| A retro classic, many of us grew up eating casseroles. | | | | cheese, or plain scrambled eggs. Take cues from the |
| Baking them at home can help you use up leftovers, | | | | ingredients already listed, and from what sounds good |
| save money, eat healthier because you control the | | | | to you in the combination. As you learn, you will |
| ingredients, and provide a chance to experiment and | | | | discover the combinations you like best. |
| tweak recipes to suit your situation. | | | | Once you have baked a few casseroles, you will be |
| A casserole is an easy, weeknight dinner or Saturday | | | | better able to evaluate each new recipe you are |
| afternoon lunch. Learning to make them can be a | | | | considering, and decide whether it is something you |
| good place to start adding new cooking skills to your | | | | want to make. |
| repertoire (recipe follows). While you learn, you get to | | | | There are plenty of online recipe sites and videos |
| eat the delicious results. | | | | available to help you get comfortable before you ever |
| Tuna Casserole Recipe | | | | go into the kitchen. Gain experience by starting with a |
| This recipe has been a family favorite for more than | | | | simple recipe and those resources will help you |
| 50 years. | | | | become a more accomplished home cook. |
| 2 c. elbow macaroni, slightly undercooked, based on | | | | More tips for enjoying casseroles: |
| package directions | | | | - Use your bowls. Dish into the deep ones for cereal, |
| 1 c. cubed Velveeta cheese (or any other mild cheese | | | | or the shallow ones for soup, whichever you like best. |
| that melts easily) | | | | - Serve casserole in soup mugs with handles, such as |
| 2 large cans of tuna, drained | | | | the Grab-It bowl by Corning. Handy for younger family |
| 1 15-oz can of peas, drained | | | | members as they get used to eating themselves, or |
| 1 15-oz can plain diced tomatoes, juice and all | | | | for the adults to take along to the TV to enjoy with a |
| 1 t. salt | | | | movie or ball game. |
| 2 eggs, beaten | | | | - Add a green salad and simple dessert to the menu |
| 1/2 c. milk | | | | for extra flavor and nutrition, and turn lunch into dinner. |
| 1/2 c. cornflake crumbs to sprinkle on top | | | | While the casserole is baking, you can make these |
| While the macaroni is cooking, fold together the tuna, | | | | extra dishes. |
| peas, tomatoes, salt, eggs and milk in a large bowl. You | | | | - Make your favorite casserole for potluck dinners, |
| want to break up the tuna into bite-sized pieces, but | | | | tailgating or office parties. Many of them can be mixed |
| not mash it. Fold in the cheese. | | | | ahead, refrigerated and baked right before you need |
| Drain the pasta and add to the mixture. Then scoop | | | | them. Just add 15 or 20 minutes to the baking time, and |
| into a 2 1/2 or 3-quart casserole. Sprinkle cornflake | | | | cover lightly with foil if the top starts to get too brown. |
| crumbs on top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for | | | | Casseroles are often the busy cook's favorite |
| about 45 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings. | | | | because they are easy, wholesome and economical. |
| A simple casserole recipe can be adjusted to make | | | | Learning to make them for family and friends can be |
| lots of variations. Start with the recipe, and change or | | | | even more fun when you enjoy the delicious results |
| adjust to help you use up things like cooked broccoli, | | | | together. |
| shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan | | | | |