Chicken Cordon Bleu Braid

     Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those things I see at restaurants, but I have never actually tried. I don't know if it's because I didn't really know what it was, or if I was afraid I wouldn't like it. When I saw this recipe in a Pillsbury Halloween periodical (you know the ones they suck you into buying near the cash registers?), I thought I might give it a try. Now I have to warn you, I learned from looking up other recipes for the "real" chicken cordon bleu, this is a very simplified version...and I didn't have to mess with raw meat, which in my book makes it a winner.  We loved it! I was pleasantly surprised at how well the flavors blended together, and now I feel like I have been missing out all these years.
      Miss E loved that she got to help make it. She's two, so that should tell you how easy this is to make. She helped use the baby roller, spread the cream cheese and layer on the toppings. The original recipe called for a jar of roasted red peppers, but we left those off. It just didn't seem right to put it inside the braid.

1 can refrigerated pizza crust
garden vegetable cream cheese spread
4 oz deli ham (We used black forest)
6 oz deli chicken
4 slices provolone cheese
1 egg
Parmesan cheese

• Heat the oven to 400* and spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough onto cookie sheet, stretch the dough into an 11x14 rectangle.
• Spread the cream cheese in a wide strip down the center of the dough.
• Alternate ham and chicken on top of the cream cheese. Top with cheese.
• Using a pizza cutter or knife, make slits at an angle about one inch apart down the sides of the dough. To form braid, alternately cross strips over filling, folding up the bottom and the top before crossing the end strips over (to keep filling from spilling out)
• In a small bowl, beat egg and brush over dough. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake 15-20 minutes or until deep golden brown. 
• Cut into slices to serve.

Menu Plan Jan 29-Feb 4

     Are you ready for some....food and commercials? I bet you thought I would say football, didn't you? I may be in Indianapolis, but it's not because the Superbowl is here. I'm trying to stay away from the 150,000 extra people that have invaded my city. While all the excitement seems to be fun for some, I prefer the warmth of my home over brushing up against a bunch of people I don't know and walking through shoulder to shoulder crowds  trying to see over people who are at least 4 inches taller than me. I plan on a nice evening at home or maybe with friends. Either way, there is sure to be food and a good time.
     In honor of the big game and all the coinciding parties, I'm going to post some ideas for food and snacks to make your bash a huge success. It seems like most parties have chili and appetizers, so I have some of those as well as some other ideas. I only included one cookie, my favorite, but any cookie would be great for a party since most recipes make a lot and are easy to pick up during breaks. (The numbers in the collage correspond with the link to the recipe below)

1- Meatballs-a classic party food. Stick them in the crock pot to keep them warm
2- Pizza Roll Ups-not so classic, but slice into small rolls and it's the perfect snack
3- Pulled Pork- yum!
4- Spicy Chicken Stromboli-These are great because they are sliced into smaller pieces
5- Taco Stuffed Shells-These seem almost appetizer like, but could be a main dish too
6- Taco Soup-if you don't want chili, this would be a great alternative
7- Tailgate Chili--an Indiana classic
8- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers-What's a party without these?
9- Party Pizzas--These are expected at our house every New Year's
10-Pepperoni Pizza Roll ups (from Bo's Bowl)--I've made these twice since he posted them last week!
11-Texas Caviar--Dip and Chips: you can't go wrong
12-Punk Love's Baked Beans-A summer classic is great for the Superbowl too!
13-Minnie's Cookies--My very favorite cookie
14-Fruit Salad--Something a little lighter...the "sauce" is amazing

Menu Plan
snacks:
birthday cupcakes for J


Dinners:
Chicken Cordon Bleu braid
E's friend: Birthday Party
Quinoa and black beans
J's birthday (out)
pizza
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Pizza Roll Ups


linked up to Menu Plan Monday

Hashbrowns and Apples

     This reminds me of the movie, "Cinderella Man." Braddack's stomach is growling and his manager brings him a bowl of hash right before he fights. After he wins he says, " I did this on hash, Joe. Imagine what I could do on steak." Hash is a dish of chopped meat with potatoes or a finely chopped mixture. That pretty much sums up what is in this meal.
     I know this sounds like a weird combination, but apples and hashbrowns are really good together. I think it's because of the sweet and savory mixture. Add in some ham and eggs and it's really the perfect meal. Well, it's perfect for me because I could eat breakfast any time of day.
     The pictured meal is with my first ever attempt at a fried egg. It's not pretty. The last time I made this I made up a batch of scrambled eggs and put those on top. Either way, it tasted good. Make your eggs the way you like them.
     Adapted from David Zinczenko

Butter or oil for pan
package of hashbrowns (or diced potatoes)
chopped ham
large apple, chopped
pepper
paprika
Egg: fried, scrambled, whatever you like

• Melt butter or heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. 
• Dump in potatoes and brown. Sprinkle with pepper and paprika.
• Add in ham and chopped apple. Stir to mix. Cook til heated through.
• To serve, spoon onto plate and top with egg.