Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Bread Braid

We had this tonight. All credit and compliments go to Pinterest and Food Family Finds. I had been wanting to try this awhile but I just always forget. It is great. And what was most surprising to me was that RJ inhaled it---broccoli and all!

Here is what you need:
2 cans Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls
2 cups chicken chunks, cooked
2 cups cheddar cheese
2 cups broccoli, frozen, steamed and chopped
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 egg yolk
fresh rosemary

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2) On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, spread both cans of crescents length wise to form a long rectangle. (I just lightly sprayed my pan).
3) Press each of the seams to form a single layer of dough.
4) In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheese, broccoli and mayonnaise. Spread mixture over the center of the croissant dough evenly to create a log.
5) Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal strips 1 inch apart down each side of the crescent dough.
6) Fold the dough strips over the top of the chicken mixture, alternating left and right to create a braid.
7) Brush the top of the braid with a beaten egg yolk and sprinkle fresh rosemary on top. (I did this but if you don't want your bread as flaky or as brown, you could omit the egg part).
8) Bake for 28 – 30 minutes until golden brown. (I only baked mine for 25 minutes. I personally think 20-25 minutes is perfect. My oven may just cook fast though).

Serve and enjoy!!!!

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

We ALL loved this one.  The little "big" 4-year old inhaled it.  I don't know if it was all the super yummy, yet so unhealthy cheese or if it was smoked sausage, but this casserole definitely disappeared and we will definitely be having it on the menu again.  Again, it is fairly easy to put together.  Please notice my "notes" at the bottom as I did make changes to this recipe. 

Here is what you will be needing:

• 3 cups Idaho potatoes, peeled, cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb skinless smoked sausage 
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

1) Boil peeled and cubed potatoes until just barely tender (in pasta cooking, they use the term al dente).  Drain off the water.
2) While they are cooking, cut the smoked sausage into half moon shapes (if you want-otherwise just slice them up) and then brown them in a skillet.
3) In a saucepan, melt butter.  Whisk in flour to form a roux.  Add in milk, salt, and pepper and whisk until it just starts to thicken.  Add in the cheese and stir until melted.
4) When everything is prepped, add the sausage and the potatoes to the a 2-quart casserole dish or pan.  Mix together a little.  Pour the cheese sauce mix over the top.  Sprinkle paprika over top. 
5) Bake 35-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Notes:
1-If you are using precooked smoked sausage, you can skip the browning part to save time and dishes.
2-I personally can NOT stand Velveeta.  So I used 1/2 pound of cheddar and probably about 1/4 pound of Swiss cheese-just because that is what I had in the fridge.  I also think that you could use whatever cheese or cheese blend that you wanted-as long as it melts good...Some cheeses just don't melt too well.
3-I forgot to set the oven timer and then I got busy talking to the hubby and paying bills.  Anyway, it did NOT burn but the paprika got a little dark. :)

Cheeseburger Pasta

We are huge fans of pasta and casseroles at our house. They may not be the healthiest food option, but they are cheap, fast, easy, and make more than one meal. In addition to these advantages, my 3 year old LOVES pasta and casserole, so making them ensures that he eats.

This one is a fast and simple dish. According to the cookbook that I took it out of, it serves 6 to 8. I doubled the sauce and pasta part of the recipe and filled a 9x13 casserole dish, so I am not sure what the book constitutes a serving. Just an FYI.

This casserole is a variation of homemade Hamburger Helper, so even if it is unhealthy, I know that it has a TON less salt then the store bought kind and probably a lot more flavor. This is just my rant. I have actually never bought or used a Hamburger Helper, so I don't really know if it is healthy at all or not. I will just be quiet and post the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 pound ground hamburger, or turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 oz dried bow tie pasta (or your favorite of choice)
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1-8 oz can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
1 Cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup chopped tomato (optional)
pickles (optional)

1) Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and Rinse.
2) While the pasta cooks, brown the meat and onion in a skillet. When done, drain any excess fat. Add the cheese soup, tomato sauce, and mustard to the beef. Mix over heat until the mixture is creamy.
3) Mix together the sauce and the drained pasta and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.
4) Bake, covered, at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove and top with shredded cheese. Bake an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
5) Serve, topped with tomato and pickles if desired.

Yum!