Ah, casseroles… those homey comfort dishes are not glamorous or gourmet, but a satisfying one dish meal is so great for busy week night dinners or when it’s your turn to sign up for a “Meal train” contribution. This is a rich and filling meal with cheese and spinach tortellini, broccoli and chicken under a cheese sauce, bread crumbs and basil. It will freeze like a dream and can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. This is adapted from a Southern Living recipe. Read More
Traditional meat lasagna
If you’ve got a crowd to feed, a potluck to attend or you really, really need a comfort meal, then lasagna is your best friend. It’s meaty, cheesy, carb- laden and so easy to tote, make ahead or freeze. This is a traditional recipe that takes a bit of preparation but is very worthwhile. Add a simple green salad, some good bread and some red wine and you have a feast. Read More
Raising the bar… Truffled Macaroni and cheese with shallots
Some days nothing but the homiest of cooking will satisfy, and the old favorites beckon. If you’re already going down that less than healthy path it may as well be done in good form and with the best of ingredients. Here is a recipe for a wonderfully rich and decadent macaroni and cheese dish. It adds smoky bacon, roasted shallots, and a little truffle oil to sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. As an added bonus, it can be made up to three days ahead of time. Here, it is cooked and served in individual ramekins. This is adapted from a Tillamook recipe from Brenden Mesch. Read More