Occasionally, I crave comfort food. Since we are on the cusp of spring and at the edge of winter around here, I felt the urge to make my family (and myself too) a big comforting hot casserole.
A native Ohioan, granddaughter to early Pennsylvanian German and English settlers and farming types, the influence of American cooking is always right beneath the surface. Yep, it never leaves. One memorable American casserole is the infamous Tuna Noodle Casserole which blesses many a table throughout the states. My mother made this dish and I alway see it at picnics and potlucks.
The dish I made last night is a natural adaptation of its relative Tuna Noodle Casserole. I prefer freshly roasted turkey breast and a homemade white sauce to the traditional canned tuna and soup. My recipe could go either way depending on your preference for canned tuna. I also skipped the bread crumbs on top but I'm sure they would be good too. Worcestershire sauce, fresh nutmeg, and the red and yellow peppers flavor the white sauce nicely and gives it dimension.
All in all, it was blog worthy. I'm only sorry I don't have a good photo of the dish. I'm not food blog worthy yet until I can shoot food in natural light. My kitchen does not have good light.
Turkey Noodle Casserole (My Little Hen's)
1. Roast a large turkey breast, and cut 2 cups of warm or cooled turkey into cubes. Set aside. Leftovers can be used for turkey sandwiches.
2. In a separate medium pan add 1/2 pound of wide dry egg noodles. Boil until done (not too soft), drain and set aside.
3. Finely chop 1 large organic sweet onion,1 small red and 1 small yellow pepper. Set aside.
4. In a medium pan, add 5 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Warm oil and add chopped vegetables. Saute on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until soft.
5. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of flour to the butter and vegetables and mix well. When the mixture is bubbling add 3 cups milk to flour mixture and stir until thickened.
6. Add 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce to the mixture and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, mix well.
7. Add 1 cup shredded parmesan, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1 heaping tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheeses have melted and are well blended. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add chopped turkey and stir. Pour mixture in a lightly greased casserole and bake at 350 for 10 minutes or serve warm from the stove top.
Serve as a side:
Sauteed baby spinach:
1 lb bag of baby spinach. Wash and spin or pat dry.
2 cloves of garlic, chopped fine.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a pan and sautee the garlic for about 1 minute, then add spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Stir occasionally.
Serve warm with Turkey Roasted Casserole.
I know it seems a little corny to ask but I am wondering if you have a favorite casserole?