Brown Rice & Broccoli Bake

Yum, yum, yum...This recipe taste like it should be a guilty pleasure, but its NOT! This is a healthier version of Chicken Divine Casserole. By replacing pasta with brown rice and mayo with a simple low-fat roux, this recipe is one healthy crowd pleaser.

• 1 1/2 lbs. fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 flour
• 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 cup milk (I used organic unsweetened soy)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/2 parmesan 
• 2 1/2 cups cooked rice (cook according to directions)
• 2 cups chopped chicken

 

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Put the olive oil in a medium heat pan. Add the onion and cook until it is tender, then add the garlic. After the garlic has been in the pan for about 3 minutes add your flour, let the flour cook for 1 minute. Then add your milk and chicken stock, stir until it thickens which will take about 3-5 minute. Make sure you keep stirring the entire time!!

3. Once the sauce has thickened stir in the salt, pepper and mustard. Once that is well combined add both cheeses. After the cheese has melted into gooey goodness, stir in the broccoli. Set mixture aside.

4. Grab your casserole dish and grease it!

5. Fluff the brown rice and place all of it in a layer on the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the cubed chicken on top of the rice.

6. Place the broccoli and cheese roux on top of the rice and chicken in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake covered for 25 minute. Take the cover off and bake for an additional 5 minutes to make it a little brown on top!

Sparkling Summer Sangria

This sangria recipe was brought to life through the my love of champagne! It is simple to throw together the night before a party so that you don't have to worry about it serving everyone individual drink at the event. However; if you feel the need to drink an entire pitcher of the sangria yourself, please do so! Here is the recipe:

• 1 bottle of sauvignon blanc
• 1/2 bottle champagne
• 3 ounces triple sec
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced apple
• 1 sliced mango or peach
• Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (any amount you want!)

If you are going to make the sangria the night before, do not add the champagne. Add it right before you serve so the carbonation is still bubbling. Also, add as many ice cubes to your serving glasses as you feel necessary. Stir, drink and enjoy :)