More! Recipes From The Heart

*This post is written in honor of the wonderful season we are in now... the season of food, love, and leftovers. 

I knew you'd still be hungry.  So welcome BACK to Karen's Kitchen, where we meet up, and I share with you my amazing secrets to some of the best undiscovered recipes out there.  You won't find them on allrecipes, smitten kitchen, or in any of those foodie magazines with the scrumptious meals on the cover that put 5 lbs on your behind just by looking at it. 

"I only meant to browse the table of contents.  Before I knew it I was reading every single page and taking pictures with my camera phone so that I could make the recipes later." - Me Anonymous 

If you missed the first edition, click here. 


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Welcome to the 2nd Edition of Recipes From the Heart, featuring "A Letter to my Kitchen."  This newest edition contains a few more specialties for the seasoned palate, and we've traveled high and low to bring them to you.

Lasagna Florentine
Ladies and gents, this one could not be any easier.  You can prepare the lasagna just about any way you'd like (including buying a Stouffer's), but you'll want to leave the finishing touches to the little folks in your home.  We had to travel very "low" to find this recipe.  So low because it was on the floor.  And that's why it's called Lasagna floor-entine.  Trust me though, when you're hungry enough, it's gonna hit the spot. 

Seafood Lover's Plate
Don't let the title intimidate you.  This mouthwatering trio of oyster crackers, Goldfish, and a can of sardines served on a plate will only take you about 5 minutes to prepare.  I don't think Red Lobster's menu features this as of yet, but that endless shrimp thing is about to expire anyway.  Enjoy with your favorite crackers and a glass of anything.

Swedish Meatballs
If you have an Ikea store near you, you're gonna love this recipe.  This is the creme de la creme on the snack bar menu there.  So plan an evening of shopping or browsing with your sweetheart, and enjoy a dinner that you didn't have to make!  You can thank me later.

Mexican Steak
Take a slice of bologna, heat it in a frying pan, and ole!  Pour yourself a margarita.

Dinner Pops
It's not just for cake anymore.  Whether you're in the mood for meatballs, ravioli, or even a turkey pot pie, it matters not.  Just take your dinner, insert a stick, and watch how much fun it becomes to eat.  Kids love it too!  The Dinner on a Stick method saves your dish pan hands because, guess what!?  No utensils to wash afterward!  Just eat it up and throw away the stick.  I told you this was easy.

Chocolate Coconut Creme Pie
Take 3-4 Almond Joy bars, smash them up real good, get a can of Redi-whip, and lather it up.  (No need to rinse, but feel free to repeat as often as necessary.)  Top with a cherry, several cherries, or the whole jar of cherries.  Fruit is a staple in any diet.
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• To my cookbooks, I am sorry if you feel like I've been neglecting you.  But let's just agree to call it "preserving you for the future."
• To my wine rack, thank you for helping me make dinner every night.  You never judge.
• To my refrigerator, you have been the last place I've seen so many of my thoughts, I cannot even tell you.  Thank you for graciously keeping your patience as I've closed your door a little harder than you expected on many occasions.
• To my trash can, thank you for hiding all my mistakes.   
• To my sink, one of these days I'll empty you. 

As you prepare your kitchens for Christmas Dinner, best wishes for a wonderfully delicious and successful meal.  And in case it's not, I recommend the Stouffer's Five Cheese Lasagna.

Now accepting submissions for the 3rd Edition!  Write to me @ karenlynnbrownrinella@gmail dot com with your wonderful, easy, delicious recipes, favorite take-out suggestions, or ANY other food ideas.  I need all the help I can get over here. 

Love, Karen