A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. 1 (8-ounce) package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente per instructions 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided ½ medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, diced ¼

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. 1 (8-ounce) package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente per instructions 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided ½ medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, diced ¼

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

1 (8-ounce) package wide egg noodles, cooked al dente per instructions
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
½ medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
1 can diced water chestnuts, drained
½ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare a 9 x 12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter on medium-low heat. Gradually add flour while whisking, and continue to whisk until the butter has absorbed all of the flour. Increase heat to medium and gradually whisk in milk and eggs. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in tuna, water chestnuts, parsley, cooked onion mixture, and cooked noodles. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with bread crumbs. Sprinkle cheese over casserole and top with bread crumbs. Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

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This story was published on Aug 31, 2020

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.