Category Archives: Nico in the Kitchen

Nov 19

Casserole, Anyone?

I’m trying to sneak comfort meals into the menu, but so far the boy’s aren’t buying it (or biting it). If they see Green Bean Casserole on the menu Dad and Dylan are thrilled, but the mention of Tuna Casserole or Beef Stroganoff gets Nico the dirty looks from the boys, so I’ve decided to try out one of the casseroles on my Mom. Let’s see if she likes it, and maybe she can convince these boys that Casseroles aren’t too bad.

Its Fall, its cool, and what could be better than a Tuna Noodle Casserole for lunch? Well that and a Fresh Pear Crumble for dessert too… And yes, you have to clean your plate to get dessert.

Here is the recipe that I made:

  • 1/2 bag of Egg Free Noodles-cooked
  • 1 can of Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • 1/4 cup of Milk (whole of course)
  • 1/2 cup of Frozen Broccoli Chopped
  • 1 can of Tuna in water (drained)
  • 1/4 cup of Shredded Cheese
  • Dash of Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Salt
  • One Cup of Toasted Homemade Bread Crumbs

First get those Bread Crumbs toasting on the stove in a little bit of butter or margarine, stay close, so they don’t burn. Set your oven to 350 degrees, and gather up all of your supplies. In a large bowl combine the Cooked Noodles, Soup, Milk, Broccoli, and Cheese. Add in a dash of Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Salt… Well maybe 2 dashes of Garlic Salt, it is so tasty. Once the ingredients are well mixed, place the mixture in a baking dish, and top with the toasted Bread Crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, and let the casserole cool a bit before you serve it to the kiddos… Even though they have already made up their minds that they don’t want to try the casserole, but I promise, it is delicious.

This casserole was so good, and a big hit with my Mom and me. The little guys didn’t care for it too much, oh well, it is strike one for of my favorite comfort foods.

Nov 17

Big Breakfasts

It must be the cold weather… Lately all of the boys have been hungry for really big breakfasts. I’m not much of a breakfast person, just coffee and maybe a bagel, or a muffin, but the boy’s could finish off a package of bacon at a setting. This weekend the little guys were craving Bacon and Toast, Dylan even made his way into the kitchen and said “mmmm bacon”, and James just wanted a really big breakfast.

Usually I make him Biscuits, Sausage, and Gravy when he is wanting a big breakfast, but this time I decided to mix it up a bit. I made him 4 eggs, 4 sausage links, and 5 pieces of Bacon, which I decided to call “the farm” cause it pretty much contains just about everything that you would find on a farm.

And you know what… He loved it, so “the farm” will be making an appearance on the Breakfast menu more often.

Nov 16

Almost Wedding Cake

Yesterday we finished off the last of the Chocolate Bundt Cake, so it was time to get in the kitchen and get to baking. James loves coconut cake, but only one specific kind… He had the coconut cake as a child, and for several years I’ve been trying different recipes, to see if I can make one close to his very favorite Coconut Cake.

I was out of Cake Mix, so I found a recipe for Simple White Cake, and I had everything on hand to bake it. I also whipped up some Vanilla Frosting. I added in extra Vanilla and Coconut to the frosting.

While I was frosting the cake, Thade said “wow, you made wedding cake”! I topped off the cake with a bit more Coconut, and dessert was ready.

The cake was light and airy, and the icing was pretty good too, but I think it needed a little bit more coconut flavoring. This recipe is definitely a keeper though.

Nov 13

I’ll Have the Soup

My Mom visited us on Tuesday, so I reheated the Oops Potato Soup for us at lunchtime.

I added in 1/2 Cup of Shredded Cheese, 1/2 Cup of Frozen Broccoli, and about 1/4 cup of Whole Milk too, and it was so good. I made some homemade Garlic Toast to go along with the creamy soup. Give this one a try if you get a chance.

Nov 12

Pies to Go

One of my goals for this Holiday season is to get the kiddos and me involved with community events, and help out a bit if we can. On the Church bulletin I spotted a great opportunity to help. In November there are two community dinners that need desserts, and you know I love to bake.

I’m planning on baking two Dutch Apple Pies for the first dinner. For the second dinner I’ll be baking One Peach Pie, One Dutch Apple Pie, and an Apricot Bundt Cake for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. The boy’s will get to help out with the delivery, and I know we’ll all feel happy about helping our community out.