In the past, if you wanted to serve pesto, you had to make it from scratch. Now it is available in plastic containers in the refrigerated section of many markets. Avoid the pesto sold in glass jars on store shelves, as the fresh basil flavor is lost.
Inexpensive veal shanks become a succulent meal in the slow cooker. Even if you aren't an anchovy lover, don't omit the anchovy paste--it adds immeasurably to the flavor. Use the remaining broth mixture in soups and stews.
I've always loved the taste of a good stroganoff, but I hated the expense and preparation of beef tips or steak or roast beef to make it. So I created my own creamy stroganoff.
A wonderful dish to make at home and it tastes like take-out. Beef strips are quickly marinated and sauteed then with broccoli and mushrooms in a rich sauce.
My mom used to make this all the time and it has always been one of my favorites. The best part is you can mix it up in a few minutes in the morning and forget about it for the rest of the day.
'When I'm pressed for time, I find this take-along casserole is easy to fix,' writes Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio. 'The crouton-topped combination is not only attractive but tasty, too.'
My granddaughters just love this chicken dish. I try to make it every time they come to visit. Lucky for me, it goes together quick as a wink in the microwave.--Miriam Christophel, Battle Creek, Michigan
Meatballs of ground beef mixed with onion and dry cream of wheat are baked for 20 minutes, combined in a casserole with condensed cream soups and evaporated milk, and baked another 40 minutes.
