Simple and Delicious Meals

July 07, 2012

Since the publication of the first issue in 1993, Taste of Home has become one of the most popular cooking magazines in the country. So, it’s no surprise that the many cookbooks based on the magazine have also become very popular. In each book, cooks from across the country share recipes for their family’s favorite foods. Full of delicious, easy to prepare recipes, along with helpful tips and colorful photos, these books are a pleasure to read.

In Taste of Home, Simple and Delicious Cookbook, the focus is on flavorful, no-fuss meals. Most of the recipes take just 30 minutes to make. Some can even be ready in as little as 10 minutes. Special icons throughout the book indicate 10, 20, and 30 minute dishes, very handy for the busy cook.

Some of my favorite recipes in the book feature pasta. In "Nacho Mac ‘N’ Cheese" (page 72), curly pasta, ground beef, and taco seasoning quickly turn ordinary macaroni and cheese into a main dish with a fun southwestern twist. For a quick, satisfying salad, try "Floret Pasta Toss" (page 151). It's a great combination of pasta and fresh, crunchy vegetables all tossed in an easy Italian dressing. But don’t forget dessert. OK, no pasta here. But what could be better than a combination of my favorite tastes, pumpkin bread, cream cheese frosting, and apricots? "Apricot Pumpkin Cake" (page 211) is a simple, moist cake that starts with a convenient pumpkin quick bread mix. It is then topped with a time saving canned cream cheese frosting, chopped pecans, and chopped dried apricots. Simple and delicious!

Keith A.
Blue Springs South Branch