Taste Matters

Welcome to “Taste Matters.”  This is where I dish up some tasty tidbits for your week with a kitchen tip or two, my current cookbook crush, some menu ideas from some of my favorite food bloggers to get you through your week, a weekend entertaining theme and menu, recipe roundups for even more meal ideas and even some food for thought! 

Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese

Shrimp and grits are comfort food perfection!  Enjoy them together in Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese, an easy to make and make-ahead casserole!

Alex said:  “Love this!  It’s my new favorite go-to for potlucks, only I double the ingredients and make two 8×8″ dishes.  One for the party and one for later.

My only tweaks:  Smoked gouda and a very light sprinkle of high-quality sweet paprika on top.

One observation:  It tends to be more firm when baked immediately after preparation and more soupy when prepared in advance and kept chilled before baking.  Perhaps longer baking would dry it out a bit, but when the aroma fills the kitchen we can’t wait to dig in and so haven’t tried baking it for much longer than the recommended time.  It’s delicious either way.”

Alex gave it 5 stars!!!  Thanks, Alex!

Chipotle Chicken and White Bean Chili  (Pictured below – Use rotisserie chicken to save time)

Jalapeno Cheddar Mini Muffins  (Karen’s Kitchen Stories)

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Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner  (Diethood)

Steamed Broccoli

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Easy Crispy Oven-Baked Grouper  (Grits and Pinecones)

Garlic Parmesan Cheese Grits  (A Pinch of Healthy – use quick grits to save time)

Theme:  French Country Christmas

Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers  (Half Baked Harvest)

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms  (Low Carb Maven)

Provencale Braised Top Round Roast  (A Communal Table)

French Potato Gratin  (That Skinny Chick Can Bake)

Asparagus Cordon Bleu  (Pictured below – Could also use green beans)

French Apple Pie  (Delicious Table)

80 Food Gift Ideas for Holidays, Parties and More

60 Easy Baked Dinners to Make Tonight

50 Recipes That Start with Canned Whole Tomatoes

25 Make-Ahead Appetizer Recipes

61 Kale Recipes For When You’re Craving Greens

Share, Delicious and Surprising Recipes to Pass Around Your Table by Chris Santos  (with affiliate links)

Chris Santos, a judge on Food Network’s Chopped, serves up unique communal dining that has become his signature.  He offers up 100 extraordinary recipes meant to be served on a platter and passed around the table.  Beautifully photographed with recipes like Potato and Goat Cheese Pierogi with Caramelized Onions to Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce with Whipped Ricotta, Creamy Orzo with Pancetta and Vegetables to sweets like Orange – Bourbon Pull-Apart Bread, you’re going to want to make everything in this cookbook!  I know I do!

Say cheese!

With holiday parties and party planning in full swing, a lovely cheese platter can also serve as a conversation starter.  Many people are quite passionate about their cheese!  However, selecting cheese can be almost as intimidating as selecting wine.  Here’s a terrific guide from the Food Network about how to set up the ultimate cheese platter!

How to Set Up a Cheese Platter

5 Essential Things to Know Before Making Charitable Contributions

Put Aside the Devices – 15 Best Family Board Games

25 Quotes to Share with Your Best Friend

8 Ways to Actually Relax During the Holidays

The Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Card Etiquette