Thanksgiving may be over, but more holiday dinners are right around the corner. Those dinners usually call for a baked home or more turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie.
Over the years, though, a few changes have crept into holiday dinner menus. For example, an appetizer may be added, and while desserts are a must to finish off the big meal, it can be as simple as a delicious fruit cobbler.
This recipe for A Quick Cobbler is so fast and easy to make, it will leave you time to make the Crab Au Gratin Spread appetizer. Serve it with your favorite crackers, and this appetizer and dessert will make your special feast one to remember!
A QUICK COBBLER
2 (10-ounce) bags of frozen strawberries, thawed
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 1/2 cups flour, divided
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Put strawberries in a 9-by-12-inch lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup flour over fruit.
In a small saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter. Remove from stove and stir in beaten eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and vanilla. Mix well. Pour evenly over fruit.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until cobbler dough is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the cobbler comes out clean. Makes 8 servings.
Note: Peaches, blueberries or other fruit may be substituted. You may also like to add a dollop of whipped topping when served.
CRAB AU GRATIN SPREAD
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 (6-ounce) can crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons snipped chives
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
Assorted crackers
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and paprika until smooth. Gradually add half and half, milk and broth. Bring to a boil and then cook, while stirring, for 1-2 minutes more, or until thickened.
Stir in the crab, mushrooms and chives; heat through. Stir in cheese just until melted.
Transfer to a greased shallow 1-quart baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over crab mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite crackers. Makes about 2 cups.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
