Hello Friends;
I'm kind of amazed at all the new friends who have been posting on TKL, and especially here on "Tried & True". I've posted more on the "Kitchen Table" latley, since I really didn't feel I had anything worth posting here.
HOWEVER!!! I ran into this dish, and in fact, this is something most wonderful to the lips...I first saw this recipe at a local grocery store, and found it rather a strange one, once I fixed it...Ummmm, it was worthy of TKL.
I first thought of posting it on the "Vegetarian" table, however, I know quite a few vegetarians, and the use of dairy products is also excluded from the diet many vegetarians follow, so I thought it best to post this one here. Oh, by the way, this is a very rich dish, you can serve it up with just a salad, or if you have a gang of family visiting, it'll go good with a big plate of ribs too! IT's so doggone easy, but, Ummmmmmmmm DELICIOUS as anything I ever smelled bakeing in the oven for a long long time.

Cheddar Cheese Casserole

8 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cut into small chunks
10 slices Pepperidge Farm White Sandwich Bread (dont use the soft kinds of
sandwich bread like Wonderbread or Homepride. Use the expensive type,
even if you have to go to European types. Remove the crusts from what-
ever you decide to use.
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
4 Eggs
2 Cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350*. Divide the ingredients in half and process in either
a food processor or a blender on high speed. It kinda turns into a thick
batter. You must do this in two batches, neither a food processor nor a
blender can handle the entire load together. (Take My Word For IT! :-)
Pour the entire contents of both batches into a greased 1 1/2 quart bakeing
dish. If possible, you can grease the pan with a bit of soft butter, it
really helps on the taste of the crust.
Now, put the whole affair into the oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

When it's finished bakeing, let it stand for about 30 minutes or so. It then can be served up. It's a combination of a custard/bread pudding affair, but the taste is very rich and delicious. I've done this recipe several times, and if you want to add a bit of "ZING" to it, you can also throw in a 3 oz. can of chopped mild green chilies into the batter as well.

I think when you all try this one, you'll find it a "Keeper" in your recipe files. The best thing is, know that you can do this a day or two ahead, and store it in a container in the fridge, then at the last minute, pour it into the oiled pan and bake. This recipe offers MANY other creations to it. Imagine all the creative things that you can do with this. Try some chopped sundried tomatoes along with some chilies in the batter, that would create a most wonderful southwestern flavor. For the more creative, this can be served in small squares on a plate, with a dollop of sour cream, and a tad of caviar, and a wedge of avacado on the side, along with a lemon wedge, then put a few sprigs of mint on the whole thing! The combinations of flavors will put most anyone into a state of nirvana!

Ok ok ok, I know I just ramble on and on about food. I just find that food is so exciting, and so many neat things that can be done with it. I have to share with everyone here on TKL. Dont sit down to dinner and look at the things you have on your plate as "Everyday Normal". Let yourself get excited about foods, and being creative is fun! To understand the art of garnishing makes it even more fun. Sitting down to dinner, I think, is a thing of art. It's not just the art of eating, but know that it's the art of conversation, and of shareing of ones day, and if all you have to share it with is a radio...Then, turn on the best classical station that is around you... and listen to the music, and enjoy the art of what you have to eat.
It's all the beauty of life. Good food, wonderful music, good talk, and best of all... friends. After you finish eating, take a break and lay down and listen to some great music.....Vivalid's "Four Seasons" is a great one, but also take time to listen to Shanaia Twain! It makes everything in the world seem whole and real.
Ok..Guess I need to hush up' for the evening. Just hope ya'll try this little ditty of an idea. It's pretty good I think.

Peace To All Tonight.
David In Virginia