Dale and Thomas Popcorn

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Golden Nugget Casserole




1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup sliced onion (1 medium)
1 package (1.35 ounces) dry onion soup mix
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 package (32 ounces) frozen potato nuggets

Preheat oven to 350°F. Crumble ground beef into a 10-inch skillet; add onion. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is well browned and thouroughly cooked, 5-7 minutes.

Stir soup mix and flour into beef in skillet. Add water; continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened. Spoon beef mixture into 9-inch square baking dish.

Sprinkle Cheddar over beef mixture. Arrange frozen potato nuggets over cheese. Bake until potato nuggets are golden and mixture is bubbly, 30-40 minutes.

Makes 4-6 servings


Helpful Tips

Ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days, For longer storage, it can be frozen, wrapped airtight, up to 3 months.

Mix 'n' Match

For added nutrition and a more complete meal, add 1-2 cups frozen mixed vegetables with the water.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Mott's Apple Oatmeal Snack Bars




1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup uncooked rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoons margarine, softened
1/2 cup Mott's Cinnamon Apple Sauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Mott's Chunky Apple Sauce
1/3 cup raisins
1 Tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt.

In large bowl, beat granulated sugar and margarine with electric mixer at medium speed until blended. Whisk in 1/2 cup cinnamon apple sauce, egg and vanilla.

Add flour mixture to apple sauce mixture; stir until well blended. Spoon half of batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

In small bowl, combine 1 cup chunky apple sauce, raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour evenly over batter.

Spoon remaining batter over filling, spreading evenly.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes; cut into 16 bars.

Makes 16 servings


Helpful Tips

Using a combination of margarine and apple sauce instead of butter significantly reduces the amount of fat and cholestrol in baked goods. Apple sauce adds flavor and moisture, so your healthier treats won't taste dry.