Sweet Love and Ginger

Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

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An easy and healthy spring recipe for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
You guys I looked out my window today and actually saw some green grass. Like living green grass!
If you don’t live in the frozen tundra that is the northeast, you probably don’t understand my excitement. Let me explain: this winter was hard. I mean aside from the typically short days and snow, it was ridiculously cold. Entire weeks were spent in below freezing temperatures, to the point where going outside for more than 10 minutes actually became dangerous.
It was hard on all of us cooped up indoors hoping for just a 25-degree day so we could spend some time outside without feeling like our face was on fire.
Anyway, I digress.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
I want to celebrate the green.
I want to celebrate the birds I’m beginning to see poke coming out, and the long-lost sun that I have failed to have seen due to work.
What better way to celebrate than a new twist on one of my favorite dishes? Spinach Artichoke dip is a huge favorite of mine and something I start to crave right as spring starts to come around. As evidenced by a very similar recipe I posted just shy of a year ago today. Remember that? One pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta? While this isn’t a one pot meal, it’s awfully close. It’s also super satisfying, and the perfect way to invite some spring into your home!
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size
  • pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 (13.5 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained, & chopped
  • 5 oz of fresh baby spinach
  • 12 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 cup low fat sour cream
  • 4 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425.
  2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat and sauté the onions for one minute.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper then add the garlic and chicken to the pan and cook, tossing occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  4. Add the artichoke hearts and spinach and cook, while stirring until the spinach has wilted.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in pasta, sour cream, cream cheese, and parmesan until well
  6. combined.
  7. Transfer to a greased baking pan and cover with mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake in the oven until the cheese has begun to brown, about 10-15 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately.

 Similar Recipes:

Spinach Pesto Pasta

Green Cream of Chicken & Rice Soup

One Pan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Irish Rarebit

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Irish rarebit is something I’ve only ever had once or twice, but I thought would be fun to post with St. Partick’s Day coming up. Rarebit is typically associated with Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Wales lies near Ireland across a small channel, so over the centuries many dishes have been swapped and traded between the two counties.

The basic concept of this dish is a savory sauce poured over toasted bread and served hot, often with other ingredients. Its very similar to an open faced American grilled cheese, except that you may want to use a fork.

What I liked about this recipe was quite obviously the cheese, because cheese is amazing. Especially Irish Cheese. I  can attest that they have some of the best dairy in the world (in my opinion). The pickles were a little weird at first I have to admit, but after a few bites I can see how they balance out the strong cheddar flavor with a bit of brininess.

I think that this is the perfect companion to most soups, but especially Irish Vegetable Soup. The combination is (for me) reminiscent of the tomato soup and grilled cheese, that we Americans grew up with.






Irish Rarebit (Serves 2)
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon salted butter
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
salt and pepper to taste
2 slices soda bread (or whole wheat)
1 tablespoon chopped dill pickles


Preheat the oven to broil. Combine the cheese, butter, and milk in a thick bottomed saucepan and heat gently, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vinegar, and mustard. Season to taste and remove from heat. Toast the bread on one side and place the it on a backing sheet toasted side down. Pour the sauce over the bread and cook in the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. Remove from heat, sprinkle with dill pickles and serve immediately.

The Perfect Cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day

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St. Patrick’s day is coming up fast and I thought it would be fun to share a unique Irish style cocktail. I found this cocktail in a little book that I picked up at 5 below some years ago. I have gotten a number of really great and traditional recipes (this one is my favorite) out of it, so that 5 bucks was a good investment.

Since Ireland is famous for it’s dairy and whiskey this is the perfect thing to help you celebrate the famously Irish holiday. The drink is referred to as Scailton or Milk Punch.

What I like about this cocktail is that it has a rich flavor with out being loaded down with sugar. Though it definitely makes me think of a White Russian, I have to say that I like this better.

Scailton or Milk Punch
Scailton or Milk Punch
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup Irish whiskey
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • fresh grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Pour the milk and whiskey into a small saucepan. Then whisk in the honey, ginger, and cinnamon.
  2. Heat the saucepan slowly, while constantly whisking.
  3. Do not let it come to a boil. A froth will form on the top. Pour into two warm mugs and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Happy Friday!

30 Minute Beef Stew

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This winter has been cold, like my face burns in the morning when I go to start my car, and my car doesn’t want to start because it’s so cold kind of cold. For this reason I am convinced that I have perfected all of my favorite soups this year. What is better in bitter cold negative temperatures than soup?
30 Minute Beef Stew

Stew might be the only acceptable answer to that question. I’ve gotten pretty good on the stew front as well if I do say so myself.

This recipe is a perfect example. It’s a basic beef stew, nothing fancy going on over here, except it can be done in 30 minutes. Yes I know slow simmering beef stew is the classic way to make it. I know we miss the wafting stew smell in the air after hours and hours of slow simmering, but truth be told I just don’t have all that time.
I have a job! I’m a dog mom! I have family that wants to see me and things to do. That’s just how it is. I don’t have all the time in the world to be standing by the stove, even though it’s probably the warmest spot to be right now, I just can’t do it. Thus this delicious compromise was born. It has all the wonderful flavor of the slow simmered version without all that time.

 

30 Minute Beef Stew

Random note: I also like to add frozen green beans at the end sometimes, because a meal is not complete without some green in it, and again I don’t always have the time to make a salad.

30 Minute Beef Stew
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lbs top sirloin steaks cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled & diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 1 cup baby carrots, halved
  • 2-3 large white potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 cups of beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
Instructions
  1. In a large thick bottomed skillet heat the oil over medium high heat.
  2. Toss the meat in flour, salt and pepper and then add to the oil. Stir and cook for about a minute while the meat browns.
  3. Add the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the onions begin to brown.
  4. Add the garlic, celery, carrots. Cook for another 2 minutes before adding the potato, broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaf, and adjust seasonings. Serves warm.

 

Panera’s Soba Noodle Broth Bowl with Chicken – Copy Cat Recipe

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Also, check out my new recipe for Panera’s Southwest Chicken Tortilla Bowl.

 

Panera’s Soba Noodle Broth Bowl with Chicken

I really like Panera mainly because fresh bread is amazing, but their paninis and soups are pretty great as well. They recently came out with these broth bowls, and let me tell you I am in love with them. I knew immediately I had to recreate something similar at home.

You guys, it was the best idea that I ever had.

These broth bowls are AMAZING!!

I have made the same basic thing about 10 or 15 times in the last couple weeks (ok maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but still I made them a lot).

Panera's Soba Noodle Broth Bowl Recipe with chicken

Also can we just take another minute to talk about the marinade on this chicken? I know I recently wrote a whole post about its wonder, but I just feel like it needs to be said again. It’s amazing!

Ok back to broth bowls here.

I really think there is nothing better for winter than a nice steamy bowl of soup, and I like that this recipe includes so many vegetables. It is hearty filling, and healthy. What more could you ask for?

The recipe looks way more complicated than it is, so don’t let it scare you. Looking at the ingredient list on Panera’s site had my head spinning so I did “dumb” it down a bit to make it way easier and more accessible for the home cook.

I would love it if you guys could try this recipe and let me know how you think it compares to the original. Please, please, please. It would mean the world to me!

Panera's Soba Noodle Broth Bowl Recipe with chicken

For those things that are hard to find in the grocery store: Yellow Miso, Sesame Oil, & Soba Noodles.

Panera’s Soba Noodle Broth Bowl with Chicken – Copy Cat Recipe

  • 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ⅓ cup Lemon Pepper & Herb Marinade ((Link Below))
  • 2 tsp sesame oil*
  • ½ a small yellow onion
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms (shitake, or cremini work nicely)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp sriracha plus more to taste
  • 1 medium carrot (peeled and julienned)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup yellow miso
  • 8 oz soba noodles
  • ¼ cup red cabbage (sliced thin)
  • ½ cup Napa cabbage (chopped)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh baby spinach
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
  1. In a sealable container combine the chicken and marinade and toss to coat. Set aside to marinade for about 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. Place the chicken on a preheated grill or sauté pan and cook, basting with leftover marinade for 8-10 minutes a side. When cooked through the chicken will be firm, opaque and when poked with a fork the juices will run clear.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside before cutting. Meanwhile heat oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and mushrooms, until they have begun to brown and caramelize, about 6 minutes.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar and sriracha until well combined.
  5. Add the carrots and cook for another minute before stirring in the broth, water and miso. Cook gently stirring until the miso has fully dissolved.
  6. Add in the cabbage and soba noodles and cook until the noodles are just tender, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the spinach and ladle into individual bowls.
  8. Slice the chicken and place on top garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro to serve.

Find the Pantry Lemon Pepper & Herb Marinade Recipe here.

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Evelyn’s Pasta from Cheesecake Factory

Pantry Lemon Pepper & Herb Chicken

Pantry Lemon Pepper & Herb Chicken

Panera’s SW Chicken Tortilla Bowl