It’s apple season. In a few weeks, I’ll be writing a feature on apples and want your best pie recipes. Right now, I need a recipe for the apple pie once served at The Torch in Knoxville, if anyone has it. My husband’s been begging me for the past week to make one, and I can’t seem to get it right. Close, but nothing like the pie we once enjoyed on the strip in Knoxville.
Who can turn away free food, especially in today’s economy? For the next two Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m., the Hixson Krystal will be offering free samples of Krystal Chiks, Krystal Pups, Krystal Freezes, MilkQuakes and Breakfast Scramblers. In addition, there will be a drawing for a $100 Krystal gift certificate both Saturdays.
The free samples are “a way of formally introducing these new items to Krystal’s hometown residents,” said Brad Wahl, vice president of marketing.
If you’ve never tried a MilkQuake, you don’t know what you’re missing. Especially the banana pudding flavor. And the Chiks? Well, let’s just say I could eat a bagful. The Hixson Krystal is at 4850 Hixson Pike near Northgate.
By the way, I’ve heard a rumor that Krystal will be opening a new store in Soddy-Daisy. I hope it’s not unfounded, though having the nearest store a good 10 miles from my home certainly benefits my waistline.
ONE MORE ADDITION to the German restaurant recommendations comes from Harry Webb, who said he’s found a really good one, Black Forest Restaurant, in Asheville, N.C. I know that’s a good four-hour drive from Chattanooga, but Asheville is frequented by many from this area, particularly those driving to the mountains to enjoy the fall colors. The Black Forest Platter, a house favorite with smoked kassler ripchen, bratwurst and jaeger schnitzel, sounds quite good, though I would find it hard to resist the Veal Oskar.
“The food was truly delicious, correctly prepared and genuinely German,” Mr. Webb said.
IT’LL BE A LITTLE while longer before Blue Coast Burrito opens in the food court at Warehouse Row. There have been some construction delays, but owner Richard Martin assured me that the new restaurant should be open by the end of this month.
PAULA DEEN’S 2009 calendar is out and filled with a monstrous number of delicious recipes. I’d say for the most part, there’s nothing particularly healthful about most of her dishes. But there are times when you have to throw diets to the wind and dig into some really good, fattening comfort food.
This recipe is found on the September page of her calendar, which is spiral-bound and easy to carry in your purse or briefcase. There are also several blank pages for note-taking. I found the calendar at amazon.com for $10.40. Order extra for the Paula Deen fans on your Christmas list. It’s a lot more than an ordinary annual calendar.
Chicken Artichoke Casserole
Perfect for company or a potluck supper, this casserole is full of good things; the buttery croutons really make it memorable.
1/2 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichokes, drained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups (1/2-inch) French bread cubes
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish or 6 individual baking dishes. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallots; cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in wine; cook for 5 minutes. Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until combined. Stir in chicken, artichokes, spinach, salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Spoon into prepared dish.
In a small bowl, combine French bread cubes and melted butter, tossing to coat. Sprinkle evenly over casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Or login with:
New Account