Pierogi Casserole Recipe • Cheesy & Delicious! | Club Foody

 

For those of you who have been following me for years, you know I can’t stand winter. It’s cold, snowy along with unpredictable conditions… yuck! Just like David, I like being warm, wearing light clothes with open-toed sandals 👡 or flip-flops. Just by looking at what’s in my walk-in closet, it’s easy to know which season I prefer!
 
On the other hand, when push comes to shove and there’s no other options than dealing with that horrible season 😟, I cheer myself up by making casseroles. I have so many to choose from like Baked Ziti, Chicken Divan, Lancashire Hotpot, Cod au Gratin, Tetrazzini, and more.
 
Another one, David and I enjoy a lot is my Pierogi Casserole! These filled dumplings are very good on their own but wait till you try this version. With a couple layers of deliciousness, this recipe is totally an OMG 🤩! It’s so satisfying!
 
This is a pretty easy dish to make 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳. With frozen pierogies topped with caramelized onion slices and crispy bacon before a gorgeous Cheddar Cheese Sauce is poured over then baked for 30 minutes, this is a simple and yet such a mouthwatering recipe!
 
The bacon 🥓 is cooked until slightly crispy and then the onion slices are caramelized in the bacon fat and butter. While they’re cooking slowly, the Béchamel Sauce is made before turning it into a Cheddar Cheese Sauce. When all this is done, the Pierogi Casserole is assembled… tada!
 
In the video 🎥, I don’t show how to make the Béchamel Sauce aka white sauce and I’m pretty quick with my explanations when it comes to the Cheddar Cheese Sauce. I showed you how to do both but if you missed the episodes, click on the links.
 
For the frozen pierogies, you can buy 🛒 them at your supermarket or make them from scratch which is not that complicated. If you decide to roll up your sleeves, I have a lovely homemade recipe, so click here to get it… Pierogi Ruskie
 
When the mercury drops, there’s nothing more comforting than serving this delicious Pierogi Casserole! So tasty and easy to make, it’s a great satisfying recipe to enjoy this winter 😉! With wholesome ingredients, it’s another delicious way to enjoy pierogies!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other incredible casserole recipes… 😀
– Eggplant Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake
– Chicken Vesuvio
– Breakfast Casserole
– Ricotta Spinach & Sausage Pasta
– Tuna Casserole
– Shepherd’s Pie
– Southwest Beef Casserole
and for even more comfort food recipes 🥰, click on this link… Recipe Category • Comfort Food

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/pierogi-casserole/

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Albóndigas • Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe

 

Have you ever read a book 📙 or watched a movie and came across a dish you never had before then really wanted to try it? It happened to me many times and I’m sure the same applies to you too…
 
While reading Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, tomato sandwich was mentioned. Another one was Poularde de Bresse 🐓 stated in There’s a Moveable Feast, which is Ernest Hemingway’s memoir, Lane Cake in To Kill a Mockingbird, Duck à l’ Orange in another novel I don’t remember, and many more…
 
When it comes to movies, Timpano from the “Big Night”, Vanilla Custard with Bananas in “Waitress”, or in “Babette’s Feast” where Potage à la Tortue 🐢 (turtle soup) or Blinis Demidoff (buckwheat with caviar & sour cream) are highlighted.
 
Another iconic “food” moment is when Estelle Reiner said – “I’ll have what she’s having” in Katz’s Delicatessen where Meg Ryan faked an orgasm in the movie “When Harry met Sally”. She was having just a turkey sandwich 🥪 on white bread but boy, I really wanted it too, lol!
 
The first time I’ve heard about Albóndigas which is a Mexican Meatball Soup was when I watched a romantic comedy called “Fools Rush In” with the late Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek. Of course, I couldn’t resist making it therefore when I went back to Mexico 🛫 in 1998, I did some investigating…
 
This soup is loaded with yumminess 😋! With a gorgeous mixture of ingredients, these meatballs are incredibly flavorful. I use some cilantro but if I can find some fresh mint (I make this recipe during winter so it’s not always available), I like adding a little to bright things up! For the rice, I opt for basmati.
 
There’s a nice selection of fresh produce that goes into my Albóndigas • Mexican Meatball Soup; onions, poblano peppers, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, corn, tomatoes, etc. This soup is so wholesome, perfect when the mercury drops 🥶!
 
Does it take time to make it?
It’s all about being prepared. To allow the flavors from the meat to develop, it’s important to let the mixture chill for 1 hour. From there, the meatballs are formed and cooked for 20 minutes in the oven or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
 
While they’re baking, I start making the soup. If your mise en place (have all the ingredients chopped and ready to go) is done before forming the meatballs then overall, the cooking time shouldn’t be longer than 35 minutes 🕧.
 
Food Trivia…
Did you know that Katz’s Delicatessen is the oldest deli in New York City 🗽? Established back in 1888, this Manhattan diner is a great spot to enjoy pastrami on rye although I’m sure there are other delicious options to try.
 
This tasty and hearty recipe is easy to make 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳! There’s no right or wrong when making this dish. Some like to use green beans in it while others add celery. Instead of beef broth, chicken is used and the same when flavoring the soup with different seasonings.
 
I’ve been making my version of Albóndigas • Mexican Meatball Soup for over 25 years and each winter ⛄, I make sure to gather all my ingredients so we can enjoy a nice hot bowl of deliciousness!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are several more Mexican inspired recipes for you to enjoy… 😀
– Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
– Pico de Gallo
– Mixed Berry Margarita
– Chiles Rellenos
– Spicy Beef Nacho Supreme
– Fire Roasted Salsa
– Mexican Tostadas
and for even more soup recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Soups & Chowders

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/albondigas-mexican-meatball-soup/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Chicken Kiev Recipe • Incredibly Moist & Flavorful! | Club Foody

 

Every time I went to a restaurant, if there was something I haven’t had before that was on the menu, the chances of me ordering it was pretty high. Alas, as I’m getting older, there are less and less “unknown” dishes for me to try… 😕
 
I remembered my first Chicken Kiev. My date took me to restaurant Chez Queux, located in Old-Montréal at the corner of St. Paul and Place Jacques Cartier. This elegant fine dining spot became one of my all-time favorite 💖 restaurants. Sadly, it has been closed for a few years now… what a shame!
 
Back to Chicken Kiev…
Without knowing much about it, I was very pleased with the dish. It’s a flattened chicken breast that is stuffed with garlic butter 🧄🧈, rolled tightly then breaded and finally, fried before being finished in the oven. It’s incredible! The result is nice and crispy outside and juicy inside. Although both are stuffed, this recipe differs from Chicken Cordon Bleu.
 
What makes the flesh so tender is obviously the butter. I use my Garlic Herb Butter that is packed with serious flavor! I use 2 tablespoons per breast which to me is enough. I’ve seen others where they add a ton of it. They should mention that a defibrillator should be sitting next to your plate in case of an emergency… lol 😄!
 
Joking aside though, the technique of making this Eastern European recipe is bullet proof! To prevent the butter from oozing out while frying and baking is to roll the pounded breasts tightly and then transferring to the freezer until firm to the touch… not frozen. I leave them there for 30 to 40 minutes 🕦.
 
Then comes the breading… The fact that the breasts are now firm, helps with this step. Like any other “breaded” recipes, make sure the meat is very well coated and press gently on the breadcrumbs to adhere. After this, they return back to the freezer for 15 minutes.
 
While, they’re firming up again, the oil is heating up, the oven is turned on and the baking sheet is set up. As per usual, it’s all about being organized and prepared. This is where the French term “mise en place” comes from.
 
Originating in Russia, this Chicken Kiev is so delectable! After they come out from the oven and rest for a few minutes, this is when everything happens! Cut through the crispy golden-brown coating and there’s the butter oozing out before taking a bite of this tender and juicy chicken… OMG 😍!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other incredible chicken recipes… 😀
– Indian Butter Chicken
– Chicken Divan
– Dakgangjeong – Sweet & Spicy Crispy Korean Chicken
– Chicken Stuffed Crêpes with Poblano Sauce
– Orzo with Chicken & Asiago
– Chicken Sorrentino
– Shish Tawook
and for even more poultry recipes 🦃🐓🦆, click on this link… Recipe Category • Poultry

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/chicken-kiev/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Buttered Egg Noodles • Quick & Easy! - Tips & Tricks | Club Foody

 

Side dishes complete a meal nicely. They can be a salad 🥗, bread, vegetables, pasta, grains and so on and that also includes egg noodles! They pair so well with Chicken Paprikash, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Divan, and others. They can also be used as a main ingredient like for a Tuna Casserole as an example.
 
I love them and, in this episode, I’m showing you my way to prepare them… Buttered Egg Noodles! With lots of butter, these are perfect as a side or a delicious base for other dishes. It’s also quick and easy to cook ⏳ plus the way I do it gives a nice buttery flavor to them.
 
Many use salted water when cooking them. I don’t! The reason is water doesn’t add anything to the dish and as they cook in the broth, the noodles absorbs some flavor from the liquid. The most important thing is to stir them often.
 
Once they’re cooked, they’re drained in a colander and then returned to the pot… of course, with the heat off. This is when they turn into deliciousness… Butter 🧈 is added and lots of it! Stirred until melted, these Buttered Egg Noodles are ready to be served!
 
Depending on the recipe or the application, they can be enjoyed in a dish like my Southwest Beef Casserole or as is. The noodles can also be seasoned with freshly ground black pepper, garlic salt, cayenne, paprika, or herbs 🍃 can also be added.
 
Here’s the Buttered Egg Noodles recipe…

This is based on 4 cups of egg noodles…
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups uncooked egg noodles
4 tbsp. butter

– In a pot over medium-high heat, bring broth to a boil before adding the noodles. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often.
– Drain them in a colander and return the noodles back to the pot. Add butter and stir until melted. Depending on your recipe, they can be served as is or seasoned.
 
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are more tips & tricks for you to check… 😀
– Homemade Old Bay Seasoning
– Blanching Tomatoes for Cooking & Canning – How to
– Chocolate Honey Graham Cracker Pie Crust
– Prepping Lemongrass – How to
– Perfect Meringue
– How to do Home Canning
– How to Roast and Peel Peppers
and for more handy kitchen tips and tricks 💡, click on this link… Recipe Category • Tips & Tricks
 
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube

Blueberry Tea Recipe • A Soothing Winter Drink! | Club Foody

 

Hi, my name is Frankie and I’m a coffee addict! I love sipping two to three cups of joe ☕ per day… okay perhaps more than that especially during the winter season! During the colder months, I also enjoy other warm beverages as well as cocktails. It’s a nice way to keep us warm and cozy…
 
There’s a vast selection of “hot” cocktails to choose from. I think of Spanish coffee although Irish or Brazilian coffee are other tasty alternatives! There’s also Café Brûlot originating in New Orleans. What about a Tom & Jerry which is similar to Eggnog but served warm.
 
The list keeps going…
A nice Hot Toddy is among this comfort list along with Rumchata Hot Cocoa or Spiked Hot Chocolate. What about a Hot Buttered Rum or Mulled Cider! Let’s not forget the Swedish Glögg or this medieval drink called Caudle, and more. Here’s a favorite of mine… Blueberry Tea!
 
This drink is perfect for the cold season! After the tea is brewed, it takes 1 minute to make! There’s no shaking or stirring… just pour and enjoy in a snifter! Besides being a nice warm comforting beverage, I like drinking it when I feel under the weather 🥴.
 
The preferred tea for this application is Orange Pekoe but if you don’t have any on hand, substitute with another black tea such as Earl Grey. A few times in the past, I used oolong but frankly, the orange pekoe is the way to go 😉.
 
After bringing the water temperature between 185ºF to 200ºF, I like brewing my tea no longer than 3 minutes ⏳. If you prefer yours stronger, brew for an additional 2 minutes. If you decide to skip the tea, the drink is now called Full Moon #2.
 
When making “hot” cocktails, it’s important to warm up the glass you’ll be using by simply pouring in very hot or boiling water – I prefer boiling. It just needs a couple of minutes to do the trick. After discarding it, proceed with the Blueberry Tea recipe.
 
Use a brandy-based orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier but Gran Gala, which is an Italian liqueur, is equally tasty to the French one. When it comes to Amaretto liqueur, I recently came across Gozio which has a beautiful flavor to it. Of course, Disaronno is probably the most popular brand.
 
Many are using ¾ ounce of each. When I was a bartender, I liked pouring quick and fast therefore I always rounded up the amount to one part which is 1 ounce. Since my days in bars, I still use the same measurements. For the amount of tea, 1 cup is sufficient unless you want less or more… again, adjust to your liking.
 
The garnish is left to your discretion. I like the look of an orange twist 🍊 while others might opt for an orange slice. Either way, the snifter will get very hot so I highly suggest wrapping a serviette around the glass to protect your hands.
 
Easy to make, this Blueberry Tea is a tasty drink to sip this winter! It’s a nice comforting cocktail to add to your bar menu and if you feel a little under the weather, this will warm you up inside out… As I always say, “drink responsibly”.
Cheers!🥂
 
Check out these other great cocktail recipes… 😀
– Holiday Aperol Spritz
– Homemade Limoncello Liqueur
– Golden Sunset
– Vodka Yummmosa
– Spanish Sangria
– Homemade Tia Maria
– Blood Orange Martini
and for even more cocktail recipes 🍹🍸, click on this link… Recipe Category • Beverages

For ingredient amounts, directions and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/blueberry-tea/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Eggplant Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake Recipe | Club Foody

 

Everybody is different… from the way we were raised, to tastes, beliefs, dislikes, favorites, opinions, and so on. As many enjoy the cold months of the year, I actually can’t stand it and David is with me on this one. Although we’re not a fan of winter, I certainly like to take advantage of it by making casseroles… 🍲
 
I enjoy making them for a few reasons; they’re easy to make, very tasty and economical. During the cold season, making casseroles is so comforting 🥰! Their simplicity brings warmth on a cold winter day. With a mixture of tasty ingredients, these are very satisfying!
 
On the website, there are many of them and they just keep coming. There’s Frankie’s Macaroni Casserole and Shepherd’s Pie that I’ve been making for over 4 decades, my lovely Tuna Casserole, Turkey Pasta Casserole or Turkey Tetrazzini, both perfect for leftover meat 🦃 after Thanksgiving or Christmas, and more.
 
Here’s another one to add to the list… my Eggplant Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake! There’s nothing fancy about it but it’s sure an amazing dish to enjoy when the mercury drops outside 🥶! Loaded with yumminess, this is an incredible recipe to make!
 
This casserole is easy to put together. The first ingredient that has to be prepared is the eggplant 🍆. After cubing it into bite sized pieces, they have to be sautéed in oil until brown. As you know, this vegetable is like a sponge and absorbs a lot therefore 6 tablespoons of oil have to be used to achieve the results.
 
I know there’s a lot of olive oil but it’s good 💚 for us! Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil has great antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce type 2 diabetes, protects against heart disease and may fight Alzheimer’s. It’s also excellent to treat arthritis.
 
Besides a good amount of olive oil, there’s also a lot of vegetables going into this Eggplant Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake. To keep the earthiness of the dish, I use sea salt 🧂, freshly ground black pepper, some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
 
Like many casserole recipes, there are a couple of cans 🥫 that are added to it; diced tomatoes and pasta sauce. If you prefer, you can replace the first one by making your own Tomates Concassées and for the second can, there’s my Meatless Spaghetti Sauce that can be used instead.
 
Rigatoni is the pasta I prefer using but penne is also a nice choice. It’s important to not cook the noodles all the way. Cook pasta according to the package directions minus 2 minutes as they will cook more in the oven.
 
This Eggplant Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake is exactly what we all need! It’s easy to make, delicious plus comforting. This is a great recipe to make during the cold months. As much as David and I would like to be somewhere warm and tropical 😎, making casseroles helps us get through the winter season…
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other delicious comforting recipes… 😀
– Pepper & Sausage Casserole
– Chicken Divan
– Southwest Beef Casserole
– Fisherman’s Pie
– Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole
– Hamburger Helper Copycat
– Lancashire Hotpot
and for even more pasta recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Pasta & Pizza

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/eggplant-beef-mushroom-pasta-bake/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube