A Dinner Full of Stuffed Stuff...

For dinner last night it was just us girls (Mike was at back to school night)... so we decided to get creative with what we wanted to make for dinner.  We decided on having a stuffed stuff for dinner... Stuffed Bell Peppers, Tortellini (not homemade but still stuffed), and for dessert Chocolate Stuffed Pears.  Mmmm Mmmm delicious!!!
So here are the recipes for both....
STUFFED BELL PEPPERS...

These are bell peppers from our garden, Papa's garden, and the store. (Yes the bigger ones are store bought).

1. Chop one whole yellow onion and three cloves of garlic (we used five cause we really like garlic).  Saute on stove with olive oil.
2. Cook 1 Cup of rice or quinoa (we like this alternative, less carbs more protein and gluten free!!)
3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers (so the tops can be used as lids) and  clean out the seeds and white membrane. Set aside.
4. After garlic and onions are sauteed, add ground turkey or ground beef. Cook until no longer pink.
5. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cumin,  1 teaspoon of Cinnamon, and the rice/quinoa to the meat mixture. Take off burner. (You can add fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes at this point if you would like).
6. Stuff the bell peppers (we added cheese in the middle and on top) put the bell pepper lids back on.  Drizzle with olive oil and cover with foil. Bake at 425 for 25-30 minutes.

We really enjoyed this recipe...so hopefully you will like it too!!

**If the explanation on cutting was not clear above, this is how you do it ------>

The picture of the final product before it goes into the oven (and without their hats on).

RICOTTA CHOCOLATE STUFFED PEARS

This is a nice alternative to a heavy dessert... it does have a different texture, but it is actually pretty good. Definitely worth trying...

1.  Beat together 1 Cup Ricotta cheese, 1/3 Cup powder sugar, 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.

2. After mixed stir in 2 tablespoons of miniature semisweet chocolate pieces (you can use more...lol) and 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel.                 3. Set aside and start dealing with the pears. Cut the pears hot dog style (that's long ways for those of you who did not grow up in the Pleasanton school district). Remove any seeds or unattractive looking things inside the pear and make a small divot in the pear to put the chocolate mixture.                                4. Brush the pears with orange juice and spoon in the ricotta mixture.

This is an interesting dessert, we will probably make it again, but it is a perfect way to get you chocolate in for the day, in a healthier fashion. ;0)