Casserole Ideas For All Seasons

Casseroles are perfect for the special occasions and events in our lives. They are tasty, rich, filling and oozing with flavor. They are definitely a winner during the fall season and holidays when comfort foods take center stage. However, they can and should be enjoyed during the rest of the year. In fact, if you are a fan of home-baked casserole goodness, this wonderful dish allows for a wide range of ideas, which you can experiment with and relish from season to season.

During the spring and summer, you will want to build casseroles around light ingredients with subtle hints of flavor that you can enhance with herbs and spices. Mushrooms are always good for summer dishes as they are light and absorb other flavors very nicely. The best meats to use for summer are chicken and fish. Fresh and canned tuna is a nice ingredient in any summer casserole. Bake and flake fresh tuna, or drain and flake canned tuna and pair with light seasonal vegetables, and vegetables with flavor and crunch, such as shallots and celery.

Meat Casseroles

To be a little creative and add some richness to your casserole, how about adding some truffle shavings? The aroma is enticing and flavor distinct. They can be difficult to find, but not impossible depending on your locale. Ask your grocer or inquire at a local specialty food store. Truffles are expensive, but worth it for flavor, visual appeal, and are a great conversation piece. A more affordable substitute would be truffle oil.

There are a number of fresh, seasonal and often less expensive vegetables that are in abundance during the spring, summer, fall, and why not make good use of them? Asparagus, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, and butternut squash, are just a few you can build amazing casserole dishes around. Vegetables pair very well plain rice and pasta, buttered bread crumbs; or pecans, almonds and other light nuts for a delicious and light summer treat.

As winter sets in, casseroles are the perfect main course or side dish to come home to from a long days work. Aside from the usual holiday casseroles, we want comfort food that is heavy and loaded with flavor. Cream based sauces, wine sauces, cheese sauces, and sauces based on soup stock are paired with hearty vegetables and meats. Some of the more popular ingredients found in winter casseroles are beef, lamb, and pork. Use garlic to add that distinct, heavy, warm flavor and mouth-watering, pungent aroma. Low-fat versions can be created to make it easy on the waistline. Nobody is stopping you from making delicious casserole treats in the middle of June, so have fun with local, seasonal ingredients and enjoy!

Casserole Ideas For All Seasons

The ultimate comfort food, casseroles are a part of nearly every cuisine around the world. For the best, taste-tested casserole recipes representing the best the culinary world has to offer, head to http://www.CasseroleRecipes.net.

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