Comfort Foods: Casseroles

I’m on a comfort food kick. Perhaps, it’s because we are still dealing with snow and below zero windchills, or I’m just lazy. Either way when I think of comfort food, casseroles immediately come to mind. If you have a large family or you contribute to a lot of potlucks, then you know how convenient casseroles can be. You simply gather a bunch of delicious ingredients, mix them up, place them in the oven, and a short time later—presto—instant dinner. If you are looking for a warm, hearty, one-dish delight to serve tonight, consider the following outstanding casserole recipes: CHICKEN … Continue reading

Baked Spaghetti

When I was getting married, my matron of honor gave me some of her favorite recipes. One of her recipes was for making Baked Spaghetti. This dish was one of the first meals I made for my husband after we were settled in our small apartment, and we both thought it was a great dish. Baked Spaghetti is full of veggies! It also has plenty of cheese, mayo, and sour cream to make it yummy, but of course you can substitute yogurt for sour cream and make it a bit less fattening. I like to bring this dish to families … Continue reading

My Mexican Casserole—You’ve GOT to Make This!

I haven’t come up with a new casserole recipe in quite a while. But last night, as I was scrounging in my cabinets and fridge trying to find something to make, this casserole was born. It is surprisingly delicious, with tastes ranging somewhere between an enchilada, taco, and tamale. And best of all, it’s not hard to make. You can make it simply or complicate it a bit if you’d like with lots of yummy toppings—the choice is yours. Personally, I say load it up. Read below to see what I mean. I don’t often say with indignation that you … Continue reading

Creamy Chicken and Biscuits

I saw this recipe and I knew I had to share it with you. Today in Southern California the weather is crisp again. It rained this morning and I’m sitting here at my desk with a cozy blanket over my legs. Never mind the fact that it will be 80 degrees tomorrow—today it is lovely. And today I want these creamy chicken and biscuits. If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent recipe to prepare for your family tonight, I hope you’ll consider this one. Add additional spices to suit your family’s tastes, and if you’d like, you can add … Continue reading

A Unique Potato Dish

I originally saw this recipe in a Classic Turkish cookbook. It looked delicious, and was cooked in a clay pot. I tried it tonight, adapting it a bit with American ingredients. The result was a delicious, comforting dish that popped with flavors I never would have thought to combine. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something a little different. For this recipe you’ll need: 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 1 pound yellow potatoes, sliced relatively thinly (in rounds or half moons) 1 large red onion, sliced (in strips) 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 1 teaspoon … Continue reading

Two Very Tasty Vegetarian Casseroles

Tamale Casserole For this recipe, you will need one small onion, two jalapenos, one can of black beans, one can of corn, corn meal, one can of stewed tomatoes, skim milk, chili powder, and grated non-fat cheese (whatever type you prefer). If you would like a milder taste, substitute 1/4 of a green bell pepper for the two jalapenos. To prep for this recipe, you will need to peel and chop your small onion. Seed and chop both of the jalapeno peppers. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Saute the onion and jalapeno peppers in a little water in a … Continue reading

Freezer Cooking Breakfast Recipes

We’ve been doing a lot of freezer cooking around our house lately. I’ve always been heavy into freezing extras for additional meals, but I’ve never done much with breakfast and I am having a blast with it. It’s a great way to make a hot, healthy breakfast for those fast-paced, often rushed school mornings. Here are several completely tried and tested recipes that freeze easily, and will keep your family happy each morning with a wonderful breakfast. Best Blueberry Brunch 24 Slices of bread, cubed 1 lb. Cream cheese, cubed 2 C. Blueberries 1/4 C. Orange zest 24 Large eggs … Continue reading

Pizza Casserole

What could be better than a pizza casserole? It combines two food items I absolutely love – pizza and casseroles. And I almost always find that any recipe that includes the word “casserole” is not only delicious, but also easy to make. When I saw this recipe at AllRecipes.com, I knew it was something I had to make. Hello Sunday dinner! For this recipe, you will need egg noodles, lean ground beef, one small onion, 2 cloves of garlic, one green bell pepper, pepperoni slices, 16 ounces of pizza sauce, milk, and shredded mozzarella cheese. To prep for this recipe, … Continue reading

Freezer Cooking – Breakfast Recipes

Freezer cooking isn’t just for dinnertime anymore. There are lots of great breakfast recipes you can use as well. I’ve given you a couple here, but there are tons more to be found. Almost all muffins freeze relatively well, although work better after being cooked, than in batter form. Anything with cream does not freeze very well, but can be added later. Eggs freeze well, but sometimes tend to be a bit soggy upon thawing out, and just about any casserole freezes very well. Here are a few recipes to try out. These have been eaten and enjoyed by my … Continue reading

Side Dishes – Am I the Only One Stuck in this Rut?

I do not know if I am the only one that runs into this problem, but I become stuck on serving the same side dishes. I can put a roast in the crock-pot, cook pork chops on my George Foreman, or grill steaks outside, but I always seem stuck on the same old side dishes. There is no creativity for me – corn, mashed potatoes, peas, and broccoli. I get so tired of the same old thing over and over again. So today, I went on the search for side dish recipes. I did not want anything too complicated or … Continue reading