Tag casserole

NATIONAL MAC AND CHEESE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

One of the classic comfort foods earns a place of honor on July 14th. It is National Mac and Cheese Day!

Made with macaroni noodles, cream or milk, and the golden goodness of cheese, mac and cheese shines as a side dish while also standing on its own as a main dish. This meal reminds many of us of home while also teaching us the basics of the kitchen. What other recipes allow us to create so flamboyantly and often with so little knowledge about cooking?

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Chicken & Broccoli Meal Kits (13.6 oz Boxes, Pack of 6) by Velveeta
Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Chicken & Broccoli Meal Kits (13.6 oz Boxes, Pack of 6)

by Velveeta

From the classic mac and cheese with cheddar or American cheeses to the spicy cowboy mac with bacon and jalapenos, there’s a combination for everyone. Mix up the cheeses or load up on seasonings. It’s easy to get a toasty crust by setting the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time.

If you’re like many of us today, we’re watching the carbohydrate intake.  Keto, low carb, and others can take advantage of newer products in today’s marketplace.   We use Cauliflower,  Zucchini,  and innovative products like Pasta Zero made from mushrooms that give us an alternative means of enjoying these classic comfort foods. 

Shirataki Pasta Noodles & Rice Keto Variety Pack – Low Carb Pasta Pack for Keto Diets Includes: (2) Shirataki Noodles Angel Hair (2) Shirataki Rice & (2) Shirataki Noodles Fettuccini 6x7oz/200g Each by AMAZING LOKARB
Shirataki Pasta Noodles & Rice Keto Variety Pack – Low Carb Pasta Pack for Keto Diets Includes: (2) Shirataki Noodles Angel Hair (2) Shirataki Rice & (2) Shirataki Noodles Fettuccini 6x7oz/200g Each

by AMAZING LOKARB

Look for a variety of these products in both fresh and frozen.  Innovative solutions like these have put things like pasta dishes back into our recipe book.  Easy substitutions can replace high starchy foods with the same basic tastes.  So if you want a more traditional pasta choice choose whole wheat pastas.   While not as low carb as some choices they metabolize slowly in our systems which is of particular importance for Diabetic diets. 

Do your own verified research.  It is scientifically proven that a lot of these choices are much healthier for you.  They not only contribute to things like weight loss but, cardiovascular risks, diabetes,  stroke and general well being.  There are lots of rumors out there some even repeated by medical staffs.

Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower Pasta Meal (5.5 oz Boxes, Pack of 12) by Kraft
Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower Pasta Meal (5.5 oz Boxes, Pack of 12)

by Kraft

Mac and cheese offers a multitude of ways to enjoy it, too. As a soup, it warms us up after a long day. Stuff it inside a meatloaf or a burger for a meal made for a hungry, busy family. Roll up bite-sized bits in bread crumbs and deep fry for mouthwatering appetizers. Put your favorite mac and cheese between two slices of crusty bread. Then put into a panini press for some grilled yumminess. Whether we like it mild or spicy, mac and cheese has us covered.

Try the cauliflower version with tuna and green veggie like broccoli  for a terrific tasting and healthy take on Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Besides being simple to make, mac and cheese enables us to experiment with other flavors we enjoy. We break into our kitchen skills with mac and cheese, and it makes us look good. Sometimes the can opener doesn’t do that. On July 14th, celebrate mac and cheese not only because we love to eat it, but because it taught us we can cook, too.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacAndCheeseDay

Enjoy some mac and cheese! Experiment with different cheeses or try it with toppings. Don’t hesitate to break out of your normal routine. This is no time to be ho-hum. It’s a celebration of a food that’s not only convenient but is versatile and delicious, too. Use #NationalMacAndCheeseDay to share on social media.

National Macaroni Day

National Pasta Month

National Noodle Day

National Carbonara Day

National Pasta Day

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “jensperspec0b-20”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “Shop Related Products”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “Macaroni and cheese”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “All”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “b26d57f4fd8da8befdd46bc6ae14866e”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US

Greek Chicken Pasta

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

This easy Greek Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious, fuss-free dinner that combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in one comforting dish. Tossed with fresh Asparagus, fresh mushrooms Alfredo sauce, lemon juice, and topped with plenty of cheese, this baked pasta comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, it’s a flavorful twist on classic pasta bake that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2 LG canned chicken 12.5oz
  • 16 oz Fresh mushrooms chopped
  • 1 bundle Fresh asparagus cut length in thirds
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 8oz block cream cheese
  • 1 12 oz  jar Alfredo pasta sauce
  • 8 oz penne pasta cooked alde te
  • 3 tbsp greek seasoning
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice divided
  • 1 tsp blakened seasoning
  • 1 10oz grape tomatoes sliced in half

Directions

  • Cook pasta to aldente’
  • Mix Alfredo, onions, mushrooms and chicken, Greek Seasoning, 1 tblsp lemon juice
  • In glass bakeware add 1 tbsp olive oil then cream cheese block
  • Surround with fresh asparagus topped by 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Add cooked pasta
  • Onion, mushrooms, Greek Seasoning, and Alfredo sauce
  • Spread evenly
  • Sprinkle 1 tsp blackened seasoning
  • Top with shredded cheese (we used sliced provolone that we had)
  • Cover with aluminum foil
  • Bake 45 minutes @ 350°
  • Add halved tomatoes after baking
  • Serve warm
  • Enjoy with a light white wine if desired

Add 10 minutes more to cooking time if you prefer Asparagus cooked soft.  We made the biggest pan and everybody had seconds.  I hope it’s as popular for your weeknight dinner.

MALACASA 4.4 QT Baking Dish, 9x13 Large Casserole Dish for Oven, Ceramic Baking Pan, Rectangular Lasagna Pan Deep with Handles for Baking, Durable Microwave Oven Safe, White, Series BAKE-BAKE
MALACASA 4.4 QT Baking Dish, 9×13 Large Casserole Dish for Oven, Ceramic Baking Pan, Rectangular Lasagna Pan Deep with Handles for Baking, Durable Microwave Oven Safe, White, Series BAKE-BAKE
imarku Chef Knife 7 Inch Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Santoku Knife - 7Cr17Mov Japanese Chefs Knife, Kitchen Gadgets 2025, Apartment Essentials, Birthday Gifts for Him Her, Best Gifts for Women Men
imarku Chef Knife 7 Inch Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Santoku Knife – 7Cr17Mov Japanese Chefs Knife, Kitchen Gadgets 2025, Apartment Essentials, Birthday Gifts for Him Her, Best Gifts for Women Men
Priority Chef Premium Mixing Bowls With Lids Set, Airtight Lids, Thicker Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set, Large Prep Metal Bowls, Nesting Bowls for Kitchen, 1.5/2/3/4/5 Qrt, Black
Priority Chef Premium Mixing Bowls With Lids Set, Airtight Lids, Thicker Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set, Large Prep Metal Bowls, Nesting Bowls for Kitchen, 1.5/2/3/4/5 Qrt, Black
Titanium Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium and Wheat Straw PP, Dishwasher Safe Easy to Clean Large Size 16”×11”
Titanium Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium and Wheat Straw PP, Dishwasher Safe Easy to Clean Large Size 16”×11”

Jen’s Greek Cassarole Bake

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Full of flavor, healthy and easy ro make, this dinner hits the spot for full tummies.  Filled with Ground turkey, Couscous, black olives, 2 kinds of sqaush, cheeses, and greek seasoning ant topped with lemon slices.  It’s perfect for a family meal, potluck dinner, and a good choice for lots of dietary needs.  So good I bet no one will even suspect it’s good for them…

Ingredients

1 Near East Couscous 5.9oz box

3 lbs ground turkey

16 oz sliced Pepper jack cheese

1 2.2 oz can sliced blak olives

1 8oz  spinach artichoke cheese dip

1/4 cup grated Parmesean Cheese

1 medium onion diced

2 tbls minced garlic

2 lemon sliced

2 Tbls Greek Seasoning

Zucchini

Yellow Squash

10 oz fresh grape tomatoes sliced in half

Directions

  1. Prepare a 9 x 13 glass baking dish             
  2. Prepare couscous as directed on packaging and set aside
  3. Chop zucchini and yellow squash into 1/2 pieces
  4. Brown Ground turkey with onion and minced garlic
  5. Drain, mix with spinach artichoke cheese dip,  set aside.
  6. In prepared dish spread browned turkey, couscous, vegetables and black olives in 3 layers. 
  7. Top bottom layers with Monterrey Jack cheese. 
  8. Sprinkle Paresean cheese and greek seasoning over top of cassarole.
  9. Top entire dish with lemon slices
  10. Bake @ 350° for 40 minutes until vegetables are cooked. 
  11. Top with grape tomatoes halves

Serve warm and Enjoy

Amazon Fresh with Prime delivery

Jen’s Keto Quiche

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner this low carb option is super good and loaded with enough meat, eggs vegetables, and cheeses, to satisfy for any meal.  To keep it Keto friendly, I chose low carb vegetables and loaded it with cheeses too. I stayed crustless, but there are lots of options out there if you really want a crust.

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • 16 Oz Sliced fresh mushrooms ( retain about 12 pretty slices for top of quiche
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green pepper
  • 1 lb cubed ham
  • 10 Oz fresh spinach (using paper towel ring out as much water as you can)
  • 16oz grape tomatoes cut in half
  • 8 Oz sliced Colby Jack cheese
  • 8 oz  sliced Sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 8oz slices Provolone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping Cream
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Coat 13 x 9 glass baking dish in non stick spray. Really important for crustless quiche. Layers are about 1/3 of each ingredient except mushrooms. These are done about half in each layer, with retained ones going on top.
  • Layer in ingredients starting with onions, green pepper, ham, tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach.
  • Top with Colby/Jack cheese slices
  • Second layer onions green pepper, ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach.
  • Top with Provaline cheese slices
  • Layer last of onions, green pepper, ham, tomatoes and spinach.
  • Top with sliced cheddar cheese. Arrange remaining mushroom slices on top.
  • Whish eggs, heavy Cream, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
  • Slowly pour egg mixture over filled casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil for oven.
  • Bake in pre-heated oven for 45 minutes at 350°.

I usually slice into 12 squares. Makes a wonderful dinner and we can have leftovers for breakfasts. Can be frozen in portions for breakfasts too. Simply freeze individually and separate with parchment paper in gallon zip lock bag.

There are a ton of options and variations to ingredients and sizes. For smaller individual servings assemble in a Muffin tin. Try your own vegetable choices. Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, the choices are only really defined by your tastes. My family loves this version and we are trying out new varieties presently. So I hope your family love to dish this up too…

Explore More…

It’s what for dinner!

PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.  

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket is often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served at any mealtime!

Another popular version of pigs-in-a-blanket includes cabbage rolls stuffed with a beef filling. It’s often covered with a tomato or cream sauce. Many recipes use the name “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” to describe just about any meat product wrapped in something. For example, one recipe we found called for stuffing a hotdog with a slice of cheese and wrapping the whole works with bacon. No dough or cabbage involved here. 

And while some references give Betty Crocker credit for the first printed use of the phrase in 1957, records as early as 1901 reference recipes for pigs-in-a-blanket in a variety of forms. However, the phrase did increase in usage in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 cookbook. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPigBlanketDay

No matter how you make pigs-in-a-blanket, make enough to share. We even have two recipes for you to try. The ones wrapped in pastry dough make great appetizers or snacks and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. Check out the sauce recipes, too! 

Pigs-In-A-Blanket(Cabbage)
Pigs-In-A-Blanket (mini smokies)
Dipping Sauces

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.