Category Archives: Pasta and Rice

pasta and rice recipes

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

Macaroni and Cheese is an all time comfort food, when it hot, cheesy and ready for any meal. Children love it and sometime only food they will eat. So give the kids a treat and have macaroni and cheese with vegetables. They need their vegetables too.

This is an old favorite summer recipe I recently found in an old cookbook box. Macaroni and Cheese is easily made and a real keeper without the mayonnaise to worry about on an outdoor picnic. It is also very good for a week night dinner.

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

Julia Ann
Macaroni and fresh vegetables with a spicy cheese and mustard dressing. A good dish for picnics and carry-ins; will become your summertime favorite.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Refrigeration 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 74 kcal

Equipment

  • Large kettle to cook macaroni
  • Large bowl to prepare salad

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups dry macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ cup celery diced
  • ¼ cup carrots shredded
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, diced
  • ¼ cup green pepper diced
  • ¼ cup pickle relish sweet relish
  • 1 10½ can cheddar cheese soup
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp vinegar cider or wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard Dijon mustard an option
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp black olives sliced

Instructions
 

  • Bring water to boil, add macaroni to boil 9 to 10 minutes.
  • Drain macaroni, put in bowl and cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Chop vegetables.
  • Mix soup and seasonings, beat with mixer until well blended.
  • Add vegetables and the dressing into macaroni.
  • Option to decorate with sliced black olives on top before chilling 8 hours

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 712IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
Keyword , cheese, , vegetables, macaroni
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Macaroni and Cheese Salad
Favorite Picnic Fare: Macaroni and Cheese Salad

I am always planning a full meal with whatever dish I will be serving. With the macaroni and cheese salad, think of a casual menu such as Barbeque chicken wings, a green salad and Platte County Pie.

Canning Maple Mesquite Bar-B-Que Sauce
Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad
Platte County Pie

Let me know if you try the Mararoni and Cheese salad.

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Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce with Cheese on top.

 

Stuffed Salmon Shells

The large pasta shells were stuffed with canned salmon, a blend of vegetables topped with creamy lemon sauce and shredded mild cheddar cheese before putting into the oven. The lemon sauce adds a slight tart flavor to the stuffed salmon shells.

Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce and Cheese

 

Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

Julia Ann
Large pasta shells are stuffed with salmon patty mixture and topped with a creamy lemon sauce with shredded mild cheddar cheese on top.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • STUFFING

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven 350 F. Grease a 9 x 13 oven proof casserole dish.
  • Cook 10 large pasta shells as instructions on the package. Rinse in water and set aside.
  • Add the drained, rinsed salmon into a large bowl.
  • Add the stuffing ingredients and blend well.
  • Fill each shell with the salmon mixture.
  • Set shells into the greased casserole.
  • MAKE THE LEMON SAUCE
  • Melt butter in a saucepan that will hold 2 cups.
  • Blend in the flour with a whisk until thickened.
  • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cream or evaporated milk.
  • Using a whisk, stir constantly while cooking to a smooth and medium thick sauce.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add the lemon juice and nutmeg, blend.
  • Pour the sauce over the stuffed salmon shells.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake 350 F for 20 minutes, until browned and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

The sauce is adapted from Claiborne, Craig, The New York Times Menu Cook Book, 1966. p.134........Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes, outstanding herbs and spices for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
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The evolution of Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

I am sure we all have a menu to resort to at the end of  pay period. Mine was making tuna casserole, using noodles, peas and a can of tuna, maybe with a can of mushroom soup. After about 3 months of that recipe, my husband informed me he did not like tuna.  So I switched to salmon patties for awhile. Well,  50 year later, tried salmon patties again.  After a couple of meals, decided best to look for another recipe to use canned salmon.  It was the development of Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce with cheese.

Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

Stuffed Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce

MENU SUGGESTIONS:

 

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipeso for your cooking experience.

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox©2007-2021 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox®“Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.  All rights reserved.

 

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

I am trying to get a jump start on comfort foods for fall and winter.  Rice, potatoes, and pasta are creamy foods that lead my list.  I actually try to balance menus with one of these carbohydrates.  Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is also an excellent entree for a vegetarian meal.

Steamed Broccoli and Vegetable Blend

Steamed Broccoli and Vegetable Blend

Using canned soup and frozen broccoli speeds up the cooking process.  I have started to steam vegetables in the microwave.  I put the chopped or diced vegetables in a small bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons water, depending on the amount of vegetables, cover with plastic wrap and steam for 1 minute.  Occasionally I will have to add a minute.  They are ready to be combined with other vegetables or meats and sauces.  I do not add  salt or oil to saute.  

 

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Julia Ann
A good recipe to have for pitch-in dinners and a winter comfort food for week day dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Rice Vegetable Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup long grain rice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons finely diced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeno pepper finely diced
  • 1-2 tablespoons sweet mini peppers diced
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli cuts or 10 oz. frozen broccoli
  • 1 can 10 3/4 ounces Nacho cheese soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4-1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the long grain rice in the chicken broth until broth is absorbed.
  • Cut and dice the onion, garlic, peppers.
  • Put into a small microwave dish, add 1 teaspoon water.
  • Microwave 1 minute or until onion is translucent.
  • Steam the cut broccoli, just until crisp.
  • In a larger pan blend the Nacho soup and milk, cook until hot and bubbly.
  • Add the broccoli, diced vegetables, and rice, stir to blend.
  • Pout into a 9 x 9 x 2 casserole.
  • Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  • Bake at 350 F 20 minutes

Notes

To make a 9 x 13 casserole, use 1 cup long grain rice and 2 cups chicken broth. Adjust vegetable as desired......This was adapted from Campbell's Soup Kitchen..............Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® brings you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® All rights reserved.
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Round out your meal of Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole with

Green Beans with Red Pepper Stir Fry

Green Beans - Red Bell Pepper Stir Fry

Green Beans – Red Bell Pepper Stir Fry

Use your favorite recipe for green beans:  canned, frozen or fresh.  Fix them by stir-frying, steaming. slow-cooker  or in the pressure cooker, with or without ham.

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad                                          

Try the Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad.

And for Dessert :  American Apple Pie

American Apple Pie

American Apple Pie

Enjoy  and look for other cookbookinabox® recipes  at www.cookbookinabox.com/blog.

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® brings you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery®  cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® . All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Rice:  A dish of many flavors.

Rice is a stable grain used all over the world.  This is one grain used in soups, salads, entrees, desserts in multiple cuisines. There are 8,000 varieties.  The more common varieties we see in our stores are Arborio, a round grain used in the Italian dish, risotto.  Basmatic rice is an aromatic nutlike fragrance and light texture.  Sweet Rice is very sticky to make sushi and Jasmine is a soft textured rice.  More common in U.S. groceries are the long grain, medium grain, brown rice and wild rice. 

Brown Rice

Raw Brown Rice, 1 cup

Raw Brown Rice, 1 cup

Brown rice has the most benefits. It has abundant amounts of fiber, complex carbohydrates, essential B vitamins, manganese and selenium . There are several layers to a grain of rice, the hull, the outermost layer and  inedible is removed to get brown rice.  White rice is milled and and polished which removes the bran and germ removing important layers of nutrients. Polished white rice must be “enriched” with vitamins B1, B3 and iron which are destroyed in the processing.

Cooked Brown Rice

Cooked Brown Rice, 2 cups

Health Benefits of Brown Rice

It is recommended to include in your diet a serving of whole grains, such as brown rice, 6 days per week to get the most benefits from grains.
<  Manganese , provides antioxidant protection , helps in energy production, and lowers type 2       Diabetes Risk.
<  Those  eating fiber-rich food of whole grains gained less weight than  when eating refined             grains.
< Cholesterol is lowered by the oil in whole brown rice.
<  Nutrients in whole grain protect again heart disease.

Put Rice in your Menu

After the big discussion on brown rice, I have to admit I frequently use long grain rice.  Last week in my blog, I talked about the Creamy Rice Pudding that I had made to go with the Chicken Schnitzel and Roasted Mixed Vegetables.  I used white long grain rice.

Cooking the Rice and Milk

Cooking the Rice and Milk

The  Creamy Rice Pudding recipe I used is a favorite of the family.  I have adapted it from Chef Ron Lock‘s recipe.  I made changes in the milk I used, I used vanilla soy milk and evaporated milk and added the toasted sliced almonds.

Cooking Rice Pudding

Cooking Rice Pudding


Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Julia Ann
A delicious creamy pudding of rice, raisins, cinnamon and almonds breakfast or dessert for lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Creamy Rice Pudding
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup vanilla soy milk
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk diluted with 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2/3 cups raisins
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • toasted sliced almonds

Instructions
 

  • Boil 1 1/2 cups water to boiling in a medium sauce pan.
  • Add the uncooked rice.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, do not let rice get to dry and stick.
  • In another medium sauce pan, combine the cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and salt.
  • Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg and raisins.
  • Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
  • Top with cinnamon, nutmeg and toasted almonds.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from Chef Ron Lock. https://www.facebook.com/TheChef RonLock.  
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Here are ideas for other rice recipes to try.

Oriental Vegetable and Rice Bowl   

Oriental Vegetable and Rice Bowl

Oriental Vegetable and Rice Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

Red Bell Peppers Stuffed with with Beans and Rice

Red Bell Bell Peppers Stuffed with Beans and Rice

Red Bell Bell Peppers Stuffed with Beans and Rice

Chicken & Mushrooms in Herb Sauce served over Rice

Chicken & Mushrooms in Herb Sauce

Chicken & Mushrooms in Herb Sauce

 

 

 

 

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinaboxJulia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice  bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery®  cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.”  Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®. All rights reserved.

Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce

Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce Dinner

Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce Dinner

This recipe is very similar to a previous recipe posted as Salmon Shells in Lemon Sauce.  The difference is in the stuffing of the pasta shells.  Instead of using the canned salmon, I microwave-steamed the salmon filet, 12 ounces with the skin on.  I removed the skin and fat from the cooked salmon and use a loosely packed 1 cup measure.

Salmon filled pasta shells on a bed of bok choy

Salmon filled pasta shells on a bed of bok choy

Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce

Julia Ann
Flaky steamed salmon fill large pasta shells, bakes on diced bok choy and covered with a creamy lemon sauce and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious meal, add the salad.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 10 large pasta shells
  • 12 ounces of steamed salmon or 2- 4 inch x 2 inch frozen salmon steaks 1 cup of cooked flaked salmon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon grated garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup of steamed finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely crushed saltines
  • 1 beaten egg
  • --------------------------------------------------------------------
  • CREAMY LEMON SAUCE
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 4 tablespoon all-purpose unbleached flour
  • 1 cup 99% fat free chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cream or 1/2 cup undiluted evaporated milk
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven 350 F.
  • Grease 9 x 9 oven proof casserole dish
  • Cook 10 large pasta shells according to instructions on package.
  • Rinse in cold water and set aside.
  • Steam the salmon with lemon juice and water in the microwave 3 minutes, until just flaky.
  • Drain and remove the skin and fat from the salmon, discard.
  • Measure the flaked salmon, use a loosely packed 1 cup.
  • Put the salmon in large bowl.
  • Add the ginger, garlic, salt, celery, saltines and beaten egg.
  • Blend without shredding the salmon.
  • Stuff into the large pasta shells, set aside.
  • Put 1 cup of diced bok choy on the bottom of the greased casserole.
  • Place the filled pasta shells on top.
  • Set aside while making the lemon sauce.
  • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • CREAMY LEMON SAUCE
  • Melt butter in one-quart sauce pan.
  • Blend in the flour with a whisk until a smooth paste.
  • Gradually add the chicken broth, whisk until smooth.
  • Stir in the cream or undiluted evaporated milk.
  • Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and thicken.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Blend in the lemon juice and nutmeg.
  • Pour sauce over the stuffed salmon shells.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  • Bake 350 F for 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce

One-dish meal: Salmon Shells in Lemon Cream Sauce

Salmon Shell with Lemon Cream Sauce

Salmon Shell with Lemon Cream Sauce dinner

 

Orange Coconut Walnut Bowl

Orange Coconut Walnut Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® , bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S.  Pat.  & Trdmk. Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property.”nettabelle’schoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All reihts reserved.