Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

With an overload of boneless skinless chicken breast I thought, what can I possibly do with it all. Since I'm not one who typically drools over casserole dishes, I decided to challenge myself. However, I thought adding stuffing, yes one of Thanksgiving classic comfort foods to this dish is the perfect leap into holiday cooking. Besides, who said stuffing was only for turkey?  

Ingredients

Chicken

Salt (1/4 tsp)
Black Pepper ( 1/4 tsp)
Garlic (1 tsp minced)
Yellow Onions (1 cup chopped)

Boneless skinless chicken (1 1/4 pound (1/2 pieces)

Stuffing

Bread (Whole wheat cut into cubes)

Carrots ( 1/2 cup chopped)

Celery (1 cup chopped)

Chicken stock (2 cups)
Thyme (1 sprig )

Sage ( 1 tsp chopped)

Salt (1 tsp)
Asparagus ( cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Olive Oil ( 1 tbsp) 
Black Pepper ( 1tsp)

Rosemary (1 tsp)

Ground Pepper (1 teaspoon)

Casserole

Sour Cream (1 cup)

Parmesan (1/2 cup shredded)

Salt (1/4 tsp)
Butter (4 tbsp)

          

Directions

Stuffing

~Cut bread into cubes.

~Place bread cubes on baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over & pinch of salt for 10-12 minutes until crusted.

~Cool and transfer to large mixing bowl.

~Over medium-low heat in a skillet, drizzle olive oil, include garlic, onions until it is a gold color add  celery, carrots, sage & thyme.

~Remove skillet from heat and combine in large mixing bowl with toasted bread cubes.

~Pour 2 cups of low sodium turkey stock over stuffing mixture until the bread is moist.

~Add chicken and mix together.

~Add salt & pepper and taste, include more if needed.

 

Chicken

~Pre-heat oven 350 degrees. 

~Remove soaking asparagus and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.

~Cut boneless skinless chicken breast into 1/2inch pieces.

~In a large skillet over med heat, drizzle olive oil in pan & add chicken, garlic, rosemary, salt & pepper. 

~Add asparagus
~Stir frequently for 6-8 minutes or until chicken is done. 

~Combine with bread cubes when done. 

Casserole 
~In a middle size-baking dish, coat with butter or cooking spray.
~Place mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
~Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through
~Serve hot!

Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show

From the moment I attended the Metropolitan Cooking Preview Show at Cuba Libre, I anticipated going to the actual show a month later. This event was such a tease! An El Fiesta de Sanguches sandwich menu with a variety of sandwich options were featured during the event. Food Network winner, Jeff Mauro "Sandwich King" was the special guest of the evening. But not in physical form, Jeff was Skype into answer a few questions and to discuss the sandwich, which was sent to him via FedEx by Guillermo Pernot, Chef-Partner, Cuba Libre for his special appearance. At the end of night, a swag bag was given to attendees including over 200 products from a few participating food exhibitors who were going to be at the Metro Cooking Entertainment Show.

The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show is one of those events that should be on your must attend list. How could one possibly missed out on 300 + vendors selling specialty food products, kitchen gadgets and top celebrities chefs providing cooking demonstrations? The first show took place in Washington, D.C. in 2006; the show expanded in other cities such as: Houston and Dallas. The biggest names in the culinary world were at this event for booking signings and cook demonstrations. 

This year the show was held on November 3rd & 4th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year's show included Giada De Laurentiis, Top Chef judges Tom Coliccho & Gail Simmons, The Chew's Michael Symon & Carla Hall and Food Network Star winner "Sandwich King" Jeff Mauro, and father daughter duo Jacques Pepin & Claudine.

Celebrity Cooking Corner with Giada De Laurentiis

The 2 day food lovers event featured tastings from over many different food exhibitors, cooking demo stage, tasting, workshops, beer, wine & spirits pavilion and celebrity book signings with top culinary stars. Admission tickets were sold a month in advance ranging from general admission, VIP, special event and Celebrity Theater tickets. The tickets could be purchased from the Metropolitan Cooking website or social deal sites such as Living Social, Groupon, or Capitol Deal. 

Origen Oil, "Mango Mango" Mango Preserves, Bonfatto's Spice Ice Cream

Furthermore, with the show presenting many food exhibitors it also included many grocers and specialty markets, ethnic foods, Kitchen appliances and designers, food manufactures, online and catalog retailers, Beverages, coffee, tea specialty, travel destinations, cookware, culinary & cooking schools restaurants & caterers, brad promotions and even a chance to test drive the new Buick Regal no-hands parking feature.  

This event was the perfect leap into the holiday season. Everything from the various food vendors was simply delicious, however I could not leave empty handed. I purchased as much as I could from several food exhibitors. From the celebrity cooking demonstrations to the The Gourmet Cooking Show it was truly a food lover’s heaven. I look forward to attending the next event and is oh so exciting about using my purchased items in a dish.

Huerto Azul, Herlocher's Dipping Mustard, Dee's Gourmet Pretzels

Butternut Squash Cheesecake

This dessert SCREAMS happy holidays!!!!!
 After my newfound love for cheesecake, I have been open to try anything cheesecake. Luckily, on my visit to Matchbox, I had the chance to try the Butternut Squash Cheesecake. Typically, I don't think of butternut squash as dessert but as the risk taker I am, I dove in fork first. When the dessert arrived to my table, it instantly reminded me of the holidays. From the presentation to the delicious smell. I'm not sure if I should classify this as a pleasure given that butternut squash is a low-fat fruit on its own. hmmm lol 
The holidays are right around the corner. Are you ready?