Holiday Recipes

These are some what different holiday recipes.  Not your traditional green bean casserole or mashed potatoes.  I love those classic side dishes, but sometimes you need a change.  A little mix up on the table.  Here are some ideas.  All three are winter favorites at our house.

Scalloped Corn
1/4 c butter
4 c canned corn
1/2 c milk
1/2 c sour cream
30 crushed saltine crackers
3 T sugar
1 T finely chopped onion
1 T finely chopped green pepper
1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated
1 t salt
pepper to taste

Melt butter in a square baking dish in oven at 325 F.  Place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet.  Combine all ingredients, except 1/4 c of the crackers and 1/4 c of the cheese.  Transfer into the baking dish (careful, it's supper hot).  Sprinkle with raining crackers and cheese. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

Root Veggie Gratin

3 turnips or rutabagas, peeled and sliced

4 red potatoes, sliced (peels on)

1 lb parsnip, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

1 onion, sliced

2 c cheddar cheese, grated

1 t parsley

1 t sage

1/2 t rosemary

1/2 t salt

spray-on olive oil

Grease a casserole dish.  Layer half the veggies, sprinkle with half the herbs/salt and half the cheese.  Repeat veggies, herbs, salt and cheese.  Cover and bake at 400 F for 40 minutes.  Uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

Creamy Spinach Italiano

1 c ricotta cheese

3/4 c whipping cream

2 pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 1/3 c french fried onions

1/2 c chopped roasted red peppers

1/4 c chopped fresh basil

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

1 t garlic powder

1/2 t salt

Whisk ricotta and milk together.  Stir in all the ingredients, except 2/3 c of the french fried onions.  Pour into a greased square glass baking dish.  Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes.  Stir.  Sprinkle with remaining onions and bake an additional 5 minutes.