| Convenient comfort foods warm the winter months
(ARA) - When old man winter just won't seem to go away soon enough, one of the best ways to fight off the chill is with savory, hearty meals that can warm the body and soul. Known as classic comfort foods, these homemade favorites can satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
According to a recent Omnibus survey commissioned by Heinz, Americans' favorite comfort foods are soups and stews, fried or baked chicken and homemade mashed potatoes. And, while these classic comforts are perennial pleasers at the dinner table, they aren't always the easiest to prepare in the kitchen.
Take, for instance, homemade mashed potatoes. By the time you scrub, peel, chop and boil the potatoes, it's 30 minutes later and you haven't even started on the main course yet. Thanks to Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash potatoes, however, now you can enjoy the comfort of homemade mashed potatoes without all of the hassle.
Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash potatoes are 100 percent real potatoes already peeled, chopped and ready to steam in the microwave and then mash your way. They go from freezer to table in less than 15 minutes - that's a faction of the time it takes to make homemade mashed potatoes from scratch. Whether you prefer the garlic, russet, sweet potato or cut red variety, these spuds are sure to satisfy any comfort food craving in a quick and convenient way.
And if it's soup or stew you crave, consider making your favorite recipe in the crock pot. That way, you can do other things while it's cooking. Or, if you make it ahead, just freeze and thaw it when the craving strikes so it's ready when you are.
For the ultimate shortcut to the taste of a comfort food meal, try pairing your homemade side dish with a hot rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and top it off with Heinz HomeStyle Gravy. Here are a few other simple recipes from Ore-Ida that are sure to keep you cozy and warm this season, despite old man winter's lengthy stay.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Serves six
Ingredients:
1 bag of Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Cut Russet Potatoes
cooking spray
2/3 cup of evaporated milk
2 tablespoons of butter
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of sour cream
2 teaspoons of dried chives
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic and onion medley
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup real bacon crumbles
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray 9x9 inch baking pan with canola spray. Microwave the potatoes according to package directions. In medium bowl, mash cooked potatoes, milk, and butter. Stir in remaining ingredients, except shredded cheese and bacon, until well combined. Spread mixture in bottom of baking pan; top with cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve hot.
Shepherd's Pie
Serves four
Ingredients
1 bag of Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Cut Russet Potatoes
1 pound of ground beef
3/4 cup of chopped onion
3 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 1/4 cup of beef broth
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon of thyme
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Microwave the potatoes according to package directions. Meanwhile, brown ground beef, onion, butter and garlic in a large skillet. Drain excess fat. Combine spices, Worcestershire, cornstarch and beef broth in a separate bowl. Pour liquid over meat and simmer over medium heat until rich and bubbly. Pour the meat into a casserole dish, top with prepared mashed potatoes. Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake at 350ºF. until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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