Friday Feast: Part VI

The Fabulous Lanford girls can be quite picky.
Sometimes, they revolt when I answer the simple question: "What's for dinner, Mommy?"
Sometimes, they even decide they don't eat certain categories of food. Like anything green, for example. Or anything that starts with the letters S, N or P.
But sometimes, they're just plain persnickety. For no good reason...other than "but I don't like that." Generally, it's a rule in our house that you have to at least take a bite before you can declare you do or do not like something. I don't always win that battle, but I try.

Tonight, I'm in the mood for one of Chad's favorites -- stuffed bell peppers. But I know the kids won't touch it because it's green. And because it doesn't contain hot dogs, chicken nuggets or candy.

So, I changed it up a bit. We're having unstuffed bell peppers, if you will.

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

2-3 large bell peppers, chopped

1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp evoo

1 lb ground beef, browned & drained

3 cups cooked rice
1 jar/lg can of pasta sauce

Mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Saute bell peppers & garlic in evoo for about 5 minutes.
Mix all ingredients well and place in a 9x13" baking dish.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot.

The kids LOVE this casserole, but aren't too keen on actual stuffed bell peppers.
Ha - mommies are so sneaky.


Cream Cheese Cake Bars

1 box cake mix (any flavor you choose - I had coconut on hand, so that's what I used)
1 egg
1 stick butter, softened

2 eggs
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 box confectioner's sugar
Optional ingredients:
1 cup chopped nuts
1 bag of chocolate chips

Beat cake mix, egg & butter together and pat into 9x13 inch pan. It will be thick - think of it more like a crust. (If you choose to use nuts and/or chocolate chips: Add the nuts and 1/2 a bag of chocolate chips to the cake mixture.)

Mix cream cheese, sugar & eggs together. (Add remaining chocolate chips if desired)
Pour over cake mix and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

This recipe is best for cutting once it has fully cooled. We sweet-tooth Lanfords usually cannot wait for it to cool longer than 30 minutes, but for best results, I do recommend letting it cool - preferably overnight.

Very easy. Very yummy! And perfect for a potluck.