Posted in Side Dish

Side Dish ‘n’ Saturdays: Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole

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Copycat Boston Market recipe

4 1/2 cups zucchini, diced
4 1/2 cups yellow squash, diced
1 1/2 cups yellow onions, chopped
1 (6 ounce) boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
3/4 cup butter
8 ounces cheddar cheese
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Prep Day: Prepare Jiffy Mix as directed on the box, set aside to cool. Place zucchini and yellow squash in a large saucepan and add just enough of water to cover. Cook on medium low heat just until tender, remove from heat. Drain squash, reserve one cup of water for casserole. On medium low temperature place all of the butter in large sauce pan and sauté the onions until the onions turn clear, add salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Add chicken bouillon cubes and garlic to onions, stir. Add drained squash and diced cheese, stir. Crumble corn bread in squash and pour the reserved cup of water and mix well. Place squash mixture in a 13×11″ baking pan that has been sprayed with a non-stick spray.

To Freeze: You can also be frozen in 2 smaller pans if desired. Then all you have to do is thaw when ready and cook!

Serve Day: Thaw. Cover casserole and place in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Remove cover the last 20 minutes of baking time. Lower Fat content by reducing amount of butter used by half.

Posted in Side Dish

Side Dish ‘n’ Saturdays: Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

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Volunteer to bring this simple and fabulous sweet potato dish for your next holiday meal.

Makes 12 (1/2-cup) servings

Sweet Potatoes –
3 cups cooked mashed peeled Louisiana yams (sweet potatoes), about 3-4 sweet potatoes
2/3 cup of 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 egg whites
1/4 cup orange juice

Praline Topping –
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Prep Day: For Praline Topping…In bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in butter, vanilla, and pecans until crumbly. Set aside. Coat 2-quart casserole with nonstick cooking spray. In bowl, cream together all ingredients except the topping with potato masher or mixer until blended. Transfer to prepared dish and sprinkle with Praline Topping. Wrap well and freeze.

Serve Day: Thaw. Preheat oven 350°F. Bake 40-45 minutes or until thoroughly heated and topping is brown and crumbly.

Posted in Side Dish

Side Dish ‘n’ Saturdays: Yam Corn Bread Stuffing

Yam Corn Bread Stuffing

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Naturally sweet yams and cornbread team up for a mouthwatering savory stuffing. For a time efficient approach, prepare the cornbread and toast the pecans a day ahead.

Makes 10 servings

2 cups chopped, peeled, Louisiana sweet potatoes (yams)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon ground ginger
5 cups crumbled cooked corn bread
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Vegetable (or chicken) broth, as needed

Prep Day: In large skillet, cook sweet potatoes, onion, celery in butter over medium-high heat 7-10 minutes, or until just tender. Spoon mixture into large mixing bowl. Stir in parsley and ginger. Add corn bread and pecans, toss gently to coat. Add enough broth to moisten. Place stuffing in 2-quart oblong casserole. Wrap and freeze.

Serve Day: thaw. Preheat oven 375°F. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes, or until heated through. Serve.