Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

 Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

 

Smoked sausage and potatoes just go together. This casserole proves it!

Ingredients

3 cups Idaho potatoes peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 pound Velveeta cheese diced

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded

1 lb skinless smoked sausage

1/8 teaspoon paprika

 

Instructions

Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a cast iron frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.

Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.

Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).

Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).

Recipe Notes

You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage.

Fairy Bites Recipe

 Ingredients :

 

– 1 cup butter, softened

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup cornstarch

– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– A pinch of salt

– Powdered sugar for dusting

 

Instructions :

 

1- Preheat Oven : Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get it warm for your magical treats.

 

2- Cream Butter & Sugar : In a large bowl, mix softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins!

 

3- Add Flavor : Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

 

4- Incorporate Dry Ingredients : Gradually mix in the flour and cornstarch until everything is well combined.

 

5- Add Nuts : Gently fold in chopped nuts for a perfect crunch!

 

6- Shape the Bites : Roll small amounts of dough into little balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

 

7- Bake: Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them!

 

8- Dust & Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, fairy-like touch.

9 Dangerous Glass Stovetop Habits You Should Never Do

 9 Dangerous Glass Stovetop Habits You Should Never Do

Glass stovetops are sleek, modern, and easy to clean, which is why so many people love them. But while they look great, they can also be fragile and require special care. Certain habits can easily scratch, crack, or damage your glass cooktop, not to mention create serious safety risks. To help you keep your kitchen safe and your stovetop in perfect shape, here are 9 dangerous glass stovetop habits you should never do.

1. Using Cast Iron or Heavy Cookware

Cast iron, stoneware, and other heavy pots can scratch or even crack the surface if dropped. If you do use cast iron, always lift it instead of sliding it across the glass.

2. Dragging Pots and Pans Across the Surface

Sliding cookware across a glass cooktop is a recipe for scratches. Even stainless steel bottoms can leave marks that are hard to remove. Always lift cookware instead of dragging it.

3. Using Harsh Cleaners or Steel Wool

Abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, or steel wool can scratch and dull your stovetop. Instead, use a soft cloth or a cleaner specifically designed for glass cooktops.

4. Cooking with Oversized Pots

Oversized pots that extend beyond the burner can trap heat and cause damage. They also risk uneven cooking and could lead to cracking if the stovetop overheats.

5. Leaving Spills and Sugary Foods Uncleaned

Spills happen, but leaving sugar, syrups, or sauces on a hot burner can permanently stain or damage the glass. Always wipe up spills as soon as the stovetop cools down.

6. Turning on the Wrong Burner

With multiple burners close together, it’s easy to switch on the wrong one. This wastes energy, can damage cookware, and may even cause a fire hazard if something is resting on the burner.

7. Using Plastic Utensils Near Hot Burners

Plastic can melt quickly on a hot glass surface, leaving behind a stubborn mess that’s tough to remove. Stick to wooden, silicone, or metal utensils when cooking.

8. Setting Cold Items on a Hot Cooktop

Placing a cold pan or even frozen food directly on a hot burner can cause thermal shock, potentially cracking the glass. Always let cookware warm gradually.

9. Standing or Leaning on the Stovetop

Glass stovetops aren’t built to support heavy weight. Standing, sitting, or even leaning on them can cause cracks or shatter the surface completely.

Conclusion

A glass stovetop is a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but it requires careful use to stay safe and scratch-free. Avoiding these 9 dangerous stovetop habits will protect your investment and ensure your cooking experience is both safe and enjoyable. With the right care, your glass cooktop can last for many years while still looking brand new.