Sausage Pasta and {Easy} Mini Apple Pies

Monday Munchies...

Winter always makes me crazy for those warm and hearty comfort foods. You know the kind that make you feel at home. The ones you've shared with family and have built memories around, just plain, old, good food. These are two of those for me:

 Creamy Sausage Pasta{ Recipe serves 4 generously, I always double it-my girls LOVE this! } 8 oz ground sweet italian sausage2 C sliced white mushrooms1 tsp Worchestershire sauce2/3 C evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed!)1 tbs dried basil1/4 tsp ground pepper1 (10oz) pkg frozen peas4 C of a chunky pasta, we like penne or rigatoni, cooked and drained1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese 1. brown the sausage in a med sized pan. remove sausage and set aside, reserving the drippings.2. add in the mushrooms and saute until lightly browned, about 3-4 min. add in the Worchestershire sauce then stir inthe milk, bring this to a simmer.3. stir in the basil and pepper and return to simmer for 3-4 min. stir in the peas and sausage then cook until heated through.4. toss the sauce with hot pasta, sprinkle on a little parmesan, and serve. *this is one of the few things I will eat as leftovers, it tastes even better the next day!* and for dessert, skip the hassel of making a traditional apple pie with these {easy}little cuties: 

 Mini Apple Pies{from the Great American Home Baking Cookbook/Recipe makes 8}the easy way... CRUST3/4 cup all purpose flour1/4 cup butter1 tbs sugar1tsp baking powder1 egg2 tbs milk FILLING & TOPPING1 large apple1 tsp ground ginger1 egg, lightly beaten1-2 tsp sugar for crust: place flour in a large bowl, cut in the butter until course crumbs form. stir in the sugar and baking powder. combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and mix well. add to the flour mixture, stir until a dough forms. cover and set aside. for filiing: peel, core, and coursely grate the apple. place in a small bowl, stir in the ginger. roll out the dough into a large rectangle{about 16x8 in.} cut into 8 equal squares. spoon a tbs. of the apple mix onto the center of each square. brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. fold in the corners to the center and pinch to seal. place on an ungreased baking sheet.

 brush the tops with the remaining egg mix and sprinkle with sugar. bake until lightly browned, 8-10 min. cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. the easier way... roll out a pre-made crust and cut into squares. spoon a tbs of APPLE SAUCE into the centers. follow same directions for sealing, topping, and baking.then enjoy {with a scoop  of vanilla ice cream!} easy-peasy and YUM! Happy Munching!