Author: kimcrossin

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli
November 12, 2024

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli If you’re looking for something healthy, quick, easy and very satisfying I’ve got you covered. This spaghetti squash gets filled with chicken and broccoli and smothered in a creamy cashew Alfredo sauce. Oh also, it’s also made …

Healthy-ish, Mains
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by kimcrossin
Chicken Cutlets with Roasted Spring Vegetables, Burrata & Pesto
November 12, 2024

Chicken Cutlets with Roasted Spring Vegetables, Burrata & Pesto

Spring Chicken Milanese Chicken cutlets get topped with roasted spring vegetables in an apple cider vinaigrette, creamy burrata cheese and pesto. Not only is this beautiful on the eyes, but it feels fresh, light and so satisfying. Along with the vegetables, zesty vinaigrette and bright …

Mains, Spring, Spring/Summer Feature
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by kimcrossin
Creamed Spinach
November 12, 2024

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach is a variation of the creamed spinach my Aunt has kept on her Thanksgiving menu over the years.  Her creamed spinach has always been a fan favorite year after year. It’s indulgent yet you don’t feel too guilty because it is loaded with spinach. 

Of course I had to ask her for the recipe.  She gave me two separate recipes that were printed out and the pages were well used. Stains and hand written notes covered the recipes.  It was a little bit difficult to tell the exact ingredients that she kept or omitted and how much of the ingredients she used. I asked to clarify some things about the recipe but she kind of kept it casual and just said, you can’t really screw it up.  So, I set off to make it and it took a couple of tries until I came upon a recipe that I liked and wanted to keep. So behold my version of creamed spinach! Now I can always know the exact measurements and whip it out when needed.

This recipe is so great because I have served it as a side paired with steak or pork tenderloin on a special occasion. Or, I have also served it as a dip for a party and used pita chips to scoop up the goodness with.  This recipe is so easy and a lot of the ingredients can be a pantry pull. I love the small effort for big flavor here.

Ingredients

  • Spinach – Frozen spinach is perfect and easy to keep on hand for an easy app when you want it! All you want to do is pop it into the microwave to unthaw it. Place it into a shed free towel and then ring all of the excess water out of it. 
  • Butter – For flavor and richness
  • Shallot – Shallots are great because they have a more mild onion flavor and they’re smaller so you don’t need to keep 1/2 of an unused onion in your fridge that may or may not go bad. 
  • Garlic 
  • Peppadew or Sweet and Spicy Peppers – These are so good because of they are sweet and spicy! Just give them a little chop.
  • Red Chili Flakes – For a little heat 🙂 Use as much or as little as you like. I prefer just a hint of heat.
  • Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard is creamier and contains less vinegar than yellow mustard. It also has a really nice spicy heat to it as well.
  • Heavy Cream – Creamed spinach needs that creamy component and this recipe goes all in with heavy cream. You can also use light cream if you want to ditch a few calories. 
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese has a more distinct flavor that you get from the aging process. Fun fact: the only difference between the orange and white cheddar cheese that you see in the grocery store, is the natural vegetable food coloring they use to achieve the orange color. So, either works although I prefer white just for color purposes.
  • Parmigiana Reggiano – Parmigiana Reggiano is more expensive than Parmesan cheese because it is held to higher standards within the cheese making process. They follow a more specific process to make it and is produced only in a certain region of Northern Italy. It also happens to be more flavorful. However, if you want substitute Parmesan here you can 🙂 
  • Cream Cheese – This helps add a nice thick creaminess to the dish and a touch of tang.
  • Sour Cream – More creaminess and tang!
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – The texture of panko makes it extra crunchy. 

Make it as a Dip

When serving this as a dip, I have personally left the quantities the same. However, if you prefer a creamier, silkier dip texture, you can increase the measurements of the cream cheese, sour cream and heavy cream in this recipe to achieve that!

Suggested Increases: 

8 oz Cream Cheese

6 oz Sour Cream

1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream 

To make the Creamed Spinach

  • Make the topping. Combine some of the sharp cheddar cheese with a little of the parmigiana reggiano,  the panko bread crumbs and a little softened butter. Mix together until crumbly.
  • Sauté the onions. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and sauté the onions in some butter. Once they have become translucent add in the garlic and chili flakes for a minute or two.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan (minus the sour cream). Add the spinach, pimentos, dijon mustard, heavy cream, cream cheese and grated cheeses. Continue to mix everything together until the cheese melts and everything gets nice and coated.
  • Stir in the sour cream. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
  • Transfer & Top it. Transfer it to an oven safe dish and sprinkle the top with the panko and cheese mixture.
  • Bake. Bake in the oven at 400° for 20-30 minutes until browned and bubbly. 

Is it Make-Ahead?

This recipe is perfect to make in advance and pop it into the oven when you want to serve it.

  • Fully prepare the creamed spinach all the way up to transferring it to an oven safe dish and topping it with the cheese and bread crumbs.
  • Cover it with plastic wrap or tin foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it into the oven.
    • Don’t forget to remove said plastic wrap or tin foil before baking it 🙂 

Can you Freeze it?

You can even freeze it for up to 3 months if you really want! You can freeze it before you bake it or even after you bake it.

  • Freeze it before you bake it. Make the creamed spinach and once cooled transfer it into a gallon size freezer bag.
    • To Serve – Unthaw it in the refrigerator over night. Put the creamed spinach into a casserole dish. Top it with the breadcrumb mixture and bake!
  • Freeze it after you bake it. Let it get to room temperature and then place it in the refrigerator to get cold before putting it in the freezer. Cover the entire casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then tin foil to freeze it.
    • To serve – Unthaw it in the refrigerator over night. Bake it!

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach is always a hit and can either be served as an appetizer or a side. It's creamy cheesy and oh so good. Bonus points for being easy and make-ahead friendly!
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese, Creamed, Dip, Side, Spinach
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish Medium

Ingredients

Creamed Spinach

  • 2 10 oz Packages of Frozen Spinach squeezed of excess liquid
  • 6 Tbsp Butter Divided: 4 + 2 for the breadcrumb mix
  • 1 Large Shallot Diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
  • 1/4 Cup Peppadew, Sweet and Spicy Peppers Diced
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 1/4 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grated, Divided 1 cup + 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/4 Cup Parmigiana Reggiano Grated, Divided 1 cup + 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 4 oz Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

SUGGESTED INCREASES TO SERVE AS A DIP — SEE *NOTES*

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • 6 oz Sour Cream
  • 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmigiana Reggiano along with the panko bread crumbs and 2 tbsp softened butter and mix together.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium low and melt 4 tbsp of butter. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and chili flakes and sauté another minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and pimentos and mix while sautéing to warm through. 
  • Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, the remaining 2 cups of grated cheeses, and dijon until it's all mixed together. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
  • Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the cheese and bread crumb mixture.
  • Bake in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes until browned on top and bubbly.

Notes

SERVING THE CREAMED SPINACH AS A DIP:
If you would like to achieve a creamier, silkier texture you can increase the amount of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream to achieve that. Simply increase the amount of those ingredients to the suggested measurement increases listed under the ingredients section (8 oz Cream Cheese, 6 oz Sour Cream, 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream). 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Appetizer, Christmas, Sides, Spring, Vegetarian
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by kimcrossin
Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Moroccan Carrots & Chickpeas
November 12, 2024

Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Moroccan Carrots & Chickpeas

BROWN SUGAR SPICED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MOROCCAN CARROTS & CHICKPEAS This meal was inspired from a recipe I tried in a cookbook called good clean food by Lily Kunin. You can find her cookbook linked HERE. It’s a plant based cookbook that is categorized by recipes …

Healthy-ish, Mains, Spring
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by kimcrossin
Chicken Parm Meatballs
November 12, 2024

Chicken Parm Meatballs

Chicken Parm Meatballs These chicken parm meatballs are perfect for game day or just your average weeknight. Look no further if you need a fun, simple and delicious dinner or appetizer that even your very critical 3 year old will love (speaking from experience).  Ricotta …

Appetizer, Fall, Mains, Winter
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by kimcrossin
One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo
November 12, 2024

One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo

One Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo

This sausage and peppers has a sophisticated spin on it while keeping the comfort level high. For and easy weeknight meal it’s honestly a showstopper.  I love making it in my Staub Braiser and serving it family style.  The first time I set it out in the middle of our dinner table, my 2 year old son said, “wow!” and kept saying “mmm this is good!” Which is a huge win, because anyone who has a toddler knows they are the harshest food critics around. 

I feel like orzo is having a moment and I am here for it.  I originally came up with this recipe because I was on an orzo kick and wanted to use up some extra sweet Italian sausage I had in our freezer.  Orzo is quick and versatile and it’s a one-pot meal’s best friend.  You can throw anything together with it to make a hearty and nutritious meal and that’s exactly what this is.  I added in some fennel bulb because I love the delicate and sweet anise flavor it brings to the table. Plus it plays off of the fennel seed spice we find in sausage perfectly.  Arugula lends a bit of freshness and bitterness and the garnishes make all those tastebuds rejoice. 

What You'll Need

  • Sausage – Sweet Italian Sausage, Mild or Hot Sausage, Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage, whatever you want! Sweet Italian Sausage has basil in it to give it more of a sweetness where as Mild Italian Sausage is more savory. Hot obviously has more of a kick to it.  
  • Red Pepper – Use whatever pepper you want Red, Yellow or Orange are recommended as they are less bitter.
  • Onion – Any white onion really. Spanish or sweet vidalia. 
  • Fennel – Fennel has such a beautiful anise flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage since fennel seeds are typically used in the sausage mix. 
  • Garlic
  • Roma Tomatoes – Also known as plum tomatoes. They are smaller and have less seeds. 
  • White Wine – A dry white wine. Something you would drink. Think Pino Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you don’t like or drink wine, omit it!
  • Chicken Broth – Imparts more flavor to the orzo and whole dish.  
  • Parmesean Cheese – Makes it slightly creamy
  • Arugula – Peppery and bitter. Substitute spinach if you wish. 
  • Burrata – Creamy and dreamy. Burrata is fresh mozzarella with cream on the inside. If you can’t find it substitute fresh mozz. 
  • Balsamic Glaze – I just use store bought balsamic glaze because it’s delicious, so much easier and comes in handy. I’ve also had mine for a long time and is an excellent pantry staple to enhance lots of different dishes. You can make your own by slowly simmering balsamic glaze in a small pot or pan until it condenses and gets drizzly thick.  

To make the Susage and Peppers Orzo

Pictured is Sweet Italian Pork Sausage. Honestly, should have browned it more on all sides but I like the sunlight in this picture.
  • Brown the sausage – Heat a heavy bottomed pan with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links to the pan and brown them on ALL sides.  Once they have browned set them on a cutting board to rest.
  • Sauté the vegetables – Turn the heat down to medium, add a tablespoon of oil and begin to sauté the onions, peppers and fennel for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the garlic and spices and sauté a minute longer until fragrant.
  • Slice the sausage – Slice the sausage into 1/2 inch rounds and add to the pot. 
  • Add the liquids + Sausage –  Pour in the white wine, add the tomatoes, broth and sliced sausage. Bring to a simmer. 
  • Add the Orzo & Simmer to Finish – Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring it up to a simmer. Add the orzo turn the heat down and place a lid on top, leaving it slightly ajar and cook for about 25 minutes until almost all of the broth has been absorbed and the orzo is creamy. 
  • Fold in the arugula and parmesan cheese – Turn the heat off mix in the cheese and fold in the arugula, allowing the heat to wilt the greens.
  • Garnish – Top with burrata cheese, by tearing it open and placing dollops all around. Then, drizzle it with a balsamic glaze and add some fennel fronds if you’re feeling fancy.

One Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo

If you like the comforting flavors of sausage and peppers this one pot dinner is the perfect quick yet elevated weeknight meal. Sausage and peppers gets dressed up with orzo and some fennel to play off the anise flavors of fennel seed we find in sausage. You can easily stop there, but if you want to really make your taste buds dance I highly recommend topping it with creamy burrata and a drizzle of a balsamic glaze! No brainer, this needs to be on your menu this week!
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dinner, One Pot, Orzo, Sausage
Servings: 4 to 6

Equipment

  • Heavy Bottomed Pot such as a Braiser or a deep skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Sweet Italian Sausage about 4 links
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 1 small Fennel Bulb chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 1/2 cups Orzo
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine sauvignon blanc, pinto grigio
  • 3-4 cups Chicken Broth start with 3 cups, add more as it absorbs
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 cup Arugula packed
  • Burrata Cheese optional
  • Balsamic Glaze optional

Instructions

  • Heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and brown the sausage on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage to a cutting board or plate.
  • Reduce the flame to medium and saute the onions, peppers and fennel for about 5-7 minutes. Once the vegetable start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add in the garlic and spices sautéing for another minute.
  • While the vegetables are sautéing, slice the sausage links on a bias. Note that they will not be cooked all the way through. They will finish cooking in the pot with the orzo.
  • Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to get all of the browned bits. Add 3 cups of chicken stock, tomatoes and sausage along with any drippings back into the pot. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and add the orzo. Continue to simmer with the lid off until almost all of the broth is absorbed and the orzo is tender and the liquid has all absorbed. Occasionally stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. If it becomes dry add 1/4-1/2 cup more broth as needed, you may need to use all 4 cups.
  • Turn off the heat, add the parmesan cheese and arugula and gently mix it into the dish.
  • Serve it family style by leaving it in the pan it was cooked in. Garnish it with dollops of burrata cheese scattered on top, fennel fronds and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Notes

  • This is a great dish to make in advance. Follow the instructions up until the 4th step, leaving out the arugula, burrata cheese and balsamic glaze. When you're ready to serve, simply place the sausage and pepper orzo on the stove over medium heat, add a little broth or water to loosen it and put a lid on. Once simmering remove the lid and stir until heated through. Finish the dish by wilting the arugula and garnish with the buratta cheese and balsamic drizzle.
  • I love to use my Staub braiser which is basically a short dutch oven. It helps conduct heat well, is less likely to burn the food and it's just pretty. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Fall, Fall/Winter Feature, Mains, Pasta, Spring/Summer Feature, Winter
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by kimcrossin
Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette, Pomegranates & Pistachios
November 12, 2024

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette, Pomegranates & Pistachios

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette This roasted Brussels sprouts dish is all about vibrant flavors and textures that elevate any meal. The Brussels sprouts roast to a crispy, golden perfection, while a maple vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness that balances the natural …

Christmas, Fall, Healthy-ish
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by kimcrossin
Pie Dough
November 11, 2024

Pie Dough

Pie Dough Ahhh pie dough. It used to be my arch nemesis but now I consistently make tender, flaky pies every single time and I am going to dive into all the details so you can be set up for success.  What is Pie Dough? …

How To
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by kimcrossin
Cardamom Apple Pie
November 11, 2024

Cardamom Apple Pie

Cardamom Apple Pie

This apple pie recipe comes from Erin McDowell who is the pie QUEEN. You can find the original recipe here.  The filling is incredible because you draw out the natural juices and create the most luscious caramelly sauce surrounding them. No more soupy filling or a pie that has a huge gap because the apples cooked down while baking. The only change I have made making this recipe is swapping out cardamom for ginger which I highly recommend. 

Make the Pie Dough

The pie dough can be made 1-2 days before baking the pie which I like to do to lessen the work load the day of baking the pie. You can also make it up to 3 months in advance and freeze the dough! Of course you can skip it and buy store bought pie dough. If you do want to make your own pie dough I have a whole blog post on the recipe I love to use plus all of the tips and tricks to help you have success with mastering it!

Make the Filling

The filling can be made 1-2 days in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Prep the apples – Peel and thinly slice the apples
  • Draw out the natural juices – Mix the apples with lemon juice and brown sugar and let them sit for 30-45 minutes. 
  • Cook the apples – Add flour, sugar and the spices and cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid thickens. 
  • Add more flavor and richness – Add in some butter, vanilla and a boiled cider
    • Boiled cider is apple cider that is reduced down to concentrate the flavor
      • To make boiled cider – reduce 3/4 cup apple cider to 2 tbsp over medium-low heat. 
  • Cool filling to room temperature before adding it to the pie to bake.

Make the Pie

  • Lightly flour your work surface
    • Place the dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and lightly dust the top. Brush off any excess flour.
  • Roll out the dough
    • Starting with the rolling pin in the center roll, upwards. Re-center and roll downwards. Pick up the dough and do a quarter or half turn. Repeat the process.
    • When the dough feels like it’s sticking to the work surface or the rolling pin add a dusting of flour to that area. Always dust of excess flour
    • Roll it out until it’s 1/4 inch thick or 1 inch larger than your pie dish
  • Transfer the bottom crust to the pie dish
    • Refridgerate while you roll out the top crust
  • Roll out the top crust repeating the instructions above
    • For a Lattice crust – 
      • Transfer the rolled out dough onto parchment paper. 
        • If the dough gets warm at any point it will be easy to transfer it into the refrigerator to get cold again. 
      • Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut long strips of the dough.
  • Add the cooled filling to the pie dish or tart pan.
  • Lattice Crust
    • Lay strips across the whole pie vertically leaving a small equal space between them.
    • Lift up every other strip of dough. Lay down one strip of dough horizontally. 
    • Return the strips that you lifted back down.
    • Lift up the every other strip of dough again but the opposite ones you just did. 
    • Lay another piece of dough down horizontally and return the strips that you lifted back down. 
    • Repeat to make a basket weave. 
      • IF USING A TART PAN – press down on the edge to remove the excess dough. No need to crimp.
      • IF USING A PIE DISH –
        • Trim the edges so there is a 1 inch overhang. 
        • Fold the lower crust over the top crust.
        • Crimp.

Cardamom Apple Pie

This apple pie filling is the perfect consistency due to the cooking process prior to baking the pie. It has a luscious caramelly sauce that is laced with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple, Cardamom, Extra Flaky Pie Dough, Pie
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Pie Dish or Tart Pan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pot

Ingredients

  • Pie Dough for double crust
  • 6-8 Honeycrisp Apples 3lbs
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 1/4 Cup White Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Cardamom
  • 1 tsp Salt Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 tbsp Boiled Cider 3/4 cup of Apple Cider reduced to 2 Tbsp
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tsp Vanilla paste or extract
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream light cream, half and half or milk

Instructions

  • Peel and thinly slice the apples. Transfer them to a pot and toss them with the lemon juice and brown sugar and allow them to sit for 30-45 minutes.
  • Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon and salt.
  • Add the flour mixture to the apples and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add the butter, vanilla and boiled cider and mix again.
  • Allow the apples to cool to room temperature. Spread out the apples over a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to speed up the cooling process.
  • Roll out the top crust. Place the dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and dust the top with flour.
  • Starting with the rolling pin in the center of the dough, roll up. Re-center and then roll down. Pick up the dough and do a half turn. When it feels like it's sticking on the bottom at any point, lift it up and dust underneath with flour. If the top feels sticky dust lightly with flour.
  • Once the dough is a 1/4 inch thick or 1 inch larger than your pie dish transfer the dough into the pie dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you roll our the top crust.
  • Roll out the top pie crust and repeat the instructions above. Transfer the rolled out dough to a piece of parchment paper if doing a lattice crust. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips.
  • Put the cooled filling into the pie.
  • Lay strips of dough across the whole pie vertically. Lift every other strip of dough and place one strip of dough down horizontally. Return the dough back into place. Lift every other strip again but the opposite ones that you just did. Place another piece of dough down horizontally. Repeat to create a basket weave.
  • Whisk an egg with some cream or milk. Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash and sprinkle on some turbinado sugar.
  • Place the pie into the freezer lightly covered. Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Bake the pie at 425° for 30 minutes. Lower the heat to 375° and bake for another 30 minutes.
  • If the pie is browning around the edges or crust, tent those areas with foil to prevent it from over browning.
  • Allow to cool completely before removing from the tart pan and slicing into.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Dessert, Fall
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by kimcrossin
Chicken Pot Pie
November 11, 2024

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Chicken Pot Pie is one of my favorite meals to eat. It is always so comforting and it’s a meal that you know a lot of love went into, at least that’s how I make mine. From simmering the chicken along with …

Fall, Fall/Winter Feature, Mains, Winter
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by kimcrossin