Cheesy Pecan Roll Food

PAN FRIED PECAN CRUSTED CHEESY LASAGNA ROLLS & SWEET POTATO

Steps:

• Pasta -- These can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Boil until tender. They are pan sauteed, so make sure they aren't falling apart - just tender. Simply follow the directions on the package. You can use fresh or boxed for this, but don't use NO boil noodles, they do not work as well.
• Cheese -- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, fontina, parmesan, egg, nutmeg and pepper. Mix well to combine and set off to to the side.
• Breading -- In 3 small bowls, add the flour to the first one; the eggs to one for dipping; and add the nuts and bread crumbs for dredging.
• Lasagna -- Layout each lasagna noodle on a piece of parchment paper or foil (my trick, I spray with Pam or non-stick spray so they don't stick) and spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each noodle and roll up. DON'T over fill. Then dredge lightly in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the bread crumbs. Make sure you get the ends too. Now, they are all done, but I prefer to cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before pan frying. They just hold together much better. While your pasta set up, make the sauce and a nice salad or side dish.
• Sauce -- Remember, you can make these ahead as well and refrigerate and then just reheat. But, in a small sauce pan, add the butter and bring to medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots and saute until soft and tender. There is no need to brown them, just sweat and slowly cook. While the garlic and shallot sautes, cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave. 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Once tender, let cool enough to handle and then scoop out the flesh. Add the potato to the garlic and shallot mixture. Slowly add in the cream until you reach the consistency you like. I prefer 1 1/2 cups, but you can more or less if you like. It should be nice and creamy. I don't like my sauce too thin, but add as much as you like. As it simmers it will reduce a bit, so you can always add in a bit more cream. Don't worry. Add in the salt and pepper and taste for seasoning. The fresh sage and parsley should be added right before serving.
• Lasagna Saute -- In a large non-stick saute pan (it works best for this), add the olive oil and bring to medium heat. Add the noodles, seam side down first and saute until golden brown on all sides. Don't worry as some of the cheese will come out. These don't take too long.
• Serve -- My favorite way is to saute some kale or spinach and serve these pretty cheesy rolls over the bed of greens and top with the warm sweet potato sauce and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.

CHEDDAR CHEESE PECAN LOG

Steps:

• Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and, using an electric mixer, beat until soft and creamy.
• Add the milk, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and cheddar cheese.
• Continue to beat just until the ingredients are combined.
• Line an 8 by 12 inch pan with parchment or wax paper, making sure there is a 3 inch overhang at each of the long ends.
• Sprinkle pecans evenly over the paper.
• Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture onto the pecans.
• Using a spatula spread the mixture into the pan making sure you reach into the corners.
• Sprinkle with chives and parsley.
• Roll mixture into a tube.
• Slice into 1 inch slices.
• Chill for 4 hours. Serve.

CHEESE BITES (TOTALLY ADDICTIVE)

Steps:

• Combine cheese, butter, flour, salt, and cayenne in a large bowl: knead into a dough.
• Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an un-greased baking sheet.
• If using olives, form each ball around 1 olive.
• If using pecans, press 1 pecan half onto each ball.
• Can bake them right now (see instructions below) or freeze for later.
• Place in trays in freezer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from freezer and place in freezer bags or container.
• Seal and freeze.
• Can bake them straight from freezer.
• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Place cheese balls 3 inches apart on an un-greased baking sheet.
• Bake 15-17 minutes if frozen, 13-15 minutes if thawed.