Pork

Fall is a wonderful time to experiment with new recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients, and this recipe for Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage and Peas is a delicious and unique way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With its creamy pumpkin sauce, savory sausage, and tender peas, this dish is both comforting and nutritious, making it a great option for seniors who want to maintain a balanced and varied diet. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side dish. So, put on your chef’s hat and let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 box pasta
• 1.5 cups of canned pumpkin
• 1/3 cup of light cream
• 3/4 cup of water
• 1 or 1.5 cups of peas
• package of cooked sausage (4-5 links), cut into small pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp of butter
• black pepper to taste
• Romano cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta as directed.
2. Heat pan, add the butter and saute the sausages.
3. After 3 or 4 minutes, add the onion and garlic, allowing the onion to get translucent.
4. While this is cooking, defrost the peas by running them under hot water. You can use the same strainer that you will strain the pasta in.
5. Add the pumpkin, and stir in the water, cream, black pepper.
6. Toss the pasta with the sauce, serve warm and with the Romano cheese.

Substitutions

• Browned ground beef could work well.
• To make vegetarian, mushrooms could be substituted.

It’s become more important than ever to eat nutritious and delicious meals that are easy to prepare. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe for Sausage and Rice Biscuit Cups, which are a tasty and convenient option for seniors who want to enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful and filling biscuit cups that are sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 14 oz dry pasta (rotini works well here)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 – 1.5 cans of black bean soup 
• 1/2 cup of sour cream, plus some for garnish
• .75 cup white beans, drained
• .75 cup chopped, cooked ham
• 2 – 2.5 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 (or whatever the directions on the can of dough says)
2. Cook the rice according to directions.
3. Heat a medium pan over medium to low heat. Add the garlic, let heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts turning slightly translucent. Then add sausage, and let cook until hot – about 5-7 minutes.
4. Grease muffin tin. Flatten the biscuit dough in your hands, then press into the muffin tin cups.
5. Add rice to the sausage and garlic, stir for 1-2 minutes.
6. Spoon rice mixture into the dough cups, fill to the top. Sprinkle cheese on top of each.
7. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes. (don’t forget to add water to the empty muffin tin cups so they don’t burn!)

Substitutions

• Chickencould also work well.
• This could easily be made vegetarian by substituting black beans for sausage

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will impress your taste buds, then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe for Black and White Pasta Bake is a classic favorite that’s sure to be a hit with seniors and their families. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and hearty chunks of sausage, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. So, grab your favorite apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 14 oz dry pasta (rotini works well here)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 – 1.5 cans of black bean soup 
• 1/2 cup of sour cream, plus some for garnish
• .75 cup white beans, drained
• .75 cup chopped, cooked ham
• 2 – 2.5 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Cook pasta as directed.
3. Melt butter and mix with the bread crumbs until they seem evenly coated
4. Spread pasta in a 9×13 pan. Add beans and soup, mix. Add sour cream and mix, using more or less depending on your preference of creamy-ness
5. Top with bread crumb mixture, and any spare cheddar cheese.
6. Bake until golden, around 15 minutes.
7. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream and black pepper.

Substitutions

• Shredded chicken could also work well.
• This could easily be made vegetarian by omitting the ham. Increase the white beans to 1 cup.

This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day. It’s made with simple ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and chicken broth, and comes together in just a few easy steps. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a filling dinner, this potato bacon soup is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, washed and diced  (Peeled, if you prefer)
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
• 1 medium-large onion, diced
• 1 can Campbell’s cream of potato soup (I used the reduced fat ones)
• 1 can Campbell’s cream of celery soup (You could use another potato, or a different creamed soup)
• 20oz skim milk (use 2 of the empty soup cans to measure)
• black pepper, to taste
• parsley, to taste
• cheddar cheese (to garnish)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients except cheese in a slow cooker.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Stir, serve, and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a few thin shavings of cheddar cheese.

Substitutions

• This recipe is for a 4 quart slow cooker. If your slow cooker is significantly larger, the recipe may need to be doubled.
• If you don’t have bacon on hand, it can be left out. Leftover ham could be substituted as well.