Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"Salmon" Noodle Casserole

This used to be Cristin's favorite meal...Tonight, Chad requested the recipe. This makes Mom very happy! :)

Drain and flake one pint of canned salmon into large casserole dish or 9x13 pan.
Stir in 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup; Use empty can to measure and add 1 can of milk.
Stir in 1 - 16 oz. bag frozen peas.
Stir in 1 - 16 oz. bag of extra wide egg noodles, par cooked.

Sprinkle top with crumble potato chips or crumb topping:

2 tbsp butter
2/3 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs

Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Granny's Lemon Bars

Here's another recipe from Granny, in her own writing. :) It was so funny; While at work, today, I thought about making these Lemon Bars for dessert - great after Salmon Lasagna...
 
While I was cleaning up from dinner, without me saying a thing, Craig asks where the Lemon Bars are...he thought that sounded really yummy - perfect after a yummy salmon dinner! LOL! I had never mentioned that I was going to make Lemon Bars, tonight. :)
Crust
1 cup "oleo" (butter)
2 cups flour
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

1. Cut "oleo" into flour and confectioner's sugar
2. Pat into 9x13 inch pan and bake 20 minutes at 350F - or until golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and pour filling over baked crust.

Filling (Cristin prefers 1 1/2 times the filling)
2 cups sugar
4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp lemon juice
4 eggs - beaten

4. Bake another 25 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Cut into squares while still warm.

We love you, Granny!

Salmon Lasagna

I don't know why this is called "lasagna", but a fishing acquaintance from one of the Charters in Grindstone gave us this recipe and it is definitely a family favorite. It is now Cristin's favorite meal replacing "Salmon" Noodle Casserole.

1. Cut salmon into 2" squares and cover bottom of 9X13 pan.
2. Sprinkle generously with Old Bay seasoning
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. Spread thinly with mayonnaise
5. Pour 16oz. jar of Chi Chi's salsa over all
6. Sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella cheese
7. Bake 45 minutes at 375F

Serve over rice if desired.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Chicken & Rice Casserole - Light

This recipe came from Nonna, many years ago. It is a favorite of the 4-C's, especially on cold days - an easy, hot, hearty meal that is great as leftovers. I've altered the recipe over the years as we've worked to reduce fat and calories. Even with my changes (eliminating 1/4 pound of butter and using boneless, skinless chicken in place of fryer parts) it is still quite a rich dish!


Made with chicken thighs.
Combine:

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 cup uncooked rice
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Pour into casserole dish sprayed with PAM.

 

Bake at 300F for 2 hours.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Honeymoon Granola

This recipe was shared by my friend, Dawn. Every time I make it, it's different. I have fun experimenting with the nuts and dried fruit I use. Try your own versions. This is a great snack for long drives, thus the reason I have it out, today. Getting ready to send Cristin on her last (hopefully) drive down to Charleston; just 5 more weeks of classes at CSU - Woohoo!


Honeymoon Granola

3 cups old fashioned oats
1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup dried fruit (I use 1 cup raisins and 1 cup dates)
¼ cup shelled sunflower seeds
½ cup nonfat dried milk powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup water
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (maple syrup makes it sweeter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 275F. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Whisk oil, water, honey, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Place on baking sheet and bake until granola is golden and crunchy. (approximately 55-60 minutes), stirring frequently. Makes a large batch. Store in airtight container.

** I have experimented with sliced almonds and Craisens – yummy, too!


From “Wisdom’s Gate – An Encouraging Word” 2007

Baked French Toast

This is my favorite "make ahead" breakfast recipe from my sister, Julie.

1 loaf French bread cut into 1 1/2 inch slices.

Lay in bottom of 9x13 pan sprayed with PAM.

Top with slices of 3 apples.

Mix together and pour over bread and apples:

8 eggs
3 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tblsp. vanilla

Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over all.

Bake 35 minutes at 400F

or

Let set in refrigerator overnight and bake 50 minutes at 400 F.

This recipe is the best with hard as rock "day old" French bread. It soaks up all the egg overnight and is so yummy after baking. Add some crisp bacon slices and a glass of juice...you're set for the day! :)