What's Cookin' Wednesday

It's snowing and blowing out there! We had an early out yesterday (Tuesday) and a full snow day today. Today's recipe was supposed to be our meal tonight, but we ended up having it last night since Brandon's game was canceled and I had plenty of time to prepare it for dinner. This also means that I have more pictures....and actually some step-by-step instructions :)

Chicken and Broccoli Ring (from Pampered Chef)

1 tube refrigerated croissants (recipe actually calls for 2, but I use one to save on calories and fat)
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use whatever kind of shredded cheese I have on hand at the time)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use light Miracle Whip to save some calories)
2 tsp dried dill weed
1/4 tsp salt
1 garlic clove (or substitute 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1 egg white, beaten
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Prep time: about 15-20 minutes to get everything chopped
Bake time: 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees

1. Arrange croissant dough in circular design on baking sheet (I use Pampered Chef Large Round Stone)

2. In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill weed, salt and garlic. Mix well.

3. Scoop filling over croissant dough.....finish desired shape.

4. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.


Sometimes this recipe feel 'fancy' to me. A little on the gourmet side...but it really is easy to make. The girls love to use the chopper for the chicken and red bell pepper as well as to dump in the seasonings. Including them in the cooking has proven to me that they are more apt to eat the end product. They enjoy this as much as Brandon and I do. We have always found that our girls want to eat the same thing that we are eating.....once I figured this out, I quit being a short-order cook and making them something different. I am a true believer that your kids will eat (and learn to love!) the foods you make if you don't make it a choice. I also believe that my kids are better eaters because they go to preschool/day care and are challenged to try all sorts of new foods each day. They are exposed to more things than I ever was as a kid, and in turn, they are willing to eat most things that I make.