Recipes

[dinks4me]

I made David Venable's dish yesterday just as it is outlined in the book, but mine came out real watery. What do you think happened? My vegetables were frozen but he said that was ok. Very good but disappointed.

Julie from Omaha, NE

[Love my grandkids]

It's really important IMO to drain frozen veggies, they do contain water. I learned this the hard way 40 years ago when I added frozen spinach to a quiche recipe and did NOT drain it!

The quiche, sadly, ended up in the garbage, totally inedible.

[KentuckyWoman]

I think frozen vegetables are difficult to use in recipes like this because they retain a lot of water.  I haven't tried this recipe but  have a vegetable casserole I make.   I use frozen mixed vegetables and I cook them according to the package directions then let them drain for about 30 minutes before adding them to the cheese sauce.  

[Cookie2025]

I run hot water over my frozen vegetables and then drain for 15 minutes - shaking the drainer occassionally.

[deepwaterdotter]

I make my SIL's recipe titled "Chicken Pot Pie Crumble" that is made with some fresh vegetables and frozen peas:

Filling:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup peeled and sliced carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

4 tbsp butter

1/2 cup flour

1 cup milk

3/4 cup frozen peas 

Topping:

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

6 tbsp butter, cut into 1/2" cubes and refrigerated

3/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 cup heavy cream

Cook chicken and broth in slow cooker on high for 3 hours.  Place chicken in bowl.  Strain broth into another bowl.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and both peppers in big bowl.  Sprinkle chilled butter over top of flour mixture.  Cut butter into flour to coarse crumb texture.  Stir in Parmesan.  Stir in cream to just combined.  Crumble onto parchment-lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking

For filling, heat oil in big pot over medium heat.  Stir in onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.  Cover and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.  Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.  Place cooked vegetables into same bowl as chicken.

Melt butter in big pot.  Constantly stir in flour and cook for 1 minute over medium heat.  Slowly whisk in reserved broth and milk. Simmer and stir occasionally until sauce thickens.  Stir in salt and pepper.  Remove from heat and stir in chicken, cooked vegetables, and peas.

Pour into 9X13" baking pan and scatter topping over top of filling.  Place pan on baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes before serving.         

[aroc3435]

@dinks4me   First off--welcome to the boards!  There are a couple of possibilities that come to mind.  Maybe your oven temperature is off and so 350 degrees that the recipe calls for wasn't reached or maintained in it.

Also, David indicates to boil the frozen vegetables and soup and broth on the stovetop before placing in the casserole.  Perhaps it didn't cook down enough before you placed it in your 9 X 13 dish.

I agree with others, too, that I would either always thaw and drain thoroughly frozen vegetables before using in a recipe like this or, better yet, steam them separately while still frozen for a few minutes, drain completely, and then incorporate into the other liquids.

If you have leftovers perhaps the liquid will thicken up when you reheat them.

[AuntG]

If I recall correctly, you get a lot of good recipes from your SIL, @deepwaterdotter . Alas, mine sends my brother to the convenience store for his meals.

[deepwaterdotter]

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@AuntG wrote:

If I recall correctly, you get a lot of good recipes from your SIL, @deepwaterdotter . Alas, mine sends my brother to the convenience store for his meals.

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I have 2 of them and they are both good cooks.  Also their mothers shared many tasty recipes.  Many of my former co-workers would share their recipes for dishes they contributed to potlucks at work.  Also, many of the parishoners who help with the cooking duties at the weekly community meal at my church are excellent cooks.  I am blessed to be acquainted with numerous folks who share tasty recipes.. 

[SandySparkles]

That was priceless! Your poor brother-in-law😂😂

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[Daysdee]

I know so many people now that don't cook.  They don't like doing it, so they don't!   They either dine out. pick up take out or have prepared food delivered to their home.   The only food I have ever had delivered is pizza and I don't do that any more.    I cook for myself every day.