Beyond Roast Turkey and Trimmings in November

by Elise Griffith

Since most magazines and many websites offer loads of recipes for Thanksgiving dinner, this month's column will focus on the rest of the month. Let's face it, the holidays are upon us… you want quick preparation; you need easy. If you begin with half an onion, one pound of Kielbasa, three medium potatoes and two crowns of fresh broccoli, you're well on your way to a savory, satisfying meal! The following step-by-step recipe will help you whip up dinner with little fuss. You'll need an oven safe pot or a Dutch oven for this one pot dish.

Easy Autumn Scalloped Potatoes, Sausage & Broccoli

• 1 pound Kielbasa or other sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• ½ large onion, sliced
• 3 large potatoes
• 2 fresh broccoli crowns
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

< Melt two tablespoons butter or margarine over medium heat on your stovetop. Sauté sliced onion in the butter or margarine for two - three minutes.	Peel and slice three large potatoes (or leave peels on) and slice one pound Kielbasa sausage.	Add to sautéed onions in the pot, stir, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
While the onion, potatoes and sausage are simmering, cut the tips (florets) from two broccoli crowns. Reserve broccoli stems for the next recipe.	Add broccoli to the pot, along with cheddar cheese soup and stir. Sprinkle top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Cover and place in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake 25-30 minutes.	Your one pot meal will yield six adult-sized servings for less than $2.00 each.

If you'll be out at the stores in the very wee hours of the morning on Black Friday — or even if you plan on sleeping in after Thanksgiving — the following recipe for quiche can be made ahead and tucked into your freezer for reheating and serving as a hearty, welcome brunch. It's also a terrific use of the reserved broccoli trimmings, or stems, from the recipe above. Right now, Spencer's Fresh Markets has fresh broccoli on sale. Add a package of bacon, some eggs, Dollar Tree half & half (or milk), and shredded cheddar cheese. You can make your own pie crust or buy it on sale with a coupon to keep costs down.

Bob's Favorite Bacon & Broccoli Quiche

• pie crust for two single crust pies
• 1 package uncooked bacon
• 2 cups diced, fresh broccoli stems or frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed
• 10 large, fresh eggs (5 per quiche)
• 1 cup half & half cream or milk (1/2 cup per quiche)
• 1-1/2 to 2 cups shredded, cheddar cheese, divided

To reheat, remove from freezer and pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Place foil covered quiche in the oven and reheat at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Check to make sure middle is heated before serving. One quiche makes six full-sized servings, and is great with a side of fresh fruit for brunch.

If the quiche sounds too rich for your diet—especially with Holiday binging—the next recipe is lower in both fat and calories while much higher in fiber. The real “treat” of this recipe using your Crock Pot is how little preparation is needed!

Crock Pot Chuck Wagon Chili

• 2 pounds trimmed beef, cut into cubes or chunks
• 2 cups dry pinto beans, soaked overnight in water and drained
• 2 cups dry red kidney beans, soaked overnight in water and drained
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 1 heaping teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup bottled Picante sauce or your favorite salsa
• 1 cup tomato sauce or 1/2 cup tomato paste if you prefer thicker chili
• salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)

Place first six ingredients in your crock pot, stir, cover and cook on high (undisturbed) for five to six hours. Remove lid and stir in picante sauce or salsa, tomato sauce, or paste, and salt. Cover again, turn crock pot setting to low, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Makes 10-12 bowls of chili, which is great for weekend gatherings!

Top with shredded, cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or corn chips . . . my husband's favorite.

Note: it's important that tomatoes aren't added before the beans are tender, as the acid in tomatoes prevents softening.

From Where I Cook… if you don't yet have a crock pot, glass pie plates or an oven-safe pot, this is one time of the year when sales abound for all things cooking related and might be a great opportunity for a small splurge. One six-quart crock pot will make your life easier for many months (or years) to come. A good, basic model without bells and whistles for $29.99 is all you'll really need. A sturdy, oven safe pot or Dutch oven can be found for about the same price. With care it will last a lifetime. While I only bring my large roaster out a few times a year, I use my Dutch oven at least once a week, and the crock pot a few times each month. The right cookware makes my life much, much easier during busy periods like the holidays.

Stay tuned next month for easy gifts from your kitchen! Wishing you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.

Image on Banner by Nathan Drew