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replacement for celery? more details in post... please help!

post #1 of 12
10/3/09 at 1:17am
Thread Starter 
i'm supposed to be cooking for the family this evening, and the meal i've picked includes a cheesy bake type thing. it has celery wrapped in ham at the base of the dish, with a cheesy topping over it. the problem is, only my mother and i like celery, and my father absolutely hates it - any ideas on what i could use as a celery substitute?

thanks in advance... ANY ideas are hugely welcome. =D
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post #2 of 12
10/3/09 at 4:58am
Asparagus, brocolli spears
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post #3 of 12
10/3/09 at 5:04am
Thread Starter 

...

would chopped mushroom work, do you think?
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post #4 of 12
10/3/09 at 5:53am
Totally different family, but yes. Do not cut them to small they will cook away.:chef:
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post #5 of 12
10/3/09 at 6:39am
Leeks might be another good choice.
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post #6 of 12
10/3/09 at 7:02am
Chestnuts would give you the crunch and be nuetrally flavored. Loses some structure though.
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post #7 of 12
10/3/09 at 7:17am
Whole heads of endive
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post #8 of 12
10/3/09 at 7:48am
endive sounds good, but i would consider onion. Maybe scallions.
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post #9 of 12
10/3/09 at 7:52am
I would consider leeks as well. Mushrooms would change the flavor too much and they tend to get really soggy so watch out for a wet bottom of the dish.

But MAYBE he's never had them this way before. It sounds like they're going to turn out tender and lovely, sounds good to me. If anything he can pick them out since they'll be large enough.

Can you share your casserole recipe?
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post #10 of 12
10/3/09 at 4:15pm
Obviously the recipe calls for celery for a reason. IMO most folk dont like cooked celery because of both the texture and the strong flavour.

So I would substitute it with one of the above. Or my choice would be. As they're in season now. Thick sliced and griddled courgettes (zuchini). Then, Saute some grated celeriac and spread over, before pouring on the cheesy topping.

You'll get the flavour the recipe calls for without the yucky stuff your family dont like

Ps. Re. celery... Many folk dont like it. But if ever a soup or stock calls for it. Please use it... You wont know it was ever there but the flavour it adds is important.
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post #11 of 12
10/3/09 at 6:24pm

Mmmmm

Leeks does sound like a good sub........Fried leeks!!! They would be crunchy and hold up better. As a added bonus they would be fried Mmmmmmm
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post #12 of 12
10/3/09 at 6:28pm

a good sub

If it is just the taste of celery he does not like, use fennel. Similar consistency different taste. Very different taste.
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