Posts Tagged ‘casserole’

Belgian endives with ham & cheese

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November 26th, 2009

I know I’m suppose to get cracking on that Boeuf Bourguignon I promised you, but the budget’s been tight and time is not on my side, so lately my cooking has been characterized by either “cheap” or “quick” or both.

Which brings me to Belgian endives. Damn, I love those things, and they are cheap as what-have-you ate the moment. I know lots of people are terrified of them, and many think they are very bitter. But with the bitter cores removed and combined with a luscious, cheesy sauce, they are delicious.

This recipe for Belgian endives with ham & cheese is my version of a Dutch staple. It was one of my favorites when I was a kid. I updated it by reducing the béchamel and cheese and using fancier ham. Despite this being an oven baked dish, it’s really quick and super easy. And, not unimportantly, it’s CHEAP!

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Three cheese Mac & Cheese with broccoli

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October 6th, 2009

I can’t believe that Marbles’ birthday was already a month ago, and that it took me this long to share the recipe that resulted from the fridge full of leftovers that is the inevitable aftermath of a successful birthday party. I kind of hate it when blog writers keep apologizing for not having posted in long time. So I’m not going to apologize, and instead give you the recipe to a fantastic mac & cheese.

When I think of mac & cheese I don’t immediately have visions of macaroni covered in orange goo. I grew up with the South African version, which is a lot like the English version, and probably a lot like non-boxed, gramma-style American mac & cheese. It involves macaroni, usually with some onion and diced ham, mixed with grated cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked in the oven. It’s pretty delicious, but I’m not a fan of boiled ham, and figured the dish could do with a slightly healthier, less greasy update. And this is the result: a delicious, gooey, crunchy mac & cheese with the added flavor of fresh broccoli and tangy cottage cheese. The perfect comfort food, but relatively easy on the aorta. (more…)

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