The book I received from my sis-in-law (who is one of my favorite people on the face of the earth, and NOT just because of this book) is called Casserole Crazy by Emily Farris. Here is one of the recipes I tried on my family:
A Kansas City Masterpiece
1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
1/2 large white onion, chopped (I reduced this from a whole onion)
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups (about 3/4 lb) chopped chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce (she called for KC masterpiece but I prefer Curly’s)
1/2 lb monterey jack cheese, cubed (I only had shredded)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
salt and pepper to taste
Saute onions and garlic in oil until translucent. Cook chicken (mine was already cooked, leftover baby!), then on low heat add sauce, cheese, beans and finally pasta. Stir until all the pasta is coated with BBQ sauce. At this point I stuck mine in the fridge and cooked it a couple days later, or you can cook it right then at 350 in a buttered dish (I sprayed mine with olive oil) for about 45 min or until bubbly. Better if you let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Can be served with sour cream and chives on top, but I didn’t have any. Close enough.
Thank you dahhhhling!! XOXO!
You are so welcome. How is your new work situation working out?
IMO fantastic! I love being able to drop everything for cuddle time or exploring new things (like working in the yard a bit today we discovered a SNAKE!) We’ve been growing pepper plants (even trying to grow some from seeds this year) and flowers and he loves to help at pretty much everything. And BELIEVE ME I’m determined to keep it going as.long.as.I.can! I’m amazed at how much more relaxed the entire family is because I’m able to “handle” more things around the house. Hopefully we will keep up the schedule (I’m home Thursday-Sunday this week) – I love only doing my hair and make-up 3 days a week LOL
So glad. It’s the truth – ain’t nobody happy if mama ain’t happy! Things are similar here – if I can have everything “taken care of” it makes such a HUGE difference in our daily lives and how much less stress is involved (for everybody!). If only I could be as organized as my own mom!