

Blanche potatoes, in boiling chicken broth, for 3 minutes. The potatoes should be slightly softened; yet firm. Place blanched potatoes on paper towels, to dry.

 

TO MAKE CHEESE SAUCE:

Melt butter, over medium heat, in a large Dutch oven. Stir in flour, and cook for a few minutes stirring constantly, until flour turns golden in color. Reduce heat, to low. Stir in mashed garlic, and continue cooking for 1 minute. Slowly, whisk in evaporated milk and milk, making sure there are no clumps. Stir in paprika, black pepper, white pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Incorporate cheeses, a handful at a time; until melted.

 

TO MAKE CRUMB TOPPING:

Combine ingredients, in a small bowl. Mix well.

 

TO ASSEMBLE:

Alternate layers of potatoes, and cheese sauce, in a buttered 8” X 4” X 3.25” casserole dish. Scatter reserved sharp cheddar, and white cheddar cheeses over cheese sauce. Top with crumb topping. *Bake, covered with foil, at 375, for 1 hour and 30 minutes; until potatoes are just fork tender, and cheese sauce is bubbly. Remove foil. Bake an additional 15 minutes, until topping is golden brown. Makes 2 pounds 1.1 ounces. Serves 8.28 (4 ounce servings).

 

*Bake time is dependent on the size of the casserole dish. This can be baked in a larger dish, with a shorter cooking time. A bigger pan, means the Au Gratin Potatoes will not be as tall.




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TIFFANY’S AU GRATIN POTATOES (large batch)

 

POTATOES:

1 3/4 Pounds Russett potatoes, peeled, sliced crosswise to 1/8” thickness, soaking in water

2 Chicken bouillon cubes, in water, to boil potatoes

 

CHEESE SAUCE:

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons flour

2 Cloves roasted garlic, mashed

3/4 Cup canned evaporated milk

2 1/4 Cups whole milk 

1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 Teaspoon black pepper

1 Teaspoon white pepper

2 Splashes Tobasco sauce

6 Ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

7 Ounces Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 1.5 ounces reserved for topping

7 Ounces Tillamook white cheddar cheese, grated, 1.5 ounces reserved for topping

3 Ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

 

CRUMB TOPPING:

4 Teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

5 Ritz crackers, crushed

4 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs

4 Teaspoons butter, melted

 

TO MAKE POTATOES: 

Blanche potatoes, in boiling chicken broth, for 3 minutes. The potatoes should be slightly softened; yet firm. Place blanched potatoes on paper towels, to dry.

 

TO MAKE CHEESE SAUCE:

Melt butter, over medium heat, in a large Dutch oven. Stir in flour, and cook for a few minutes stirring constantly, until flour turns golden in color. Reduce heat, to low. Stir in mashed garlic, and continue cooking for 1 minute. Slowly, whisk in evaporated milk and milk, making sure there are no clumps. Stir in paprika, black pepper, white pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Incorporate cheeses, a handful at a time; until melted.

 

TO MAKE CRUMB TOPPING:

Combine ingredients, in a small bowl. Mix well.


TO ASSEMBLE:

Alternate layers of potatoes, and cheese sauce, in a buttered 8” X 8” X 3.25” casserole dish. Scatter reserved sharp cheddar, and white cheddar cheeses over cheese sauce. Top with crumb topping. *Bake, covered with foil, at 375, for 1 hour and 30 minutes; until potatoes are just fork tender, and cheese sauce is bubbly. Remove foil. Bake an additional 15 minutes, until topping is golden brown. Makes 4 pounds 2.2 ounces. Serves 16.55 (4 ounce servings).


*Bake time is dependent on the size of the casserole dish. This can be baked in a larger dish, with a shorter cooking time. A bigger pan, means the Au Gratin Potatoes will not be as tall.