Croque Monsieur Casserole

We haven't tried this yet, but look forward to having it this month.  A quick request for the recipe already, so here it is!  Pics will be posted after we make it.  Enjoy!

1 day-old baguette (12 oz) cut into 20 slices (toast lightly if bread is fresh)
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
9 oz. Gruyere, shredded
8 oz. thinly sliced black forest ham
4 eggs
1.25 C. whole milk
Salt/Pepper

Chop half the bread into 1/2-inch pieces.  In a bowl, toss with the melted butter.

Spread mustard over remaining bread and arrange, overlapping slightly, in a greased 2-qt. baking dish.  Sprinkle 1/2 C. of cheese on top.  Fold ham slices in half and arrange in an even layer over bread.  Top with half of the remaining cheese.  Sprinkle with the chopped bread and remaining cheese.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk; season.  Pour over the casserole and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 400 degrees.  Bake until casserole puffs and top is golden-brown, about 30 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

*Recipe from Everyday with Rachael Ray "The New Casseroles" magazine insert.

May 2014

20 more days of school ... I think I can, I think I can ... there's certainly a light at the end of the tunnel and it's getting brighter. That's about all we can say right now.  Both of us are completely worn out and trying to keep our heads above water.  But, we'll make it. 


But, never fear, we're still eating.  Many of the chosen recipes this month are new (some repeats) and our next attempt to continue to clean out the deep freeze. 


Don't forget to check out our new restaurant blog at www.restaurantreviewskc.blogspot.com and see what we have to say about our dining out experiences.


Here's what we're having for dinner this month:
1 - Open
2 - 1st Fridays - Webster House - Lyric Opera (Die Fledermaus)
3 - Grilled Sirloin and blue cheese pizza
4 - Snack Night
5 - Gazpacho Pasta
6 - Pork coated in aged jack cheese crust
7 - AP Dinner - Chicken Fajita Salad w/ Poblano-Buttermilk Dressing*
8 - Croque Monsieur Casserole
9 - Fajita Chilequiles Casserole
10 - Melted Brie & Bacon pizza
11 - Mother's Day - Open
12 - Stuffed Eggplants
13 - Sausage-noodle bake
14 - Farmer's Salad
15 - Fried Mozzarella steaks with crispy salami
16 - Turkey burgers with garlic, black pepper, and parmesan sauce and roasted tomatoes with basil and balsamic drizzle
17 - The Jacobson - Spinning Tree Theatre "A Little Night Music"
18 - Snack Night
19 - Cobb Pasta Toss
20 - Cheese Tortellini Pantry Pasta
21 - Sausage Rolls with Spinach Salad
22 - Chicken Schnitzel
23 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!! - Open
24 - Celebration Dinner - Westside Local
25 - WCHS Graduation - Open
26 - Memorial Day - Open
27 - Celebration Dinner of last work day - EBT
28 - Cashew-Pesto Pasta
29 - Groupon Night - Blanc Burger
30 - Dial Family TACO Night
31 - CHER at Sprint Center

*Recipe included on the blog ... somewhere ... look at pictures on right side & click on it to see recipe.

NEW Blog - Restaurant Reviews!

We've started a new blog - solely dedicated to restaurant reviews in the Kansas City area (& beyond). 


Check it out at www.restaurantreviewskc.blogspot.com! 


It's just getting started, so it's not pretty or anything yet, but we'll get some pictures of great food & helpful hints posted soon!


Happy dining out!

April 2014

Well, we're halfway through April and just now updating our menu.  It's the end-of-the-year stretch for us ... along with planning our wedding this summer & making sure we got all the invitations out (what a hassle). But, it's done and we're back on track.  Thank goodness for a 3-day weekend to catch up on our lives and not just be bogged down with other stuff!


Lots of leftovers this month ... 1) we have them, and 2) we're busy and need the break from cooking.


So, here's what we're having for dinner:


1 - Leftovers
2 - Cheeseburger Meatloaf*
3 - Leftovers
4 - First Friday ... Christopher Elbow Chocolates & dinner at Nica's
5 - Westside Local ... Musical Theatre Heritage "Bernstein's Broadway"
6 - Grill out ... in the rain ...
7 - Warm Tortellini Salad*
8 - Papa John's ... one of those days ...
9 - BBQ Chicken Quesadillas*
10 - Sausage & Zucchini Rice*
11 - Paul's Happy Hour w/ Staff ... Tim had Wing Lee Chinese take-out
12 - "Beefy" Tex-Mex Stir-Fry*
13 - Grilled Avocado Salad*
14 - Pantry Pasta (chicken alfredo)
15 - Leftovers
16 - Paul's Birthday Dinner #1 - Michael Smith
17 - Paul's Birthday Dinner #2 - Webster House
18 - Paul's Birthday Dinner #3 - Renee Kelly's Harvest
19 - Chicken Cutlets with Sausage & Zucchini & Tipsy Gravy
20 - EASTER!  Ham, Brussels Sprouts, Avocado/Tomato Salad
21 - Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries
22 - Leftovers
23 - Fried Rice w/ Chorizo
24 - Ham, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta w/ Pesto
25 - Taco Night
26 - Open
27 - Chicken Nuggets Snack Night
28 - Claire's Carbonara w/ Smoke Duck
29 - Leftovers
30 - BRGR ... KCREP "A Little More Alive"


*Published on blog ... somewhere!  Check the pictures to your right and click on it to get direct link to the recipe.