Monday, April 25, 2011

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

2(6.2-ounce) packages of long-grain and wild rice mix
2(6-ounce) jars of marinated artichoke quarters, undrained
4 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, chopped
5 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
optional ingredients: 2 celery ribs, chopped
1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced ripe olives drained
1/2 cup colby jack cheese.

Cook rice mix according to package directions.
Drain artichoke quarters, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Stir together rice, artichoke, chicken, chopped bell pepper, onions, and walnut. Stir together artichoke liquid, mayonnaise, and curry powder: toss with rice mixture. Bake uncovered 25 minutes on 350. Remove from oven and add 1/2 cup grated colby jack cheese and cook 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.

**Recipe from a sweet friend, Kendal Tashee**

Burgundy Pork Tenderloin

2-3 pounds pork tenderloin
3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoons Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
1 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
3 cups red wine (1 bottle)
1 1/2 (.75 ounce) packets dry brown gravy mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 350.
Pour wine and gravy mix into the bottom of a large baking dish. Add sliced onion and garlic.
Place pork in the baking dish, and sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and herbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
When done baking, remove meat from baking dish, slice and place on a serving platter. Pour gravy over the sliced pork tenderloin.

**Recipe from my sweet friend, Amanda Harris**

Coffee Punch

5 T. Instant coffee
2 cups hot water
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
6 cups cold water
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 pint half & half
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream

Dissolve instant coffee in hot water. Add sugar and salt; stir until dissolved. Add cold water and almond extract. Chill. When ready to serve, add coffee mixture and half & half to the ice cream. Use a potato masher to get a good consistency. Garnish with Ready Whip and chocolate shavings.

**I added crushed ice to the punch to keep chilled**