chicken devan

as we're in the midwest right now, i thought it would be appropriate to share a very midwestern recipe. it's a classic casserole (or "hotdish", if you're from minnesota) that's gooey and yummy - we love it served with rice. the name of this one is chicken devan, but for years my mom called it "chicken dawn" (not sure why). even better, she has it written on her old recipe card as "chicken dwan", which i think sounds great. now james has added a new name to the mix, calling it "chicken devine" since it's one of his favorites. i don't care what you call it, you'll enjoy! p.s. you can cut this recipe in half and bake it in an 8x8" if you're not that hungry.

chicken devan
2 (10 oz.) package frozen broccoli
2 c. sliced cooked chicken (i use mix of white & dark meat)
2 c. cream of chicken soup
1 c. mayo
1 t. lemon juice
1 t. curry powder
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. bread crumbs (or crushed crackers or potato chips)
1 t. butter melted

preheat oven to 350. in a large bowl, combine soup, mayo, lemon, curry, and cheese. add in chicken and broccoli - stir til combined. spoon mixture into a 9x13" baking dish. in a separate bowl, mix butter and bread crumbs and then sprinkle over the top of chicken mix. bake for an hour or until bubbly.
to freeze: mix all ingredients, put in pan, cover with foil, seal well & freeze. do not thaw, but cook an extra half hour (check it - may need more!).

hot fuuuuuudge

oh my land. heavens to betsy. for pete's sake. you will say all of these things when you try this hot fudge recipe shared with me by dear katherine (whose mom has passed on some amazing cooking skills to her daugther!). this is simple to make, but drizzle it over even plain vanilla ice cream and your guests will be impressed. also, unless you're serving 10 or 12 people, cut this recipe in half.

hot fudge
4 oz. (4 cubes) unsweetened bakers chocolate
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 c. cream

melt bakers chocolate and butter in a pot over medium heat, stirring often. once melted add cocoa, sugar & vanilla and stir. mix in cream and stir until smooth. serve warm. (will keep well in refrigerator)