Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a nice vegetable side dish alternative to corn, green beans, broccoli and mashed potatoes. It goes well with most types of meat and kids will be more apt to like it with the bit of sweeter flavor.

Sweet Potato Casserole
10-12 servings

Ingredients;
4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes ( I usually buy canned yams and drain and mash them)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
Dash of salt
1/3 stick of butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter (melted)

Directions:
1. Mix filling ingredients and pour into a greased casserole dish.
2. Combine the topping ingredients and crumble over the potato mixture.
3. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.     

Homemade Stuffing

I have become a snob when it comes to my stuffing/dressing choices in that I will pretty much only eat homemade. I know, so picky!! In the past, I thought it would have been a difficult thing to make, but in reality it is quite easy. I found this recipe a while back in an old cookbook and usually half it unless we are having more people.

Homemade Stuffing
8 servings

Ingredients:
30 slices white bread, lightly toasted
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Toast the bread and allow it to sit for half a day to harden.
2. Crush the bread crumbs with a rolling pin and place in a large bowl.
3. Melt the butter in a skillet and stir in the onion and celery, cooking until both are soft.
4. Mix the eggs and chicken broth in with the bread crumbs. At this point, the consistency of the mixture should be moist, but not mushy. If needed, use a little bit of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Mix in the onion, celery, rubbed sage, garlic powder, and salt/pepper.
6. Press the mix into a greased 9X13 inch baking pan.
7. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until the top is brown and crisp.

Creamy Italian Noodles

This pasta side dish is very simple to make and goes well with most chicken/beef main dishes. My kids love it and will eat several helpings. It would also be good with some chopped vegetables added in.


4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (8 ozs.) wide egg noodles
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup whipping cream (can use half and half if you do not want it as rich)
2 tsps. Italian salad dressing mix
Parmesan cheese to sprinkle

Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. After draining, place in a bowl and toss with softened butter.
3. Mix the remaining ingredients together (except Parmesan cheese) and then pour over noodles, stirring well.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
 

Italian Potatoes

 
Great-tasting side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. My kids love this dish so it is a surefire way to get them to eat some veggies. The 3-yr. old alone will eat several helpings.

Ingredients:
4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 cup creamy Italian salad dressing
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions:
1. Toss potatoes with dressing, salt and pepper.
2. Place in a greased 13X9X2 inch baking pan.
3. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
4. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.
5. Uncover and bake 20 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.