Bacon Cheeseburger Crescent Ring

A co-worker recently raved about a Pillsbury Crescent Roll Ring he and his wife cooked. It sounded delicious so I had to check it out. When I googled it, I found numerous recipes for crescent roll rings. They all looked easy but, well, we know how that sometimes can be.

I chose this recipe and, with slight modifications from the original, I gave it a try. Oh, my! It was easy and it is absolutely delicious!!!

Bacon Cheeseburger Ring

1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained

1/3 cup ranch dressing

4 slices cooked bacon, torn into small pieces

2 cans (8 oz. each) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls

16 hamburger dill pickle slices

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Open the crescent rolls and cut the dough so that two rolls are together. On a large nonstick baking sheet, arrange crescent rolls in a circle. These slices will overlap. Make sure to leave an opening about 5-7 inches in the center.

Mix the cooked ground beef, ranch dressing and bacon together in a bowl. Coat the beef thoroughly with the dressing and bacon. Spoon this mixture on to the inner edges of the ring.

Place two pickle slices on each section of the ring. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Gently roll the dough over from the outside and attach it to the inside dough.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until the crescent roll crust is lightly brown. Let it sit 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

I love pasta. I love cheese. This has both. Enough said. The recipe comes from the wonderful folks at Pillsbury.

Three-Cheese Rotini Bake

8 oz. (3 cups) uncooked rainbow rotini (spiral pasta)                        

3  tablespoons margarine or butter                        

1  garlic clove, minced                        

1/4  cup all-purpose flour                        

1/4  teaspoon pepper                        

2  cups milk                        

4   oz. (1 cup) shredded American cheese                        

4  oz. (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese                        

1 oz. (1/4 cup) crumbled blue cheese 

 

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with nonstick cooking spray. Cook rotini as directed on package. Drain.
• Meanwhile, melt margarine in large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 to 60 seconds. Stir in flour and pepper; cook and stir until mixture is bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon each American and mozzarella cheese for top. Add remaining cheeses to sauce; stir until melted.
• Add cooked rotini to cheese sauce; stir gently to coat. Pour into sprayed casserole. Sprinkle with reserved cheeses.
• Bake at 350°F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly around edges.                    

Expert Tips

This recipe easily adapts to your favorite cheese. Instead of American and mozzarella cheese, try Cheddar, colby, Asiago, fontina, provolone or Swiss.
For kids, omit the blue cheese and add hot dogs. Slice one or two hot dogs and stir them into the cheese sauce with the rotini.
Serve this cheesy rotini dish with a green salad tossed with any vinaigrette. Crusty Italian bread and fresh apple and pear wedges complete the menu.

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

This recipe comes from Pillsbury. What a wonderful, tasty appetizer!

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

 

1 can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz.) Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated seamless dough sheet

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

1/4 cup cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

1/4 cup chopped green onions (4 medium)

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

 

If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12-x-4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut lengthwise into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12-x-4-inch rectangle.

 

Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Makes 16 servings.

Apple Slab Pie

I was immediately drawn to this recipe from Pillsbury. Apples, cinnamon and nutmeg usually means good in my mind. This reminds me of the dessert pizza a local pizza restaurant serves with their buffet. It is wonderful! This is going to be a favorite for a long, long time.

 

 

Apple Slab Pie

1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
9 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (9 medium)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Remove pie crusts from pouches. Unroll and stack crusts one on top of the other on lightly floured surface. Roll to 17x12-inch rectangle. Fit crust into 15x10x1-inch pan, pressing into corners. Fold extra pastry crust under, even with edges of pan. Crimp edges.

Mix granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and lemon juice. Stir in apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture into crust-lined pan.

Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Cool on rack 45 minutes.

Mix powdered sugar and milk until well blended. Drizzle over pie. Allow glaze to set before serving, about 30 minutes.

Makes 24 servings.

Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries

This is another wonderful recipe from the folks over at Pillsbury.What a perfect appetizer! Easy, but the result looks like you put forth a lot of time and effort.

 Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 cans (8 oz. each) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 teaspoons oil
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In small bowl. combine cheese and onion. Mix well.

Separate dough into 16 triangles; cut each in half diagonally to make 32 triangles. Place rounded teaspoon of cheese mixture on center of each triangle. Bring corners to center over filling, overlapping ends; press gently to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Brush each lightly with oil. Sprinkle with dill.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Makes 32 servings.

Classic Baked Corn Pudding

This is another great recipe from Pillsbury. Doesn't it look delicious? I can't wait to give it a try.

The recipe calls for frozen corn but the folks at Pillsbury say you can use three 15.25-ounce cans of Green Giant® whole kernel corn, drained, instead of the frozen corn. Also, for a change of flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves with the parsley. 

               

Classic Baked Corn Pudding

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2  teaspoon salt

1/2  teaspoon pepper

4  cups milk (1 quart)

6  eggs, slightly beaten

2  cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

2  bags (12 oz) Green Giant ® Valley Fresh Steamers™ Niblets® frozen corn, thawed, drained

1/2  cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoon parsley flakes

3/4  cup Progresso® plain bread crumbs

3  tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish or 3-quart casserole with cooking spray.

 In 4-quart Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Stir in milk. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Gradually stir in eggs and cheese. Stir in corn and parsley. Pour into baking dish.

 In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over corn mixture.

 Bake uncovered 55 to 65 minutes or until mixture is set and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

 

One serving is 260 calories.

Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

There are few things as wonderful as Chex Mix, especially when you're watching football. There's something about crunching on that mix when your team is fighting for a win. Now, they've got another way to mix it all up. Sounds wonderful to me! Oh, and if you like nuts, add a cup of mixed or regular nuts. Just another expert tip from the folks over at Pillsbury!

 

Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

 

9  cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® or Wheat Chex® cereal (or combination)

2  cups bite-size pretzel twists

2  cups bite-size cheese crackers

3  tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1  package (1 oz) ranch dressing and seasoning mix

1/2  cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.

 

Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

Go ahead and add some peanuts or mixed nuts to the mix--about 1 cup would be just enough!

Smoky Three-Bean Chili

      A chill in the air signals that it's time to get a big pot of chili going on the stove. The only problem is time. This solution from Pillsbury changes all that. Can't wait to give this chili a taste test. And don't forget to head over to the Pillsbury website for even more chili recipes.

 

Smoky Three-Been Chili

4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips

1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cans (15 oz each) beans (great northern, kidney, black and/or pinto), drained, rinsed
1 can (18 oz) Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ fire roasted tomato cooking sauce
2 cups Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

In 4-quart saucepan, cook bacon, beef and onion over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is brown and onion is soft; drain.

Stir in chili powder and cumin. Stir in beans, cooking sauce and broth. Heat to simmering, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cook about 15 minutes or until thickened.

Lemon-Blueberry Pretzel Cheesecake Squares

Sometimes easy is good. Thanks, Pillsbury, for another great recipe!                 

Lemon-Blueberry Pretzel Cheesecake Squares

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies
1 1/2  cups coarsely crushed pretzels

1 pint (2 cups) blueberries                                        

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2  cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
3 eggs
Additional 2 cups blueberries for garnish, if desired

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray.

In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir or knead in 1 cup of the pretzel crumbs. Press cookie dough evenly in bottom of pan. (If dough is sticky, use floured fingers.) Bake 5 minutes. Place 2 cups blueberries evenly on crust.

 

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and lemon peel with electric mixer on medium-high speed about 1 minute or until well blended. Add eggs; beat about 2 minutes or until well blended and creamy. Gently spoon evenly over blueberries.

 

Bake 27 to 33 minutes or until set at least 2 inches from edge of pan but center still jiggles slightly when moved (it will become firm during refrigeration). Cool 1 hour. Refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours or until chilled and firm. Cut into 8 rows by 3 rows.

 

Spoon 1 teaspoon of the remaining pretzel crumbs and a few blueberries over each serving.

 

Makes 24 squares.

Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

Some desserts are meant to be savored. This is one. It's another fabulous recipe from the folks over at Pillsbury. Enjoy!

 

Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

Crust

1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Cream Cheese Layer

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

Brownie Layer

1 box (15.8 oz) Pillsbury® double chocolate brownie mix

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon water

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Topping

 

Reserved chocolate syrup packet from brownie mix

3 tablespoons hot fudge topping 

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie plate as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie.

 

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese layer ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth; set aside.

Reserve chocolate syrup packet from brownie mix for topping. In large bowl, place brownie mix, oil, water and eggs; beat 50 strokes with spoon.

 

Spread 1/2 cup brownie mixture in bottom of crust-lined pie plate. Spoon and carefully spread cream cheese mixture over brownie layer. Top with small spoonfuls of remaining brownie mixture; spread evenly. Sprinkle with pecans. Cover crust edge with 2- to 3-inch-wide strips of foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of bake time.

 

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is puffed and crust is golden brown (pie may have cracks on surface).

 

In small bowl, mix chocolate syrup from packet and hot fudge topping. Place mixture in small resealable bag. Cut small hole off corner of bag. Drizzle topping over pie. Cool completely, about 3 hours, before serving. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

 

Cheesy Ham and Apple Cups

This recipe just looks fun. This is form Pillsbury. Check out their recipes on their website. They've got other recipes similar to this one. I think they would be perfect for the next potluck. What do you think?

 

Cheesy Ham and Apple Cups

 

1  can (12 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Jr. Golden Layers® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 biscuits)

1/3  cup sour cream

1/2  teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4  cup Smucker's® Apricot Preserves

3/4  cup finely chopped cooked ham steak or cooked ham

3/4  cup finely chopped tart apple

3/4  cup shredded sharp white or yellow Cheddar cheese (3 oz)

2  tablespoons finely chopped green onions (2 medium)

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 10 regular-size muffin cups (2 3/4x1 1/4 inches) with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.

 

Separate biscuit dough into 10 biscuits. On waxed paper, press each biscuit into 3-inch round. Press each dough round in muffin cup.

 

In medium bowl, stir sour cream, mustard and preserves until well blended. Stir in ham, apple, cheese and onions until well blended. Divide ham mixture among muffin cups.

 

Bake 18 to 25 minutes or until edges of biscuits are golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'N Cheese

This recipe -- another great one from Pillsbury -- is especially for those of us who LOVE cheese. And it's easy! Just note that if you check labels, you'll find a whole lots of sodium in this dish.

 

Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'N Cheese

 

3 cups uncooked penne pasta (10 oz)

1 can (18 oz) Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ creamy three cheese cooking sauce

1/2 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic in water (from 4.5-oz jar) or 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6 oz)

2 oz American cheese loaf, shredded (1/2 cup) or 4 slices American cheese, diced

1 bag (2.5 oz) cooked real bacon pieces or bits

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, if desired

Garnish, if desired, Progresso® Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

 

Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, heat cooking sauce, milk and garlic to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Stir in pasta, bacon and bell pepper. Spoon into casserole.

 

Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Egg and Sausage Breakfast Ring

This is another wonderful recipe from the folks over at Pillsbury. I love being on their e-mail list. They send out terrific recipes and coupons. They suggest changing up the cheeses (my favorite is Cheddar) to give the Breakfast Ring a different flavor. I'm thinking this would be a wonderful supper for a night real soon.

 

Egg and Sausage Breakfast Ring

1/2  lb bulk pork sausage

1/3  cup sliced green onions

1/3  cup chopped red bell pepper

5  eggs

1/4  teaspoon salt

1/8  teaspoon pepper

1  package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

2  cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

1/2  cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend (2 oz)

1  egg, beaten

1  teaspoon sesame seed

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage and onions over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes or until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in bell pepper; cook until tender. Remove from pan.

In small bowl, beat 5 eggs, salt and pepper. Add egg mixture to skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally from outside edge to center. Cook until eggs are set but still moist. Stir in sausage mixture and cream cheese.

Unroll both cans of dough. Place dough on cookie sheet, long sides overlapping, to form 14x13-inch rectangle; firmly press edges to seal. Spoon egg mixture down center to within 1/2 inch of edges. Sprinkle with cheese. Starting at longest side, roll up; press edges to seal. Shape into a circle; pinch ends to seal. Cut six 2-inch slits around top of dough. Brush dough with egg; sprinkle with sesame seed.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Bacon-Cheese Pull-Aparts

This recipe comes from the folks over at Pillsbury. Check out their website for lots of recipes. Reviewers said this casserole is good but a little dry. They suggested adding syrup, and maybe butter, to make it better. Wow! That sounds like a wonderful breakfast (or supper) to me.

 

Bacon-Cheese Pull-Aparts

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 (16.3) can Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Refrigerated Original Biscuits

1 (2.1 oz.) package precooked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 oz. (3/4 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (4 medium)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 11 x 7 or 12 x 8-inch (2 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In large bowl, beat egg and milk with wire wisk until smooth.

Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Cut each into quarters. Gently stir biscuit pieces into egg mixtureto coat evenly. Fold in bacon, cheese and onions. Spoon mixture into sprayed dish. Arrange biscuit pieces in single layer.

Bake at 350 degrees for 23 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares.

Makes 8 servings.
      

Chocolate Coconut Pie

Okay. Who LOVES chocolate? And who LOVES coconut? This recipe is for you. And me! LOL Thank you Pillsbury for another wonderful recipe!

Chocolate Coconut Pie

1 Pillsbury® refrigerated Deep Dish pie crust, softened as directed on box

1 can (12 oz) coconut milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup milk

1/3 cup cornstarch                                        

1 cup water

1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Heat oven to 450°F. Bake pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using 9-inch glass pie plate. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat coconut milk, granulated sugar and milk to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. In small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in cornstarch mixture until thickened.

In large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on Medium (50%) about 2 minutes or until melted. Stir half (about 2 cups) of the coconut milk mixture (haupia) into the melted chocolate. Spread in baked shell. Gently spread white haupia on top of chocolate layer. Refrigerate pie 2 hours.

In chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pie; sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

Expert Tips

To make chocolate shavings, pull a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler or thin, sharp knife across a block of chocolate. The curls will be easier to make if the chocolate is slightly warm (let it stand is a warm plave for about 15 minutes before cutting). Use a toothpick to lift the curls and arrange them on pie.

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Cream Cheese Raspberry Coffee Cake

This recipe comes from the good folks over at Pillsbury. They have some wonderful recipes available on their website. This coffee cake is divine!

 

Cream Cheese Raspberry Coffee Cake

 

 Coffee Cake

 2 cans (8 oz each Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 teaspoon sugar                               
                               

Filling

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softed

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated orange peel                                          

1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 pint (2 cups) fresh raspberries                                          
                                           

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar                              

1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 teaspoons orange juice

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray large cookie sheet or 14-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll both cans of dough; separate into 16 triangles. Reserve 4 triangles for topping. On sprayed cookie sheet, arrange 12 triangles in circle with points toward center, leaving 3-inch hole in center. Press dough to form 14-inch ring; press seams together to seal. Fold outer and center edges up 1/4 inch.

In medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients except raspberries; mix well. Gently stir in raspberries. (Mixture will be thin.) Spoon filling over dough.

With scissors or pizza cutter, cut each reserved triangle lengthwise into thirds. Place 1 teaspoon sugar on work surface. Press each dough strip into sugar. Arrange sugared dough strips, sugar side up, evenly in spoke-fashion over filling. Press ends to seal at center and outer edges.

Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes.

In small bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter and orange juice; stir until smooth. Drizzle over coffee cake. Serve warm.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Dessert

                                                                                       

I saw this recipe on the Pillsbury website and can't wait to try it! I don't know about how life is where you are, but here in the Deep South it has been hot and muggy for what seems like forever. I know. It's July and it's supposed to be that way. But a cold snack or dessert just seems perfect, especially when it's as easy as this appears to be.

 

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Dessert

1 roll (16.5 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

1 container (1/2 gallon) cookie dough ice cream

2 cups Cookie Crisp cereal

2/3 cup hot fudge topping                                

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with heavy-duty foil, extending foil over sides of pan. In pan, break up cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust.
• Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, remove ice cream from freezer; place in refrigerator to soften.
• Spread softened ice cream evenly over cooled crust. Top evenly with cereal; press lightly into ice cream. Place hot fudge topping in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; partially seal bag. Cut small hole in bottom corner of bag. Squeeze bag to drizzle topping over dessert. Freeze at least 1 hour or until firm before serving. Use foil to lift dessert from pan. Cut into squares.

Sausage & Cheese Crescent Squares

This reminds me of a Breakfast Pizza I make sometimes, only without all the extra ingredients and work.

The recipe comes from the Pillsbury folks. I always check out their site. I especially love recipes featuring Crescent Rolls because they're one of my favorites.

Pillsbury says the sausage and two kinds of cheese turn crescent dough into a rich and tasty appetizer. I can't wait to try it.

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares

2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls OR 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury®     Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 lb spicy or mild bulk pork sausage
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Heat oven to 375°F.

If using crescent rolls: Unroll 1 can of dough into 2 long rectangles. Place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish; press over bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust. If using dough sheets: Unroll 1 can of dough. Place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish; press over bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust.

In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently, until no longer pink. Remove sausage from skillet; discard drippings. To same skillet, add cream cheese. Cook over low heat until melted. Add cooked sausage; stir to coat. Spoon evenly over crust in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.

If using crescent rolls: Unroll second can of dough on work surface. Press to form 13x9-inch rectangle; firmly press perforations to seal. Carefully place over cheese. If using dough sheets: Unroll second can of dough on work surface. Press to form 13x9-inch rectangle. Carefully place over cheese.

Bake 21 to 26 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into small squares.

Makeas 32.

Spinach Pull-Apart

This is another recipe from Pillsbury. It even came with a short video. I loved that. The woman (I think she may have created the recipe) illustrated how to make the little balls. She held each small triangle in the palm on her hand and used a metal spoon to push the dough and make the triangle larger. Good idea.

She takes this to football parties and serves it as an appetizer. I think it would be perfect for any gathering. What do you think?

Spinach Pull-Apart

3 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Garlic Salt
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz)
1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Basil Leaves, if desired
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper
2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated garlic butter crescent dinner rolls (16 rolls)
1 cup marinara sauce, heated, if desired


Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with no-stick cooking spray.

In small bowl, mix butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic salt. Set aside.

In medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, basil, pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon garlic salt until blended. Set aside.

Unroll crescent dough; separate into 16 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make a total of 32 small triangles. Stretch or press on triangle slightly, being careful not to tear it. Spoon 1 tablespoon spinach mixture onto center of triangle; pull dough around mixture into a ball. Press edges to seal. Repeat with remaining triangles.

Roll each ball in butter mixture; layer in pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Remove pan. Cool 10 minutes longer. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Serves 8.

White Chocolate-Raspberry Pie

White chocolate and raspberry? Sounds like a winning combination to me. It comes from the Pillsbury site. Apparently, this recipe is for the top prize-winning pie from the 2010 State Fair Pie Contest.

White Chocolate-Raspberry Pie

1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
5 oz white chocolate baking squares
3 tablespoons milk
5 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
3 cups fresh raspberries

Heat oven to 450°F. Make pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using 9-inch glass pie plate. Cool completely.

In microwavable bowl, microwave 4 squares of the white chocolate and the milk uncovered on MEDIUM about 2 minutes or until almost melted. Stir until melted. Cool to room temperature.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and orange peel with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Beat in white chocolate mixture. Fold whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Spread in bottom of cooled baked shell. Arrange raspberries on filling.

Melt remaining square of white chocolate; drizzle over pie. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until set. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.