Theresa's Mixed Nuts: Cooking with Ragú Because Simple Homestyle Dinners are Best! #SimmeredinTradition #HomestyleSauces

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Cooking with Ragú Because Simple Homestyle Dinners are Best! #SimmeredinTradition #HomestyleSauces




Allison has been very curious about her heritage lately. Always asking about where we came from, trying to memorize which family member descended from which country. I think it's fascinating to her because we really are a mixed bag in our house. Irish, Italian, English, and Native American all flow through our veins, and she loves comparing that with her friends. When she first started asking about our heritage, I started reflecting on long lost family members, and I always go back to thinking about my paternal grandmother. It makes me sad because she passed before I was born, but when I hear stories about her, I think I must be very much like her.


My grandma loved cooking for her family, much like I do, so when my mom came across one of her old (and I mean OLD!) cookbooks, she passed it to me because she knew that I would love to have something of grandma's that would remind me of how similar we are.


Even though the book is super fragile from her years of use and from years of storage, I love flipping through the delicate pages, seeing notations in my grandma's handwriting, but best of all, finding her favorite recipes handwritten and tucked between some of the pages. Even though I never got to meet grandma, these treasures make me feel very connected to her.

One thing that I really love about the book and handwritten recipes is that they are all simple. You won't find any complicated, Julia Child type recipes here. Just good old fashioned, no-fuss recipes that my family loves.

Simplicity is key when preparing meals for my family, and I love that Ragú Pasta Sauce helps me make a homestyle meal that is easy, yet hearty and delicious.

Ragu Homestyle

Ragú Homestyle packs a lot of flavor in each jar and is their thickest pasta sauce yet. You can tell because it hugs each pasta noodle perfectly! Each ingredient is peeled, chopped, and simmered with a special blend of herbs to build a bold flavored sauce. You won't find any artificial flavors, artificial colors or high-fructose corn syrup in this sauce. Ragú takes no shortcuts when it comes to making these delicious homestyle sauces.

One of my favorite ways to use Ragú Pasta Sauce is in my Baked Penne Rigate. I like this recipe because it's really easy, very tasty, and the 4 of us can eat it two nights in a row, making it an inexpensive meal as well.

Penne Rigate


Ingredients

1 16 ounce package dry penne pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
2 jars Ragú Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce
12 slices provolone cheese
12 slices mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup chopped dry basil

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente; drain
Brown beef over medium heat; drain and add Ragú Homestyle Sauce and simmer 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish. Place 1/2 the pasta in dish; top with 6 provolone and 6 mozzarella slices. Spread half the meat sauce mixture over the noodles. Spread a thin layer of sour cream over meat sauce.
Repeat pasta, meat, cheese and sauce layers; finish by topping with the Parmesan and basil.
Bake 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Serve.



Penne Rigate

Ragú Homestyle Pasta Sauces are currently available in most major supermarkets. Be sure to check out the many Ragú Pasta Sauce Recipes on the Ragú website and start making your own homestyle dinners today!

WIN IT!

Want the chance to try Ragú Homestyle Pasta Sauce for yourself? I am giving one lucky winner $10 PayPal to try their favorite Ragú Homestyle Sauce. Enter through 5/31. Simply leave me a blog post comment telling me which Ragú Pasta Sauce Recipe from the recipe tab you would love to try. Be sure to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner! I am giving one additional entry if you follow me on Pinterest (link on my sidebar). Just tell me what name you are following with.

Good Luck!

WINNER IS TATERTOT374 
I assigned everyone who commented with their entry a number and used random.org. #35 was chosen.
 

141 comments:

  1. What do they mean flavoured with meat??? Sounds nasty to me, excuse my French :)
    I do approve of the large quantities of cheese in any dish, truly I do...
    I wish any of my late grannies knew how to cook, but, alas, them ladies cooked only utter garbage... I don't have food memories from my childhood when it comes to them....

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    Replies
    1. It just means there is meat in the sauce. It would not appeal to vegetarians I suppose ;)

      How did you get so unlucky to have 2 grannies who didn't know how to cook? I can see 1, but 2? That's complete rubbish! You come here and you can borrow my mom and mother in law, who will make you an honorary grandson and whip you up some savory dishes that will make you forget about getting stuck with crummy grannies.

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    2. did I mention momma isn't a great cook either :) and late papa was a cook but never cooked for us LOL I swear I don't have any food memories from my childhood other than my tummy hurting every time I ate moma's food....

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    3. Maybe that's why you learned how to make such yummy recipes for yourself. Sometimes we just need to right the wrongs that have been done to us by learning how to do it ourselves.

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  2. I would like to try the Homemade Pizza recipe.

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  3. The cat is out when it comes to such food haha I'm a mutt though, have like 6 things in me.

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  4. I am LOVING the sound of this dish!!! Cant wait to try it out!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Angela :) I can't wait to try yours as well!

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  5. I would like to try the Tuscan Style Sausage Sandwiches! Your dish looks so yummy too. I love those old recipes from my mom and grandma that are handwritten and stained with use.

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    Replies
    1. I know! The stains are sometimes the best part. You can really tell which recipes were most loved by those stains :)

      Delete
  6. I love that you got out these old cookbooks as you and your daughter were discussing your heritage! My family's a mixed bag, too, and whenever I see my grandmother's handwriting on a recipe, it makes me so happy and takes me back to a time when I was younger and she was still around. What a fun thing to be able to share with your children!

    And I'm loving the sound of this Baked Penne Rigate. What a simple and delicious weeknight meal to whip up for the entire family!

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    Replies
    1. It really is the simple things like an old cookbook that bring back the best memories. I am glad you have such great memories spending time with your grandma!

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  7. I'm longing for their Homemade Pizza! Found Here: http://www.ragu.com/our-recipes/homemade-pizza/

    We love Ragu better than most other sauce brands.

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    Replies
    1. That homemade pizza does look delish! I am thinking we are going to try that for lunch during summer vacation. The girls would have fun helping to whip that up!

      Delete
  8. I want to try the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine recipe.
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

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  9. I love using Ragu sauce for an easy weeknight meal. I need to pick up these homestyle sauces.

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  10. I love rage. it's all we use for sauce. Your dish looks mighty delicious and it makes me really crave pasta! - Jeanine

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  11. Yummy! I love Italian food and a good hearty sauce can definitely make or break a dish.

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  12. I would love to try the MAMA’S BEST EVER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS recipe from their site!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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  13. I may have to try that flavor of Ragu. The guys would like it a lot! The penne looks great!

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  14. I have a tough time deciding on just one, but I would probably go with the Italian Meatloaf first to try if I won.

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  15. Ragu's a mainstay in our kitchen when it comes to some pasta creation but I have to admit, I lack variations and recipes. Glad I ran into this one here! Half an hour isn't so bad considering that I'll get a tasty meal with it.

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  16. Literally seeing that Ragu pour over the pasta made me instantly hungry! This is a great shot I want pasta for dinner tomorrow now!

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  17. I'd like to try the Slow Cooker Beef with Rigatoni recipe. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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  18. I love using Ragu to start my sauce. This looks so delicious. I will have to give it a try.

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  19. Ragu is really fantastic! We've tried it in different pasta dish too. I think we should try again for this one.

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  20. That's awesome about the cookbook. I'm glad you got ahold of that and get to keep it forever more. :)

    I think I'd like to try the four cheese tortellini with tomatoes and basil from the recipe page. Thanks for hosting.

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  21. I want to try the Homemade pizza because we love Pizza at our house!
    my email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. I follow you on Pinterest
    pinterest.com/jewelwood

    my email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. What a great find in your grandma's old cookbook! Your dish looks tasty and easy to make! I would try it with the Roasted Garlic. maryharne@ gmail{dot}com

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  24. Ragu is really a fantastic brand, the taste is amazing! I was a brand ambassador for them awhile back and visited their location in NJ, what a great experience that was!

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  25. Looks like such an easy recipe. I love trying new recipes- thanks for sharing

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  26. I love this recipe! It's easy and sounds delish!

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  27. Just look at that thick, yummy goodness! You are making me want some good pasta about right now. This recipe is looking really good!

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  28. Yes, all I use is Ragu. They make the best sauce always fresh and delicious.

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  29. Yum, thick and hearty sounds good! I would like to also try the Grilled Chicken Parmesan recipe!

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  30. I want follow on Pinterest under Shelly Peterson
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

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  31. I love Italian food and simple, homemade recipes. This one looks delicious. Thank you for sharing.

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  32. This recipe looks wicked yummy! I love the new Ragu Homestyle sauces too!

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  33. Boy this looks good! I too have my Grandmother's recipes and cherish them.

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  34. We keep recipes as well and pass it on to the next generation of moms in the family. We have cookbooks everywhere, which is always awesome because I don't just love cooking with my mom and my grandma, I enjoy learning from them too. This is definitely a must try!

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  35. My family loves pizza, and spaghetti, so i already use Ragu in the kitchen! That pizza though sounds nice, and something different

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  36. I love to make my manicotti with ragu meat sauce and multiple cheeses including ricotta, there are NEVER left overs when I make this dish! Sunday loving from the oven! YUM

    In it to win it! :-)

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly DOT com :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'd love to try the CAPRESE FARFALLE, it's looks amazing!
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Following on Pinterest (kaizenfashionproject)
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. The grilled chicken parmesan sounds delicious!
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
    Ashley C

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  40. SPAGHETTI & TURKEY MEATBALLS Recipe sounds great!

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  41. I like the Spaghetti Puttanesca recipe

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  42. I would like to try the Spaghetti Puttanesca.

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  43. I want to try the SHRIMP FRA DIAVOLO recipe. Sounds delicious!

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  44. I follow you on Pinterest
    https://www.pinterest.com/clc408/

    ReplyDelete
  45. I want to try Homemade Pizza recipe because i love to eat pizza.

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  46. I just followed on Pinterest Alexandru Rusu tor_andu[@]yahoo.com

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  47. They all look so wonderful! I especially want to try the Itailian Rustic Bowls.

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  48. I follow you on Pinterest. (https://www.pinterest.com/debbiwellenstei/)

    ReplyDelete
  49. I would like to try the Italian Meatloaf recipe.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

  50. I follow via Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abfantom

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I follow via pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katieoscarlet/
    The recipe I most want to try is the SUN-DRIED TOMATO & TONNO ORECCHIETTE
    katieoscarlet@gmail.com

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  52. I'd love to try the RUSTIC ITALIAN BOWLS

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  53. I want to make the homemade pizza. I'm a pizza addict!
    crystalrsell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I would like to try the Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Traditional sauce.

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  55. I would like to try the MAMA’S BEST EVER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL recipe. It would be tasty. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow on pinterest - tatertot374

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would love to try MAMA’S BEST EVER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
    redalepou@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have tried it before and love it. The taste is so exquisite and original :)

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  59. I would love to try the Caprese farfalle recipe!! yarbr012@gmail.com

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  60. I follow on pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/yarbr012/ yarbr012@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'd like to try the Classic Alfredo Sauce. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  62. I follow via Pinterest (GillisHills).

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  63. I would like to try the grilled chicken parmesan recipe.

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  64. I would love to try the Shrimp Fra Diavola recipe wghutton@hotmail.com

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  65. also follow on pinterest user name wghutton

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  66. Four Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Basil looks good.

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  67. I'd love to try the Homemade Pizza.

    cctdmt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I would love to try the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine.

    stephy905@hotmail.com

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  69. I would love to try the Caprese Farfalle

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  70. havn't tried but the thick n hearty w/ meat looks like its my forte!

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  71. I would really love the chicken and broccoli for my family! It sounds creamy and delicious. Thank you so much for this!

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  72. SPAGHETTI PUTTANESCA

    dlatany at gmail dot com

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  73. pinterest follower @sweetums82

    dlatany at gmail dot com

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  74. I would love to try the four cheese sauce! Yum!!!

    brindletriana@gmail.com

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  75. I want to try the CREAMY MOZZARELLA WHITE PIZZA YUM!

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  76. The four cheese looks so good!

    showstopper474 at gmail dot com

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  77. The Creamy White Mozzarella Pizza looks great.

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  78. I sorta like the TRADITIONAL PIZZA but without the meat. Like plain cheese pizzas only.The sauce is very important to get the right one.

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  79. I would try the Roasted Garlic Ragu.

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  80. the rustic italian bowls look good
    cherry _ 251 at hotmail dot com

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  81. I have to say Pizza! Something special making and enjoying pizza at home with the family <3 iamthebestuknow@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. GRILLED CHICKEN PARMESAN looks great :)

    libertylithiumx at gmail dot com
    Pinterest: libertylithium

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would love to try the four cheese. Brittney House

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  84. I would like to try the Thick & Heary Traditional Sauce.

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  85. i would want to try the CLASSIC ALFREDO SAUCE email: saegan4@yahoo.com followed on pinterest: saegan4

    ReplyDelete
  86. I would like to try the Homemade Pizza recipe. mom1800@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  88. The Penne Primavera sounds delicious! tmanning0716 at gmail dot com

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  89. I follow you on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/tarahmanning/

    ReplyDelete
  90. CAPRESE FARFALLE IS THE RECIPE I'D LOVE TO TRY!

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  91. I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THE RUSTIC ITALIAN BOWLS RECIPE

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  92. I love looking through cookbooks from my relatives! I wish I had my gram's cookbook! She was the most amazing cook! I wonder if someone in my family has it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  93. We buy a lot of Ragu because our son is a fan of turkey meatballs at spaghetti for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'd love to try the Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine! Looks so good!
    mcfallsk8er[at]aim[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I'd try the Rustic Italian Bowls!

    ReplyDelete
  96. the MAMA’S BEST EVER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS recipe

    ReplyDelete
  97. I would like to try Sun-Dried Tomato & Tonno Orecchiette.
    kraftmaking at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow on Pinterest- kraftmaking at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. The Mamas best spaghetti and meatball a sounds good!
    Vthompson0958@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I'm a sucker for Homemade Pizza, and I even love olives on pizza!

    ReplyDelete
  101. I'd love to try Four Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Basil.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Following Theresa M on Pinterest {cherylfahling}. cheryl at fahling dot net

    ReplyDelete
  103. I would like to try the SPICY VEGGIE QUESADILLAS recipe.

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  104. I follow you on pinterest: Stephanie64030

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  105. RUSTIC ITALIAN BOWLS would be a good one. I love pizza, too which is how I usually use Ragu.

    ReplyDelete
  106. i would like to try the Four Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Basil recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I want to try the Homemade Pizza recipe because we love pizza at our house!

    s2s2 at cox dot net

    ReplyDelete
  108. Follow on Pinterest Susan Smith

    s2s2 at cox dot net

    ReplyDelete
  109. The grilled chicken parmesan looks good

    ReplyDelete
  110. The homemade pizza sounds good.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Spaghetti with stuffed meatballs

    ReplyDelete
  112. The GRILLED CHICKEN PARMESAN recipe looks simple and delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot to leave my email, sorry!

      ayoung3360 (at) gmail (dot) com

      Delete
  113. i would like to try the Pizza Pinwheels actually my Grandpa did most of the cooking he was English my other grandma was an awesome cook
    sue14625 @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I+d trythe the Tuscan Style Sausage Sandwiches! :)
    minuhno@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I would like to try the Spicy Veggie Quesadillas! remembering.lucyx0x0@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. Pinterest follower - rememberinglucy

    ReplyDelete
  117. I would love to try the Four Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Basil. It sounds so delicious.
    Laurie Emerson
    lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  118. I follow you on Pinterest- Laura Lee
    lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I would love to try the Skillet Lasagna recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I follow you on Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/darkmysticnight/

    darkmysticnight(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I want to try spicy veggie quesadillas http://www.ragu.com/our-recipes/spicy-veggie-quesadillas/


    gmrichhicks at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I follow you pinterest

    brich2222

    gmrichhicks at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  123. the italian meat loaf

    cherry _ 251 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I'd like to make the STUFFED SHELLS WITH HEARTY GREENS. (jozywails@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  125. I'd love to try the Spaghetti Puttanesca

    breannet89 at gmail dot com

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  126. My favorite is the spicy veggie quesadillas

    ReplyDelete
  127. We would try their SPAGHETTI PUTTANESCA recipe !

    ReplyDelete
  128. I just have to try the Homemade Pizza recipe. I used to make my own but I've gotten out of the habit.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  129. I follow on Pinterest as bettycurr.
    willitara[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

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