Comfort Foods

This is the time of year when bubbling hot stews and handmade quilts are welcome.  While winter isn't here, there is a definate coolness in the air.  The forest has gathered its multi hued blanket and the bare trees stand stark against the evening sky.  This is also the time of year when quilters who have been busy with gardening, children home from school and family holidays can, once more, spend hours quilting.  Some of us are fortunate enough to have supportive and understanding husbands (and wives) who will take a turn in the kitchen so we can finish a project.  Tonight, my husband is doing one of his wonderful stir fry's.

I like to have some make ahead meals in the freezer for the days when we are both too busy-or too lazy-to cook.  This recipe freezes well, is great for potluck meals or make and bake.  It was passed on to me by a quilty friend after my husband and I enjoyed it at their cottage.  It is simply called:

Cottage Casserole.

Use a 10 X 14 pan

Ingredients:

salad oil

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1/2 lb mushrooms

1 green pepper, diced

1 large onion, chopped

1 pkg. Kraft dinner

28 oz can diced tomatoes

2 cans mushroom soup

approx. 2 cups grated cheddar cheese.

Method:

Brown ground beef in oil

Add mushrooms, green pepper, onion and cook until soft.

Stir in tomatoes

Cook Kraft Dinner macaroni and drain

Mix together soup and cheese mix from KD

Add soup mixture to macaroni stir,

Mix together with beef and vegtables.

Ladle into pan and top with cheese.

Casserole can now be frozen

or

Bake at 350o until bubbly.

Thank you, Evelyn for sharing this recipe.