Many of my friends prefer going out to eat or ordering in for dinner. I personally think it is easier to throw a chicken in the oven, rather than figure out the kind of food we all want to eat and where to go. Now that it is so cold, I just don’t want to be outside more than I need to be.
So, cooking is my choice, but let’s see if I can convince some of you why you should choose to cook.
First, cooking saves you money. Eating simple homemade food is much cheaper than eating at a restaurant. Even purchasing processed food at the grocery store will cost you more and so will going out for pre-made food. You can do cost-effective planning, like making larger portions so you will have leftovers. Most families (mine included) love leftovers!
Second, you know exactly what is going into your food. I know when I go to a restaurant, I ask a million questions about the preparation of the dish and what ingredients they use. Cooking at home will ensure that you have control of what is in your food such as sugar, oils, and salt.
Third, cooking keeps you healthy. Let’s face it, you probably will not be making french fries at home with all the work that goes into it. You will choose something easier, with simple ingredients that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle!
Last, and most important, cooking at home brings the family together in a comfortable, healthy environment. It strengthens family bonds, gets everyone to talk and just be together (and you know I’m all about that).
This is one great dish to bring your family together. It is packed with “wow”, “yum” and “please, give me some more”! The onions roast to achieve perfect sweetness. The two cheeses add that gooey deliciousness and the allspice gives it its savory goodness. This dish comes together fast and easy. I changed it up a bit (as per usual), by adding more of the two kinds of cheese the original recipe called for. I also let it brown more on top by keeping it in the oven just a bit longer.
This recipe is adapted from Myrecipes and will serve 6 people who will choose a gooey casserole over take-out from here on out!
Ingredients for Sweet Onion Casserole:
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 cups chopped sweet onion (about 1 3/4 pounds)
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
2/3 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add oil.
Swirl to coat.
Add onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender.
Place in a large bowl.
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Place rice in.
Let cook 5 minutes.
Stir rice, milk, 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and allspice into onion mixture.
Spoon onion mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan Cheese and remaining Gruyere cheese.
Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Top with parsley, if desired.
It’s that simple!
