Better Than Robert Redford

Growing up we made this dessert for a lot of family gatherings. I can't remember who originally gave the recipe to Mom, but it was in the early 80's. It was SO good that it's "Better than Robert Redford!" We usually just refer to it as Robert Redford. I've gotten some pretty funny looks when I've talked about it outside our family ;) This is a great make-ahead dessert.

Crust:
1 c. flour (or 2 c graham cracker crumbs)
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 c chopped walnuts

Melt butter, stir in flour and nuts. Spread in bottom of a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 mins. Cool completely.

Next Layer:
1 c. powdered sugar
1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
8 oz Cool Whip or whipped cream

Beat cream cheese until smooth; add powdered sugar and cool whip/whipped cream. Spread over cooled crust.

Final Layers:
1 large package instant chocolate pudding
1 large package instant vanilla pudding
*pudding flavors can be changed
Milk

Prepare one box of pudding per the directions. Spread over cream cheese layer. Chill for 5 mins in fridge. Prepare second box of pudding per box directions and spread over first pudding layer. Chill for 10-15 mins in fridge until firmly set. Spread 8 oz Cool Whip or whipped cream as the final layer. Chill for another 10-15 mins and then serve and enjoy!

One Pot Creamy Sausage Noodle Dish

I saw this original recipe here. Neither of us like spicy sausage or tomatoes in dishes like the original, so I changed it up a bit. The leftovers were tasty as well!

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage, mild
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz pasta (we used Barilla Veggie Rotini and it was tasty!)
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
1/2 lb fresh brussel sprouts or veggie of choice

1. Add olive oil to an skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Add raw vegetable and saute for 2-3 minutes until they soften partially.

3. Add broth, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

Cheesecake Squares

I altered a recipe from ChrisFreytag.com.  I am not a big fan of fat free dairy.  I'll spare you my rant about that.  

 

nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 (8-ounce) packages of neufchatel cream cheese, softened
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour **only use if the mixture is really runny
1 teaspoon vanila extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1) Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non stick cooking spray
2) In mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped nuts, and melted butter, and then press down into the bottom of the baking dish.
3) In an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, egg whites, all sugar, flour, vanilla extract and lemon juice, just until all ingredients are combined into a smooth chesecake batter.
4) Spread cheesecake batter over the crust in the baking dish and bake 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
5) Cool to room temperature on a wire rack before refigerating at least one hour before serving. Slice into squares and serve garnished with fresh fruit if desired.
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I calculated the calories and if you cut them into 9 pieces, the calories per piece is 337.  I even ate some fresh raw strawberry slices with mine.  Scaubree will be so pleased ;)