Broccoli Pie

    There's a recipe I've been wanting to share, but it has a bit of a back story to it, and I was never quite sure how to get started. The recipe is one of my favorites: Broccoli Pie.  I know it sounds odd, but bear with me because it's really yummy.

    This particular recipe reminds me of my Moma Deana.  I can't believe I haven't mentioned her yet, because she's such a huge part of my life, but as I've said, I never knew where to begin with her.  I remember reading a review someone wrote about a book they really enjoyed.  They said that it seemed odd to them that it was easier to write a bad review than a good one.  On a good review, I guess you want to make sure you don't leave anything out.  It's the same way with people you are close to.  You want to make sure you describe them properly.  The fact that I know Moma will be reading this in the morning is a bit intimidating as well.  Well I'm rambling, so who is she?

     I guess the simplest way would be to say that she and my dad were together from the time I was about two until I was about 13, and as my father's own sister said very aptly, "We got custody of her in the divorce."

    This woman has been in my life for as long as I can remember; teaching me, guiding me, loving me. Yes, even disciplining me, but more than anything: helping to shape me into the person I am today.  From her I have learned my ethics and morals.  She's the one who brought me to church every Sunday morning without fail.  From her I learned that marriage is hard work but worth the struggle if you find the right man.  From her I learned that even though life is hard, you can still look at it and laugh.   When I need advice, I call her.  When I want to gossip, I call her.  When I just want to check in with someone and let them know that "hey, I'm still alive out here" I call her.  I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.

   The recipe I'm about to share with you is one that she has prepared for me on numerous occasions.  It's a simple meal, one of those all-in-one type deals where you get a bit of every food group in one dish.  It's great because it makes two pies, so that way you can freeze one for a later date if you want.   That's my Moma for you: planning ahead, making things simple, avoiding a whole slew of cooking :-P  Gotta love that.

So here it is folks, Broccoli Pie



2 lbs ground beef
2 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crusts
4 cups frozen broccoli, cooked
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package Lipton onion soup mix OR one medium onion
*I prefer the soup mix because you get more seasoning*
Shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)

  Brown ground beef, onion or soup mix, and seasonings in a skillet.  Drain fat.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake pie crusts for 10 minutes and cool.  Mix all ingredients (minus the mozzarella) and then pour into pie crusts.  Top with mozzarella cheese.  Bake 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Enjoy :-)

 If you want a lighter version, just swap the ground beef for ground turkey and use fat free mozzarella, cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese.