My small group was getting together for dinner and I was preparing my favorite quick and easy vegetable side dish recipe…Far East Celery.  It’s my go-to recipe that everyone always raves about.  And I love that it goes so well with beef, turkey, chicken, and fish dishes and I’m quite certain it will make a sensational side dish for a ham dinner, too.

 

Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe for Easter :: Far East Celery :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

With Easter dinner quickly approaching, I’m thinking many of you are putting together your menus right now.  Far East Celery would be perfect on the Easter buffet.  So, as I was purchasing my ingredients, I knew I needed to share my recipe with you.

And then, I forgot.  Until this….

 

Toasting Bread Crumbs & Almonds :: Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I had already melted the butter in the pan and started tossing the bread crumbs and the thinly sliced almonds in butter to toast when I remembered I was planning on sharing this delicious recipe with you.  Oops!

Hmmm.  It’s pretty evident that I am NOT a food blogger.  Yes?

 

Steaming Celery :: Far East Celery Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The celery (hence the name Far East Celery) had already been cut up and as you can see it only has about 5 minutes left.  Do you have a steamer?  Our steamer gets used continuously.  It’s no doubt the best $25 investment we have made on a kitchen appliance.

 

Recipe Ingredients for Far East Celery :: Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

As you can see by the half-empty jar of pimento, the recipe had been in process before I realized I needed to take some photos to show you.  When I make this I always make sure to begin by draining my pimento first.

 

Far East Celery Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe :: Combine Ingredients in a bowl :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This is truly a quick and easy vegetable side dish recipe.  Simply toss the ingredients together in a large bowl.  Isn’t it colorful and pretty?

 

Far East Celery Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe:: Fill Baking Dish with Tossed Ingredients :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s almost finished!  Pour the tossed ingredients into a Baking Dish or Covered Casserole Dish.  I love my Longaberger Pottery because it will stay warm.  How warm?  After removing from the oven I placed the dish wrapped in towels in my Longaberger Cake Basket and then jumped in the car and drove 25 minutes to a friend’s house where we waited for them, then hopped in the car again and 10 minutes later we arrived at the host home, where we waited until everyone arrived.  It was the perfect serving temperature when we finally sat down to eat.  You might say I get a little excited about it.  Um. Yeah.  I do.

 

Topped with Toasted Bread Crumbs & Almonds :: Far East Celery Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Top all that colorful delectableness with a mixture of toasted bread crumbs and sliced almonds.  Are you drooling now?  I am.  Haha!

At this point, you can refrigerate it until it’s close to mealtime.  Since you are merely warming and not cooking this assembly of goodness it can be popped in the oven just 20 or 25 minutes before serving time.  Isn’t that convenient?

Are you going to try it for your Easter Dinner?  I hope so.  The compliments will fly.  I’m pretty certain.

 

Far East Celery :: Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 Cups of Celery sliced, steamed, yet crispy
  • 1 Can of Cream of Chicken condensed soup
  • 1 Can Sliced Water Chestnuts
  • 1 Small 2 oz. Jar or 1/2 Large 4 oz. Jar of Sliced Pimento
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 Cup or Small Package of Sliced Almonds (more if you like)
  • 2 Cups Bread Crumbs (or a little less if you prefer)

 

Directions:

  • Drain pimento and set aside.
  • Slice celery.
  • Steam celery until cooked yet crispy.
  • While celery is steaming, melt butter in a medium saute pan, add bread crumbs and almonds to melted butter and toss until golden and toasted.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss chicken soup and water chestnuts, add in the steamed celery and mix, add pimento and lightly toss until it is distributed attractively.
  • Pour into 1 1/2  or 2 quart Baking Dish/Casserole Dish.
  • Top with toasted crumbs and almonds.
  • Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until hot.
  • Serve and wait for the raves!!

 

If your family is on the unprocessed food journey you can make this same dish with your own cream of chicken soup and steamed red peppers.  I’m not sure how you can get around canned water chestnuts.  If you have suggestions for making this a truly unprocessed food….please let me know.

 

Far East Celery was always served at our family gatherings.   This was my Aunt Martha’s recipe.  I have no idea where she got it, but it was a family favorite growing up, and today my husband requests it for all our holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.   She is the aunt from whom I inherited my red transferware,  my favorite memory-filled dishes.

 

What recipe in your family is a must to serve for Easter dinner?

Are you making memories to treasure around the table?

Take the time to set a pretty table so that someday your children will want your recipes and your dinnerware to continue those happy memories.

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  I love it when you join in the conversation by leaving your kind words.

If you enjoyed this post, would you please hit one or more of the sharing buttons to the left or below and let your friends know they too can have An Extraordinary Day!  Thank you!!

Happy Spring!

Diane

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Comments

  1. I remember having this at your house. Maybe we even used your Aunt Martha’s dishes. Thanks for the recipe! Now I can make it for myself, although it won’t be as good without you!!

    • Diane says

      Ahhh…but it will have memories…and those are the best foods. 🙂
      {Hugs}

  2. this looks nice

    Natasha @ http://www.serenityyou,com

  3. Mel says

    Okay–that sounds good! And it’s definitely got the colour thing going on.
    And I love crispy veggies!
    Between the waterchestnuts and the celery, this one might do!
    Yeah…LOL….I’m kinda weird about veggies not being soggy. 😉

    LOL And I adore that you’re not a food blogger but have a go at it just the same. Personally, I think you did well!
    Looks mighty good!

    • Diane says

      It really is a lovely dish. When you try it…please let me know 🙂
      Thank you for being such a great encourager, Mel. It’s like a big hug.

  4. Glenda Kremer says

    anxious to make this Diane! how many bunches of celery??? did you see my suggestion that you start a photography business as another friend did?
    hugs!
    Glenda

    • Diane says

      Hi Glenda!!
      Yes!! I did see your thoughtful suggestion and replied to it…I hope it went through. I’m a little impatient and maybe…just maybe I clicked it off too soon. [sigh]
      First…one bunch of celery is plenty. 🙂 I hope your try this…so good!
      Second…I did see your suggestion. However…though I can keep practicing my ‘craft’ I can NOT become a professional with just a ‘point and shoot’ camera. I have a Nikon CoolPix….which is a wonderful pocket camera…but it has limitations. When God opens the storehouse….I will invest in a ‘real’ camera and seriously after some practice…truly consider your idea. I really appreciate your encouragement and caring so much. You ARE A BLESSING, Glenda!! [hugs]

  5. Emily says

    oooh yummy! ALways love something I can use celery with! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays! love it! Really appreciate you stopping by my blog! would you be willing to add my blog link to you list? I’m trying to keep in better touch with my linkers/readers… If you already follow me, please let me know I will find your blog on Bloglovin (I’m transferring my follows there)if you don’t follow in any way, would you consider following via GFC or other method?
    http://www.nap-timecreations.com

    • Diane says

      I hope you try the dish Emily and let me know what you think. 🙂
      I just jumped over and am now following you on Google Friend Connect. It is my understanding that GFC will NOT be going away, only Google Reader. I haven’t yet decided what reader I will be using. Maybe Feedly? We’ll see. I am not one to make those jumps immediately, or at least until I’ve sorted through the possibilities. Hope you have a great day!

  6. This looks fabulous!

    • Diane says

      Let me know if you try it. 🙂
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  7. bj says

    This looks and sounds delicious.
    Over from Lavender…..

  8. This recipe looks so good. We have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this and any other posts with everyone. It runs from Tuesday night through midnight Sunday. We also have a $50.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway. Here is the link to the party.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/03/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop_26.html
    We hope to see you there.
    Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above

    • Diane says

      Thanks Debi & Charly!! 🙂 I did pop over last night at 9 PM…but I must have been too early. Is it EDT or ?

  9. I got all excited until I saw chicken 🙂 I am vegetarian. you have a lovely blog. stopping in by through Delightsome life.

    • Diane says

      Oh Nayana….I do not think it is necessary to us cream of chicken. I have used cream of celery.
      Thank you for your kinds words. 🙂

  10. That does look very delicious and I think I need to try it. Tanks.

  11. Kitty says

    This does look like an easy side dish! Thanks for sharing. I’m visiting from Sandi’s HOME party.

    • Diane says

      Thanks Kitty! I hope you give it a try!
      Happy Easter!

  12. I’m s happy you shared this recipe, Diane! Celery is a delicious under used veggie! This recipe is a keeper! Thanks for sharing this at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!!!

    • Diane says

      Thanks for your “stamp of approval” Yvonne! It means a lot! 🙂 And you are right…it is an under-used veggie. 🙂
      Wishing you a blessed Easter!

  13. This looks yummy!

    • Diane says

      Oh Trinity it is!! I hope you can try it!
      Joyous Easter to you!

  14. Sandi says

    Hello Diane and Happy Easter! This not only looks good but it sounds good and really easy. I won’t be cooking Easter dinner this year but this is a dish I could make any time for a special dinner. Thank you so much for sharing it at my HOME. Hope your weekend is lovely.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    • Diane says

      Thanks Sandi! You do need to save the recipe for your next get together.
      Joyous Easter to you too! 🙂

  15. This looks like a great recipe!!!

    • Diane says

      I think you’ll love it!! 😉
      Joyous Easter wished to you!!

  16. Sounds yummy, and the water chestnuts sound like a fun and awesome texture in this dish- thanks for sharing with us!

    Happy Easter Coming soon and it’s always great to see creative minds at work. 🙂

    Visiting from Happy Hour Friday @ HappyHourProjects linky party
    Smiles,
    Suz @MaytagNMom
    NW Illinois
    CURRENT PROJECT OF MINE AT LINKY PARTIES

    • Diane says

      Happy Easter to you too!
      I hope you try Far East Celery…truly yummy!

  17. Wanda says

    Hi Diane, I have never made a hot primarily celery dish. This looked interesting at first and the further I read the more yummy it sounded. I am bookmarking for future reference since my Easter meal is planned and purchased. Thanks for sharing your treasured recipe with us. The ones passed down to us are the ones that make those holiday celebrations so special. You have a wonderful Easter. I’m visiting from Time Travel Thurs. Blessings! Wanda

    • Diane says

      Awww Wanda, you are so sweet. I know it’s a pretty unusual dish, but when friends ask you to bring it, time after time, you just know you have a winner.
      Wishing you a Joyous Easter!

  18. What a great veggie side! What a great alternative to the traditional sides.
    Morgaine from Madcap Frenzy
    http://www.madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/2013/03/totally-tuesday-link-party-2.html

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Morgaine! I do hope you’ll try it!
      Happy Easter!

  19. Jeni says

    YUM! I am pinning this right now!!

  20. Both those recipes look delicious Diane!!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality last week! HAPPY EASTER!!

  21. Patti says

    Sound delicious! So quick and easy, too. Thanks for sharing it with us.
    Happy Easter!
    Hugs,
    Patti

    • Diane says

      You are so welcome!! I do hope your try it Patti!
      Happiest of Easters to you!

  22. Diane,
    What a fun and colorful family recipe! Thank you for sharing it at A New Creation this week. Somehow I missed this post last week, so I’m obviously too late for Easter dinner, but hopefully will make it soon for another meal. We don’t have a real traditional Easter dinner. Seems like we mix it up each year. As long as we’re together and celebrating our Savior, I’ll eat whatever is on the table! But I do agree it’s nice to have those dishes year to year that get passed down in a family. Happy Easter, my Sister!

    • Diane says

      I do hope you make it some time, Jessica! We mix things up a bit too…but there are some dishes that just become tradition. 🙂 Just the other day a friend said she was going to ask for the recipe and then saw I posted it on the blog and now it was waiting for her to create.
      My Easter was lovely…hope yours was too!!

  23. This sounds really interesting. I’ve never cooked a celery dish before. Filling it with peanut butter is about the most exciting thing I’ve done with it! LOL! It looks really yummy 🙂 Thank you for sharing it at to What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a lovely week!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

    • Diane says

      Okay…that is funny!! 🙂
      I hope you try it Deborah!!
      Blessings!

  24. Kathy says

    This sounds so interesting – I am among those who have nevr cooked a celery dish before – it us usually something I combine with onions and garlic to start a recipe – I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      You must try it Kathy. It’s such a light and refreshing dish.
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!

  25. Tammy says

    This looks really good…Thank you so much for linking up and Sharing at One More Time Events.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Tammy!
      Hope your day is Extraordinary! 🙂

  26. That does look so good! Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.

    • Diane says

      Oh Carrie…it is so yummy and everyone loves it!! 🙂
      Thanks for popping by!!

  27. This sounds lovely. I bet it would go perfectly with an Easter dinner. Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays!

    • Diane says

      Absolutely!! It’s also may favorite dish to bring to a potluck as it’s not the same-o same-o.
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!

  28. Jenna says

    This sounds great! I’ve never heard of anything like it before! Thanks so much for linking up to Give Me The Goods Monday! Can’t wait to see what goods you bring next week! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

    • Diane says

      I hope you try it Jenna! It always seems to be popular where ever I bring it.
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  29. Thank you for sharing your post on The Creative HomeAcre Hop!
    I hope to see you back tomorrow for our next hop!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/the-creative-homeacre-10.html

    • Diane says

      I’ll be looking forward to it! Thank you sooo much Lisa Lynn!

  30. This looks great!

    Would love for you to link up at Empty Your Archive. We have a special focus this week on fabulous veg recipes, Alice @ Mums Make Lists x

  31. Thank you for sharing the recipe at the FineCraftGuild.com recipe linky party.

    • Diane says

      Thank you for providing the opportunity Rose!!
      Hope your week has been extraordinary…just like you!

  32. Glenda Kremer says

    ummmm! just now seeing your reply to me Mar. 25th and cannot remember what I suggested that you thanked me for! Morning TV recently said we can’t remember because we have so much stuff packed in our brains it is hard to retrieve–you think????? ha! anyway I am anxious to try these recipes and wondering how many bunches of celery for this recipe of 5-6 cups of celery–sure seems like more than one!!!–yet I do remember I think in the Mar. 25th reply you said one bunch of celery but I don’t remember seeing this recipe before! really?????? I do not cook for Easter we go out after church but I will plan to take these to our small group! thanks and have a blessed Easter!
    love
    glenda kremer

    • Diane says

      Yes…I think we have A LOT of info packed into our brains. 😉
      It was quite a lot of work cleaning, decorating, menu planning, and cooking. And there is all the clean up. You’re a wise woman to go out to eat. I’m bushed!! 😀
      Glenda…one bunch of celery is plenty for this recipe. Let me know when you try it. I think your small group should enjoy it…I always get good reviews!

  33. Spore says

    Made this the other night, but because of my diet I omitted the breadcrumbs and almonds. It’s tasty! I want to add shrimp next time though; it just seems perfect for that. Thank-you for giving me something interesting to do with celery 🙂

    • Diane says

      I love the idea of adding shrimp to the dish!!
      Thanks for popping back to let me know how you liked it and for your tasty suggestion.
      All the best of an extraordinary New Year!

  34. Michelle says

    I have a suscription to Misfits Market organic produce. I get 2 stalks of celery most weeks. I like eating celery sticks but was looking for a side dish that used lots of celery. I had most ingredients on hand. I had no almonds (so I didnt make the topping) or pimenos. I then thought to make it a main course. I added sliced onions, sweet peppers, garlic, worchestershire sauce and 1/2 lb of cooked ground beef. This was fantastic! A great low carb casserole that was so tasty. I think chicken or tuna fish would be a a great version too. I will be making it as a side dish too.

    • Michelle, a gal can only eat so many celery sticks for sure!! 😉 I have got to try some of your creative culinary ideas to change up our ‘old’ favorite. Thank you so much for taking the time to pop by and let me know how you made my family recipe work for you!!
      Bon appetit!

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  1. […]  Though I have shared a few recipes that would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.  My Far East Celery is crunchy and light and makes a perfect accompaniment to turkey and stuffing.  Or a true fall […]

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