COOKING THURSDAY ~ COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING ~ 2026 BLOG 365.15A

The best part of APPLEBEE”S oriental chicken salad is dressing! The salad components can be changed up to anyone’s liking, but are second to the tasty dressing. This is my version of their tasty dressing. I reserev the right to keep tweaking it to perfection 🙂

COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING ~ serves 4 ~ adapted from Sweet Basil 

CHICKEN
4 Frozen Chicken Strips, baked **

  • Cook the chicken according to taste.
4 Frozen Chicken Strips
  • Set aside.

DRESSING
1/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons QUALITY apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1-2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
scant 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
Pinch ground ginger
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a blender, add all ingredients and blending until smooth.
  • Store in a mason jar Store in the refrigerator until serving.

SALAD
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces or fried chicken pieces
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 cup chopped iceburg lettuce
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup chopped Napa cabbage
1 cup chopped red cabbage
1 small bunch green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds
1/4 cup Chow Mein Noodles, optional

ASSEMBLY

  • In a large bowl, toss the lettuces, cabbages, onions and carrots.

  • Slice chicken into thin strips.
  • Top with almonds and chow mein noodles, then the chicken pieces.
  • Drizzle with dressing.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTES: **OR scratch made fried chicken strips or grilled chicken strips

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE aka NANTUCKET PIE meets BOSTON CREAM PIE for a CRANBERRY UPSIDE DOWN CAKE ~ 2026 BLOG 365.8B

From the crunch of the sugar crust on the bottom to the juicy cranberries to the flaky cake layer on top; Nantucket Christmas Cranberry Pie is cranberry dessert heaven.

This sweet and lip puckering tart combination is completely irresistible! My whole family LOVES this coffeecake as a Christmas morning treat. If you can’t decide whether to make cake or pie for your holiday celebration, this recipe right here is your answer!

I originally heard about Nantucket Pie on PINTEREST and then it kept appearing on Facebook, so I finally broke down and made some. The first batch was horrible – too dry and chalky! I then altered the recipe to keep the cranberry layer from the original recipe, but used the cake recipe of a Boston Cream Pie for the cake portion.

You just simply pour the cranberry filling into a pie pan and top it with the batter. The magic happens when you invert it after baking. And don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or FRESH whipped cream.

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY COFFEECAKE aka NANTUCKET PIE serves 6-8
This recipe yields enough batter for a layered 8 or 9 inch layer cake, 24 cupcakes or a 9 x 13 inch cake. Recipe can be easily halved.

Prep time 20 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
= Total time 45 minutes

FILLING
2 cups FRESH cranberries
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon dried orange peel


½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pan. Set aside.
  • Combine the filling ingredients and stir to combine making sure cranberries are well coated in sugar.
  • Pour into two generously buttered 9 or 10 inch cake pans.

3 cups sited AP purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 LARGE eggs
3 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1 cup WHOLE milk

  • In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla and sugar, whisking for 1-2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture has slightly thickened and lightened in color. 
  • Whisk in the oil.
  • Add the flour mix and milk to the eggs and sugar mix in alternating batches, starting and ending with flour mix. DO NOT over mix.
  • Divide batter evenly between cake pans over the cranberries and bake at for 25 – 28 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. DO NOT over bake.
  • Cool completely in an airtight container.
  • Serve warm with FRESH whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and/or a dollop of FRESH cranberry sauce.
  • Enjoy!


NOTES:
FRESH cranberries are best, but frozen work also.
If you do not have a 10″ pan, a 9″ pan will work, but it will need to bake 5-10 minutes more.

 

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE ~ 2026 BLOG 365.8A

A deliciously rich chocolate cake paired with a moist carrot cake with drunken raisins and a creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven, especially when topped with crunchy walnuts. This is the best moist chocolate carrot cake! This is a flavor combo I may never have tried without a strange conversation debating cake flavors, but wish I tried sooner!!

CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE Yield:12 servings

3 cups FINELY shredded carrots
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained REALLY well
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup Malibu Rum
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1-1/4 cups neutral oil (I use avocado)
4 LARGE eggs, room temperature
2 cups AP flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

  • In a small bowl pour rum over raisins and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
  • Line two 9-in. round baking pans or 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper; grease and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended.
  • Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended.
  • Drain raisins of excess rum.
  • Fold pineapple and raisins into cake batter.
  • Pour into prepared pans.
  • Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

FROSTING
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, as needed
1/4 cup FINELY chopped walnuts
1/4 cup semisweet MINI chocolate chips (optional)

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
  • Beat in the powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth and WELL blended, light and fluffy.
  • Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the frosting.
  • Repeat with remaining cake layer.
  • Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips.

NOTE: If the frosting is too thick, mix in milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thin, you can either mix in more powdered sugar or place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.


COOKING THURSDAY ~ FLYING FARMER SALAD ~ 2026 BLOG 365.1B

This is another of the “antique” recipes I found recently in one of the discount recipe boxes at a junk store. I did some internet research and found a few similar recipes that included pineapple tidbits which I changed to WELL drained crushed pineapple because I think it makes it pop more.

According the GOOGLE AI, the Flying Farmer salad gets its name from the recipe’s origin: it was passed down from a pilot who was also a farmer. The “pilot” part of his identity led to the “Flying” aspect of the name, while his “farmer” profession gave the other half. 
The handwritten recipe had some serious notes that really worked for us in the small version. It was obviously written for a LARGE crowd, so I’ve “downsized” it for a family since it doesn’t really keep well. I’ll give you both versions here. I’ve also updated the smaller version to our preferences.

FLYING FARMER CHICKEN SALAD ~ 12 servings
5 cups cooked chicken, cut in chunks
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cups small green grapes
1 1/2 cups celery, sliced
13 1/2 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
11 ounce can Mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup toasted slivered almonds or pecans
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

  • Combine chicken, salad oil, orange juice, vinegar and salt; let stand while preparing remaining salad ingredients or you can refrigerate mixture overnight.
  • Gently toss together all ingredients.
  • Serve on a bed of lettuce or spinach or in pita pockets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Updated FLYING FARMER CHICKEN SALAD ~ 4 servings
1 1/4 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon mandarin orange or pineapple juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Tarragon or Lemon Thyme
1/3 cup diced red onion
¾ cup cooked rice or orzo (orzo is my preference)
1/3 cup small FIRM red or green grapes, halved
1 stalk celery, halved and sliced
1/3 cup crushed pineapple or tidbits, chopped & WELL drained
1/4 cup canned Mandarin oranges, WELL drained (optional – see notes)
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

  • Whisk together the avocado oil, mandarin orange juice, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl toss together the chicken, Tarragon or Lemon Thyme, red onion, rice, celery, grapes, pineapple and mandarin oranges.
  • Pour wet mixture over and fold together until well blended.
  • Sprinkle with almonds.
  • Serve over a bed of lettuce or spinach or in pita pockets or croissants.

NOTES:

  • I PREFER orzo to rice in this recipe for better texture.
  • I also PREFER ALL crushed pineapple to the mixture of of pineapple AND mandarin oranges. When I do use the mandarin oranges I chop them first and drain them extremely well! I also omit the grapes almost completely.
  • This salad also benefits by being made the day before so the flavors can meld as it chills.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ AVGOLEMONOA aka GREEK LEMON CHICKEN RICE SOUP ~ 2026 BLOG 365.1A

After you’ve had this creamy, silky, rich and lemony chicken rice soup with a bright, tangy flavor, you’ll never open a can again. It’s simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes.

AVGOLEMONOA aka GREEK LEMON CHICKEN RICE SOUP adapted from The Mediterranean Dish and several scrap recipes from antique boxes. Total Time: 35 minutes – serves 6

1 tablespoon Avocado oil
3 LARGE carrots, FINELY chopped carrots
3 stalks celery, FINELY chopped celery
1 LARGE bunch FINELY chopped green onions
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Lemon Thyme
2-4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
7 cups homemade chicken broth
1 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon ground leaves
1/2 cup short grain rice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast pieces, shredded
1/2 cup FRESH squeezed lemon juice (2 LARGE lemons)
1 lemon, sliced

2 LARGE eggs
Chopped FRESH parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil on medium-high.
  • Add the carrots, celery and green onions, toss together to saute briefly then stir in the garlic.
  • Add the broth, water, paprika, lemon thyme and bay leaf seasoning and bring to a boil.
  • Once the liquid has come to a rolling boil, add the rice, lemon slices, salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  • Add chicken and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs.
  • While whisking, GRADUALLY add 2 ladles of the broth from the cooking pot to temper the eggs. Once fully combined.
  • Add the sauce to the chicken soup and stir until well blended.
  • Remove from heat immediately so eggs don’t curdle.
  • Adjust seasonings, to taste.
  • Discard lemon slices.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if you like.
  • Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread.
  • Enjoy!

NOTES:

Be sure to rinse the rice well. It also helps to soak the rice in water for about 15 minutes or so before draining and adding to soup. Orzo can be substituted, but requires only about 7 minutes cooking time, adjust accordingly.

SPAGHETTI BOLEGNESE & PARMESAN MEATBALLS ~ 2026 BLOG 365.

SPAGHETTI BOLEGNESE

2 large cans San Marino crushed tomatoes
1 can Contadina tomato sauce
1 1/2 pounds QUALITY ground beef
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 small white onion, chopped
2 cups homemade chicken broth
2 carrots, diced small
3 tablespoons Classico tomato pesto

  • Brown the ground beef, onions, carrots and garlic in cast iron skillet.
  • Mash carrots to a mush.
  • Add the salt and pepper.
  • Drain fat.
  • In a large stock pot whisk together the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato pesto, seasonings and consomme.
  • Add hamburger mix.
  • Bring to a simmer for several hours stirring frequently.
  • Pour over prepared pasta and toss well.
  • Store remaining sauce is quart size or gallon size ziploc bags depending on your family size. The bags will freeze in a flat shape so you can store more in the freezer.
MEATBALLS

2 pounds hamburger
1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup garlic salt
4 slices white bread
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon white pepper
2 eggs

  • Beat eggs and soak bread in eggs.
  • Sprinkle seasonings and cheese over hamburger meat.
  • By hand mix together the bread and egg mixture with the hamburger mixture until it is all blended together evenly.
  • Roll into 3/4 inch balls and place in storage containers not quite touching. I store them in Tupperware deli keepers.

NOTE: In the future all you need to do is pull out however many meatballs you need and toss them in the sauce after it comes to a simmer. They’ll be ready when the sauce is done.

SLOW COOKER PORK & BLACK BEAN STEW ~ BLOG 365.364

It’s that time of year for hearty, cold weather comfort food. You know soups, stews and chilis ALL full of meats, beans and veggies that are slow cooked together until the meat simply falls apart. Slow cooking is perfect for tougher cuts of meat.

SLOW COOKER PORK & BLACK BEAN STEW

2 – 15 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into chunks
1/2 cup WONDRA or AP flour
1/2 – 1 pound ground pork sausage
12 ounces dark beer Guinness or Homemade beef stock
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 SMALL jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Tortillas for serving

  • Lightly spray or grease the inside of a 4-6 quart (medium) slow cooker.
  • In a ziploc bag mix together the flour and seasonings.
  • Add pork pieces and coat well.
  • Remove pork pieces, shaking off excess flour, but reserving remaining flour.
  • In a large skillet heat avocado oil over medium heat.
  • Add pork pieces and sear, stirring frequently until browned.
  • Transfer pork pieces to slow cooker.
  • Add broth and remaining flour to skillet whisking to form a roux.
  • Transfer the roux to the slow cooker.
  • Add pork sausage, onion and minced garlic to skillet, cooking and stirring until sausage is crumbly and cooked through.
  • Add red bell pepper, stirring 2 minutes more until softened.
  • Transfer to slow cooker stirring it all together until blended. 
  • Fold in the black beans, beer and jalapeno if using.
  • Cover and cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
  • Serve with garnishes of lime, diced green onion, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cilantro with warm tortillas on the side.

GARNISHES
Lime wedges
Diced green onions
Sour cream
Diced plum tomatoes
Chopped cilantro



NOTE:

  • If you prefer cook the pork as a single piece and then shred just before serving. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  • The stew can easily be made ahead and stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily when ready to serve. Add a little water or broth as necessary to get it back to the original consistency.
  • Also freezes well.

 

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN PARMESAN ~ BLOG 365.357

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN PARMESAN yields 4 servings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup AP flour
3 LARGE eggs
3/4 cups FINELY grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup homemade chicken stock
4 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE lemon, sliced
1/3 cup white wine
1/2 tablespoon dried parsley

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Melt butter and avocado oil together in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
  • Set up a dredge station with the flour in one bowl, eggs in another and the cheese in a third bowl.
  • Tenderize the chicken if necessary.
  • Dredge chicken breasts through the flour and then dunk it in the egg, draining off excess egg mixture before dredging in the cheese.
  • Add chicken pieces to skillet without crowding and sear 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Melt the butter in a small sauce pan.
  • Add lemon juice and lemons, discarding all seeds.
  • Add white wine and parsley, allowing mixture to come to a SLOW boil.
  • Whisk in chicken stock and pour entire mixture over chicken breasts in the skillet.
  • Cover and bake for about 20 minutes.
  • Serve with pasta or rice.

SLOW-COOKED CHICKEN Ala KING ~ BLOG 365.354B

SLOW-COOKED CHICKEN Ala KING

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
3 tablespoons AP flour
FRESH ground black pepper
Dash Frank’s original hot sauce
1 pound boneless, skinless, cubed chicken breasts
1 celery rib, halved and diced
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 -10 ounce package frozen peas, thawed
Mashed potatoes

  • Stir together soup, flour, pepper and Frank’s original hot sauce until smooth in a 3-qt. slow cooker.
  • Stir in chicken, celery, red pepper and onion.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meat is no longer pink.
  • Stir in peas and cook 30 minutes longer or until heated through.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.

NOTES:

  • Most recipes call for green pepper, but I can’t tolerate green pepper so I substitute red pepper.
  • You’ll note there is no salt in the ingredients list. The soup is generally salty enough, but add more if you would like.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE with CRANBERRY COULIS ~ BLOG 365.352

Butternut squash is the star of this creamy, earthy soup and is brightened up with the addition of a sweet, tart cranberry coulis.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE with CRANBERRY COULIS

COULIS
1 bag cranberries
12 ounces pomegranate juice
+/- 1/2 cup sugar
Zest of 1 LARGE orange

  • Place the cranberries, juice and sugar into a saucepan over medium heat. 
  • Bring to a SLOW boil and cook, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture starts to thicken. 
  • Run through the fine sieve of a food mill placed over a bowl, discarding the solids or puree in a food processor and then press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solids. 
  • Set aside.

SOUP
1 LARGE (2-3 pounds) butternut squash
4 + 2 tablespoons butter
1 small bag baby carrots
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 LARGE onion, small chopped
3 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 tablespoon PURE maple syrup
+/- 1 cup brown sugar
FRESH ground nutmeg, to taste
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
  • Prick squash several times with a fork and place in the center of the baking sheet.
  • Melt 4 tablespoons butter in 8×8 baking dish.
  • Add carrots and season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Roast squash and carrots for 1-1 1/2 hours until tender.
  • Remove from oven and cool ALMOST completely enough to handle, then peel away skin from the squash and discard.
  • In a large saute’ pan melt 2 tablespoons butter and avocado oil together.
  • Saute’ onions and garlic 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add squash pieces, carrots and chicken broth.
  • Use an immersion blender to puree until creamy and blended. Add more broth if necessary to get to desired consistency.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook 10-15 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup and nutmeg.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add a sprinkle of brown sugar.
  • Add a drizzle of the cranberry puree. Use a knife or chopstick to swirl a bit.

CHICKEN LEMONAISE ~ BLOG 365.350

CHICKEN LEMONAISE

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup FINE bread crumbs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3+2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup homemade chicken stock
3 teaspoons better than bouillon paste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon (3 tablespoons)

  • Generously season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Rub chicken with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and dredge in bread crumbs.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium heat.
  • Saute’ chicken pieces 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through. Keep warm.
  • Add remaining butter to skillet.
  • Add onion and sauté until tender.
  • Sprinkle with flour, stirring until blended.
  • Gradually stir in water until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients, cooking and stirring to a SLOW boil.
  • Stir in remaining mayonnaise and stir until smooth.
  • Serve chicken over mashed potatoes.
  • Ladle gravy over chicken.

NOTE:

  • Original recipe called for margarine, but I don’t use it – so your choice.
  • I also use WONDRA exclusively for sauces and gravies, but the original recipe called for plain AP flour.
  • Recipe also called for 3 chicken bouillon cubes and I substituted to my preferred ingredient of better than bouillon paste.

CARAMELIZED ONION & APPLE MAC & CHEESE ~ BLOG 365.347B

New twists for an epic combo on an old classic makes the whole family happy. Imagine a classy French onion soup meeting the classic Mac and cheese with an apple twist for a new take on an ooey, gooey, creamy side dish with a crispy topping.

CARAMELIZED ONION & APPLE MAC & CHEESE

½ cup butter + 2 tablespoons for the Panko topping
3 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
3 COSMIC Crisp apples, peeled, cored, and medium diced
5 tablespoons WONDRA flour
3½ cups WHOLE milk
1 teaspoon FRESH thyme, chopped
4 cups smoked Gouda, grated
3 cups Muenster cheese, grated and divided
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pound pasta, favorite shape, cooked and cooled
1 cup Panko crumbs to top the dish with

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and cook 20-30 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  • Add the apples and sauté 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour until combined and turning golden.
  • Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Let it come up to a simmer with the milk beginning to thicken.
  • Remove from the heat and add the fresh thyme, Gouda cheese, 1 cup Muenster, salt, pepper, mustard and paprika, stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Fold in the pasta and pour the mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 baking dish or into individual ramekins.
  • Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl and whisk into Panko crumbs until thoroughly combined.
  • Top with the remaining Muenster cheese and Panko crumb mixture.
  • Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.

NOTE:

  • Mild white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese would work fine as a substitute for the Muenster.
  • Adding rotisserie chicken pieces makes this a wonderful one dish meal.