I Challenge You...

Actually, I challenge myself! After inventing the delicious Chicken Enchilada Pasta the other night, I thought it would be fun to try to make something new that I've never tried more often. My husband and I are creatures of habbit and like to stick to what we know. We rotate between different versions of chicken and rice, beans and rice, stir fry, and mexican flavored dishes with taco seasoning. So I challenged myself to make a new dinner 3 times a week for the rest of December. If nothing else, I can learn to add more variety to our diets and our lives. Let's step outside of our comfort bubble!

The Rules:
1. The meal has to be something I have never made or attempted.
2. The ingredients must already be on hand. I may not go out and buy items for a specific meal.
3. At least one of the three meals a week must be meatless but have a protein substitute, such as beans.
4. I may use any means necessary to find a new recipe.

To start us off, last night I made Baked Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole. http://http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Penne-and-Smoked-Sausage/Detail.aspx



I didn't have french fried onions so I sauteed half an onion with 2 small chopped cloves of garlic and the sausage. I also added salt and pepper before baking, which the recipe does not call for. It was good, but definitely not the most exciting meal I've ever made. I look forward to my next try! I think tonight I will just make some good ol' beans and rice and save my creativity juices for my next attempt at something new!


How often do you try new recipes? I challenge you to take this adventure with me and try it yourself!