Italian Nachos and Pay it Forward

A year and a half ago when I published this chicken recipe, I received this comment:

They even shared this version of the recipe  on their blog. Little did I know that this was the beginning of what is called a blogger friendship. Speaking for myself, I must say that bloggers don’t often get paid much, if anything at all. I blog because it is a way to relate stories to my kids and also because it is a good place to find my recipes. It is kind of my filing cabinet, don’t ya know?

Don’t get me wrong. It would be thrilling if I could actually make enough money to treat myself to a massage now and then, but for me, I often get paid in other ways. Yes, I do receive samples and “stuff” here and there, but one way I get paid is by the friendships that are started virtually. No, it isn’t the same as being around the corner and stopping over for a stick of butter, but it is comforting to know that people I have never even met can become a friend. Biz of is one of those. There are other bloggers I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I hope there are many more, but I have yet to meet Biz. I have no doubt though, that one day it will happen.

Biz wrote a blog about my blog a few months ago and ever since then I have been trying to figure out how to pay it forward. A few things I’ve learned about Biz: Biz does talk about everything she’s been going through. But she doesn’t make a big deal of it. Her blog always talks about food and the way that it relates to her diabetes. She usually posts her calories and how many steps she did on her Fit Bit. (I really want one of those.) Biz always talks about exercise, whether doing it or not getting it done! And last, but not least, Biz often talks about her daughter and her husband, Tony. Biz handles everything that comes her way with such grace and humor and positive energy. And Tony interjects sometimes with his dry wit and love stories about Biz. And OK… Biz loves cloud pictures and snowmen! This is such a positive blog and since I am not always the most positive person, Biz’s blog always makes me appreciate what I have and how I could be doing better.

Well, Tony has been having to go up to Mayo’s a few times this summer for issues that sound quite serious to me. Biz appears to handle this with her positive aplomb, but if it was me, I’d be doing some serious worrying. If she is, she certainly isn’t showing it. Biz is the kind of person that when Tony was in a hospital in Illinois, she organized a drive to get used videos or DVD’s sent to the children’s ward because they hardly had any to watch. If I recall, she ended up receiving  many donations from all over the US.

So, in the interest of paying it forward, I’ve got two things to request:
#1 – Just check out My Bizzy Kitchen. It’s a lot of fun and always starts my day off on a positive note. And Biz writes almost every day so that’s a good thing for me!

#2 – Biz and Tony have been staying in Extended Stay America when they go up to Mayo’s. To make a long story, short….umm, shorter…Biz entered a cooking contest that they had, and her entry is now in the finals. The winner receives $5000 which I know would really help Biz and Tony out. After all going to Mayo’s isn’t cheap. So go vote for Biz’s entree. Do it now. Well, maybe after you finish reading my blog.  Help her win! And Biz…Just so you know-you are amazeballs!

Now, for the recipe of the day. I came up with it because I think it is something that Biz will like. She always features her breakfast which is usually something with eggs or Chobani or cheese. She loves cheese. And she loves hot sauce. And she loves pizza. I never knew diabetics could eat all that, but she does! Biz hates onions. And Tony hates spicy food. So the below recipe tries to accommodate both tastes.

I hope these Italian nachos satisfy. I grilled them because Biz loves to grill. I left off onions because they hate onions. You can add hot sauce if you want it. I served them to Manservant for lunch and he approved them. I don’t think they are awful in calories because I used fresh, low fat mozzarella and I wanted to use more, but I didn’t. They were filling and hearty and good. Enjoy them, after you go vote for Biz. Click here and do it!

Italian Nachos
Yield: 2-4 servings or maybe just 1
Time: About 15 minutes Time to eat: Maybe about two!

Ingredients:
44 tortilla chips (corn or flour)
4 oz cooked Italian sausage, chopped
1/2 of a chopped pepper
1/3 c mild Italian pepper rings, drained and chopped
1/2 c of your favorite spaghetti or tomato sauce (I use this)
4 oz fresh mozzarella, crumbled
1 T chopped basil
1 1/2 t dried oregano

Directions:
Lay your tortilla chips on a shallow baking sheet. (I used a grill pan because I grilled these.) Top with sausage, both kinds of peppers and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Top with basil and oregano. Grill on low for 5-10 minutes on a preheated medium high heat grill. OR- Broil in the oven for a few minutes until cheese melts or bake at 375 for about 10 minutes until cheese melts.

Serve with your choice of hot sauce-or not!

Other great dishes:
5 Incredibly Quick Appetizers
Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Artichoke Mushroom Casserole
Ziti Al Fresco
Chicken Artichoke Dip Baguettes
Chili Three Ways
World Peace Cookies