Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole (so named because as we were eating it my cousin said, "It tastes like Thanksgiving dinner all in one bite!"  This is a dish that I have not personally cooked, but we received it from a kind mom-of-six in our church.  I emailed her right after eating it to ask for the recipe ...)


2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 small diced onion (about 1/4 cup)
olive oil
1/4 c. flour
Cream or milk (not sure on the amount - she didn't say!  I'd guess about 1 1/2 to 2 cups.)
salt and pepper
1 package of stuffing mix


Cut up chicken breasts into bite sized pieces.  Heat oil in a skillet and cook onion and chicken together until chicken is no longer pink.  Stir in flour.  When meat is coated, start adding the cream or milk a little at a time, stirring it all as it thickens into as much white sauce as desired.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Put this mixture in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
Prepare stuffing according to the package in the quantity you want for the size of the casserole (I'd guess about 1/2 box?  Not sure, since I've not actually made it ...)  Spread stuffing on top.  
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.


I can't say enough what a blessing it has been for us to receive meals from friends during this adjustment to life with a baby!  Sure, she's a (relatively) easy baby, but I can't imagine what a mess I'd be (not to mention the kitchen) if I had to juggle food prep and newborn care.  I can see it now ... accidentally giving the kiddo an onion to suck on while I dice the pacifier.  Thankfully, our friends and family have come to the rescue, and have made us some amazing meals with enough leftovers for lunches or second-dinners!  We are so thankful!

Really. Incredible. Quiche.

Spinach and Bacon Quiche, courtesy of P. Deen 


6 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. heavy cream (we used milk instead)
salt and pepper
2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach, packed
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 c. shredded swiss cheese
1 9-inch pie crust in a pie plate (either buy one already in the tin or fit one into your own pie plate)


Preheat oven to 375.
Combine eggs, cream, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor.  Layer spinach, bacon, and cheese in the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until egg mixture is set.  Cut into 8 wedges and serve hot or cold.


Well, it happened: Baby Girl RhymesWithSmile made it into the world on 1.1.11 after approximately 28 hours of labor, 4 "this might be my last meal" meals, 13 games of bananagrams, 1 walk around the neighborhood, and a ridiculous overnight contractionfest.  But she's here!  And she's awesome.  And, I feel like I am FINALLY eating for two ... I had no idea that I would be so ravenously hungry while nursing the little peanut!

My mom spent a week with us and did an amazing job of cooking, cleaning, taking early-morning baby-shifts, and doting on Baby Girl.  She made this quiche for us and I immediately decided that I had a new favorite meal (OK.  Honestly ... whatever I'm eating at the time is my new favorite meal, but this was truly stellar).  It's super easy too!  When she went back home, she made it again for my dad (who can't eat a lot of spinach) by substituting shredded zucchini and chopped peppers for the spinach.  She said it was a hit!  I don't know ... maybe it's the cup and a half of cheese, but I feel like I could substitute most any vegetable in there and come out with a winner.


Alright.  Motherhood calls.  More later.