Introduction

 

When you cook with love, people love what you cook.  There is great fellowship, warmth and love, to be experienced around a dinner table, picnic, or potluck gathering.  People come together over great food, and, people reach out to others through food.  Because we experience through a multitude of senses, eating excites much more than just one's taste buds.  Deliciously prepared food also brings pleasure through its eye-appealing presentations, wonderful aromas, and diverse textures.

 

Casseroles embody all of these wonderful qualities. And, at the same time, deliciously prepared casseroles, bring culinary and experience satisfaction to both those who prepare them, as well as to those who enjoy eating them.

 

The casserole recipes in this easy vegetarian cooking cookbook, offer both delicious and classic casserole creations, as well as creative, bold and exotic casserole creations.  In this third book of 'The Veggie Goddess' vegetarian cookbook series, this expansive casserole recipe collection will help you find the perfect casserole recipe, for any meal, or event occasion.

 

These vegetarian recipes call for a 60/40 mix of fresh ingredients and packaged ingredients, making this vegetarian cookbook easy to follow for those who do not cook often, or who are not acclimated to using a lot of fresh vegetarian ingredients. For the more acclimated vegetarian, any of the prepared ingredients can be easily substituted with their fresh equivalent. Many of these recipes include dairy products, so, while not vegan, these ingredients can easily be swapped out with vegan ingredient substitutions.

 

Bon Veggie Appetit!

 

Gina ‘The Veggie Goddess’ Matthews

Chapter 1 – Veggie Based Casseroles

 

You can enjoy all your favorite vegetables, from A-Z, with these mouth-watering, palate pleasing casseroles.  From classic to creative, you’ll find just what you’re looking for, to bring to your next family or social gathering

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Cinnamon Yam and Apple Casserole

(preheat oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease a 2 quart casserole dish)

 

Ingredients:

2-3 large green apples (peeled, cored and diced)

3 large yams (peeled and cut into small diced-sized pieces)

½ cup water (divided)

½ cup of packed brown sugar

½ dark raisins

2 tablespoons butter (regular or vegan)

3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sea salt

4-6 thin lemon slices

 

In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, mix together the butter, brown sugar, 1/3 cup of the water, raisins, cinnamon and sea salt.  Stir continuously over medium heat, for 3-4 minutes, and then remove from heat.  In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, along with the remaining water, until well blended.  Next, add the flour mixture into the seasoned brown sugar mixture, and stir well to blend.

 

Put the diced apple and yam pieces, into your prepared casserole dish.  Hand toss to mix, and spread evenly in the baking dish.  Next, evenly drizzle the brown sugar mixture across the top of the apples and yams, and top with the lemon slices.  Cover with aluminum foil, and bake on center oven rack for 20 minutes.  Uncover, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.  Let dish stand for 5-7 minutes before serving.  Yields 6-8 servings.