Broccoli Mushroom Casserole - A Thanksgiving Favorite!

In December of 1987 I was in the supermarket shopping for the makings of a Thanksgiving dinner. I struck up a conversation with a woman standing next to me in the produce department. We were comparing tips and recipes that were our family favorites. This is one she shared with me. I've tweaked it along the way to my liking and I guarantee your dinner party guests will be asking for more.

Broccoli is the "wonder drug" of vegetables. After much research all opinions conclude that broccoli is one of the top 10 healthiest foods for you. It is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, folates, and soluble fiber. It also contains cancer fighting nitrogen compounds and glucoraphanin. And, by the way, broccoli is so very versatile.

• Use broccoli raw with delicious dips as a nutritious appetizer or snack.
• Mixed with other vegetables, broccoli works great in stir frys.
• Shred it for broccoli slaw and salads.
• Don't forget the old standard of steamed broccoli as a simple and delicious side to any meal.

This is a super simple dish that tastes like you slaved over it.

Ingredients...

• 5-6 cups fresh broccoli steamed to fork tender (Or you can use two packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed & drained well.)
• 1/2 Cup (2 oz) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) grated Gruyere.
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 Cup Mayonnaise (use the lite variety to lower the fat content of this dish)
• 1 Can low-fat Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (whole wheat where available), crushed
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter

Here's how you do it...

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour into a greased 2 quart casserole (use cooking spray).
4. Top evenly with the crushed Ritz Crackers.
5. Dot with margarine or butter.
6. Bake @ 350F 45 minutes and cracker topping is golden brown.

Helpful Hints/Suggestions...

• For a simplified version use one cup of only cheddar instead of blending the two cheeses.
• You can omit the mushrooms if you don't want the extra chunks.
• And if you don't like nutmeg, just leave it out. I think nutmeg adds that certain something no one can put their finger on.
• No matter which way you do it, they're going to love it.
• Depending on the number of guests you can double or triple the ingredients to accommodate.
• This is a great dish for bring-a-long or potluck dinners. You'll have them licking their plates!