Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Chicken and Artichoke Casserole and two hours well spent


I know it seems weird to make casseroles in the summertime, but I really wanted to feature my mom's recipes and this is one of my Mom's best. I love her casserole recipes because they actually taste good and require some effort- not just cream of mushroom and lipton soup mix. (Although I have a soft spot in my heart for those, too.) She has absolutely mastered this recipe because she made a lot of changes to the original that I think are definitely for the better. She found it in some Utah cookbook she loves called the Heritage coobook or something? I want to say the Junior League put it out but I'm pretty sure that's wrong. She found this recipe when she was pregnant with my youngest sister Annie. She was looking for recipes that would freeze well so she could have dinners prepared for us and in the freezer after the baby came. Anyway, the recipe I'm going to give you here is not the original but the recipe just as she prepares it.... with a few minor changes that I made myself that don't really change the flavor of the dish.

Chicken and Artichoke Casserole

1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 T butter
2 14 oz cans chicken broth
5 chicken breasts
1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained
3/4 stick butter
1/3 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/8 cup half and half
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried rosemary

Saute mushrooms in 2 T butter and set aside. Pour 2 cans chicken broth in large pot and add water to cover chicken breasts. Bring to a boil. When chicken is cooked through, shred with two forks. Remove from broth and save 1 1/8 cups. Cool. Arrange chicken in casserole dish. Top with artichoke hearts (I like to chop them into smaller pieces.) Set aside. Melt 3/4 stick butter, stir in flour, salt and pepper and cook until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in 1 1/8 cup reserved chicken broth and light cream. Cook and stir as mixture boils and thickens. Blend in Parmesan cheese and rosemary. Pour over artichokes. Sprinkle mushrooms over the top. Bake at 325 for 30 minutes and serve over rice. If you have more Parmesan, sprinkle it on top just before baking. This recipe freezes well- just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze before you bake it.

We took a walk to the Farmer's market on Saturday and I picked up these delicious peaches. I LOVE peaches. So we enjoyed some peach pie with our casserole. (I'll post the recipes later.)

The Pace's drove out from St. Louis to visit for a few days. It's been so nice to have their company! Here we are playing Dr. Mario. Bobby is our reigning champion.

And have you ever played Hand and Foot? I have included a link to this fabulous card game that we are OBSESSED with, but it's really just to give you an idea of what the game is about- there are many different versions out there and well, we think ours is best. The game takes AT LEAST 2 hours, but we feel that it is two hours well spent. My mom thought so, too. She loved this game and we spent hours playing every time we were home visiting. I believe she just played it a couple weeks before she died with Brent and Kristy. Bobby won the game last night and beat Ashley by a measly 35 points.

14 comments:

Anita said...

Katherine, How are you? Rachel told me she had a link to your blog, hope you dont mind. Franny is so cute and big, and I didnt know you had two girls, but of course there would be another since its been forever since Ive talked to you. I need to get you email so that I dont have to make such a long comment... :)

Ashley said...

Geez, I wonder where Abbey gets that cheesy grin. Did you notice Sophie's pose in the Dr. Mario picture? Thanks for being a great host, I already wish we were still there.

jayne said...

Shawn and I used to stay up into the wee hours of the morning playing hand and foot but now have forgotten! You'll have to be my re-teacher. I'm glad Ash came out to visit, looks like a fun time!

Jordan said...

You blow me away with your cooking, Katherine!

I love the Madonna cut, by the way, it is very retro chic--totally your style thus it suits Franny well.

Ashlie n Jonathan said...

YUMMMM! I was actually just talking to a friend tonight about artichoke recipes! Thanks! I have played hand and foot a couple times - lots of fun! I stink at it, but so fun! And Franny is still SOOO beautiful! Some have bangs, some have beauty, she still has both! ;)

hayley said...

That casserole sounds really good! Also I really like the pictures you took of your peach pie display:)

janellelee said...

I AM SO JEALOUS YOU GUYS ARE STILL PLAYING DR. MARIO....b/c so am i! i want a rematch w/bobby. i could never beat him and it secretly tore me up inside. i LOVE franny's bangs! i did that to myself a couple of years ago.

christine said...

Kathrine, Hope you don't mind but I lurk. I love your blog and it inspires me to want to be a domestic goddess-or at least a domestic diva. I want to enjoy cooking again, thanks to you.
Franny's hair looks cute. I've done that to both of my girls at one time or another.

rebecca said...

I've been wanting to try this recipe(I think it is the one in the SAA cookbook?) Thanks for reminding me. It looks so yummy!!! I can't wait to play hands and feet. Now that I have some time with Keith for a few more weeks, I want to learn this game with him!!! Miss you!

Jill said...

I am jealous that you had a fun get together, the meal looks great as always!

Katherine said...

I know Jill- I miss you!!

Unknown said...

Kathrine- You are an amazing cook. If you ever make pies for people let me know and I will pay you because that pie looks delicious!

Katherine said...

you wish maggie! (maggie is my sister.) I love you!!

Erin said...

The casserole looks awesome, and the peach pie. Mmmmmm.
I am so jealous to see you and Ashlie hanging out! Lucky ladies!

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