Fall Back Into One-Dish Wonders

Fall Back Into One-Dish Wonders

POSTED 09/24/2008

(Family Features) It's autumn. Kids are dusting off their soccer cleats and putting away their swim suits. The leaves are turning, and the calendar is full. When it comes to making dinner, many still take comfort in preparing traditional casseroles, pot pies and other one-dish wonders. These meals should not only be effortless but, with a little creativity, they could also be tailored to your family's particular tastes - and schedules.

Below you'll find a few tips on how traditional one-dish recipes can bring effortless creativity back into your kitchen; despite whatever obstacles come your way.

Meat Lover's Meal

For the meat lover in your family, make a classic shepherd's pie. You can fill the dish with the typical ingredients of savory beef and gravy, sweet corn and creamy mashed potatoes. Feel free to substitute other meats like Spam Classic or leftover meat you have in the refrigerator.

Picky-eater's Plate

For your picky-eater who likes macaroni and cheese, but not much else, try customizing a casserole to introduce more protein into their diet. Dice small bits of ham or Spam Less Sodium into your family's favorite recipe and watch for smiling faces.

Sports Team Special

For your on-the-go sports players, create a carbohydrate-rich dish like Stuffed Potatoes Florentine. Pack baked potatoes with creamy, Florentine-style spinach, Spam Lite - for added salty-sweet taste- and three kinds of cheeses. Prepare the meal a couple days ahead of time, cover tightly and refrigerate. On game day, preparation is a snap. Just warm in the oven and then enjoy!

For more information or these great recipes, visit www.spam.com

Cheesy Macaroni Bake

Cheesy Macaroni Bake

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 (12-ounce) can Spam Lite, diced
2 teaspoons butter or margarine, divided
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 dash cayenne pepper
2 cups milk
1/2 pound processed sharp American cheese, diced
1/2 cup (1 slice) fresh breadcrumbs
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Stovetop directions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Combine Spam with macaroni in lightly-greased 2-quart casserole.

In medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter; blend in flour, salt, mustard, pepper, and cayenne until smooth. Stir in milk; cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens and boils. Add cheese; cook, stirring until cheese melts.

Pour over Spam mixture; mix well. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter; combine with bread crumbs and paprika; sprinkle over top.

Bake in 400°F oven 20 to 25 minutes.

Microwave directions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. In 4-cup measure, stir together flour, salt, mustard, pepper, and cayenne; slowly mix in milk until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon butter and cheese; microwave 4 minutes. Stir until smooth, microwave 3 minutes more. Beat until smooth.

Combine Spam and macaroni in casserole; mix in sauce. Combine 1 tablespoon butter, bread crumbs, and paprika in 2-cup measure; microwave 1 minute.

Reserve. Microwave casserole 3 minutes. Stir; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture; microwave 2 minutes more.

Cover and let stand 3 minutes.

Courtesy of Family Features
Source: Hormel Foods