Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas and a Cookbook Review/Giveaway
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 5:29PM in Book Reviews, Cookbooks, Giveaways, Main Dish, Poultry, Sauce, lunch, opinion, recipes, salad “Mom, what’s for Supper?”
I hear this every single day, as I’m sure a lot of you do. Sometimes that very simple question can strike fear into your heart. “Eek! What is for supper?”
It’s so easy to fall into a rut as far as dinners go. Not to mention trying to please everyone at the table. Southern Living has a new book that helps with these two problems, and it’s packed--bursting with easy 30 minute meals that are sure to make your life easier.
Contest is closed, but the enchilada recipe is still fantastic! Our random winner is comment #30, Amy M. Congrats, Amy! Thank you all for reading and entering.
“What’s for Supper” is written by Southern Living Test Kitchen Specialist Vanessa McNeil Rocchio, who has over 20 years of experience in the Southern Living Test Kitchens. The book is based on her popular column of the same name in Southern Living, and it includes more than 250 recipes!
Read through to enter for a chance to win your own copy of What’s for Supper!
Chapters and their descriptions are:
- The Supper Table. Simple, quick-fix ideas for salads, beverages, breads, and desserts.
- Dinner’s in the Pantry. Recipes made with pantry staples.
- Don’t Drive Through, Drive Home. Quick favorites that taste better than fast food.
- No-Cook Suppers. Leave the oven or stove off for these gems.
- Slow Cooker. Hands-off meals that cook so you don’t have to.
- Picky Eaters. Kid-friendly recipes to suit any taste.
- Cooking for Two. Downsized dishes that can easily be increased for a crowd.
- Weeknight Company. Special recipes that welcome company any night of the week.
Plus, scattered throughout the book are Vanessa’s Savvy Secrets, which are techniques and tips from the Southern Living Test Kitchen; Sidekicks, convenient side-dish suggestions; Time-Saving Tips; and Table Talk, dinner table conversation starters.
I fell in love with this book right away. Every recipe has a full color, stunning photo. They make you want to try everything immediately! The recipe text is laid out right inside the photos which makes it lovely to look at, as well. I have so many recipes earmarked to try, and I’m sure you will, too! There are a few recipes that make use of convenience items like a flavor/seasoning packet, a can of soup, or a jar of sauce. Are these deal breakers? No way! If you want to use them, feel free! If not, make your substitution and go, like I did with the enchilada sauce in this recipe. The recipes are worth it. There are so many great ideas in this book. From salads and sandwiches (hot and cold!), to meats and vegetables, pastas, casseroles, grilling recipes--it’s all covered in here. Go have a look inside the book!
We absolutely loved these Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas! Even my seventeen year old, who was pretty sure she wasn’t going to like them. The filling is delicious--creamy and full of chicken. And simple, too! I will definitely make these again.
Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas*
Makes 6 servings.
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed
1 (16 oz) jar chunky salsa, DIVIDED
20 oz enchilada sauce (Recipe follows, or use 2 -20 oz cans ready made sauce.)
1 (8oz) package cream cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (16 oz) bag shredded Mexican four cheese blend
Toppings/Side Ideas:
Shredded lettuce
Chopped cilantro
Chopped red onion
Halved grape tomatoes
Enchilada Sauce
Makes about 2 cups
Olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp cocoa powder
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
In a medium sauce pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the broth and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. I like to pour it into a square baking dish so it can cool a bit, and so it's easier to dip the tortillas into it.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish. Set aside. Drain spinach, squeezing out as much liquid as you can.
Stir 1/4 cup of the salsa into the enchilada sauce, and set aside. Microwave the cream cheese in a medium sized bowl for one minute. Stir in the spinach, chicken, and remaining salsa. Stir until well blended.
I like to do this next step on a large cutting board for easy clean up. Dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce and place it on the cutting board. Spoon a heaping 1/3 cupful of the filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortilla and place it in the prepared pan, seam side down. Continue until you've used all the of the tortillas. I had some extra tortillas and made a few extra for a total of 13. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.
- I serve ours with a simple side salad of lettuce, sliced avocado, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Southern Living used 2 (10 oz) cans of red enchilada sauce. I had everything on hand to make homemade, so that's what I used. They also don’t dip the tortillas in the sauce before filling and rolling, but I like to.
- I’ll have another recipe for you from the book later in the week, so stay tuned!
*Recipe reprinted with permission from Southern Living What's for Supper, Oxmoor House 2012. I was given a copy of the book for review at no charge, and was not paid for my opinion.
Win your very own copy of What’s for Supper!
I have one copy to give to a lucky, hungry reader. Entering is extremely simple--just leave a comment on this post. Simple as that!
1) Leave a comment on this post for one entry.
Extra, Optional Entries:
2) Tweet about this giveaway if you like, and leave a comment here for an extra entry.
3) If you would like to share about this on Facebook, leave one more comment here telling me you did.
That’s three chances for you to win!
I’ll choose a random winner on Wednesday, August 8th at midnight, EST. US shipping only. Good luck!
Reader Comments (45)
Gimme....both, please!! :)
Mexican -- yum! Enter me!
This is me, leaving a comment!
That looks delish! Love enchiladas :)
That recipe sounds amazing, but then, I'm a sucker for Mexican food! I've always been a fan of Southern Living's cookbooks, and this one sounds like another winner. Count me in, Elle!
I retweeted about the giveaway via @MooshuJenne
Making "supper" as oposed to just "feed me, ug" is more than food - it's nourishment of connection and health. May have to just purchase this book if I don't win.
I posted on Facebook!
yumm... those enchiladas look delicious ... I want some NOW. :-)
I'd love to be entered in!
I also shared your giveaway via twitter; https://twitter.com/LO_TS/status/230811203658739712
Huh, I was just reading the latest copy of Southern Living magazine! Love their recipes. Thanks for the chance Elle!
Girl, it's time for me to win!
Dinner meals are the hardest one for me. I have run out of ideas. The book looks like it has many.
I am making this for our next "girls' night", have had a spinach craving for a few day and always want enchiladas. Thanks for sharing your sauce recipe, it looks delish!
These look delicious! I like the addition of spinach here and the homemade enchilada sauce.
Love Southern Living and enchiladas. Please enter my name.
Would love to add this to my collection - looks yummy!
There are plenty of interesting looking and easily doable recipes in this book. I would love to try any of them.
Good Morning Elle,
Please throw my name in the hat! I need some new dinner ideas!
Thanks!~
I would eat that. And I would love to own the book.
Sounds like a great cookbook Elle! I'd love to read it and eat through it!
Pick me!!
thanks for this giveaway
Yup, you did it again.. making my mouth water and I wasn't hungry....
Chicken with spinach, that's a great combination, sounds delicious!
I posted this giveaway on my Facebook page.
I tweeted this giveaway.
hi. thanks for the giveaway. this book looks lovely.
i tweeted - https://twitter.com/onitnaram/status/231151406160150529
i liked the post on facebook
I've never had spinach in enchiladas before but I like the idea
I tweeted about the giveaway
I have a super-picky eater here. I would love to try out some of the recipes in this book!
Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Always love recipes
From Southern Living!
Your enchiladas look wonderful!
on my way to shop for ingredients now, can't wait to try this!
I have a mild cookbook addiction. I hope I win!!
Ohhh yummy!
These sound like something that my husband & son will absolutely love! I will admit to not being a fan of Mexican food. I have tried. My husband used to go out for Mexican sometimes at work when there was a group event or when he was traveling for work. I have started to try some recipes I've found on my favorite sites, I figure he deserves it at home once in a while especially since he doesn't mind when I make things that I love & he doesn't care for. Thanks for both a recipe he'll enjoy & a chance to win that beautiful cookbook.
I tweeted about giveaway http://ellesnewenglandkitchen.com
Just love the recipe and your homemade twist to it! Thanks so much for sharing and I'd love to own this cookbook!
i would love to have this cookbook. so p lease add me to the drawing.
We just moved to New Hampshire from the midwest and I really enjoy reading this blog... not to mention starting new jobs - dinner is gonna need all the help it can get! Looks like a great book.