Chicken Broccoli Bake

This simple casserole is easy to make and tastes fantastic. The addition of mayonnaise and curry as ingredients in the sauce give it a unique flavor that people like but can't quite figure out!

 

Prepare

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 

Ingredients

2 bunches fresh broccoli cut into florets (enough generously cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish)

2-3C sliced or diced chicken

2 cans cream of celery soup

1C mayonnaise

1t lemon juice

1/2t curry powder

1/2C shredded cheese

 

Directions

Layer the bottom of a 9x13 glass baking dish with broccoli florets. Arrange the slice or diced chicken over the broccoli. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I can't remember when I first ate at the Olive Garden, an Italian-American restaurant chain.  One of my favorite appetizers is the Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip. In preparing for this post, I came across a recipe site sponsored by Olive Garden, where the recipe for artichoke spinach dip is available.

The recipe below came from a book, which I have now lost, that is supposed to replicate Olive Garden's artichoke-spinach dip.  Whether it does or does not, the dip is delicious and I have made it numerous times for parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients
1/2 10oz box frozen chopped spinach¹
1 6oz. jar quartered artichoke hearts²
1 8oz package cream cheese³
1/2C grated Parmesan cheese
1T chopped parsley
1t garlic powder
1/4t salt
1/4t thyme
1/4t onion powder
1/4t crushed basil leaves, dried

Directions
Place the spinach in a small pan and add water to cover.  Using your fingers, mash the layers of the artichoke hearts to separate them and add the hearts to the spinach.  Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for five minutes.  While the spinach/artichoke mixture is cooking, place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.  Using a strainer, drain the water from the spinach/artichoke mixture.  You may need to use a wooden spoon to press on the mixture to squeeze out excess water.  Transfer the vegetable mixture to the mixing bowl.  The heat from the hot vegetables will soften the cream cheese.  Stir to thoroughly combine the vegetables and cream cheese.  Add the Parmesan cheese and spices.  Combine thoroughly.

Serve immediately with crackers, thinly sliced French baguette, or use the pizza dough recipe to create bread sticks (bake the rolled-out dough for 10 minutes at 375 degrees then slice into strips). 

If you make this dip ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven for 15-25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Of course, be sure to use an oven safe dish.

This dip also works well as a sandwich spread (ideal for party sandwiches).

¹You can substitute 2-3C of chopped fresh spinach.
²You need about 1C of quartered artichoke hearts, which is approximately three hearts, quartered.
³~or~ a cream cheese substitute.

Cream Cheese Substitute

If you find yourself in a situation where you need cream cheese, but don't want to take the time to run to the store, this simple recipe will provide an excellent substitute, especially for sauces and dips.

Ingredients
1C milk or almond milk
1T lemon juice
2T cornstarch
1/2t nutritional yeast flakes
1/2t salt

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Transfer liquid to a medium sauce pan.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  After mixture thickens, reduce heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for two to three minutes.  Pour into a mixing bowl and beat well with a wire whisk for five minutes.  Transfer to a storage container.  Place in the refrigerator or ice bath.  As the mixture cools it will thicken.  Prior to use, beat again with the wire whisk until smooth and creamy.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

It is sad that we only enjoy certain traditions at specific holiday times.  Why isn't turkey served in April?  Why is pumpkin pie typically only served in the Fall, especially since canned pumpkin is available perennially?  Why are sugar cookies primarily seen around Christmas but not at other times?

The recipe below is a classic sugar cookie recipe.  These cookies will be just as delicious in June as in December.

Ingredients
2T ground flax seed plus 6T water ~or~ 2 eggs¹
2 1/2C flour
1t baking powder
1t salt
1/4C butter
1/4C plain Greek-style yogurt
1C sugar
1/2t vanilla extract

Directions
In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.  In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, yogurt, sugar, and egg mixture.  Add the flour mixture by spoonfuls until all flour is added and the dough is mixed well.  Chill for at least one hour.  Roll out to 1/8 inch thick with a rolling pin.  Cut the dough with cookie cutters.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

¹Mix the ground flax seed and water in a small measuring cup and set aside.  It will continue to thicken as you sift the flour.