Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

butternut squash lasagna - cheesy white bean tomato bake stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Photo by Getty Images

Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake recipe by Michele Woodhouse and a variation of an original recipe published in “New York Times.”

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serving size: 8 servings

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
3 large garlic cloves
2 large cans of diced tomatoes
2 cans of Cannellini white beans – rinsed and drained
3-4 handfuls of fresh spinach
Dash of Italian Seasoning
Dash of crushed red pepper (optional)
Kosher salt & pepper for taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions

Preheat oven to 475°F.
Using a large, oven-safe deep skillet over medium heat – add olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, dash of salt and pepper.
While stirring, let it cook for approximately 1 minute.
Add diced tomatoes and the spinach. Reduce the heat, stir, and cover. Allowing the spinach to wilt.
Stir in the beans and 1 cup of cheese.
Sprinkle the other 1 cup of cheese on top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve the bake with warm, fresh toasted bread!

Optional: broil for a few minutes afterward to allow the cheese on top to crust.

classic italian lasagna - cheesy white bean tomato bake stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Photo by Getty Images

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Asparagus Quiche Recipe

Asparagus Quiche recipe by Mrs. Angelina Michela, Raleigh. Originally published in WPTF’s “Ask Your Neighbor” Cookbook.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
1 package (10 oz) Birds Eye 5-minute asparagus spears.
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Dash of pepper
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Bake the pie shell at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Prepare asparagus as directed on the package. Drain well.
In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, onion, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.
Gradually stir the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs.
Sprinkle 2/3 of the Swiss cheese into the bottom of the pre-baked pie shell. Arrange the asparagus over the cheese.
Pour the liquid mixture over the asparagus and cheese. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Bake the pie for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
Let the asparagus quiche cool slightly and enjoy!

Click here to view the recipe for Basic Pie Crust!

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Hot Reuben Dip Recipe

Hot Reuben Dip recipe from Kitty’s Kitchen.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serving size: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 (8 OZ) package of cream cheese softened
8 oz deli corned beef coarsely chopped
1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained well
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Triscuit crackers or rye chips (rye bread toasted)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Coat a pie pan or oven-safe skillet with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, sour cream, and thousand island dressing. Mix well.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pie pan.
Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbling.
Serve the dip with crackers or toasted rye bread chips. To make toasted rye bread chips, toast quartered rye bread (click here for rye bread recipe).

If preparing ahead: Transfer the mixture into the skillet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days

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Zoo Rankings Across the Nation

Top 10 Ranked Zoos in the Nation

10. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA

new orleans the flamingo march 2002 - louisiana zoo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Getty Images

Audubon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and spans 58 acres in New Orleans, Louisiana. Situated in Uptown New Orleans, the name honors artist and naturalist John James Audubon. It opened its doors in 1914 but has been home to animal exhibits since the 1884 World’s Fair.

9. St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, MO

close-up of ostrich,missouri,united states,usa - st. louis zoo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Getty Images

The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair is credited with the official opening of this site in 1910. The 90-acre space houses around 18,700 animals. Expansions began in 1921 with the Bear Pits, followed by various improvements to enhance animal care and the visitor experience.

8. The Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, OH

Sam, an American Bald Eagle with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, prepares to land on his handler at the end of the U.S. National Anthem before... — Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Located in the Avondale neighborhood, this is the second-oldest zoo in the United States. Founded in 1873 and officially opening in 1875, it now spans 75 acres and features 1,896 animals across 500 species. Before its creation, the grounds were used to control caterpillars by acquiring insect-eating birds.

7. San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA

Visitors take photos of giant panda Xin Bao during the media preview at Panda Ridge at the San Diego Zoo on August 7, 2024 in San Diego, California.... — Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images

Housing over 12,000 animals, the San Diego Zoo sees 4 million visitors annually. It opened in 1916 after the exotic animal exhibition, formerly in its place, was abandoned in 1915. Covering 100 acres in Balboa Park, it is the most visited of its kind in the United States.

6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, AL

zoo life - alabama zoo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Getty Images

Originally named Zooland Animal Park, it opened its doors in 1989 as a non-profit organization with 300 animals spread across 25 acres. The site features a reptile house, a petting area, and animal shows.

5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver, CO

siberian tiger, zoo, denver, colorado, usa - colorado zoo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Getty Images

This 80-acre campus is home to over 2,500 animals. Its mission is to provide the community with “intimate, inspiring, and informative first-hand encounters with the wonders of nature.” The organization operates as a non-profit, supported by memberships, park visits, and donations.

4. Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL

Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue - Zoos Go Blue at Brookfield Zoo on April 2, 2017 in Brookfield, Illinois. — Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Opening in 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Brookfield’s mission is to inspire people to protect wildlife and ecosystems. It was the first in the United States to house a panda, TSu-lin, and saw the first black rhino born in captivity.

3. San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, TX

Located in Brackenridge Park, this 57-acre site is home to over 750 species. Opening in 1914, it welcomes around 1 million visitors annually. Originally part of the Brackenridge Park and Golf Course, it once held bison, deer, monkeys, African lions, and bears.

2. Memphis Zoo in Memphis, TN

meerkat close up - memphis zoo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — Getty Images

Located in Midtown Memphis, this site opened in 1906 and now houses 3,500 animals on 76 acres. It was established with $1,200 from the Memphis Park Commission, with the first building completed in 1907. Today, over $77 million has been invested in renovations and expansions.

1. North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC

Ranked the “Best Zoo” in the nation, this facility in Asheboro, North Carolina, houses 1,700 animals on 2,600 acres. It is one of only two state-supported zoos in the United States and is the world’s largest natural habitat site. It is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, welcoming around 1 million visitors annually (as of 2023).

Click here to read more about North Carolina’s ‘Best Zoo’ title.

Stuffed Burgers

Stuffed Burgers Recipe

Stuffed burgers recipe by Alberta Robinson, Raleigh, originally published in WPTF’s “Ask Your Neighbor” Cookbook.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

Serving Size: 12 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup milk
1 slice bread, crumbled
1 egg
1 tbsp onion flakes
1 tbsp parsley
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tbsp Steak Sauce
2 tbsp Watkins Barbecue Sauce Concentrate
4 tbsp catsup
6 buns or rolls
Stuffings Ideas (optional):
- Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Swiss cheese, shredded
- Green onion, chopped
- Mushrooms, chopped
- Watkins Parsley flakes
- Watkins Chive

Directions

In a bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
Crumble the bread into the liquid mixture and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add the onion flakes, parsley, ground beef, salt, pepper, and Steak Sauce. Mix thoroughly.
Shape into twelve patties of equal size, about 4 inches in diameter.
Choose your stuffing options and place them on top of six of the patties.
Place the remaining patties on top of the stuffing.-covered ones.
Lightly moisten your fingers with water and crimp the edges of the patties together to encase filling and prevent leaking during cooking.
In a small bowl, combine catsup and Barbecue Sauce concentrate.
Preheat the grill. Grill the patties for about 6 minutes, basting with the catsup-barbecue mixture.
Carefully turn the patties to prevent breakage, baste again, and continue cooking to your preferred doneness.
Serve the stuffed burgers on buns or rolls with the toppings of your choice!

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Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

6 fresh jalapenos, seeded and halved
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground pepper
12 slices bacon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
Stuff jalapeno halves with the mixture.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve the jalapeno poppers with a dip of your choice and enjoy!

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Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Beef stroganoff recipe by Beverly Schwarz from the WPTF “Ask Your Neighbor” Cookbook.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs round steak
¼ cup flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp ketchup
1 cup consomme
1 tsp dry mustard
Dash of pepper
1 lb fresh mushrooms
1 tbsp Worcestershire
½ cup sour cream

Directions

Cut the round steak into four pieces. Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Coat each piece of steak in the flour mixture, then pound the steak with a mallet until it is about ½ inch thick. Cut the pounded steak into strips about ½ inch wide.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the steak strips and brown them on all sides.
Add the ketchup, consommé, dry mustard, mushrooms, and Worcestershire to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook slowly for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
Just before serving, stir in the sour cream. Be careful not to boil the mixture after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
Serve the Beef Stroganoff over noodles or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!

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Pork Chop Meal

Single Serving Pork Chop Recipe

Pork chop meal recipe originally published in the WPTF “Ask Your Neighbor” Cookbook.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 1.5 hours

Serving size: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 pork chop
1 sliced potato
1 serving of frozen peas
2 tbsp of mushroom soup
Slices of onion
Meat sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Place the potato slices in the center of heavy-duty foil and top with sliced onion.
Rub the pork chop with meat sauce and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the porkchop on top of the potato and onion and top with mushroom soup.
Sprinkle the frozen peas around the stack and close the foil tightly.
Bake for 1 ½ hours and enjoy your single-meal pork chop!

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Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies

Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Recipe

Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies recipe by Gayle Paradiso Davis

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

Serving Size: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cookies:

½ cup butter
½ cup shortening
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup sugar
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 ½ cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
1 ½ cups quick oats

Filling:

1 tbsp hot water
¼ tsp salt
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow crème
½ cup shortening
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets.
In a bowl or standing mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, shortening, brown sugar, sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and eggs.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well. Then, stir in the oats.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire baking rack to avoid burning the bottoms.

Filling:

Dissolve the salt in the hot water and set aside to cool.
Using a whisk attachment, combine the marshmallow crème, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Add the cooled salt water and mix well.
Spread the filling onto one side of the cookies, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. For a cleaner look, use a piping bag to pipe a small circle of filling onto the cookie.
Serve your oatmeal cream pie cookies and enjoy!

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Cheesy Jalapeno Muffins

Cheesy Jalapeno Muffins Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serving Size: 12 servings

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup hone
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapenos, chopped and seeded
1 jalapeno, sliced into thin circles
1 tablespoon butter, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in honey, vanilla extract, egg, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Fold in cheddar cheese and chopped jalapenos.
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups.
Garnish each muffin with 1-2 slices of jalapeno on top.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve the cheesy jalapeno muffins with butter and optionally drizzle with honey.

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Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Asparagus Quiche Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Hot Reuben Dip Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Top 10 Ranked Zoos in the Nation

Stuffed Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Single Serving Pork Chop Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Cheesy Jalapeno Muffins Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

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