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September, y'allll! So technically fall doesn't start until the 22nd, but football here again and I put some pumpkins out this weekend, so #imready I hope you are using today to take an extra long nap and to of course...eat some good food! On this week's lineup, 2/5 are already vegetarian, and I think they'd all be good with meat, sooo vegetarians, I hear ya! Now to just work on the use-age of cheese...  I didn't really notice it until I started documenting all of our meals, but jeeze louise, a lot of cheese is used. Do y'all have a good cheese alternative?!

Tomorrow is Labor Day - growing up we always marched in the labor day parade. Do y'all have any traditions? Do you even know why we have it?! It became a federal holiday in the 19th century, to pay tribute to American labor movement and its workers and their contributions to the country. SO, pat yourself on the back today  and rest up, so you can get back to work Tuesday ;)

Happy grocery shopping!

Recipe: Tomato Tortellini Soup

Adaptations: I used regular pesto instead of sun ripened tomato pesto and fat free half and half instead of full cream. I added turkey sausage for more flavor. I also added about 1 TBS of tomato paste. I topped it with parmesan cheese. 

Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio

My thoughts: First of all, I couldn't find sun ripened tomato pest, so I used regular basil pesto. That was great, but this didn't have a ton of tomato flavor, which I was hoping for.  If I made it again, I'd probably do 16 ounces tomato soup and 16 ounces chicken broth, just so I could have more tomato flavor. 

Nick's Rating: 8 (but Nick rated a 9 the next day!)

Any leftovers? Yes! about 1-2 servings left

Can I make it vegetarian?  Yep! It is vegetarian! 

Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Adaptations: I used my Free to Eat GF Pasta ! I also used chicken breast instead of thigh, and half and half instead of heavy cream. Also, I mixed all of the ingredients together, before placing to bake. It said to just "pour" stuff in. I went against that and just saved little bacon and cheese for the top!

Wine pairing: White Bordeaux or Merlot

My thoughts: A savory, comfort meal, that is easy to make, and eat!

Nick's Rating: 9

Any leftovers? Yes! Nick made several lunches.

Can I make it vegetarian? Just remove the chicken and bacon. Maybe add some extra herbs in their place?

Recipe: Doritos Taco Salad

Adaptations: I used turkey instead of beef! I sprinkled a little cheese, but not much. I chose to put cheese in a quesadilla instead! I didn't mix the chips in, for fear of them getting soggy. I also didn't add dressing. I used Fresh Cravings salsa as my dressing, but Nick used the Catalina, as the recipe calls for. I also added onion, jalapeno, and avocado as some "extras"!

Wine pairing: Sangiovese or Rioja 

My thoughts: E for easy, that's for sure! It's annoying to save leftovers for, because salads can wilt when wet, but would be perfect for a big party!

Nick's Rating: 8.75

Any leftovers? Yes, plenty!

Can I make it vegetarian? Just don't put the meat in! You could add taco seasoned chickpeas, if you wanted!

Recipe: Sesame Chicken Potstickers

Adaptations: I made my own potsticker dough - it's whole wheat!  I didn't know when to add the sesame seeds, so I just sprinkled them at the end.

Wine pairing: Pinot Noir

My thoughts: Very good! Next time, I'll roll the dough slightly thinner, or better yet, just buy the dough! I made it out of the sheer fact that Amazon didn't have any to deliver. (lol) 

Nick's Rating: 8.5, would be 9 with thinner dough and smaller size

Any leftovers? We ate them all, but we didn't have enough dough. We saved the filling and it it in tacos!

Can I make it vegetarian? Not really.

Recipe: Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas

Adaptations: I nixed the green onions on top and just added onions to the layering!

Wine pairing: Merlot

My thoughts: Very yummy. Just add some greek yogurt or sour cream. I also poured a little salsa on mine.

Nick's Rating: 8

Any leftovers? Yep! It's a whole casserole, so a lot.

Can I make it vegetarian? It is!

Don't forget to send me recipes you recommend or want me to try. See ya next week!

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