Recipes from Helle

So I’m sitting here struggling to come up with something edible for you guys, but I am half wondering if I’ve used all my good recipes already. If so, I’m ashamed. If not, why can’t I think of any? Well my first thought is, I do my best cooking in the winter when its enjoyable to have the house all warm and cozy from the oven going full blast. In the summer when we hit the 100’s for real feel temps, its awfully hard to convince myself to get cooking. I look at the fridge and say to myself, whats the easiest coolest thing to make and go from there. Well today, I’m going to share a recipe that is more of a “Oh shoot we haven’t gone grocery shopping in 3 weeks” emergency meal than a fancy pants eat. However it still kicks butt and always gets rave reviews around this household. Oh and I must give credit where its due- this recipe is from my stepmom who discovered when she was young after not having a recipe for Shepherd’s Pie. (I think thats how the story goes)

Mashed Potato Surprise

• 2 or 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• instant mashed potatoes big box
• sour cream
• 2 cans mixed vegetables
• 1 can green beans
• 1/8 cup parmesan cheese
• worcestershire sauce
• fried onions

Okay so here goes. Take the chicken (thawed preferably) and throw it under the broiler checking it at regular intervals (don’t burn it like I did the other day) and let it cook till the center is done. I love doing chicken this way because it keeps it soft and moist instead of crispy and dry. (even when you burn it) While thats cooking get your big box of mashed potatoes and make enough for the 12 servings (this will feed a crowd of 4 or 5 hungry men, if you want less, make less potatoes and use only one can of veggies). Cook the potatoes according to the box, but add in the parmesan cheese while the water is boiling. Once you’ve got the potatoes and chicken cooked, its simple from there. Cut the chicken into bite sized chunks and add the chicken, vegetables, green beans, about 1/2 cup of sour cream, and about 4 or 5 tbsps worcestershire sauce and mix them all in. Top this with the fried onions like you would green bean casserole and serve with shredded cheese. Its easy and good, the picky ones enjoy the veggies, and leftovers are good too. A quick note about seasoning. I use about 1 tsp salt and then add a good measure of onion powder to the mix, but you can season however you choose. I also cut up a crookneck squash, sauteed it in a little smart balance, and added it as well- good way to get some fresh veggies in the mix in a hurry. Bon Apetit!