Muffaletta Casserole

Time for August Secret Recipe Club!

This month I had the pleasure of receiving Miz Helen's Country Cottage. As a read of Miz Helen's blog I knew it was filled with delicious recipes. However, there was one recipe in particular that I have has my eye on for awhile and I knew it was the perfect time to make it.  The recipe is for Muffaletta Casserole and it is absolutely wonderful. I worked at a bar called Nicky's for a about ten years up until I had Kellen. Nicky's had an amazing version of a muffaletta sandwich. Other places tried their best to make their own in the surrounding area, but they all failed miserably. I have been a muffaletta lover since I first had the sandwich after my first night on the job. I sw Miz' Helen's recipe I have had it on my list to make, but I never seem to take the plung and put it on our menu. I am so happy I finally made it because it is sooooo good. It really reminds me of one of my favorite sandwiches- cheesy, greasy, full of brine and full of flavor from the different meats. The other fantastic thing is that the recipe is very easy to put together with minimal chopping- perfect for a week night.

I was also happy to have the opportunity to learn a little more about Miz Helen from her blog. I knew that she organized Full Plate Thursday, but did not know that she facilitates the Texas Star Chili Cook-Off as well. I make a mean chili, but am in Wisconsin....wonder if I can still join.... I also learned that she is an organic gardener and, being a bit crunchy, I not only love homegrown veggies, but appreciate the effort it takes to maintain and cultivate an organic garden.

Thank you for a wonderful recipe my entire family loves!

Instructions

1 pound Penne Pasta

1/2 pound grated Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 pound  grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 pound Smoked Ham chopped into thick strips

1/2 pound Genoa Salami, chopped into thick strips

1 cup Olive Salad Mix ( Boscoli is the one I used)

1 small can, sliced Black Olives, drained

1/2 tsp Cajun Seasoning

Instructions

Cook the Pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse, and allow to cool.  Combine the cheese in a medium bowl.  Place Pasta in large mixing bowl and add Ham, Salami, Olive Salad Mix, Cajun Seasoning and  half the combined cheese.  Place in a greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts. 

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