PIZZA BAKE!

We love pizza! We love spaghetti! We love to make casseroles! LOL!

After an extremely tiring, stressful day, Happy Husband and I put our hungry heads together and decided we wanted spaghetti and meatballs (Mike) and Pizza (me).

No way were going to do both... or were we?

This is the recipe we came up with and it really was fantastic!  So, here's our Pizza Bake with some suggestions for additions.  

1 small jar Pizza Sauce 
1 large jar Spaghetti Sauce
1 package pepperoni (cooked)
1 package frozen Italian-style Meatballs (cooked)
1 package shredded Mozzarella
1 package sliced Provolone
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3/4 box Rotini Noodles (prepare as directed)

In a large bowl, mix the pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, parmesan, and minced garlic.  Prepare rotini noodles as directed and drain.

Spray or lightly grease a large (9 X 9), deep (at least 2 inches) casserole dish.  Place a layer of pepperoni on bottom of dish, add meatballs.  Sprinkle 1/2 of mozzarella over the top of meats.  Top with rotini noodles. Pour about half of the sauce over the mixture. Put down slices of provolone to cover. Then add next layer of pepperoni.  Sprinkle more mozzarella, the rest of the sauce, and top with last slices of provolone.

Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes to 45 minutes (depending on your oven).

You can add jalapenos, tomato slices, zucchini, etc.

This recipe made enough for eight servings. 

#SpreadTheSpinach with Marco's Pizza on National Spinach Day!

Did you know that Spinach has it's own special day? Yes, indeed! March 26th is designated as National Spinach Day! 

Marco's Pizza is celebrating this wonderful day by offering their Grilled Chicken Florentine pizza.

FREE PIZZA! And not just any pizza; Marco’s Grilled Chicken Florentine pizza—featuring garden-fresh spinach!
Get a medium for free on National Spinach Day, Thursday, March 26. Just bring a can of spinach to a PARTICIPATING Marco's Pizza location, and together we’ll help local food banks. #SpreadTheSpinach

You can find your local Marco's Pizza here.

We went to our local Marco's last night.

We were greeted with smiles by the Manager.  She was just so nice and so sweet to us!

As you can see, we started eating as soon as we said Grace and I forgot to get a pic of the whole pie!
This is the absolutely delicious and yummy Grilled Chicken Florentine Pizza.  Sliced tomatoes, spinach, Grilled chicken, white sauce, onions, and feta cheese.  Be still my heart! I could eat this every day.

That's my pal, Brenda.  She and her hubby joined us for the feast!

Isn't that gorgeous pizza? My plate runneth over with yummy goodness.

Be sure to stop by your local Marco's Pizza on National Spinach Day for a Grilled Chicken Florentine Pizza.  Remember to #SpreadTheSpinach.

Be sure to connect with Marco's on their social media pages:
Facebook, Pinterest, and @marcospizza on Twitter.

DISCLOSURE:
I was provided with a coupon for a free Grilled Chicken Florentine Pizza from Marco's. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own experiences.
This post was sponsored by @MarcosPizza @NicheParent .

#MarcosFreshSpinach Fresh Pizza from Marcos! Review

This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Niche Parent and Conference and Marco’s Pizza. All opinions expressed in herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

I was given the opportunity to visit our local Marco's Pizza in Savannah and try their new Spinach Pizza.  

Oh, how I looked forward to pizza night!  I L*O*V*E Spinach! It's so rare to find spinach used as an ingredient / topping for pizza, but it IS a brilliant addition.  For picky eaters, it's a great way to sneak another veggie in for the kids! 

We tried the amazing new fresh Chicken Florentine and the Spinach Cheese Pizzas -- YUMMY!

The above photo is our fresh, hot Spinach Cheese Pizza.  Nice, medium-thick crust. Melted cheese that pulls into long strings when you slice it... heaven!  Sweet spinach and a thick, slightly spicy red sauce! It didn't take us long to finish it off.  We all agreed -- it's fantastic.  This was Mike's favourite -- hands down.  

Then we all shared a few slices of the utterly delicious Chicken Florentine! 

Look at that! We started eating the Chicken Florentine before we took a picture! Eager and greedy we were!

This is my favourite: Fresh sliced tomatoes, red onions, spinach, feta cheese, sliced grilled chicken, and Parmesan Garlic white sauce.  It is pizza perfection.  My Mom and Mary (my MIL) liked this one best as well.  Nice Chewy crust (we call them pizza bones!) that we save for last and dip in marinara sauce.

We had a great time.   The atmosphere is casual, the staff attentive and informative.  Marco's is a great place for Date Night or Family Night!  There are so many varieties of pizza, chicken dippers, subs, and salads.  Something for everyone to enjoy!

Remember, to grow up big and strong, ALWAYS eat your #MarcosFreshSpinach!

To learn more about Marco's, just visit their website: http://bit.ly/FreshSpn  

You can connect with Marco's Pizza on their Social Media Pages:
Marcos Pizza on Facebook, @marcospizzacorp on Twitter, and #marcospizza on Pinterest

Papa Murphy's #FreshPanFan

#PapaMurphysMNO Pizza MY way!

DISCLOSURE:  This is a sponsored post from Papa Murphy's and Mom Select.  I have not been compensated for this post, but may be eligible to win a prize.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my use of and experience with the item(s).

Last night, Review Daddy and I had the opportunity to try a Pizza place very new to us: Papa Murphy's Take and Bake!

It is just so good, we're already planning our next visit.  Sunday. NASCAR. Pizza. OH YES! (Go JR!!!)

I already know exactly what I want.  I'll be having the new PAN pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce topped with Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Mixed Onions, Spinach, Herb and Cheese Blend, Black Olives, and Grilled Chicken!

I'm not going to make 'til Sunday, am I?

Now, Review Daddy has his own style, Lord Bless him, and he's already got his pizza all wrapped up!

For Mike, it's PAN pizza Herb Tomato Sauce topped with Beef, Mushrooms, Crispy Bacon, and Parmesan Cheese. He tells me that's a MAN PIZZA!   No argument from me as long as he shares.  

Okay.  Now I'm starving. Literally, wasting away! (You do believe me, right? Wasting away? No?)

Well, I am! And only a Pan Pizza from Papa Murphy's can save me now!

I'd love to know how YOU and your family would make your pizza! Tell me in the comment area and let me know on Facebook, @Gathering_Roses on Twitter, or on Pinterest. 

Just use the hashtag: #PapaMurphysMNO when you post! 

Let's eat!

Papa Murphy's Pizza Review!

*DISCLOSURE:
This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Papa Murphy's and MomSelect.  All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).*

Tonight, Review Daddy and I were introduced to a new way to enjoy pizza: Papa Murphy's Take and Bake!

When I first heard about Papa Murphy's, I was skeptical.  After all, you either eat at the pizza parlor, take it out pre-cooked, or buy it frozen.

Not so at Papa Murphy's!  The pizza is prepared from fresh ingredients while you watch! It's packaged in a disposable aluminum pan and presented to you.  You take it home and bake it up at your leisure!  Love at 425 degrees!

We decided to try the NEW Pan Pizza.  We ordered a large pepperoni and beef (for me and Mom).  Using a coupon from Papa Murphy's E-Club, we also got a second pizza for 50% off!  Review Daddy got his very own beef and mushroom pizza!

Now, get this: We had spent only $12.00 at this point, so we decided to get dessert.  We chose the Cinnamon Wheel.  Add a soft drink, and our total for two large pizzas, a dessert pizza, and 2-litre drink was $20.86!  Try doing THAT at a pizza parlor or a regular take-out! 

The staff was fantastic.  They greeted us with smiles, they were informative, helpful, and ever-so-patient!  They happily provided us with detailed instructions on carrying the pizza home and baking it.  Nothing left to chance, we left armed with everything we needed to know.

We got home and started baking!  The flavour is fantastic.  The tomato sauce is not spread too thickly -- I like that.  Too often sauce overwhelms the pizza but not here.

The cheese just melted so beautifully and pulled in long strings when it was hot.  It's the closest to real Italian pizza I've had in Savannah!

The pepperoni is sliced thin and has a nice zing.  Approval all 'round.

The Cinnamon Wheel is just heavenly and smells so good whilst baking.  It tastes even more delicious than you can imagine! 

All-in-All, it was a great experience for us.  We WILL be back!  I highly recommend Papa Murphy's for your next pizza night. 

Check out Papa Murphy's Menu to see the great styles, sauces and toppings available!

You can connect with Papa Murphy's on their Social Media Pages: @papamurphyspizza on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube 

This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Papa Murphy's and MomSelect.

How to eat Pizza... and not pig-out?

I picked up four helpful hints on Thursday about eating Pizza and thought I'd share with you.

This first tip came from my pint-sized 17 year old daughter (she's 5' 2" and 125 pounds) -- Mom, she said, eat an apple about 15 minutes before you go out for pizza. It'll fill you with fibre and you won't be so hungry.

You know... that's really NOT a bad idea. Besides, I like apples. :)

Second tip (read on-line, but can't recall where):
Get two slices of pizza on your plate and make a salad to go along (easy on the croutons, cheese, and dressing! No bacon bits!). For each bite of Pizza, take TWO bites of salad!
Eat slowly. Revel in the feel of the food in your mouth. Savour each and every bite.

You'll fill up faster... feel full sooner... and you'll have had fibre, fruit, veggies, protein, fats, and carbs...!

This makes sense to me. The problem with pigging out is we flat out IGNORE our inner voice (and out stomachs!) when it tells us it's time to stop.
It's easier to stop when you've started in the middle of the process.
Did that make sense?

Three: Use a couple of napkins to dab away excess oil on the pizza. It won't change the taste, but it will make for less calories and fat!

Four: Don't eat the pizza bones! Skip the doughy crust on the outside of the pizza and save a few dozen calories.

EDITED TO ADD: Eat your pizza with a knife and fork! Easier to control your bite sizes. And you have to put the fork down occassionally, so it takes you a bit longer to eat!

I don't know when we're going out for pizza again, but I will make sure that I have a nice, juicy Granny Smith before we go... and I'm going to try the salad trick, too. A bit of Pepperoni pizza, followed by two bites of salad... yes, I think this could work!

I already dab the pizza to get rid of the oil and never eat the crusts. That's been a big help already, I think.

If you try it, please let me know how it worked (or didn't work) for you, please!