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EDIBLES

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

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By: The Editors of Relish magazine

If broccoli were a tree, it would be an oak, guardian of the vegetable forest. Since the days of the Roman Empire, it has served legions of Italians as a dependable and surprisingly versatile element of the culinary landscape.

Why then, stateside, is it so thoroughly misunderstood? Mostly, bad preparation. If there’s one way to make a lifelong enemy of broccoli, it’s by cooking it into mushy, army-green oblivion—a sight many of us are still trying to erase from our childhood memories. One of the best ways to keep it crisp is a quick steam (3 to 4 minutes) until it’s barely fork tender and a bright, emerald green. Then you’re ready for everything from stir-fries to pasta dishes to casseroles.

Still not convinced? Try cheese and broccoli, a great combo that creates some great gateway dishes for finicky children and spouses. Also, try roasting it, which brings out bold, caramelized flavors that can convert nonbelievers into lifelong fans.


Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

A wide, shallow baking or gratin dish provides plenty of space for the crumbs on top to get crunchy.

 

6          cups bite-size broccoli florets and stems, peeled and cut into small pieces

1 1/2    cups (6 ounces) hot cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks

1/4       cup diced, drained jarred roasted red pepper, patted dry

3          tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons butter, divided

3          tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2    cups 2 percent reduced-fat milk

1          cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

Pinch ground nutmeg

1/2       teaspoon coarse salt

1/8       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1          cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1          cup fresh breadcrumbs

 

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. Coat a 10-inch round shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Steam or boil broccoli 3 minutes, or until crisp tender. Arrange in dish and top with chicken and red pepper.
  3. In medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Add milk and broth, whisking constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper and cheese. Pour over chicken.
  4. In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 teaspoons butter; add breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake 20 minutes, or until hot. Serves 4.

Recipe by Jean Kressy

Photo by Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn

EDIBLES

Punch up your holiday beverage menu

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(Culinary.net) This time of year is all about food and sweet desserts, but don’t forget to quench guests’ thirst with a seasonal sip. This Christmas Cranberry Punch offers a slightly less sweet take on traditional punch so you can add a touch of tart to the beverage cart. Visit Culinary.net to find more delicious holiday recipe ideas.

Christmas Cranberry Punch

  • 1 package fresh cranberries
  • 1 can pineapple chunks
  • 3-4 rosemary twigs
  • 6 cans lemon-lime soda, divided
  • 64 ounces cranberry juice
  • 20 ounces orange pineapple juice
  • 1 orange
  1. The night before, place four cranberries, two pineapple chunks and a few rosemary sprigs in each hole of silicone muffin pan or ice tray. Cover with 1 can lemon-lime soda and freeze.
  2. Chill remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice overnight.
  3. In punch bowl, mix remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice. Slice orange into 5-6 slices. Add lemon-lime soda ice cubes, handful of cranberries and orange slices. Serve.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

A sweet, savory, simple holiday side dish

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(Culinary.net) No matter what your main course looks like at the holidays, this Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce offers a sweet yet savory complement. Plus, the surprise pop of flavor and color are perfect for a festive tablescape. Find more easy holiday recipes at Culinary.net.

Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6

  • 1/2 pound bacon
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  1. Using kitchen shears, cut bacon into pieces then fry in skillet. Drain and set aside.
  2. In same skillet, add butter and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Saute asparagus then add bacon back to pan.
  3. In saucepan over medium heat, heat cranberry sauce, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
  4. Place asparagus on platter and pour sauce on top.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

Cozy, comforting recipes to take on the cold

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(Family Features) If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and filling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days.

Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.

Serving as the hearty base is READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional sweet-piquant dressing. While it’s delicious when served chilled, heated or at room temperature on its own, it can also be the star of the show in family meals.

For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets. This savory side dish highlights the flavors of the season in a recipe that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy with loved ones.

Picked and packed at peak ripeness, antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s beets are pickled with a delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar for a homemade flavor that’s perfect in this roasted side that can accompany winter meals of all sorts. Versatile jarred whole pickled beets are always in season, meaning you can enjoy them chilled, warmed or worked into recipes.

Find more favorite wintertime recipes by visiting READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.

Loaded Chicken Bake

Recipe courtesy of Hungry In LA
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad
  • 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cups crumbled, cooked bacon
  • French fried onions (optional), plus additional for serving (optional), divided
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Spread German potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.
  4. In small bowl, stir heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.
  5. Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and onions, if desired.
  6. Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional onions, if desired.

Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets

Servings: 4

  • 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4-inch cubes)
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 red onion, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus additional for garnish
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Drain beets. Discard liquid or save for another use.
  2. In large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and onion until coated.
  3. Place silicone mat on baking sheet or line with aluminum foil.
  4. Pour contents of bowl onto baking sheet in single layer. Remove rosemary from stems; sprinkle over vegetables. Bake 30 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
  5. Add beets to baking sheet. Return to oven 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and beginning to brown. Garnish with additional rosemary, if desired.


SOURCE:
Seneca Foods



Seneca Foods



 

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