Seafood Bisque

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) condensed cream
of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of
celery soup, undiluted

2 2/3 cups milk

4 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce

1 1/2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled
and deveined

1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked, and
cartilage removed

1 jar (4 1/2 ounces) whole mushrooms, drained

3 tbsp Madeira wine or chicken broth

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Minced fresh parsley



In a dutch oven or soup kettle, combine the first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat.

Add the shrimp, crab, and the mushrooms. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Stir in the wine or broth. Add the salt and the pepper.

Cook for 2-3 minutes longer.

Garnish with parsley.

Makes 10 servings


Source: Taste of Home

Seasoning mixes

I love making my own mixes . . . in my mixes, I use ground red pepper instead of black pepper . . . here are some general guidelines for several types of seasoning mixes:


CREOLE SEASONING
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

ITALIAN HERB SEASONING
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon sage

SEAFOOD SEASONING
1 tablespoon ground bay leaves
2 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
3/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoons red pepper
1/4 teaspoons ground mace (optional)
1/4 teaspoons ground cardamon (optional)

POULTRY SEASONING
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

CHILI POWDER
3 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons oregano
1 teaspoon red or cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Three Cheese Pasta Bake

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package ziti
2 (10-ounce) containers refrigerated Alfredo sauce
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese


Preparation

Prepare ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pot.

Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with ziti until evenly
coated. Spoon half of mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking
dish.

Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over
pasta mixture in baking dish. Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over
ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Makes 8 servings.

Ham and Broccoli Bake

SERVINGS: 8
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling Bake: 35 min.


Ingredients:

1 loaf (8 ounces) day-old French bread, cubed
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper


Directions:

Toss bread cubes with butter. Place half in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Top with half of the cheese and broccoli; sprinkle with ham. Top with remaining broccoli, cheese and bread cubes.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and pepper. Pour over casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.


Yield: 8 servings.


Source:
Taste of Home
October/November 2008 issue