Chicken Potato and Bacon Casserole

With being so busy recently with studies, work and family this meal is definately a one pot wonder and I have to admit there is nothing better than roast chicken with gravy.

This casserole was no exception with all the vegetables cooked amongst the chicken and the gravy.  The potatoes were beautiful and soft.  The hint of bacon amongst the casserole gives it a little lift making it stand out when it comes to mid week casseroles.  Such a flavoursome dish.

This is a lovely homestyle recipe that is not only easy but can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Chicken Potato and Bacon Casserole

(recipe adapted from WW Secret Recipes Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 9

cooking spray

8 chicken drumsticks, skin removed

600 grams potatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

3 large carrots, sliced

150 grams button mushrooms, sliced

175 grams 97% fat free bacon, chopped

6 tablespoons chicken gravy powder

3 cups water

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Coat a large dish with cooking spray.

Coat a fry pan with cooking spray, heat and brown the chicken.  Arrange in the prepared dish.

Top with potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms and bacon.

Combine the gravy powder and water, mix well.  Pour over the chicken and vegetables.

Cover and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are soft.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea and Rocket Salad

I recently made this lovely salad as we were invited for a BBQ at our dear friends' Tanya and Pete's house for Melbourne Cup Day yesterday.  In true tradition I had to make a "different" salad and I immediately fell in love with the sound of this recipe and the taste also.

Very easy to make just don't dress it too early or it will go soggy.  Be quick as it goes very fast - trust me!!

Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea and Rocket Salad

(recipe adapted from Good Taste March 2009)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 3

2 large red capsicums, halved, deseeded

cooking spray

750 grams Kent pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces

1 large red onion, halved, thinly sliced

1 x 400 gram can chickpeas, rinsed, drained

200 grams baby rocket leaves

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

2 teaspoons caster sugar

salt

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat grill on high. Place the capsicum, skin-side up, on a baking tray. Spray with cooking spray. Cook under grill for 8-10 minutes or until charred and blistered. Transfer to a sealable plastic bag. Set aside for 5 minutes (this helps lift the skin). Peel and discard skin. Cut the flesh into thick strips.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 190°C. Spray baking tray with cooking spray. Place the pumpkin on the tray. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.

Combine the capsicum, pumpkin, onion, chickpeas and rocket in large bowl.

Combine the vinegar, juice, oil, mustard, salt and pepper in a small jug or jar.  Mix to combine well and sugar is dissolved. Pour over the salad just before serving and toss to combine.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)