November 19, 2024

Hello Foodie Friends

I've decided to take the next few days to help you with a few "last-minuters" for the big day. What about another veggie casserole to put out? This SPINACH BAKE uses the frozen spinach and cream cheese and has gone over great at potlucks and dinner parties. This uses lots of butter but this is one time of the year you can splurge. If you do everything ahead of time it only takes 20 minutes to bake too.

* Sure hope you're not waiting till the last minute to get the shopping done though - if so bring a book because you'll be waiting in some long lines ;o)

CREAMY SPINACH BAKE

INGREDIENTS:
4 packages frozen spinach, (10 oz each)
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted, divided
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
paprika

DIRECTIONS:
Thaw spinach and press or squeeze to remove excess water. Grease a casserole dish and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, parmesan and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Spoon into casserole dish. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and paprika, and drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

YIELD: 8 Servings

MARZEE's CORNER

GENERAL CASSEROLE HELPERS:

When you don't have the specific casserole baking dish called for in a recipe, it's best to think big. Opt to use a pan of equal or slightly greater volume. However, if you substitute a pan that is shallower than the one specified, reduce the baking time by 25 percent, if the pan is deeper increase the baking time by 25 percent.

To save time, though not necessary money, stock up on pre-cut and peeled vegetables like carrots, onions, and broccoli florets available in either your supermarket produce aisle or salad bar-you'll discover they make casserole preparation a snap.

Because generally a casserole takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to bake, you ought to consider using dried herbs in dishes which require longer cooking (more than an hour) rather than delicate fresh herbs which tend to lose their flavor when exposed to extended periods of high heat.

Want to make that casserole au gratin? Simply sprinkle the assembled dish with grated cheese and bread crumbs moistened with a little melted butter and dried herbs if desired and continue baking until filling is cooked and topping is melted and bubbling.