Country Cooking 2-19-2020

Pistachio Lettuce Salad

10 cups torn Bibb or Boston lettuce

1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped

1 cup raisins

Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, oranges, pistachios and raisins. In a blender, combine the dressing ingredients; cover and process until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Yield: 16 servings

Herb Bread

1/2 cup warm water

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 1/3 cups bread flour

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). Yield: 1 loaf

Shepherd’s Pie

5 pounds potatoes, peeled

   and cubed    

2 pounds ground beef

2 large onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (15 1/2 oz. each) whole kernel corn, drained    

1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

2 packages, (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cups (8 oz.) each ) shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350º.  Place potatoes in a stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 10-15  minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, cook beef, onions and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in corn and barbecue sauce.

Drain potatoes, mash with cream cheese, butter, salt and pepper. Spoon meat mixture into two greased 13×9 inch baking dishes. Spread mashed potatoes over top; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 2 casserole, 8 servings each.

To freeze: Cool unbaked casseroles; cover and freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350º and bake 1-1/4 hours or until bubbly. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and a thermometer reinserted in center reads 165º.