March 17, 2025 | Posted in:

Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat)


Submitted by: The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia
Recipe origin: Greece

“The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia would like to share with you our Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat) recipe that appears on page 117 of our cookbook. The recipe was introduced by renowned Greek Chef Nicholas Tselementes in the mid-1930’s who converted a very old recipe of a pasta and meat pie wrapped in phylo into a hearty, delicious casserole of layers of pasta, meat, cheeses and bechamel sauce. This is a version of his recipe. Since it’s publication, pastitsio has graced countless family dinners, party buffets, Greek festival and restaurant menus. You will enjoy making this tasty yet simple to make dish.”

Meat Mixture:
2 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 stick (½ cup) butter
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Macaroni:
1 lb (No. 4) macaroni
1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
¾ lb grated Romano cheese
Crema Sauce:
5 cups milk
5 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk, mixed with 5 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter

Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a pan, sauté the onion in 1 stick of butter until softened.
Add the ground beef and brown well.
Stir in the tomato paste, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Prepare the Crema Sauce:
In a saucepan, bring 5 cups of milk to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Before it reaches a boil, slowly stir in the milk-cornstarch mixture.
As the sauce thickens, gradually add the beaten eggs while stirring continuously.
Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Macaroni:
Boil the macaroni according to package directions, making sure not to overcook. Drain.
Mix the drained macaroni with ½ pound of grated cheese, 1 stick of melted butter, and 1 cup of the prepared Crema Sauce.

Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a 10″ x 15″ baking dish.
Spread half of the macaroni mixture in the dish and sprinkle with cheese.
Evenly distribute the meat mixture over the first macaroni layer, then sprinkle with more cheese.
Add the remaining macaroni mixture and sprinkle with more cheese.
Pour the remaining Crema Sauce over the top.

Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve.
Enjoy! 🍽️

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March 13, 2025 | Posted in:

David’s Seafood Gumbo


Submitted by: David J.
Recipe origin: Louisiana / West Virginia

In Louisiana, we often say “There are as many recipes for gumbo as cooks that make it.” There are many recipes for gumbo that mix seafood and meat (e.g. shrimp and andouille). I would never tell someone else that they were doing it wrong, but I strongly believe that meats overpower the delicate flavors of seafood and am adamant that the best gumbos are pure seafood.

1 pound (35-count) shrimp, peeled
1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat
2 dozen shucked oysters, reserve liquid
4 jumbo crabs
3 quarts shrimp or crab stock
1 stick of butter
1 cup flour
4 cups frozen okra
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup diced garlic
2 cups sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
salt and cayenne pepper
Crystal Hot Sauce

In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in
flour and, using a wire whisk or roux spoon, stir constantly until brown Creole
roux is achieved. Do not allow roux to scorch. When golden brown, reduce
heat to simmer and sauté okra approximately fifteen minutes. Add onions,
celery, bell pepper and garlic and sauté approximately 3-5 minutes until
vegetables are wilted. Add claw crabmeat and stir into roux. Slowly add
shellfish stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until it is incorporated. Add
the gumbo crabs and bring to a low boil, reduce to simmer, and cook
approximately 30-45 minutes to cook the vegetables. Add additional stock if
necessary to retain volume. Add green onions and parsley. Season to taste
using salt, pepper and Crystal. Fold shrimp, lump crabmeat, oysters and
reserved oyster liquid into soup. Return to a low boil and cook approximately 5
minutes. Adjust seasonings and serve with cooked rice.
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March 12, 2025 | Posted in:

A large pot of chicken and sausage gumbo.

David’s Chicken & Sausage Gumbo


Submitted by: David J.
Recipe origin: Louisiana / West Virginia

Until my daughters went away to college, we had family dinner almost every night. Cooking brought us all together.

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 pound smoked sausage
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 cups diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup minced garlic
3 quarts chicken stock
2 cups sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried thyme
Salt and cracked pepper (this gumbo is pepper with lots of pepper)
Louisiana hot sauce to taste
Filé

Cut the chicken into ½” cubes and the sausage into ½” slices. In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in flour and, using a wire whisk or roux spoon, stir constantly until brown (or dark brown) Cajun roux is achieved. Do not allow roux to scorch. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add chicken stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until all is incorporated. Add in the chicken and sausage. Bring to a rolling coil, reduce to simmer, and cook approximately 1 hour. Skim any fat or oil that rises to the top of the pot. Add green onions, bay leaves, and thyme. Season to taste using salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook an additional 30 minutes or longer if necessary, until chicken is tender and falling apart. Add parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in some filé to taste. Serve over hot, steamed white rice.
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January 14, 2022 | Posted in:

Chili spiced braised beef

Here is a warm and cozy family favorite recipe that’s been updated with a spicy twist. Enjoy it on a cool winter night with corn bread or rice.

Ingredients

8 to 10 dried ancho chilis (2 tbsp ground if you can’t find them)
4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
One 4- to 5-pound chuck roast or tri-tip roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, or try short ribs for richer, but fattier version
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoons sugar
2 bay leaves

Preparation instructions

Add the chilis and garlic to a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour off half the cooking liquid. Using an immersion blender, puree the peppers, garlic and remaining liquid until smooth. You can skip this step if you are using ground chilis.
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the meat with the salt, pepper and spices. When the oil is hot, add the meat to the Dutch oven and brown on all side. Set aside.
Add the tomato paste and onion to the pot and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the stock, sugar, bay leaves and pepper puree to the pot and stir to combine. Return the beef to the pot and cover. Cook in the oven until the meat is fall-apart tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Remove the bay leaves. You can serve this as is as a stew, or pull it apart and serve it in tortillas as you would carnitas. Garnish with cilantro.

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May 13, 2019 | Posted in:

Mom’s Cabbage Rolls

cabage rolls hor
Ingredient list

1 large head green cabbage
1 lb lean ground beef
2 C cooked rice
1 t minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 can tomato sauce
2 onions, chopped
3/4 C brown sugar, packed
1-28 oz can tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1/2 C honey
Juice of 3 lemons
Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions

Boil whole cabbage in water for 10 minutes. Remove as many leaves as possible. Combine beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Place a large spoonful on each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly. Secure with a toothpick. Cut up the rest of cabbage, add 2 onions and apple. Mix together and spread half of the mixture in two 9 x 13 pans. Arrange cabbage rolls on top. Combine brown sugar, tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice. Pour over all. Cover pans with foil and bake at 300 for 30 minutes. Bake at 325 for 2 1/2 hours. Baste with juices.

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April 29, 2019 | Posted in:

Taco soup, or spiced beef soup

Beans_dried-2
Ingredient list

1 lb lean ground beef(or turkey)
1 onion
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg dry Ranch dressing
2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
1 can of whole kernel corn
Instructions

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Put all tomatoes, ranch dressing and taco season into blender and blend till mixed..my kids did not like tomato pieces so I always blended them so they were smooth. Pour into a stovetop pan, add beans and corn and meat and simmer until well blended and hot. Eat and enjoy…Add grated cheese and fritos or sour cream for toppings.

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April 10, 2019 | Posted in:

Swiss Chard Enchiladas

enchilada horizontal
Ingredient list

12 corn tortillas
1 c. grated cheddar or jack cheese
1 head swiss chard chopped
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium tomatoes
3 garlic cloves
1/4 medium onions
4-6 dried red chile pods
1 c. hot water
1 fried egg optional
Instructions

In a large skillet heat oil, saute garlic and onions until golden. Add chard and saute quickly until aldente. In blender until smooth blend the medium tomatoes, garlic cloves, medium onion, dried chile pods and one cup water. Pour blended mixture over sauted chared to make enchilada sauce. Heat over medium heat 2-3 minutes. On cookie sheet layer sauce and tortillas and cheese. About 2 or 3 layers. Heat in oven at 325 for 5 minutes. Serve with fried egg on top. The egg is optional.

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April 9, 2019 | Posted in:

White lasagna

Ingredient list

1 lb lasagna cooked
3 lbs ricotta + 1 container
4 eggs
parsley
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic powder
salt
milk if needed
Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Beat ricotta very fine, mix eggs and seasonings. If too dry, add a little milk. Boil lasagna about ten minutes. Do not over cook lasagna. Add oil to the pot so lasagna noodles will not stick. Strain lasagna and run water over them to stop the cooking. Put sauce in bottom of large pan and place 3 strips of lasagna, layer of ricotta mix, Parmesan cheese, sauce; continue with layering until pasta is finished. Pour sauce and parmesan cheese over top layer. Cover pan with foil and cook in oven one hour. Let stand fifiteen minutes. You can add two boxes of drained chopped spinach to ricotta if you would like vegetable Lasagna.

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April 5, 2019 | Posted in:

Cabbage rolls

cabbage and onion
Ingredient list

1 head of cabbage
1 med. onion
1 T. butter
2 lbs. ground beef
1 egg (beaten)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. water
2 c. beef broth
Instructions

Remove core from cabbage. Place whole head in a large kettle filled with boiling water. Cover; cook 5-10 minutes. Remove softened outer leaves. Repeat until all leaves are softened and have been removed; drain. Cut thick stem from each leaf. Saute medium onion in butter. Add ground beef, egg, salt, pepper and water. Mix thoroughly. Place about 1/4 cup hamburger mixture at stem end of each leaf. Roll each leaf, tucking ends in toward center. Place cabbage rolls, seam side down, in ungreased baking dish. Pour 2 c. beef broth over cabbage rolls. Cover with foil for 30 minutes. Bake at 350º for about 1 1/2 hours. Makes 4-6 servings.

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April 4, 2019 | Posted in:

Eggplant parmesan

casserole verticalIngredient list

1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 medium eggplant, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 beaten egg
1/2 c. cooking oil
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
homemade tomato sauce
1 (6-oz.) pkg. mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º. Combine flour and salt. Dip eggplant into beaten egg, then in flour mixture. In large skillet, brown eggplant in hot oil; drain well on paper towel. Place one layer of eggplant in 10x6x2-inch baking dish; cut slices to fit. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan cheese. Top with half tomato sauce. Repeat with eggplant, Parmesan cheese, sauce and mozzarella. Cook until heated through; 30-45 minutes.

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