Back to Reality

I don't know about you, but I'm finally tired of the holiday goodies. I got all my cookies and candies made. I took goody boxes to work for my coworkers today and made a few trays for neighbors and friends. I think I need more friends - I have tons of stuff left. Of course, we'll eat some of it, but we certainly don't need it all. I think I got carried away. If you made homemade treats for your family and friends this year, I hope you had fun and if you tried any of my recipes, I hope you enjoyed them.

When I started this month I planned to post goody recipes up until Christmas, but I decided to stop. First, I think everyone should be done with any homemade stuff by now. Also, I was starting to run out of favorite recipes. Today I decided to post a recipe for a very quick and easy dinner. You probably have everything you need for this in your freezer and pantry. This will make a quick and easy dinner for one of those hectic days.

Mama's Brainless Chicken Casserole
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
1 pound chopped, cooked broccoli (or other vegetable)
2 cans condensed cream of chicken and/or cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups cooked pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients except cheese in a lightly greased casserole dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 until hot and bubbly.

Can't get much easier than that!

Got Leftovers?

Happy Thanksgiving!! I love Christmas just like everybody else, but I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. You don't have to figure out what presents to get or spend a lot of money. You don't have to spend all night wrapping and putting together those "some assembly required" things. Thanksgiving is just family and good food. Relaxed. No pressure.

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers, but I understand some people aren't sure what to do with them. I mean you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches, right? We are having ham instead of turkey this year. I will use some of the leftovers for sandwiches. I'll also make a breakfast casserole on Saturday or Sunday morning. And of course I will use the bone and scrappy pieces for ham and beans.

Even though we aren't having turkey, I know a lot of people are, so here are a couple of my favorite recipes to use that leftover turkey. Make sure to save some of the meat and the bones for yummy turkey noodle soup. Both of these recipes are also good with chicken.

Turkey Tetrazinni
1 12 oz package frozen egg noodles, cooked
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Grease a casserole dish. Combine soup, milk, water and cheddar cheese in a 3 quart saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir in cooked noodles, turkey, peas and pimiento. Spoon into a greased casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs and parmesan cheese; sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered at 375 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Turkey Cantonese Casserole
2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 cups thinly sliced celery
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 small can sliced water chestnuts
1 small can sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup chopped pimiento
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 cup cashew pieces
1 1/2 cups chow mein noodles

In a 2 quart casserole, combine all ingredients, except cashews and chow mein noodles. Cover and microwave on medium power for 11 minutes, stirring once. Stir in cashew pieces and chow mein noodles. Let stand covered for 2 minutes.

For the Love of Breakfast

I love breakfast food. Unfortunately, since my husband and I both work full-time, we don't have time for a big, sit-down breakfast during the week. I usually make a hearty breakfast on Sundays. We sometimes have breakfast food for dinner too.

Here is one of my favorite breakfast casserole recipes that's super tasty and easy. I serve it with scrambled eggs and blueberry muffins. Since there aren't any eggs in it, it keeps pretty well for a few days in the fridge. I sometimes take leftovers to work and microwave them for breakfast or lunch during the week. You can also leave out the meat and serve this as a great side dish for any meal.

Easy Hashbrown Casserole
1 32 oz package frozen hasbrown potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 16 oz carton sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup cubed, cooked ham or 1/2 pound bacon cut in pieces and cooked to your liking
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat oven to 350. Melt butter over low heat. Stir in cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Add cheese mixture and stir until blended. Stir in hasbrowns. Spread in a 9 x 13, buttered baking dish. Dot with butter. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

I sometimes sprinkle extra cheese on the top too. Yummy!

Enjoy!