The ABC of Casseroles

These pocket sized cookbooks can be vital and serve as a quick reference to a recipe. If a one course dinner is all one has time for the ABC's of Casseroles may make it less complicated, more quick and imaginative. We are all living busier lives and the one pot, one pan, one spoon theory definitely comes to mind. Perhaps the casserole of the 1950's superseded all other dishes and rather be a sign of the times it unknowingly has become more like the dish of the future. The demand for less junk food, more organic, comfort home cooked meals is making it's way back the table and ultimately our stomachs. The great thing about casseroles are: they are more or less one dish, less stressful to  make, a rounded meal with a side salad, if pressed for time can be made the day or night before, and the ultimate comfort food. 

The classic Shepherd's Pie, Jiffy Macaroni and Tuna, Cheese Soufflé, and Chicken and Mushroom make up the recipes in this 60 page cookbook. I will share the recipe, Jiffy Macaroni and Tuna, with you from this book.  

Jiffy Macaroni and Tuna

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1 (1 lbs) package elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 pound mild Cheddar cheese

Mustard

Worcestershire sauce

1 (6 oz.) can of chunk-style tuna

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water until tender. Drain well. Melt the butter, blend in the flour, then add milk. Stir in cheese, cut in pieces. Bring slowly to boiling point, over low heat, stirring well. Place in top of double boiler over hot water and cook until cheese in entirely melted and sauce thickened. Add a little mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Drain tuna, turn from the can into centre of shallow casserole. Mix macaroni with cheese sauce and arrange around tuna.

Sprinkle with buttered crumbs and heat in 375º oven 15 minutes, or until crumbs are browned and tuna is pipping hot. Garnish with parsley. Serves 6. 

Notes: I presume when this recipe said: "sprinkle with buttered crumbs" they meant bread crumbs... could be a typo however no where does it state to butter bread crumbs. 

Also this recipe gives a great base for making macaroni and cheese. Add some broccoli, mushrooms, red peppers, curry powder... chicken instead of tuna. There are many options with this classic casserole dish. 

Hope everyone had a good weekend! - JW