Guest Author - Deborah Adams
I don't know about you but I get so tired of the same side dishes year in and year out at family functions. So I've decided to hunt down great tasting side dishes that can replace the "traditional" green bean casserole and broccoli cheese rice once in a while. I'll be bringing various side dishes that you can substitute to try a different variety of dishes at your functions.
If any of you have some great side dishes to suggest or share please feel free to drop me a line and we'll get it up for all to see.
This recipe creates a casserole out of frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower with a crunchy bread cube topping, it's a treat! Now I've also had this with the french fried onions mixed in and that's also good if you like the onion flavor in your foods. Enjoy!
California Medley Casserole
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. California Medley vegetables (broccoli, carrots & cauliflower)
1/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Steam 2 packages of California Medley vegetables. Drain vegetables and save liquid for sauce. Put vegetables in a 2 quart baking dish.
SAUCE:
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. flour
1 cup liquid from vegetables
1 cup half and half cream
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp gr black pepper
1/2 cup grated American Cheese
TOPPING:
3 tbsp butter
2 cups bread cubes
2 tbsp butter again
Blend butter with flour in skillet over medium heat. When bubbly add water from vegetables and half and half cream. Cook until thick. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, salt, pepper and American cheese and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour over vegetables. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons butter. Cover with bread cubes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons butter. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
