browns

Delmonico Potatoes

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Test Kitchen Favorites: Delmonico Potatoes! If you’ve wondered what makes this potato casserole stand out among the rest, read on. Its history dates back to the 19th century where a New York City restaurant of fine dining served it to their patrons. The rich creamy sauce is super cheesy. As the potatoes bake, the texture becomes thick and velvety. You may find yourself smacking your lips at first bite. Don’t be rude; dab your mouth and say, “Excuse me, my mouth is simply signifying enjoyment. It’s not my fault.” On the other hand, in some cultures smacking your lips can be a compliment as a form of approval and delight. You decide which way works at your table. 

DELMONICO POTATOES 

Ingredients: 

16-ounce package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed 

1/2 cup milk 

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 

Fresh parsley, for garnish 

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9”x9” square casserole dish with nonstick oil. Add the hash brown potatoes to the baking dish. Set aside. Place a large sauce pan over medium low heat. Add the milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. Pour the cheese mixture over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for one hour, or until the edges have turned golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Incredible Ham Potato Casserole

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? The Joy of Eating: Incredible Ham Potato Casserole! As the days grow shorter and the night chill sets in, gather around the table for this hearty harvest meal. It can be made ahead and popped in the oven at a moment’s notice. When it comes out with the cheese bubbly and the topping crisp, serve it in the same vessel to keep it hot. By adding smoky Virginia ham chunks and chopped vegetables, this main dish is easy-to-follow and goes a long way. The crunchy topping gives it a nice finish. Plus, leftovers are a bonus!

INCREDIBLE HAM POTATO CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

3 cups ham chunks

1 green pepper, chopped

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 tablespoon pimento, diced

30-32 ounces frozen southern-style hash brown potatoes, thawed 

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of chicken soup, condensed

16 ounces sour cream

1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients. Mix well and pour into a greased 9″x13″ casserole dish. Add topping. 

Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups corn flakes

Instructions:

Gently mix corn flakes with butter and spread over top of casserole. Bake in oven for one hour. Serve family-style. 

Festive Breakfast Pizza

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Festive Breakfast Pizza! Whether you prepare a holiday brunch for invited guests or gather ’round the table in your pajamas, this recipe is a winner. Simply because, everyone loves pizza! You now have an excuse to eat it for breakfast, even if you’re “Home Alone”. It has baked eggs, it has shredded potatoes, it has crumbled sausage, and gooey cheese all together over a golden deep dish crust. So there you have it. Bring out the holiday movies, set up the TV tray, and eat pizza for breakfast. Permission granted. 

FESTIVE BREAKFAST PIZZA

Ingredients:

1 pound pork sausage, ground

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper 

1/4 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning*

1 green pepper, chopped 

2 ounces pimentos, diced

1 cup hash brown potatoes, shredded 

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

1 tube prepared pizza crust

5 eggs, beaten 

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until cooked and crumbly. Drain well. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, white pepper, and Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning. Microwave chopped green pepper on HIGH for two minutes. Combine diced pimentos, green peppers, and sausage. Mix well. For a deep dish pizza, roll out pizza crust and press into an iron skillet bringing dough up the sides of the pan. Layer with sausage mixture, hash browns, and cheddar cheese. Whisk eggs and milk together. Pour over the pizza. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake 30-35 minutes or until eggs are set and crust is golden. 

*I receive no recompense for recommending Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning.