I really miss the Olympics in London!
Even though they made me stay up every night until almost midnight, it was so fun to get behind our athletes and feel like you were cheering them on from the stands...even though it was from the comfort of my own couch with some nachos!
The whole Olympic experience got me thinking about my visits to London and the food I partook of while visiting.
What exactly is English food?
For so many centuries they controlled so many different countries around the world that its hard to identify true English fare. About the only thing I wanted to make sure I tried while I was over there was English style fish and chips. We were lucky to find a place open one evening that served them after a day of site seeing but I was not impressed. The fish had to much salt and vinegar on it and the fries "chips" were very pasty. Don't let me dissuade you however as you really need to try these while your there and I just think we had a rare "bad" experience.
If you are a tea drinker definitely try some good old English tea and biscuits. Your hotel will bring them right to your room. Even if you do not drink you must experience an English pub while your there. We did a cool ghost walking tour of London one night and visited some 500 year old pubs. Awesome!
The food I enjoyed the most over there was some Indian food we ate at a Tandoori restaurant which was near our hotel. There are a handful of these types of restaurants around the city and I imagine they are all good. The service was fantastic and they were eager to bring out many different dishes to sample at one low price as we had not had a lot of Indian food prior to our visit. Most of the nights we ate at restaurants in and around Piccadilly Circus which is the English version of Times Square in New York. I remember eating at the TGIFridays and Hard Rock Cafe. Again, try not to eat at chains while your there but I couldn't pass up the original Hard Rock.
The most English dish I can think of making sure you try during your visit is Yorkshire pudding (which isn't a pudding at all but a type of pastry with gravy), roast beef and green beans or potatoes. A meat and two veggies is the standard fare. Just do not be afraid to try other European and world cuisine while your there as they are a real melting pot of cultures and foods.
About the only type of food that is hard to find over there is Mexican. Geographically I can see why this is but I could not even find Spanish food in London and Spain is not as far as India or China?
So freeze dry some tacos for longer visits but other than that I think you will be a happy camper while navigating the Underground and seeing the amazing historical sites!
CHEERS for now!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Donuts!
Ahhh donuts!
Nothing says its Friday at work more than fresh made donuts, supplied by a generous co-worker or manager. After all, you have spent the majority of the week working hard and eating well, right?
It's funny how full circle donuts have come. They were all the rage when I was younger with Winchell's and Dunkin Doughnuts franchises all over as well as dozens of bakeries within most city limits. But they sort of died off in the late 80's - early 90's and were replaced by bagel shops. However, over the last few years I've noticed more and more specialty bakeries opening up with attention on designer donuts and cupcakes. What a great time to be alive!!!!
My favorite donuts growing up were called "Spudnuts". A place called Carmacks in Bountiful were the masters of the these types. In case you don't know what I'm talking about a spudnut is a donut made with dried potato mixed with the flour to give it more consistency and heartiness. They would rise up high and keep their thickness throughout. They were a perfect combination of substance and sweet glaze! There are only a few places around the country that still make these types but you can Google them to find out where they are in your area. I highly recommend it.
Here are a few places in Utah I recommend:
Tasty's (Kaysville): http://www.tastysbakery.com/the_spudnut
They still make the spudnut and have a lot of varieties. I love their plain glazed spudnut, double blueberry and apple or blueberry fritters (not as greasy as others I've had).
The Hole (Roy): http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hole-roy
Definitley worth the trip if your heading up Ogden way. Their donuts are huge and very filling. I love the crumb donuts as well as their maple bars. Just make sure you have plenty of milk to wash them down with!
My Sugar's (West Valley): http://utah.citysearch.com/profile/10394698/west_valley_ut/my_sugar_s_donut_shopp.html
When my job changed and I re-located to West Valley it was comforting to know there was an awesome donut shop just down the street. This is a tradition for Friday's treat day and I look forward to it like Christmas. Big donuts and a lot of different varieties. Just off the 201 freeway at 3200 West so stop by on your way out next time.
Beyond Glaze (Draper): http://www.beyondglaze.com/
Like a box of chocolates, when you get a box of these specialty donuts they have a chart that will tell you what kind of donut you are eating. I love their maple/bacon donut. Yes! it has pieces of bacon on it. A mans donut paradise!
I also have to mention Krispy Kreme in Layton, Madbrook in Clearfield and one of my favorite grocery store bakeries Dick's Market in Centerville. It was so easy coming up with some of my favorites.
Please let me know your favorite place in your neck of the woods as I'm always on the look out for a place to feed my donut craving at a moments notice.
So stay hungry my friends and don't forget the milk!
Nothing says its Friday at work more than fresh made donuts, supplied by a generous co-worker or manager. After all, you have spent the majority of the week working hard and eating well, right?
It's funny how full circle donuts have come. They were all the rage when I was younger with Winchell's and Dunkin Doughnuts franchises all over as well as dozens of bakeries within most city limits. But they sort of died off in the late 80's - early 90's and were replaced by bagel shops. However, over the last few years I've noticed more and more specialty bakeries opening up with attention on designer donuts and cupcakes. What a great time to be alive!!!!
My favorite donuts growing up were called "Spudnuts". A place called Carmacks in Bountiful were the masters of the these types. In case you don't know what I'm talking about a spudnut is a donut made with dried potato mixed with the flour to give it more consistency and heartiness. They would rise up high and keep their thickness throughout. They were a perfect combination of substance and sweet glaze! There are only a few places around the country that still make these types but you can Google them to find out where they are in your area. I highly recommend it.
Here are a few places in Utah I recommend:
Tasty's (Kaysville): http://www.tastysbakery.com/the_spudnut
They still make the spudnut and have a lot of varieties. I love their plain glazed spudnut, double blueberry and apple or blueberry fritters (not as greasy as others I've had).
The Hole (Roy): http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hole-roy
Definitley worth the trip if your heading up Ogden way. Their donuts are huge and very filling. I love the crumb donuts as well as their maple bars. Just make sure you have plenty of milk to wash them down with!
My Sugar's (West Valley): http://utah.citysearch.com/profile/10394698/west_valley_ut/my_sugar_s_donut_shopp.html
When my job changed and I re-located to West Valley it was comforting to know there was an awesome donut shop just down the street. This is a tradition for Friday's treat day and I look forward to it like Christmas. Big donuts and a lot of different varieties. Just off the 201 freeway at 3200 West so stop by on your way out next time.
Beyond Glaze (Draper): http://www.beyondglaze.com/
Like a box of chocolates, when you get a box of these specialty donuts they have a chart that will tell you what kind of donut you are eating. I love their maple/bacon donut. Yes! it has pieces of bacon on it. A mans donut paradise!
I also have to mention Krispy Kreme in Layton, Madbrook in Clearfield and one of my favorite grocery store bakeries Dick's Market in Centerville. It was so easy coming up with some of my favorites.
Please let me know your favorite place in your neck of the woods as I'm always on the look out for a place to feed my donut craving at a moments notice.
So stay hungry my friends and don't forget the milk!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Park City, UT
There is something about driving through Park City that just makes you feel well off. Even though I drive a 98 Sentra, I feel like my car looks better, the stereo sounds better, my cloths look better and I get the urge to buy some expensive art or invest in real estate. This place just seems to do that to me.
Not to mention when it is nearing 100 degrees outside here in the valley you can always count on Park City being 10 degrees cooler, which is nice.
A lot of people I talk too feel like they cannot eat there without spending a lot of money. While there are some very hi-end eateries, there are equally as many budget eats that are excellent.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Loco Lizard: http://locolizardcantina.com/
If I'm craving Mexican food this is where I go. You can take the whole family and still have enough money for the Alpine slide. The Mole Amarillo is spicy but excellent. This is probably the 2nd best Mole I've had in Utah behind Red Iguana's. The Fish Taco's are a great choice and I recommend the Baja Halibut. To me halibut just makes a better fish taco as it's meatier. The Dulce de Leche Cheesecake is a great way to end you visit as it will be like no other dessert you've had.
Red Rock Junction: http://www.redrockbrewing.com/
I've eaten at all of the Red Rock locations but there is something about being in Park City that makes this one stand out...probably due to the reasonable prices! As I've mentioned in previous posts bar type food has really come along way and no place typifies this better. I love the wood-fired Wild Mushroom pizza. Very different but very tasty. The Chinese Beef Salad is also a great choice for you salad eaters as I think I usually eat most of my wife's...bless her heart. If your not a drinker try their fresh brewed cream soda or root beer as either way you go you will be impressed.
Grub Steak Restaurant: http://www.grubsteakrestaurant.com/home.html
I've eaten here a few times with different company functions and I always enjoy the food. There French Onion soup is a great place to start and is the best I've had in Park City. The sesame glaze on their Alaskan Halibut makes for a great fish choice but I always go for the 12oz New York Steak with the crushed peppercorn and sauteed onions. Try to go on the weekend as they will have live entertainment with some great local and national artists.
These are just a few of my favorites and with the Park City/Deer Valley area growing and adding new eats all the time there should never be a want for food. You don't have to wander to far off main street to find a place you will enjoy.
So go live life like a movie star for the day and escape the valley heat!
Enjoy!
Not to mention when it is nearing 100 degrees outside here in the valley you can always count on Park City being 10 degrees cooler, which is nice.
A lot of people I talk too feel like they cannot eat there without spending a lot of money. While there are some very hi-end eateries, there are equally as many budget eats that are excellent.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Loco Lizard: http://locolizardcantina.com/
If I'm craving Mexican food this is where I go. You can take the whole family and still have enough money for the Alpine slide. The Mole Amarillo is spicy but excellent. This is probably the 2nd best Mole I've had in Utah behind Red Iguana's. The Fish Taco's are a great choice and I recommend the Baja Halibut. To me halibut just makes a better fish taco as it's meatier. The Dulce de Leche Cheesecake is a great way to end you visit as it will be like no other dessert you've had.
Red Rock Junction: http://www.redrockbrewing.com/
I've eaten at all of the Red Rock locations but there is something about being in Park City that makes this one stand out...probably due to the reasonable prices! As I've mentioned in previous posts bar type food has really come along way and no place typifies this better. I love the wood-fired Wild Mushroom pizza. Very different but very tasty. The Chinese Beef Salad is also a great choice for you salad eaters as I think I usually eat most of my wife's...bless her heart. If your not a drinker try their fresh brewed cream soda or root beer as either way you go you will be impressed.
Grub Steak Restaurant: http://www.grubsteakrestaurant.com/home.html
I've eaten here a few times with different company functions and I always enjoy the food. There French Onion soup is a great place to start and is the best I've had in Park City. The sesame glaze on their Alaskan Halibut makes for a great fish choice but I always go for the 12oz New York Steak with the crushed peppercorn and sauteed onions. Try to go on the weekend as they will have live entertainment with some great local and national artists.
These are just a few of my favorites and with the Park City/Deer Valley area growing and adding new eats all the time there should never be a want for food. You don't have to wander to far off main street to find a place you will enjoy.
So go live life like a movie star for the day and escape the valley heat!
Enjoy!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Kneaders Bakery & Bread
It is said that man can not live by bread alone!
Well I can...almost.
I adore bread. I have to have it with every meal. Fresh baked rolls, white bread, wheat bread, garlic bread, french bread, sourdough baguette bread, asiago cheese bread, semolina, ciabatta etc. etc.
I've told you about the Panera Bread chain that has yet to come to Utah. I would actually bring their loaves of bread back in my carry-on upon returning from many a business trip. People sitting next to me would always inquire what the pleasant aroma was and I would tell them it was my yeast cologne. Most everyone loves a fresh slice of bread. It is a staple to most countries around the world. Low carb diets are a thing of the devil!
There are some great places in Utah to get bread. Salt Lake has some of the best bakeries around. Great Harvest breads are excellent. Paradise Bakery is another great stop. Most grocery stores are carrying more artisan breads than ever (Harmons is great).
But one place stands out above the rest.
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: http://www.kneadersbakery.com/
I just ate there for the first time a few weeks ago and this place might make me forget about Panera Bread (at least while I'm there). My wife had been telling me about the place but I had yet to take her up on a visit. I finally broke down and tried the one out in Layton and was soooo impressed. The smell as you walk in lets you know you have entered grandma's kitchen. Fresh, fresh, fresh. There are racks several different types of breads and desserts. I wish I could've tried all of them and I will eventually. Wouldn't that be cool to be a cow with four stomachs. I made sure all six of us (my wife and four kids) tried a different sandwich with a different type of bread so I could sample them all.
I'm a sucker for french dip sandwiches and I was not disappointed. The french baguette it was on kept all of the cheese and roast beef secure and the baguette sucked up the au jus perfectly. The turkey on Focaccia was excellent. Needless to say all of the sandwiches we got were excellent. My dessert was the Chocolate Eclair. Now I swear by Dick's Market eclairs in Bountiful but this one was just as good.
Kneaders has my families seal of approval! When 4 kids ranging from 7 to 14 eat everything on their plate and don't complain, you know it's good.
I can't wait to go back and try some of their soups but that will be another post for another day. In the meantime won't you 'rise' to the occasion and get a loaf for dinner tonight!!!!
Well I can...almost.
I adore bread. I have to have it with every meal. Fresh baked rolls, white bread, wheat bread, garlic bread, french bread, sourdough baguette bread, asiago cheese bread, semolina, ciabatta etc. etc.
I've told you about the Panera Bread chain that has yet to come to Utah. I would actually bring their loaves of bread back in my carry-on upon returning from many a business trip. People sitting next to me would always inquire what the pleasant aroma was and I would tell them it was my yeast cologne. Most everyone loves a fresh slice of bread. It is a staple to most countries around the world. Low carb diets are a thing of the devil!
There are some great places in Utah to get bread. Salt Lake has some of the best bakeries around. Great Harvest breads are excellent. Paradise Bakery is another great stop. Most grocery stores are carrying more artisan breads than ever (Harmons is great).
But one place stands out above the rest.
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: http://www.kneadersbakery.com/
I just ate there for the first time a few weeks ago and this place might make me forget about Panera Bread (at least while I'm there). My wife had been telling me about the place but I had yet to take her up on a visit. I finally broke down and tried the one out in Layton and was soooo impressed. The smell as you walk in lets you know you have entered grandma's kitchen. Fresh, fresh, fresh. There are racks several different types of breads and desserts. I wish I could've tried all of them and I will eventually. Wouldn't that be cool to be a cow with four stomachs. I made sure all six of us (my wife and four kids) tried a different sandwich with a different type of bread so I could sample them all.
I'm a sucker for french dip sandwiches and I was not disappointed. The french baguette it was on kept all of the cheese and roast beef secure and the baguette sucked up the au jus perfectly. The turkey on Focaccia was excellent. Needless to say all of the sandwiches we got were excellent. My dessert was the Chocolate Eclair. Now I swear by Dick's Market eclairs in Bountiful but this one was just as good.
Kneaders has my families seal of approval! When 4 kids ranging from 7 to 14 eat everything on their plate and don't complain, you know it's good.
I can't wait to go back and try some of their soups but that will be another post for another day. In the meantime won't you 'rise' to the occasion and get a loaf for dinner tonight!!!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Paris, France
Ahhh! Grand Paris!
A couple of friends of mine recently returned from a trip to France and Belgium and it got me thinking about my trip I took with my wife and parents to Paris soon after my college graduation. We did one of those 20 day "taste of Europe" trips and being a history buff that I was, it was awesome to see all of the famous sites in London, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Florence and Paris. What was even better was sampling the local cuisine from each Country we went through.
Since I have not gone International yet, there is no better place to start than with Paris.
The two days we spent there were fantastic and we were able to do a lot of things in such a short amount of time. We visited Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, a perfume factory and spent a morning running through the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo (we literally ran the whole time).
In addition to all of the popular sites there are a few foods you have to eat when you visit this magical city.
1. French Onion Soup: I have mentioned some great State side locations to get some of this soup but nothing beats the original. My friends that just got back agreed. I think it has to do with the cheese they use as it has a flavor all it's own and really makes the flavors come to life.
2. Beef Burgundy: What makes this dish standout in Paris must be the local French red wine and herbs they use as the beef just melts in your mouth. A side of fresh cut green beans is a good way to go.
3. Escargot: Yes snails! I had tried these before on a cruise I took soon after high school graduation. The ones we had at the restaurant the night of our farewell dinner must have been infused with steroids as they were huge. No one dared dig in until I did. I love being a trail blazer. Don't be surprised if you really like them as they taste just like a marinated mushroom.
4. Baguettes & Crepes: Stop in to a local bakery and get yourself a fresh baguette to enjoy as you wonder around town. It was funny to see all of the people riding bikes with these huge pieces of bread under their arms but after eating one you will want one every meal as well. Just make sure you do not stop to eat it or you will have about 100 pigeons watching your every move. Also, try a few different types of crepes as no one makes a better "flat pancake". I recommend eating at least 12 as you will need the energy...running through the Louvre.
Just get used to the warm sodas or sparkling water as they must have an ice shortage in Europe. We got used to saying "No Gas" when ordering water. Try to get it from a bottle cold as warm carbonated water is not very refreshing.
Don't worry about the perceived rudeness some people talk about as we found every one very nice. We would try to order off the menu's in French and they would in turn try to explain the dishes in English. The people at the local bakery's and deli's were also very helpful. If your friendly to them, they will be friendly to you.
So make sure you visit this awesome city as soon as you can and as they say in Paris:
Bon Appetite!
A couple of friends of mine recently returned from a trip to France and Belgium and it got me thinking about my trip I took with my wife and parents to Paris soon after my college graduation. We did one of those 20 day "taste of Europe" trips and being a history buff that I was, it was awesome to see all of the famous sites in London, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Florence and Paris. What was even better was sampling the local cuisine from each Country we went through.
Since I have not gone International yet, there is no better place to start than with Paris.
The two days we spent there were fantastic and we were able to do a lot of things in such a short amount of time. We visited Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, a perfume factory and spent a morning running through the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo (we literally ran the whole time).
In addition to all of the popular sites there are a few foods you have to eat when you visit this magical city.
1. French Onion Soup: I have mentioned some great State side locations to get some of this soup but nothing beats the original. My friends that just got back agreed. I think it has to do with the cheese they use as it has a flavor all it's own and really makes the flavors come to life.
2. Beef Burgundy: What makes this dish standout in Paris must be the local French red wine and herbs they use as the beef just melts in your mouth. A side of fresh cut green beans is a good way to go.
3. Escargot: Yes snails! I had tried these before on a cruise I took soon after high school graduation. The ones we had at the restaurant the night of our farewell dinner must have been infused with steroids as they were huge. No one dared dig in until I did. I love being a trail blazer. Don't be surprised if you really like them as they taste just like a marinated mushroom.
4. Baguettes & Crepes: Stop in to a local bakery and get yourself a fresh baguette to enjoy as you wonder around town. It was funny to see all of the people riding bikes with these huge pieces of bread under their arms but after eating one you will want one every meal as well. Just make sure you do not stop to eat it or you will have about 100 pigeons watching your every move. Also, try a few different types of crepes as no one makes a better "flat pancake". I recommend eating at least 12 as you will need the energy...running through the Louvre.
Just get used to the warm sodas or sparkling water as they must have an ice shortage in Europe. We got used to saying "No Gas" when ordering water. Try to get it from a bottle cold as warm carbonated water is not very refreshing.
Don't worry about the perceived rudeness some people talk about as we found every one very nice. We would try to order off the menu's in French and they would in turn try to explain the dishes in English. The people at the local bakery's and deli's were also very helpful. If your friendly to them, they will be friendly to you.
So make sure you visit this awesome city as soon as you can and as they say in Paris:
Bon Appetite!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Houston, TX. (Part 2)
I love Houston weather this time of year. Humidity is low, everything is green and the bugs aren't out yet.
For this trip I flew into the smaller Hobby Airport which I recommend as it is easy to navigate in and out of. I was only there for a quick over night trip so I had to make my choices of where to eat carefully. I had been wanting to try one of the 'Pappas' restaurants for awhile so I know I had to hit one of them. I then wanted to venture more downtown and eat at a local stop there.
Mission accomplished.
It's nice to have people you work with that actually live in the cities you visit so they can chauffeur you around to the local eating establishments instead of relying on the rental GPS devices that can be very temperamental.
So here are two more recommendations the next time your down this way.
Pappasito's Cantina: http://pappasitos.com/home/
This is a local chain that I had mentioned in my previous Houston blog that everyone raves about but I had yet to try. They have BBQ, Seafood, Steak, Greek and burger joints all over Texas but my work bud in Houston picked me up at my hotel late due to some flight delays and recommended the Cantina of all of them as we were both starving. He recommended the fajitas so we went with the Steak and Chicken fajita combo. AWESOME! Sometimes when you get fajitas the chicken or the steak is so much better than the other but both of them here were very tender and juicy. They came with a side of melted butter to pour over the meat which was a nice touch. Sometimes the meat will be over a mix of red and green peppers, mushrooms and onions. These meats were over a bed of onions only which was unusual but coupled with the excellent guacamole and pico it was all that was needed. Plus you want to taste the meat when it is done this well. Their cheese queso is awesome so make sure you get some with the chips.
Barnaby's Cafe: http://www.barnabyscafe.com/
This is another local chain that I visited for lunch downtown. The one I went to was located on West Gray which is a cool little street coming right out of downtown that had a bunch of little cafe's and bistro's. I'm glad the guys I work with picked this one. I had an excellent Pulled Pork Torta that is basically an open faced sandwich that you must eat with a knife and fork or it will get messy. It was what the waiter recommended as one of their signature dishes and I was glad he did. My co-workers had the meat loaf, cob-salad and the Texas chili hamburger and they all swore by their selections. I wished they all rotated plates like my family but what can you do!!!
Here's to hoping these chains get big enough to expand to Utah someday. I never imagined getting In-N-out burger or Cheesecake Factory and they're here not so here's hoping.
Until next time, stay hungry my friends!
For this trip I flew into the smaller Hobby Airport which I recommend as it is easy to navigate in and out of. I was only there for a quick over night trip so I had to make my choices of where to eat carefully. I had been wanting to try one of the 'Pappas' restaurants for awhile so I know I had to hit one of them. I then wanted to venture more downtown and eat at a local stop there.
Mission accomplished.
It's nice to have people you work with that actually live in the cities you visit so they can chauffeur you around to the local eating establishments instead of relying on the rental GPS devices that can be very temperamental.
So here are two more recommendations the next time your down this way.
Pappasito's Cantina: http://pappasitos.com/home/
This is a local chain that I had mentioned in my previous Houston blog that everyone raves about but I had yet to try. They have BBQ, Seafood, Steak, Greek and burger joints all over Texas but my work bud in Houston picked me up at my hotel late due to some flight delays and recommended the Cantina of all of them as we were both starving. He recommended the fajitas so we went with the Steak and Chicken fajita combo. AWESOME! Sometimes when you get fajitas the chicken or the steak is so much better than the other but both of them here were very tender and juicy. They came with a side of melted butter to pour over the meat which was a nice touch. Sometimes the meat will be over a mix of red and green peppers, mushrooms and onions. These meats were over a bed of onions only which was unusual but coupled with the excellent guacamole and pico it was all that was needed. Plus you want to taste the meat when it is done this well. Their cheese queso is awesome so make sure you get some with the chips.
Barnaby's Cafe: http://www.barnabyscafe.com/
This is another local chain that I visited for lunch downtown. The one I went to was located on West Gray which is a cool little street coming right out of downtown that had a bunch of little cafe's and bistro's. I'm glad the guys I work with picked this one. I had an excellent Pulled Pork Torta that is basically an open faced sandwich that you must eat with a knife and fork or it will get messy. It was what the waiter recommended as one of their signature dishes and I was glad he did. My co-workers had the meat loaf, cob-salad and the Texas chili hamburger and they all swore by their selections. I wished they all rotated plates like my family but what can you do!!!
Here's to hoping these chains get big enough to expand to Utah someday. I never imagined getting In-N-out burger or Cheesecake Factory and they're here not so here's hoping.
Until next time, stay hungry my friends!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Chicken Divan
Time flies when your eating well my friends!
It has been awhile since I shared one of my favorite recipes so I thought now that spring is springing it was time to share one that has been in our family for generations and adored by all. When I say 'all' I include my children who are some of the pickiest eaters in the world. This is even considered a casserole and they like it....even though we don't tell them it's a casserole.
It is called Chicken Divan (although it could be called chicken divine!)
Growing up in the 70's it seemed like casseroles were the in thing. It felt like a few times a week my mother would make a tuna casserole or some beef stroganoff dish. Probably because there were plenty of left overs to heat up the next night (the reason there were so many left overs is no body ate it the first night). Needless to say I did not look forward to casserole nights.
But I remember always liking Chicken Divan. The flavor of this dish over a bed of rice gets me emotional just thinking about it. Enough weeping! Here's the recipe:
CHICKEN DIVAN
2 10oz packages of broccoli
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
2 10 1/2 oz cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best)
1 cup bread crumbs (just your basic large dried bread crumbs)
Cook broccoli until tender and arrange in greased 9x13 pan. Layer cooked chicken on top. Combine next 3 ingredients and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese, then bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 35 min.
As I mentioned before we like to make some white rice and then pour this over it. I add a little soy sauce to the rice first for a little extra flavor but you don't have to.
Think about it. If your kids can like something with broccoli in it you've won a major battle as a parent. It has your 4 basic food groups represented which is a home run in the cooking world. This is even good as a left over dinner as it heats up well in the microwave without the chicken getting tough.
So give this a go and let me know what you think as if you don't like it you can blame the 70's as that decade ruined my taste buds.
Enjoy!
It has been awhile since I shared one of my favorite recipes so I thought now that spring is springing it was time to share one that has been in our family for generations and adored by all. When I say 'all' I include my children who are some of the pickiest eaters in the world. This is even considered a casserole and they like it....even though we don't tell them it's a casserole.
It is called Chicken Divan (although it could be called chicken divine!)
Growing up in the 70's it seemed like casseroles were the in thing. It felt like a few times a week my mother would make a tuna casserole or some beef stroganoff dish. Probably because there were plenty of left overs to heat up the next night (the reason there were so many left overs is no body ate it the first night). Needless to say I did not look forward to casserole nights.
But I remember always liking Chicken Divan. The flavor of this dish over a bed of rice gets me emotional just thinking about it. Enough weeping! Here's the recipe:
CHICKEN DIVAN
2 10oz packages of broccoli
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
2 10 1/2 oz cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best)
1 cup bread crumbs (just your basic large dried bread crumbs)
Cook broccoli until tender and arrange in greased 9x13 pan. Layer cooked chicken on top. Combine next 3 ingredients and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese, then bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 35 min.
As I mentioned before we like to make some white rice and then pour this over it. I add a little soy sauce to the rice first for a little extra flavor but you don't have to.
Think about it. If your kids can like something with broccoli in it you've won a major battle as a parent. It has your 4 basic food groups represented which is a home run in the cooking world. This is even good as a left over dinner as it heats up well in the microwave without the chicken getting tough.
So give this a go and let me know what you think as if you don't like it you can blame the 70's as that decade ruined my taste buds.
Enjoy!
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