Tropical Noodle Kugel

What do you get when you cross a Pina Colada and Bubbie’s Kugel?

Tropical Noodle Kugel!

Try this fun fruity version of the good ol’ fashioned kind that Bubbie used to make.

It’s like being in the islands…on Hanukkah.

baking with kids   Tropical Noodle Kugel

Tropical Noodle Kugel

Serves  8-10  Prep time:  25 minutes Cook Time: 55 minutes

Try this fun new spin on Bubbie’s traditional noodle kugel.  This one has the feel of the islands infused into its layers of yummy creamy goodness.

1 16 ounce package egg noodles

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

6 large eggs

2 cups sugar

2 cups sour cream

1 t coconut extract

1 t cinnamon

1 cup sweetened coconut milk

1 cup cottage cheese

¾ cup diced pineapple

1 t kosher salt

Topping:

¾ cup graham cracker crumbs

½ cup shredded coconut

3 T unsalted butter, melted

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Bring a large pot of water to boil.  When it’s boiling salt the water well and add noodles.  Cook to al dente, about 1 -2 minutes shy of package directions for fully cooked noodles.  Drain well and toss with melted butter.

While your noodles cook grab a large mixing bowl.  Stir together eggs, sugar, sour cream, coconut extract, coconut milk, cinnamon, salt and cottage cheese.  When well blended, gently fold in your pineapple chunks.   Add noodles and mix well.

baking with kids   Tropical Noodle Kugel

In a small bowl combine remaining melted butter, graham cracker crumbs and coconut.  Transfer noodle mixture to a greased 13×9 baking dish.  Top with graham cracker mixture.

baking with kids   Tropical Noodle Kugel

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes.  Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

baking with kids   Tropical Noodle Kugel

Trust me…This is the most delicious kugel you have ever had.  Try not to eat the whole pan before Bubbie gets to try it.   Not that I ate the whole pan, well not on purpose at least…

Beef Strogonoff

dinner   Beef Strogonoff

Serves:  4   Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook time:  30 minutes

Easy Beef Strogonoff

2 ribeye steak, cut into thin strips (or NY Strip or whatever is leftover in the fridge)

3 T flour, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, sliced

8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 can beef broth

1 can cream of mushroom soup

S&P

1 cup sour cream

Cooked noodles

Season the steak with S&P and dust strips with 2 T flour. In a large skillet, brown the steak in the olive oil and butter. Remove from the pan and set aside. Toss in your onions and mushrooms to the drippings. Saute for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon flour and allow to cook for a minute or so. Toss the steak back into the pan and add the soup and broth. Season with S&P.  Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, covered. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve over cooked noodles.

Turkey Noodle Soup

dinner   Turkey Noodle Soup

Serves: 8   Prep Time: overnight (optional)  Cook Time: 40 minutes

This part is optional if you want to make your own turkey stock.

1 leftover turkey bones and all

8 quarts water

S&P

2 carrots chopped

2 celery stalks chopped

1 head garlic halved

1 head fennel quartered

1 onion chopped

Toss everything in a big ol’ stockpot and let it simmer away for 6 hours.  Remove large pieces from stock and strain through a cheese cloth.  Allow to sit overnight in the fridge.  Remove fat in the morning.

leftover turkey cut into bite sized chunks

2 T extra virgin olive oil

10 button mushrooms, sliced

3 carrots chopped

3 celery stalks chopped

1 leek cleaned and chopped

1/2 package egg noodles

S&P

Set  a large pot over medium high heat.  Add in your olive oil.  When the oil is hot toss in your leeks, allow to cook for 5 minutes or until soft.  Then add in your mushrooms, carrots and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Pour in 8 cups of your turkey stock (you can use store bought turkey stock, or even chicken stock if you like).  Allow to simmer for 20 minutes.  Add in your noodles and cook for an additional 7 minutes or until tender.  Serve up with some grilled cheese sandwiches.

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