Friday, June 25, 2010

Connie's Chicken Salad




My mom's friend Connie had a catering business and this was her chicken salad recipe. My mom would help her make it for weddings and showers. It is different than any other chicken salad I have tried and I really like it. It is excellent served on croissants - especially if they are homemade.

Cook 1/3 cup rice in 2/3 cup water with 1/2 tsp boullion. Cook until water is absorbed.

Mix:

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup under cooked broccoli, chopped
1 hard boiled egg, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup sliced olives
Cooked rice from above

Sauce:

1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1 Tbsp Dejon mustard
1/4 tsp celery salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Mix everything together and chill. Just before serving add 2 to 3 chopped tomatoes.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Garlic Parmesan Orzo



Before I made this recipe I had never tried Orzo before. I am now a big fan. This recipe was a yummy side dish. I loved that it was quick and easy and the pasta was rich and creamy. I did cut back on the butter. The original recipe called for 1/2 cup butter and I only put in 1/4 cup. I'm sure it would be even better if you used the full amount of butter, but it still was really good and I felt better about eating it with half the butter. I also added more Parmesan cheese. I can never get enough Parmesan!

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or more if desired
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in butter until tender. Drain orzo; add to skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt and pepper; heat through.