Taste of Home Church Supper Cookbook--New Edition: Feed the heart, body and spirit with 350 crowd-pleasing recipes
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About this ebook
Food to warm the heart, food to lift the spirits—food brings comfort and togetherness whenever we gather around the table. The 350 potluck-perfect recipes in Taste of Home Church Supper Cookbook ensure you’ll always have just the right dish to share when it’s time to pass the platter. Each recipe in this all-new collection has been thoroughly tested in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen and includes step-by-step instructions, so your contributions always turn out perfect. Classic traditional dishes for community dinners, piping-hot casseroles for times of comfort, scrumptious desserts perfect for bake sales and new interpretations of old favorites for picnics and family reunions—they’re all here. Special chapters help you plan for seasonal get-togethers and offer recipes that will both feed and please a crowd! Full-color
photos, how-to tips, and bible quotes and inspirational text throughout make the new Church Supper Cookbook a keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
CHAPTERS
Breakfast & Brunch
Appetizers & Snacks
Salads & Side Dishes
Soups & Sandwiches
Hearty Main Dishes
Slow-Cooker Favorites
Comforting Casseroles
Delightful Desserts
Bonus: Seasonal Fare
Bonus: Feeding a Crowd
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Taste of Home Church Supper Cookbook--New Edition - Editors at Taste of Home
© 2017 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC 1610 N. 2nd St., Suite 102, Milwaukee WI 53212 All rights reserved. Taste of Home is a registered trademark of RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC.
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Food Editors: Gina Nistico; James Schend; Peggy Woodward, RDN
Recipe Editors: Sue Ryon (lead), Irene Yeh
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Test Cooks: Nicholas Iverson (lead), Matthew Hass
Food Stylists: Kathryn Conrad (lead), Lauren Knoelke, Shannon Roum
Prep Cooks: Bethany Van Jacobson (lead), Melissa Hansen, Aria C. Thornton
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International Standard Book Number: 978-1-61765-653-8
Cover Photographer: Jim Wieland
Set Stylist: Dee Dee Schaefer
Food Stylist: Kathryn Conrad
Pictured on front cover:
Carmelized Ham & Swiss Buns; Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Pictured on title page (from left):
Sweet ’n’ Sour Beans; Ham & Swiss Egg Casserole; Ricotta Cheesecake
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
APPETIZERS & SNACKS
SIDES & SALADS
SOUPS & SANDWICHES
CLASSIC MAIN DISHES
SLOW-COOKED FAVORITES
CROWD-PLEASING CASSEROLES
IDEAL DESSERTS
SEASONAL DELIGHTS
FEEDING A CROWD
INDEXES
General Recipe Index
Alphabetical Recipe Index
OVER 300 RECIPES PERFECT FOR A POTLUCK!
FOOD BRINGS COMFORT AND FELLOWSHIP WHENEVER WE GATHER AROUND THE TABLE. THE BEST FOOD IS MADE TO SHARE, SO SHARE SOMETHING DELICIOUS!
With the all-new Taste of Home Church Suppers, you’ll always have just the right dish when it’s time to pass the platter. Whether you’re planning for a church supper, a school potluck, a wedding shower or a neighborhood block party, you’re sure to impress with the 308 crowd-pleasing recipes in this book.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
HEBREWS 13:2
Every recipe found here serves 12 or more people, so they’re all great for a gathering. Classic traditional dishes for community dinners, piping-hot casseroles for charity meals, scrumptious sweets perfect for bake sales and new interpretations of old favorites for picnics and family reunions—they’re all here. Slow-cooked classics, delectable main courses, irresistible appetizers, salads, soups, side dishes and desserts—whatever the occasion, you’ll always have a great dish to contribute to the feast.
Two bonus chapters make contributing to a church supper even easier. See the section of Seasonal Delights
for recipes that will steer you through the year in food. Whatever the holiday, create a dish that celebrates the flavors and ingredients of the season. And if you’re looking for a recipe that will serve more than the usual gathering, check out the Feeding a Crowd
chapter for dishes that serve 30 or more people!
Every recipe in this all-new collection is a favorite of a home cook like you, and each has been approved by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen and includes step-by-step instructions, so your contributions always turn out perfect. Full-color photos, how-to tips and inspirational Bible quotes throughout make the new Church Suppers cookbook a keepsake you’ll turn to for years to come.
Look for the handy At-a-Glance icons scattered throughout the book:
MAKE AHEAD
— recipes that you prepare the night before or keep in the freezer to be ready at a moment’s notice!
FAST FIX
— recipes that take 30 minutes or less from basic prep to finished dish
SLOW COOKER
— classics that take advantage of the convenience and portability of your slow cooker. Make it, carry it and keep it hot—all in the same pot!
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy."
PSALM 65:8
MAKE AHEAD
BREAKFAST SAUSAGE BREAD
Any time we take this savory, satisfying bread to a potluck, we never bring any home. My husband usually makes it. He prides himself on the beautiful golden loaves.
—SHIRLEY CALDWELL NORTHWOOD, OH
PREP: 25 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 2 LOAVES (16 SLICES EACH)
2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen white bread dough, thawed
1/2 pound mild pork sausage
1/2 pound bulk spicy pork sausage
1 1/2 cups diced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 large eggs, divided use
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1. Cover dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook sausage, mushrooms and onion over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles. Drain. Transfer to a bowl; cool.
2. Stir in two eggs, cheese and seasonings. Roll each loaf of dough into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Spread half of the sausage mixture over each rectangle to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; pinch seams to seal. Place rolls on a greased baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg. Brush over the tops of the rolls. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
FREEZE OPTION Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaves in foil and place in resealable plastic freezer bags. To use, place foil-wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and reheat in a 450° oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Carefully remove foil; return to oven a few minutes longer until the crust is crisp.
HASH BROWN NESTS WITH PORTOBELLOS AND EGGS
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for individual egg quiches. They look fancy but are actually easy to make. The little nests have been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.
—KATE MEYER BRENTWOOD, TN
PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 15 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
3 cups chopped fresh portobello mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 tablespoons butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
Dash cayenne pepper
7 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Additional minced fresh basil, optional
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Press 1/4 cup hash browns onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 12 greased muffin cups; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms and shallots in butter until tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream, basil and cayenne.
3. Divide the eggs among the potato-lined muffin cups. Top with the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
4. Bake 15-18 minutes or until the eggs are completely set. Garnish with additional basil if desired. Serve warm.
SWEET POTATO-CRANBERRY DOUGHNUTS
I grew up near Idaho where they’re famous for spudnuts, a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. These use sweet potatoes and tart cranberries!
—JONI HILTON ROCKLIN, CA
PREP: 25 MIN. + RISING • COOK: 5 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 2 dozen
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup shortening
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
Oil for deep-fat frying
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons apple cider or juice
1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, cinnamon, salt and 1 1/2 cups flour. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, shortening and water to 120-130°; add to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the eggs, mashed potatoes and cranberries; beat 2 minutes longer. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough.
2. Do not knead. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll out to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2 1/2-in. doughnut cutter; reroll scraps. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Combine the confectioners’ sugar and apple cider; dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze.
FAST FIX
MAPLE-BACON OVEN PANCAKE
For years, my mother has served this tasty baked pancake for dinner. But it’s so quick and easy I like to make it for breakfast, too.
—KARI KELLEY PLAINS, MT
START TO FINISH: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
1 1/2 cups biscuit/baking mix
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup 2% milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
Additional syrup, optional
1. In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and sugar. In a small bowl, combine the milk, eggs, syrup and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with bacon and remaining cheese. Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve with syrup if desired.
RHUBARB SCONES
My grandfather grows rhubarb and gives us a great supply. The tartness is similar to a cranberry, making it perfect for tossing into a scone.
—DANIELLE ULAM HOOKSTOWN, PA
PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 16 SCONES
1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed (3-4 stalks)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coarse sugar
1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add rhubarb; toss to coat.
2. In another bowl, whisk cream, milk and vanilla; stir into the crumb mixture just until moistened.
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead gently 4-5 times. Divide dough in half; pat into two 6-in. circles. Cut each circle into eight wedges. Place wedges on parchment paper-lined baking sheets; sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
NOTE If you’re using frozen rhubarb, measure it while still frozen, then thaw completely. Drain in a colander, but do not press liquid out.
FAST FIX
MINI SPINACH FRITTATAS
These mini frittatas are a cinch to make and just delicious. The recipe doubles easily for a crowd; they even freeze well for added convenience.
—NANCY STATKEVICUS TUCSON, AZ
START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 2 DOZEN
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
24 slices pepperoni
1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a small bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Place a pepperoni slice in each of 24 greased mini-muffin cups; fill three-fourths full with cheese mixture.
2. Bake 20-25 minutes or until completely set. Carefully run a knife around the sides of the muffin cups to loosen the frittatas. Serve warm.
TEST KITCHEN TIP
If you don’t have the mini muffin tins called for in the Mini Spinach Frittatas recipe on this page, try using foil miniature muffin cup liners. Fill the cup liners with the appetizer mixture, then place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual.
ASPARAGUS PHYLLO BAKE
I’m Greek and grew up wrapping everything in phyllo. When asparagus is in season, I bring out the phyllo and start baking.
—BONNIE GEAVARAS-BOOTZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ
PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 50 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
3/4 cup butter, melted
16 sheets phyllo dough (14x9 inches)
1. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, 30 seconds or just until the asparagus turns bright green. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry. In a large bowl, mix eggs, cheeses and seasonings; stir in the almonds and asparagus.
2. Preheat oven to 375°. Brush a 13x9-in. baking dish with some of the butter. Unroll the phyllo dough and layer eight sheets in the prepared dish, brushing each sheet with butter. Keep the remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
3. Spread the ricotta mixture over the phyllo layers. Top with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter. Cut into 12 rectangles. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.
NOTE To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
MAKE AHEAD
BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRIES
French toast is a crowd-pleaser, but can be hard to make for a big group. This overnight recipe with a pecan topping and fresh strawberries will please the cook and the guests alike.
—DAVID STELZL WAXHAW, NC
PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 40 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
12 slices day-old French bread (1 inch thick)
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
TOPPING
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
4 cups chopped fresh strawberries
Additional maple syrup
1. Place bread slices in a single layer in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; pour over bread. For topping, in a small bowl, mix brown sugar, butter and syrup; stir in pecans. Spread over bread. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove French toast from the refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh strawberries and additional syrup.
MAKE AHEAD
SPINACH FETA STRATA
This is a fairly new recipe for me, but my family loved it the first time I made it, so it’ll be a regular. A friend shared it with me.
—PAT LANE PULLMAN, WA
PREP: 10 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 40 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
10 slices French bread (1 inch thick) or 6 croissants, split
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1. In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, arrange the bread slices or croissant halves with sides overlapping.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, spinach, salt, nutmeg and pepper; pour over bread. Sprinkle with cheeses. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve strata warm.
PARADISE GRANOLA
Even my friends who aren’t usually big fans of dried fruit can’t get enough of this tropical island-inspired granola. It’s low in fat and just plain delicious.
—ROBYN LARABEE LUCKNOW, ON
PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 7 CUPS
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup oat bran
1/4 cup sunflower kernels
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
3 tablespoons raisins
1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the honey, oil, orange peel, vanilla and salt; pour over the oat mixture and mix well. Spread evenly into an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
2. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once. Cool completely on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.
CREAMY CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE
Chopped cranberries and orange peel give this coffee cake bursts of tart flavor, but a cream cheese layer on top sweetens it nicely. It’s so lovely, you’ll want to serve it when company comes.
—NANCY ROPER ETOBICOKE, ON
PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 70 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
CREAM CHEESE LAYER
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold butter. cubed
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk the first four ingredients. In another bowl, whisk egg, orange peel, orange juice, melted butter and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries. Transfer to a greased 9-in. springform pan.
2. For the cream cheese layer, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat on low speed just until blended. Spread over batter.
3. For the topping, mix flour and sugar in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cream cheese layer. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 70-75 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the inside of the pan, and remove the sides of the springform pan. Refrigerate leftovers.
PETITE SAUSAGE QUICHES
You won’t be able to eat just one of these cute mini quiches. Filled with savory sausage, Swiss cheese and a dash of cayenne, the mouthwatering morsels will disappear fast from the breakfast or buffet table.
—DAWN STITT HESPERIA, MI
PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 3 DOZEN
1 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING
6 ounces bulk Italian sausage
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 large egg
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Beat butter, cream cheese and flour until smooth. Shape tablespoon-fuls of dough into balls; press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and crumble. Sprinkle the sausage, Swiss cheese and chives into the muffin cups. Beat egg, cream, salt and pepper until blended; pour into the shells.
3. Bake until browned, 28-30 minutes (for a browner bottom crust, bake on a lower rack). Serve warm.
BRUNCH CINNAMON ROLLS
A sweet maple and vanilla glaze accentuates the cinnamon flavor in these friendly breakfast buns.
—RITA VOGEL MALCOM, IA
PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 1 DOZEN
3/4 cup 4% small-curd cottage cheese
1/3 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups