Sunday, December 30, 2007

An Amazingly Good Casserole

Every year the local Christian radio station has an appreciation banquet for the ministers in the area. It is always at the Foundry in downtown Knoxville, which is a very nice banquet facility. Ron and I always go with George and Becky and it is a very nice evening out. This year Becky and I were quite disappointed when we were informed that the meal was being served buffet style. (We wanted to be waited on!) All was forgiven when we saw the buffet line. There were several meat choices and vegetables, from which we could take as much as we wanted. Now we hope they do a buffet every year. One of the vegetables was a Baked Tomato and Basil Casserole. I only got a little bit, not being a big fan of cooked tomatoes. But this stuff is amazing! I actually emailed the Foundry for the recipe but only received an ingredient list from the PR director. It was enough to get me started. I know this makes a lot, but you won't mind the leftovers. It's perfect for a pitch in, and very different from anything anyone else will bring.


Baked Tomato Casserole

3 large cans diced tomatoes, well drained
3 tbsp. dried minced onions, or 1/3 cup diced fresh onion
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning mix
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. garlic powder
16 oz. sour cream
16 oz. ricotta cheese
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. Italian seasoning mix
4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup melted margarine

Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning mix, sugar, and garlic powder. Spread in bottom of casserole dish. Combine sour cream, ricotta cheese, sugar, and Italian seasoning mix. Drop by spoonfuls onto the tomatoes. Gently spread until tomatoes are mostly covered. Combine bread crumbs and melted margarine and cover cheese mixture. Bake 30 - 35 minutes, until bubbly.

If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, grind any day old bread in your blender or food processor into fine crumbs. Add some more Italian seasoning mix and blend in butter.

I hope you enjoy this as much as the ladies at the church Christmas party did!

2 comments:

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I think casseroles are a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.

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well, this is really creative recipe!! So cool, recomend to all to try it1