Master the Art of the Perfect Casserole With Chef Vivian Howard
The humble casserole has long been the unofficial mascot of potlucks, church functions, and family-style meals. Easy to make, reheat, serve, and eat, casseroles are a handy and often underestimated outlet for culinary creativity.
“When I think of the church homecomings of my childhood, I always think about the casseroles that dotted the long table full of food,” Chef Vivian Howard says in the promo for the new episode of her PBS documentary series, A Chef’s Life.
Howard spends this week investigating the art and origin of the casserole, taking time to learn some casserole crafting tips from the pros. “The goal of the casserole is to feed the hungry and heartbroken,” she says of the classic dish. To see Howard perfect her casserole making technique, catch this week’s episode of A Chef’s Life, and follow the recipe below to try her recipe for yourself.
Check out your local PBS listings to find out when A Chef’s Life airs in your area.
Photos Courtesy of A Chef’s Life
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Makes 6 servings
1 (10 3⁄4-oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
3⁄4 cup fresh peas
3⁄4 cup chopped carrots
3 teaspoon poppy seeds
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
31 round buttery crackers, crushed
1⁄4 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease an 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in chicken. Pour into baking dish.
Toss together cracker crumbs and butter. Sprinkle over chicken mixture.
Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Excerpted from The Southern Living Community Cookbook: Celebrating Food & Fellowship in the American South by Sheri Castle. Copyright © 2014 Time Inc. Books. Reprinted with permission from Oxmoor House, an imprint of Time Inc. Books. All rights reserved.
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