Easy Skillet Tamales

Recently I purchased some frozen tamales from Trader Joe's. I really liked them for lunch, they are quick and easy to prepare for a quick meal. However, I thought I would like to try making tamales myself. So I set out to find how tamales are made and what ingredients might be needed. Normally, tamales are steamed inside a corn husk to cook them, but the husks are thrown out because they are inedible. Plus it's a lot of work to shape and wrap the tamales to prepare them.

So I opted to try a one pot tamale dish instead. Essentially everything is prepared in a big Covered skillet or Dutch oven.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this dish
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium sweet onion, skinned and chopped finely
1 package of taco seasoning
1 TSP ground cumin
1 small can of chopped green chilies, undrained
1 28 OZ large can of tomato sauce or puréed tomatoes
1 large can dark red kidney beans, undrained
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Sliced green onions (optional)

1-2 packages cornbread mix (plus eggs and milk as called for in the mix instructions). I used 2 boxes Jiffy brand cornbread mix plus two eggs and 2/3 cup of milk.)

Sauté the ground meat and onion on medium high until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Drain off all the fat from the meat. Return to the pan and add in the tomatoes, beans, taco seasoning, pepper, paprika, and chilies. Stir until well combined. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on medium low heat.



Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the cornbread, eggs and milk and stir until large lumps disappear. Remove the lid from the meat mixture and add the cornbread to the top of the meat using a large spoon. Re-cover, adjust the heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once the cornbread is done, add the grated Mexican cheese shreds. Re-cover and allow the cheese to melt (about 5 minutes more on low). Add sliced green onions if desired as you serve.

OMG! Look at that Cheese!

Makes 8-10 hearty servings.

#skillettamales #look@thatcheese! #tamales #cornbread #easyskilletdinner

Sweet n Spicy Chicken Meatballs

So last week I was searching around PINTEREST for some recipes for chicken curry dishes. I came across several which I pinned to my allrecipes board, the place where I keep recipes that look interesting and want to try. I made chicken curry using thighs and it was delicious and easy. However, one of the recipes I pinned was a chicken with curry and coconut using ground chicken.

I was at Trader Joe's and they had beautiful ground chicken. I bought a package so that I could try the other recipe I had pinned. Unfortunately, the links to ththe recipe were broken and I was able to see the actual recipe itself. So I searched and found another chicken meatball recipe. I did not have any Frank's hot sauce on hand as the recipes required, so I morph the recipe into sweet and spicy chicken meatballs use a mango pineapple salsa instead. the red pepper flakes gives it a little kick, you can adjust the heat according to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you like really spicy food, feel free to add some hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Here is what you will need

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup panto breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black or white freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp crushed garlic (I used elephant garlic crushed through my garlic press.
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp onion powder or onion flakes ( I used the latter)
1 tsp smoked papkrika
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Place all these ingredients into a bowl and toss gently to blend well, but do not over handle.
Roll into either 20 quarter sized or 12 medium sized meatballs.

Place on a greased baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes in a pre heated 400 degree oven. Halfway through, gently turn the meatballs to ensure even baking and browning. They should be a golden brown when done.

While the meatballs are baking, put the following ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat and allow it to heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Once done, turn off heat and cover.

To make Sauce:
1 cup mango pineapple salsa
1/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp salt

I made a cup of brown rice medley which cooked in 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 TBSP of butter for 35 minutes. I served the meatballs covered with sauce over the rice sprinkled with parsley flakes for color and garnish, It was a tasty and very filling dinner.

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Hot Pot

Today was a low energy, overcast day for me. My BFF told me she was making soup. I thought that sounded like a good idea, so I set out to make something from ingredients I already had in house. I just didn't feel like heading to the grocery store.

Here is what I used to pull together this delicious warm soup. The chicken thighs along with the carrots, sweet potatoes and spices plus the quinoa make for a very hearty soup.

Place the following ingredients into the bottom of your crockpot.

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 large sweet onion, chopped into bite size pieces
2 large peeled sweet potatoes, chopped into 3/4" cubes
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup dry quinoa
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium sized can of diced tomatoes with liquid

Mix together the following and then pour into the pot.
1 package dry herb and garlic soup mix
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 tap parsley flakes
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground cumin powder
4 cups low sodium chicken broth (1 box)
1 med can of diced tomatoes with liquid
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
2 TBSP honey

Cover and cook on high 4-4.5 hours. Serve hot in big bowls with a good crusty bread and some herbed butter. It will keep on warm or low for several more hours if needed.

#chickensweetpotatoquinoasoup #slowcookerrecipes #yummy #easysoup #lovemycrockpot

Smoked sausage with Potatoes and Crispy Veggies

I like my veggies crispy. Peppers and Onions, coupled with garlic, herbs and spices sautéed until just barely cooked are wonderful. I find them more tasty and digestible than those that are overcooked, limp and mushy.

Tonight's dinner was simple. Turkey kielbasa, fingerling potatoes, two brightly colored sweet peppers, a big sweet onion and loads of fresh pressed garlic.

I heated the EVOO on medium high until it was rippling hot. I tossed in the washed and sliced fingerling baby potatoes and allowed them to crisp and brown ever so slightly before adding the garlic, onion and seasonings, including: thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. I allowed the onions and garlic to become fragrant before adding the chopped up red and orange sweet peppers. While these were dancing around in the pan, I added 1TBSP of coconut oil and let them simmering tossing them frequently to keep things cooking evenly. Between stirs, I cut the kielbasa in half and sliced it into bite sized pieces. After about 4-5 minutes While the veggies were still very crispy, I added the sliced meat and a good shake of parsley, pink salt and fennel seed.

I continued to cook all of this on high for maybe 5-6 more minutes, before removing from the heat and serving. The combination of the spices and herbs, fresh frangrant veggies, coconut oil and meat made for a delightful melange that was quite pleasing to my palate.

There will be plenty of leftovers for the next couple of days, but nothing beats it hot off the stovetop, steaming hot and fragrant so the dogs are circling around for a taste. Unfortunately, they can't have any tonight because of the onion, garlic and spices.

#smokedsausage&veggies #whatsfordinner #kielbasaskillet

Rainy days are great for quilting

Some days I feel a bit guilty for spending so much time inside sewing and quilting, usually when the weather is really nice. However, I am never of this mindset when it rains. Today is a very chilly, rainy day and both my dogs and I are perfectly happy to be warm and dry inside away from the weather. I think that rainy weather is perfect for guiltless quilting time.

What are you working on today? I am quilting two custom jobs, one in each long arm. No pictures today, until they are done.
Stay tuned.

FAT QUARTER FRENZY

It's late March 2017 and the weather this week has been pretty cold. Today was a gift. I had no where I needed to be so my digs and I were able to sleep in a bit and cuddle later than usual. After a beautiful, long morning walk with them in their sweaters, I set out to run errands. The weather was incredible, sunny, warm and very spring like.

My first stop was my LQS. I picked up a 16 FQ to be used as the fabrics for these four sided placemats. I also procured a new sent of snips to use while long arming. I had noticed that one of my two pairs had become dull and didn't clip threads as easily as they used to when I first got them.

Then I ran across the street to the local Tuesday Morning store just to stop in and see what they had in the way of coffee and luggage that might be able to serve as a new rolling bag for my lighter weight Bernina 230 sewing machine. I had measure the machine so when I spotted this rolling bag for crafts. I measured it and it seemed like it might work. The store had tons of FQ bundles that I also picked up to use in my Dresden quilt series, chevron and zig zag and dots. I had the clerk out all the FQs into the rolling back and went along my merry way. Next stop, grocery store for just a few basics.

I went home, unpacked my find and unhappily discovered the rolling bag wasn't big enough for the machine. I unwrapped and inventoried my FQ purchases and sorted them by color and pattern to be put away. Tossed the country pork ribs into my trusty crockpot with some herbs and spices and a bottle of BBQ sauce. Dinner was cooking itself. After another long and slow dog walk with no coats or sweaters, I too, off to return the rolling bag to a different Tuesday morning store. I was given a credit and decided to just go and take a look to see what this different store might have of interest. More FQ bundles called my name. Under the shelving I happened across a Robert Kauffman 25 fat quarter bundle.. It was Texture Spectrum, a rainbow assortment of colors and it was under 40 dollars. I snapped it up with gusto and two pairs of socks and go the heck out of there. I was pshyched!

For those f you that don't know what a fat quarter (FQ) is, its a piece of fabric 18" X 22" or so in size. Shops cut half yard pieces and then slice them across the width to make a more useful piece of fabric. A quarter yard would measure 9" X 44". Typically quilt shop quality Fat Quarters cost anywhere between 2.50 - 5.00 each. This discounted bundle made them a bargain @1.60 each! The list price for a 25 piece bundle is usually $85. I know into exactly how I am going to use them.


It really did turn out to be a FAT "quarter" day. So much for not buying any new fabric in 2017!

ACCUQUILT Go! Is Great for Speed Piecing and Stash Busting

I was first introduced to the ACCUQUILT GO! Die cutter a little over four years ago at my local quilt shop. One of my quilting friends had the machine, a few dies and the cutting mats for them. I tried using it to cut out tumbler shapes from Halloween fabrics. It was the easiest and most efficient way to cut out a charm quilt.

Charm quilts are usually made from a single shape and from many different fabrics. The tumbler is a very old quilting shape and has been around for a very long time. I had never used that shape to make a quilt. Two of my friends and I decided to share all of our various Halloween fabric collections and cut tumbler shapes to make quilts. I spent an entire Sunday afternoon die cutting tumbler shapes from hundreds of spooky and fun novelty fabrics. Each of us got 1 or more tumbler of each fabric.

There are two very important advantages to the ACCUQUILT Go! The first is accuracy. Even though I consider myself an expert quilter, and I have been using rulers, rotary cutters and mats since they first hit the market in the late 1980s, I find it next to impossible to get the consistency and accuracy of shapes cut with ACCUQUILT when I manually cut them with a rotary tool set.

The second advantage is speed. I find that I can only accurately and quickly use my rotary tools to cut 4 layers of fabric, but with the ACCUQUILT, I can cut 6 layers of shapes several times in the same amount of time. There is no twisting and turning of the fabric you are cutting when there are angular shapes. I do use my rotary tools to trim up the fabric into pieces to run thru the die machine, but after loading it and with a few simple and fast turns of the crank handle, I have my perfect shapes every time.

I have noticed that because the pieces are accurate and consistent, my piecing goes faster and the seams always match up with little to no effort on my part. This is due to the notches cut into the corner of the tumbler shape which assist the sewer in properly lining up the edges when sewing the seams. While not all of the myriad of die shapes have these, many of them do and it is a real time saver and plus for the sewing perfectionist.

In an attempt to declutter and downsize my fabric stash, as well as create some quilt tops for charity, I spent last Friday afternoon, slicing and dicing and die cutting three different sets of shapes from most of my novelty fabrics. I had an over abundance of fish fabrics that were leftover from a quilt I made years ago for my beloved dad. I also had tons of fat quarters in juvenile prints and really bright fabrics. And there was that stash of camouflage fabrics I had purchased during the paintball years. Finally, I was surprised to find a large stack of cowboy, western and horse imprinted fabrics that I had acquired when I was into country western line dancing almost 20 years ago. I am sure I had purchased them to make a themed quilt for a certain two stepping cowboy I knew, but he passed away years ago and it was time to do something with them.

One Saturday, armed with my machine, sewing supplies and a large ziploc bag full of tumbler and half tumbler blocks I headed off to a local church to spend the day sewing with a very lovely group of quilters. I managed in one afternoon to piece together 10 rows of 16 tumblers each from the fish fabrics to almost complete a top. On Sunday, I finished piecing the rows together and made a few more to right size the quilt for a queen sized bed. I still needed to add borders, but I saved some of the large chunks of pretty aquatic fabrics to use for backing, borders and binding. I think that's pretty fast piecing.

I originally ended up with three large bags of blocks to piece together from all those fabrics. Some are half hexagons, which will form whole hexagon blocks and are easier to piece than a full hexagon. The other shapes are equilateral triangles which will be made in to baby and kids quilts for charity. I have gone through two and a half of them.

I also use them to cut out applique shapes in freezer paper both for myself for applique quilts as well as for teaching some applique classes. I find perfect circles to be a problem for many and Accuquilt circles solve this problem for me time and time again!

If you are thinking about buying one of these die cutters, I say go for it. Mine has enabled me to use up a good chunk of my fabric stash, make quilts faster and more accurately and that is always a good thing. I see a lot of quilters asking online if the die cutters are worth the investment. I would stRt out with the cutter, a die and may or two and go from there. I would go out and invest in every die and mat they make, because you probably won't use them all. If you belong to a group, sewing circle, guild or quilting bee, it might be worthwhile to see if anyone I that group already has the cutter and just invest in the die and mats. You may be able to strike a deal with your friend to use their cutting machine in exchange for use of your die and mats if they differ,from ones they already have. Sharing is good in this case.

In closing, I would like to state that in no way shape or form am I being compensated by Accuquilt to endorse or blog about their products. I just feel as if I can help to shed some light on how wonderful their die cut products are for anyone that might be on the fence about purchasing them.

#accuquilt #diecuttersrock #tumblerquilts #dianefamaquiltdesigns #lovemyjob #love2longarm #love2quilt #usingupmystash

Tips for Quilting Class Success for Students

I am a quilter and have been enjoying sewing and quilting since I was a very small child. I was lucky to have enjoyed two really important sewing mentors, my lovely and highly talented Mother, Marie, who sewed most of her clothes and mine in the the sixties and early seventies, and Priscilla Hill, my 4-H group leader. It is because of these two women that I still love to sew today and also enjoy teaching others to sew and quilt.

Yes, I am a long arm quilter, but I also teach quilting technique classes so others can learn how to expand their quilting technique skills. On occasion, I take classes from others and I always try to be a good student and respectful of their techniques, even when they differ from mine. However, last weekend, I was "the bad student" in a bag making class being taught by a really super nice and special friend. I apologized to her for both bad behaviors and she was very gracious. But I thought it might be fun to share my personal experience with you today and make you aware of how your own bad behavior might impact your own learning experience during a quilting class which you paid to attend.

1). Be on time! Plan ahead, pack the car the night before if necessary, but show up before the start time of the class and get set up. I'm embarrassed to admit, I did not do this last Saturday and I was running 15-20 minutes late. I did text msg the group to let them know I was running late so they didn't worry, but I certainly did not expect them to wait for me to arrive and get set up to start class. Yes, stuff happens that makes us late. In this case, my little dog didn't want to go out for her morning walk and when I finally got her dressed and outside, it was the slowest walk we've ever taken. I guess she knew I was going to be gone all day and maybe it was her way of rebelling. Or maybe she just wasn't feeling great that morning. Either way, it was an unanticipated delay that made me late. I should have gotten up earlier to ensure I was ahead of schedule, just in case. There is nothing more rude to your fellow students than showing up an hour late and then expecting the instructor to stop, back up start over and catch you up because you were late. I did not do this, but I have had students who did in the past.

2). Get the supply list as soon as you sign up for the class and read it. Plan ahead! Ask questions to the shop, program director or the instructor if you have any questions about what an item is or where it can be purchased if you don't own it already. Make sure you have all of the supplies packed and ready to take to class. If there is prep cutting, pressing or other work to be done, do it before class. Your instructor has timed each step of the process to ensure the length of the class is appropriate to perform the work. You can't comfortably fit 8 hours of work into a 4 hour class. Do the prep work ahead.

3). Make sure your sewing machine is in good working order and you know how to use it. Clean and oil it before you take it to class and insert a new needle so its sewing well. I do perform regular maintenance on all my sewing machines. Here is another place I failed miserably. I took my 35 year old 1090 to class and about 1 hour in, it stopped working. It was a mechanical problem, the needle bar stopped functioning properly, but this prevented me from being able to finish my bag during class. I was very fortunate that Amy, the teacher, also ad a Bernina and allowed me to use it during class so I could try and keep up. I was embarrassed to have to ask her if I could use it. While I could not have foreseen a machine failure, I have had this happen to several students over the years and it can be very difficult to complete class if your machine breaks down. This machine had been in for a tuneup a few months back. My other machine was in the shop for repair. Some folks show up with a borrowed machine they have no clue how to thread or use. It is not the instructor's job to help you figure it out if you don't know how to use the machine. She is there to teach everyone so make sure you are well prepared and know how to operate, thread and work your machine. Always bring the manual with you, just in case. While I don't mind helping folks out that have machine issues, I will only do it if time allows and everyone else in class is happily sewing away without needing "hands-on" help. I am sure that it made the teachers day more stressful having someone else use her machine so she wasn't able to use it to demo steps whenever she needed. She never let it show!

4). If you are working with a printed pattern, read the pattern and understand the construction process ahead of class. Doing this will help you understand what to expect and identify any questionable areas for the instructor. I am always amazed at how many people never read the instructions or patterns. That said, some patterns are very poorly written and hard to follow. This is where your instructor will be able to help everyone work through the technique. I often change things up from what the pattern calls for because I see an easier, faster or better way to do something. I will always show you the shortcuts if I find them.

5). Wind your bobbins ahead of class. I find it very distracting having to listen to the clunk, clunk, wizzing whirl of bobbins being wound while I am walking class through the steps or providing verbal instructions. Keep in mind that some people are hard of hearing and the noise from winding bobbins can prevent them from hearing something important. Did you know you can use a snipped off drinking straw on your spool pin and it will reduce the noise?

6). Bring paper and pen to take note during class. This is crucial because not everything is written down for you handouts and if you go home and don't pick up the project for a week or two or even months later, you won't remember. Even if you finish the project during class, the notes will be there should you decide to make it again down the road.

7). Always pack a power strip and extension cord with your machine. Electrical outlets may be hard to access and the surge protection the power strip provides may help you from frying the electronics in your sewing machine during class should there be a electrical current fluctuation.

8). Take pictures with your phone. This can help you after class particularly if there are repetitive tasks involved and you want to remember how you did something. Ask permission from the teacher and fellow students if you photograph their work to make sure it's okay to take pictures, especially if you intend to share them online. There are ladies who do not want their pictures taken or photos of their work shared on social media. Be respectful!

9). Try not to monopolize the instructor's attention. By all means, ask questions and ask for help, but recognize that if there are 20 students in a class, each one of them should get some individual time with the instructor. We all learn differently and in large classes, the skill levels will likely vary greatly. Sometimes its worthwhile to get up and walk around, see what others are doing, and listen to your instructor helping someone else. No question is a stupid question and everyone should have the opportunity to have them answered during class. If you have a question, it's possible there are others there that have that same question. speak up and ask!

10). Pay attention to what the instructor has to say. While it's fine to visit and chat and laugh with your fellow students during the class, try and be polite and stop talking and listen. Please pause sewing if your machine is loud when they are speaking. Sometimes the instructor will share a really important tip and if your jabbering with your neighbor's and not paying attention you'll both miss it. Sometimes the teacher might be losing their voice and can't project loudly, so it's as important to engage your ears.


No one is perfect, least of all me! I hope this post today will give you some ideas on how to get the most out of your sewing classroom experiences. I love teaching and getting to know my students. I also love it when they send me pictures of things they made using the techniques they learned in my classes.

Happy stitching!

#quiltclasstips #goodsewingstudentsdothis #sewingclassetiquette #improveyourclassroomtime #dianefamaquiltdesigns #lovemyjob #lovetoquilt #lovetoteach

Crossing Guards

Late last summer I had the opportunity to apply for a town crossing guard. They hired me in October to work as a substitute guard who fills in for the regular guards when they call out. The job required a background check and fingerprinting, which was not a problem for me. I felt this would be a great way to earn some extra money to pay for my Obamacare and to be around people other than quilters, get me out of the house a few hiurs most days and a good daily dose of Vitamin D.

I spent two weeks being trained by other guards at various posts across town. The weather for the most part was still warm and everyone I met was really nice.

I have steadily been working at various posts and have several observations I would like to share with you.

1) The children and most adults are really polite and happy to have someone to cross them at dangerous intersections. Most thank me morning and afternoon. It's my job. I really enjoy my job.

2) Many NJ drivers do not truly understand traffic laws. For example, they will drive around you instead of stopping, speed in school zones (yes, its 25 MPH Folks), park in no parking zones, in cross walks, etc. Why are we all in such a hurry in our cars? I say, get up earlier!

3) Crossing guards are there to protect pedestrians and should be respected by all drivers. This does not happen in many situations. We also like to help to keep the school buses moving and on time so they can make their various rounds to pick up the children they transport. So, yes, we will wave them through the intersection while you are stopped to keep,them on schedule. As a driver you are supposed to yield to the school us, many do not.

4) When its cold, rainy, snowy, windy and dark, people on their mobile devices can't see you because they are too busy with their electronics. This is why we wear bright lime green high visibility, reflective clothing. that lime green is not a fashion statement! It's necessary so you can see us at greater distances and stop. sometimes, dirty car windows and the angle of the sunlight limit driver vision. if we can't make eye contact and see that you are slowing down and stopping, we will blow our whistles and wave the stop sign to get your attention.

5) The law states that you are not to park in front of fire hydrants or within 50 feet of a stop sign or 15-25 feet of a cross walk or street corner. All these rules are broken daily by people who think they are above the law. What they don't understand, is that those laws aren't for me. I'm not driving. I'm standing there crossing children and in some cases directing traffic. If you stop or park in the crosswalk, I can't see people walking, especially small children, until they step out past your car or large SUV. If you pull past the stop sign at the intersection where there is a white line painted and into the cross walk, so you can see better, we cannot do our jobs.

6) If emergency vehicles need to turn at the corner where you are parked, those 15-20 something precious feet where you are not supposed to park will allow the larger vehicles trying to get to the emergency situation the ability to turn easily. If your car is parked there and hit by the firetruck, guess what? You're going to get the ticket not the emergency vehicle. And you can bet I'll be there to testify on their behalf since I am employed by the town police force. Not to mention the delays you cause by them not having their right of way available to respond to the emergency.

7) If you are walking and about to step off the curb into any street, look up! The life you save may be your own. Put those darn mobile devices down when you cross. There are potholes, uneven pavement and things that can hurt you if you are too busy looking at the little screen instead of where you are walking.

8) Talk to the crossing guard as your approach the intersection and let them know either vocally or via hand signals which direction you intend to cross if there are multiple roads at the intersection. If you plan to cross and turn left or right and cross again, let your guard know this so they can ensure your safety and keep traffic stopped while you are in the roadway. We can't read your mind and since the guard may be a substitute, we may may not know your walking patterns since sub guard work various posts for other guards most of the time when the call out.

9) Listen to the crossing guard if you are a pedestrian or cyclist. They are trained to talk to you and give you verbal queues when its safe to walk or necessary to stop. They are also trained to use hand signals and whistles to communicate with the vehicles on the road. I'll bet most of you didn't know this.

I love being outside. I get to meet new people, wave a tons of strangers and friends and other town employees. I can watch wildlife everywhere and on occasion, I see rainbows and some of the most beautiful clouds, sunsets, and weird vehicles everywhere. I am the eyes and ears of the town. I report potholes when they are near my post so they can be filled and no one trips and gets hurt. I know my job can sometimes be dangerous, but I enjoy it despite the rain, wind, cold, snow, sleet, and really bad drivers. The children and most parents are wonderful.

So if you see me around town, wave (don't honk)!

#CrossingGuards #trafficrules #stopwhenIstepout #blowmywhistle #safetyfirst

Sausage and Cheese Monkey Bread

Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. I did not plan on watching the game and I know better than to head to the grocery store to shop. I looked in my fridge and found all of these ingredients just waiting to be combined into a really fast and fun, hot mess. It's like Sausage pizza in a bundt pan and a heck of a lot easier to make.

Sausage and Cheese Monkey Bread
2 rolls of refrigerator big biscuits
8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese
4 fully cooked sausage links of your choice, quartered lenguise and chopped into small pieces
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 TBSP each of dried spices of your choice including oregano, basil, parsley flakes, garlic powder and dill
Freshly ground pepper and optionally salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray the bunt pan with cooking spray and brush all surfaces of the pan with a pastry brush to ensure it's well coated.
Set aside.

Unwrap the biscuits, separate them and cut each one into quarters.

Drizzle some EVOO (Olive oil) onto a plate and roll the biscuit pieces a few at a time in the oil to coat.
Put the dried spices in a plastic ziploc bag, shake well to blend and place a few of the oil coated biscuit quarters in the bag.
Shake gently to coat and remove and place in the oiled bundt pan.
Add pieces of sausage and toss on some of the cheese. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper (and salt if desired).
Repeat in layers until all of the biscuits, sausage and cheese are used.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until golden brown and a tester inserted comes out clean.

Run a knife around the outer and inner edge of the bundt pan to loosen the bread and then flip into a platter and serve immediately. The crust should be good and brown on the outside.

The bread will pull apart easily into bite sized chunks with your fingers or use a fork if sharing in a group.

Pizza sauce, dips and other sauces can be served with the bread for dunking (optional).

Note: If there are leftovers, monkey bread can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge. Reheat on a plate covered with a damp paper towel in the microwave on high for 1.5 - 2 minutes until hot.

Enjoy!

#monkeybread #sausagencheesemonkeybread #bundtpanfun #easyrefrigeratordinner