Country Cooking

Veggie Macaroni Salad

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 hard-cooked egg, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 cup plain yogurt

1/8 teaspoon celery seed

2 tablespoons sugar

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, tomato, peas, cheese, celery, egg and onions.

In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. 10 servings.

French Onion Portobello Brisket

1 fresh beef brisket (4 pounds)

1 3/4 cups sliced baby portobello mushrooms

1 small red onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced      

2 tablespoons butter

1 can condensed French onion soup

1/4 cup beef broth

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Fresh sage, optional

Cut brisket in half; place in a 5-quart slow cooker. In a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic in butter for 3-5 minutes or until onion is crisp-tender. Add the soup, broth and pepper; mix well. Pour mushroom mixture over beef. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender. Garnish with sage if desired. 9 servings

Fluffy Pistachio Dessert

1/2 cup margarine, softened

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

First Layer:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup (8 ounces) nonfat sour cream

1 carton (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed

Second layer:

3 cups cold fat-free milk

2 packages (1 ounce each) instant pistachio pudding mix

Topping:

1 carton (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed

2 tablespoons ground walnuts

Cream margarine. Add flour and sugar; blend until crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Press onto the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 375º for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool.

In  a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over the crust. In another mixing bowl, combine milk and pudding mixes; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Spread over first layer. Carefully spread whipped topping over second layer. Sprinkle with walnuts. Chill at least 1 hour. Yield: 24 servings.