Gentleman's Casserole for Father's Day

 

For Father's Day, I made a super- easy,  no-sew table runner out of some leftover chalk cloth.  It fits perfectly on my kitchen island.  I scalloped the edges by using a glass, marking the design and cutting it out.  Snack plates (Trade Days) are used, with the rooster mugs (Ross) and striped napkins bought years ago, on clearance,  at Sur la Table.  The heart basket was made back in 1985, when I lived in Michigan,  before moving to Texas. 

 

Of course my hubby is a Dad worth crowing about!  This runner would be great for a buffet in labeling food, cheese, and special messages for  family and friends.  The fabric can be ordered at www.fabric.com .  I marked one short side and long side, folded it in half, marked the opposite sides, and cut it out.  Make sure you rub the chalk cloth all over with chalk to season it, wipe it off and then it's ready for writing.

 

This recipe is aptly named and perfect for Father's Day, although, I must say,  women like it, too!! It's really a misnomer because it's actually NOT a casserole at all.  The recipe comes from my Southern Living Cooking for Christmas 2012. The cheese sauce is truly delicious!  You can bake the pastry shells the day before and then just reheat on a baking sheet at 350 for 5 minutes.  You could instead, hard cook the eggs, chop them up and add them to the sauce, which would be really easy.  Here's how it's made:

For 2 servings:  (You can easily double this recipe)

1 package of frozen puff pastry shells
1 T. butter
1/3 cup chopped cooked ham
1 T. chopped green onions
4 eggs

Cheddar Cheese Sauce (recipe follows)

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (see NOTE)
Dash of paprika
Chopped green onion, for garnish

Bake 4 of the pastry shells and reserve the remainder for another use.

Melt butter in a nonstick skillet. Add ham and green onions. Sauté 2 minutes or until green onions are tender. Add eggs and cook gently, without stirring for 1-2 minutes or until they begin to set on the bottom. Draw cooked edges away from sides of pan to form large pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 minutes, or until eggs are thickened and are moist. Gently stir in cheddar cheese sauce.

Spoon egg mixture into prepared pastry shells. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Garnish with green onions.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

3/4 cup milk
1 T. butter
1T. flour
1/2 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese (see NOTE)
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Microwave milk for 1 minute in a 2-cup microwave- safe glass measuring cup.

Melt butter in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in warm milk, whisking constantly for 3-5 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat, whisk in cheese, salt and pepper.

NOTE:  Gruyere cheese can be substituted. 

I am sharing this with:

On the Menu Monday

Make It Pretty Monday

Tea Time Tuesday

Inspire Me Tuesday
Friends Sharing Tea
Let's Dish!
Tips, Tutorials and Tidbits
Share Your Cup

Full Plate Thursday
Tablescape Thursday

Foodie Friday
Festive Friday Fiesta
Weekend Potluck

Seasonal Sundays 

              Thank you for  your visit!  xo