Corn Casserole

This is one of my favorite holiday dishes but I rarely make it because I'm the only one that likes it.  I know in most other families this is served often, especially in the South.  The beauty of this dish is that it is incredibly easy.  With all the work that goes into most holiday mains and sides, this yummy dish is a welcome respite.  

8 oz Jiffy Corn Muffin mix 

15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)

15 oz can creamed corn

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup melted butter

2 eggs

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together and then pour into a greased 8"x8" baking pan.

3.  Cook uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned.

Note:  You can omit the eggs.  However, using eggs makes the casserole lighter.  

If cheese is your thing, you can mix 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice.

If you like super sweet things, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar.  Just beware:  Using sugar makes an already sweet casserole extremely sweet.  Using eggs and sugar in this recipe makes this more like a dessert.

Serves 8

Thai Chicken Vegetable Soup

I made this soup a few months ago and it was amazing!  It's incredibly easy and quick to make thanks to using Swanson broth.  It's good when it's first made, but is even better warmed up.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 2" matchstick-thin strips
1 medium red pepper, cut into 2" matchstick-think strips
1 cup sliced mushrooms (shitake, oyster, cremini), optional
1 carton (32 oz) Swanson Thai Ginger Flavor Infused Broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (about 14 oz) unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1.  Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add carrot and pepper, cook for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.  Stir in mushrooms, if using.

2.  Add broth to saucepan and heat to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Stir in chicken, cook 5 minutes or until chicken is hot.

3.  Stir in coconut milk and cook until mixture is hot and bubbling.  Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Serves 5 (about 1 1/2 cups per serving)