Thursday, February 14, 2008

EASIER-THAN-IT-LOOKS RECIPE: My Tuna Noodle Casserole

When I was growing up my mother had certain meals that she cooked on Saturday for me, my 3 brothers, and my Dad. Both of my parents worked during the week, so there were not a lot of "special meals" during the week (My older brothers were good at making the hotdogs and baked beans, or heating things up).Tuna Noodle Casserole was one of the Saturday 'specials' that I really liked. There was also chile con carne and rice, and something I called Spaghetti Pizza (Baked spaghetti). When my father had to work on Saturdays, about once a month, he would bring home a couple of pizzas for dinner. New York Pizza is really the best in the world. Sadly, for now, I haven't been able to eat it or other white carbs much lately. When we go to NYC I do allow myself to go to Koronet Pizza shop (110th St and Broadway), to eat a slice they sell that is 3 times the size of a normal slice. I'm looking forward to our trip up in June.

Anyway, I call it 'My' Tuna Noodle Casserole because I made some changes in the recipe to accomodate my changed diet. Mom would use egg noodles (white pasta), and butter (or probably margarine) which is not really necessary for me. We had not had this dish in a long time, and tried it again recently. Really liked it. You should try it. Make changes if you want. You can make it "Your" Tuna Noodle Casserole.

MY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

Ingredients (serves 4 people)
1. 2 cups of cooked whole wheat noodles (or other whole wheat pasta)
2. 1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup (they make this with reduced salt)
3. 1/2 cup milk
4. 2 6 oz. cans of tuna (I prefer tuna in water, drained, or rinsed if it's in oil)
5. (optional) bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter
6. (also optional) I like spices, so add your favorite ones, for example oregano, garlic, pepper, a little worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. Mix soup, milk, tuna and spices (if using them) in a bowl
3. Put cooked noodles in a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish
4. Stir the soup mixture into the casserole dish with the noodles
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 mins. or until hot.
6. (optional) mix bread crumbs with butter, and sprinkle on top. Bake for 5 more min.
It's easier to make than it looks, and is good to eat after reheating a few days later. Enjoy!

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