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Showing posts with label Freezer Meal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freezer Meal. Show all posts

Monday, April 20, 2009

Artichoke Turkey Casserole

My husband doesn't eat ham, so the typically Easter ham is a no-go in our house (I'm not really saddened by this). Instead, I made a turkey dinner. Since I got an 11 pound turkey for two people, there were plenty of leftovers. Luckily, my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook had a great casserole recipe for leftover turkey! I had to omit the bacon and pepper, used brown rice instead of white, used canned artichokes, and used a homemade substitute for the canned cream of chicken soup. The casserole turned out fabulous, and will definitely be a favorite use for leftovers in the future! I had enough to make two, and froze one for an easy meal on a busy night.

I am realizing now that this does not photograph well.Free Smiley Face Courtesy of www.FreeSmileys.org But, it's too good to leave out. So here you go.


Artichoke Turkey Casserole
Source: Better Homes and Gardens, New Cookbook: Bridal Edition
Serves 6

* 1/2 cup chopped carrot (1 medium)
* 1/2 cup chopped red sweet pepper (1 small)
* 1/4 cup sliced green onion (2)
* 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
* 1 10.75-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup (or substitute, see below)
* 1 8- to 9-ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and cut up (I used one can of quartered artichoke hearts)
* 1-1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey or chicken
* 1 cup cooked long grain rice or wild rice
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)
* 2/3 cup milk
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
* 2 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled
* 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large skillet cook carrot, sweet pepper, and green onion in hot butter over medium heat until carrot is crisp-tender. Remove from heat. Stir in soup, artichoke hearts, turkey, rice, mozzarella cheese, milk, thyme, and bacon. Transfer turkey mixture to a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

2. Bake, covered, in a 350° degree oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake about 20 minutes more or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

3. Make-ahead directions:Prepare as above through step 1. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Bake, covered, in a 350° oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 20 minutes more or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts per serving

* Calories: 248
* Total Fat (g): 11
* Saturated Fat (g): 5
* Monounsaturated Fat (g): 4
* Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1
* Cholesterol (mg): 47
* Sodium (mg): 611
* Carbohydrate (g): 18
* Total Sugar (g): 3
* Fiber (g): 3
* Protein (g): 18


Cream of Soup Substitute
Source: About.com

Ingredients:

* 2 cups dry milk
* 3/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules
* 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, optional
* 1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil, optional
* 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, optional
* 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram, optional
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 2 to 3 teaspoons butter

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients except butter together and store in airtight container. To use, mix 1/2 cup dry soup mix with 1 1/4 cups water and cook until thick; add butter. This is equal to one can cream soup. The mix makes enough to equal 9 to 10 cans. For cream of mushroom or celery soup, add chopped sauteƩ mushrooms or celery along with the butter while cooking.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Chicken and Rice Wraps

I made these for a coworker who would be having surgery, so she'd have something easy to grab for lunch while at home recovering. I had one or two that I couldn't fit in the bag for her, so I kept them for my husband. As soon as he tried one, he requested that I make more. A lot more! These are easy to make and keep on hand in the freezer for a quick lunch. I added a few things to the recipe, and tweaking to our liking since we use brown rice made in the rice cooker rather than instant white rice. Either way - these rock!


Chicken and Rice Wraps
Adapted from WC Freezer Friendly Recipes

~1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
~2 cups cooked brown rice
~2 cups salsa
~1 packet or 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (recipe follows)
~4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
~1/2 cup shredded mexican cheese blend
~8-12 tortillas

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Scoop into tortillas and fold into a burrito shape. Wrap with foil and freeze in a freezer bag. To re-heat, unwrap from foil and microwave until heated through (about two minutes), flipping over halfway through.

Taco Seasoning
From Allrecipes

~ 1 tablespoon chili powder
~ 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
~ 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
~ 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
~ 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
~ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
~ 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin (we use coriander)
~ 1 teaspoon sea salt
~ 1 teaspoon black pepper