Butternut Squash Casserole

This is a recipe that my mother  introduced to me.  Whenever I go home for a visit I ask her to make this for me. It’s a favourite dish at potluck gatherings as well.  Since my parents are vegetarian, we eat this casserole with a salad and mashed potatoes.

• 6 cups butternut squash peeled and thinly sliced  ( 1 medium squash )
• 2 heaping tbsp. flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup scalded milk
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 1/2 cups cheese  finely grated ( gruyere, or pecorino )

1. Toss the butternut squash with flour , salt, pepper and cheese.
2. Layer in a buttered casserole dish
3. Add minced garlic to scalded milk, pour over the casserole.  Cover dish with tin foil
4. Bake in pre-heated oven for 45 minutes.  After 30 minutes take off the foil and finish baking.

Corn Casserole

This recipe is for my vegetarian friends.  I put in some potatoes to bake  along side the casserole and toss up a salad while dinner is in the oven.  Quick, easy and yummy.

• 2 cups corn fresh/canned/frozen
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 onion diced fine
• 1/2 green pepper diced fine
• chili pepper flakes to spice it up if you like it spicy!

Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix together, transfer to casserole dish.  Bake in pre-heated oven for 35- 40 minutes.  Should be firm to the touch.  If still liquid in the middle, bake longer.  Enjoy!

Tuna Casserole

How many times have you opened the cupboard doors to find almost no  ingredients for dinner?  No time, or energy to go shopping?  Well here is the perfect meal for that situation!  Who doesn’t have a can of tuna in the cupboard and a bag of frozen peas in the freezer?  This is also a great way to use up that small piece of cheese which may be drying up around the edges.  Those are some staples which I always seem to have on hand.

serves 4

• 1/2 onion minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 can chunk tuna in water
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 tsp salt
• pepper
• chili pepper flakes for spice ( optional )
• 1 tsp chopped parsley ( optional )
• 1 cup grated cheese  ( whatever you have on hand will be fine )

1. Melt butter in saucepan
2. Add onions and garlic, sautee on med. heat until soft
3. Add flour to make a roux.
4. Whisk in milk quickly, a little at a time , stirring constantly.  Add salt , pepper, and chili flakes. Bring to a boil.  It too thick add a little more milk.
5. Add tuna and peas, along with pepper flakes and parsley if you like.
6. Pour into casserole dish, and top with cheese
7. Bake in oven @ 350 for 30 minutes
8. Serve with noodles, rice or boiled new potatoes.

Chicken , Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole

I used to work in a popular family restaurant.  This item was on the menu and it was a hit.  I’ve found a recipe that comes quite close to the real thing.  Give it a try, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!  I like to serve it with rice.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2 chicken breasts cooked
8 ounces fresh or frozen broccoli cuts or florets, cooked and drained well   ( I steam them in a pot in a steamer basket )
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chicken broth

1 can mushroom soup

1 clove garlic crushed
1 tsp curry paste
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Put the chicken in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole; sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Top with the broccoli; season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, curry paste and garlic ; pour over broccoli.  Top with cheese.
Bake at 350F for 35 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Makes four servings.

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