Ahh..the poor side dishes. Growing up we had the same things year after year on our Thanksgiving meal. Mom never branched out and tried new things. Well, I am a little like her but then I like to introduce a new dish every year. I have had some big hits and other have been epic fails. My hubby still talks about the year my Mom and I made oyster stuffing…Needless to say it has never been requested again. This year I am putting my slow cooker to work! There is no reason to over stuff your oven when we all have a slow cooker. Both of these recipes can either be done in the oven or in the slow cooker. Have fun and experiment with the flavors!
Slow Cooker Green Chili Corn Pudding
2 can cream corn
2 cups frozen corn
2 packages Jiffy cornbread mix
2 cups sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 can green chilies drained
1 stick unsalted butter
1 onion chopped
salt and pepper
In a salute pan, salute the onion and green chilies in butter till the onion is translucent. In a large bowl mix together the corns, cornbread mix, sour cream, cheddar cheese and the onion saute. Stir well and then pour into a well greased slow cooker liner. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Stir once after 2 hours and then continue cooking.
**To bake in the oven- Place in a well greased casserole pan and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.
Spinach and Cheese Souffle
4 cups fresh spinach
1 stick unsalted butter
1 onion chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 cup half and half
2 cups grated swiss cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×9 casserole pan well with nonstick cooking spray. In a large saute pan, cook the bacon in butter till tender. Add in the onion and garlic and continue cooking till tender. Add the spinach and cook till it is wilted. Remove from the heat and drain off any excess water. In a medium sized bowl whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt and pepper. In a large bowl combine the spinach mixture with the custard mixture. Add in the cheeses and stir till combined. Pour into the baking dish and cook for 45-60 minutes or until cooked through.