Rice Ham Casserole

Just quick post today.  Grandma must have liked rice, because I've found quite a few casserole recipes with rice in them.  This one is very simple and straightforward - and it would be handy to have on hand after Easter when you might have some leftover ham on hand.

Grandma says this recipe is good for luncheons.  I wonder if she served it to her Gab Club? 

Rice Ham Casserole

2 c diced ham (cooked)
2 c cooked rice
3 eggs, beaten
2 c milk
1/2 c green pepper, chopped
1/4 c grated onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Mix altogether and put in a cake pan.  Bake 45 minutes - 1 hour at 350 degrees.  Cut in squares.  Serve with mushroom sauce or cheese sauce.  Garnish with parsley.

Zucchini Rice Casserole

I thought it might be nice to post something that isn't a dessert, isn't sweet and could actually be served for dinner.  I probably should save it for summer, since it's a zucchini recipe, but casseroles are so warm and comforting I wouldn't want to deprive you of the opportunity to enjoy it this winter.  I must admit here that I have not personally made this, nor have I ever eaten it, but if Grandma says it's V.G. then it must be Very Good!  If you try it, please share your results (feel free to provide photos too!).

Zucchini Rice Casserole

1 Cup cooked rice
1 large zucchini (2 lbs) peeled, cut in small pieces.  Cook in water until tender.  Save the water - it all goes into the casserole. 
1 onion, chopped and sauteed in 1 cube margerine or butter
8 oz cream cheese - melt into the above hot mixture
2 eggs - slightly beaten
1 bouillon cube (chicken) in 1/4 c water
1/4 C Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste (not much)
Mix all ingredients together - top with buttered bread crumbs. 
Bake at 350 degrees 1/2 hour.

Josephine Carbone - Aug. 1983

Game Day Dips & Spreads

I meant to get this out just before Christmas for everyone to enjoy for their holiday entertaining.  I thought I was being clever and had successfully managed to pre-enter the post to be posted automatically December 23.  Alas, I was not as clever as I thought as it clearly did not post automatically.  Although I found these recipes in Josephine's spiral notebook along with all the holiday recipes, I think they'd be equally handy as game day treats!  Some of them are from magazine's, some do not note origin - I have taken out the brand references, for the most part, to simplify them a bit (plus I think some of those brands are no longer available in our area).  I hope you try them and enjoy them all the same.

Holiday Cheese Tree Football

1 8 oz container Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread
1 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tbls finely chopped pimento
1 Tbls finely chopped green pepper
1 tsp grated onion
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp lemon juice
chopped parsley
chopped nuts

Combine cheeses, mixing until well blended.  Add 1 tbls pimento, green pepper, onion, Worcestershire sauce & juice;  mix well.  Chill.  Drop six 1/3 cup measures into triangle football shape on serving platter.  Drop remaining mixture at base of triangle (tree trunk); smooth to form tree.  Top with parsley, nuts and remaining pimento.  Serve with crackers.

Holiday Ham & Chili Cheese Ball

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 can deviled ham
2 tbls finely chopped scallions
3 tbls chopped green chilis
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a small bowl, combine cheeses, deviled ham, scallions and chilis;  mix well.  Shape mixture into a ball.  Roll in chopped nuts.  Wrap in plastic wrap; chill.  Remove from fridge to soften slightly before serving.  Serve with crackers. 

Chris' Note:  smoked almonds work really well for the ham & cheese ball.

Shrimp Dip

1 envelope Lipton's tomato soup mix
1 pt. sour cream
2 tbls Italian dressing
1 cup chopped, cooked shrimp
Blend soup mix and sour cream.  Stir in Italian dressing & shrimp.  Chill.  Serve with potato chips or crackers.