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Show 0mt LindaSue's 9$f? Comer Versatile Potato Makes Meal-Planning Easy The potato is a vegetable we all take pretty much for granted,' so it may come as a surprise that this little white tuber has an interesting history. While most people believe the potato to be of Irish origin, it was really found by Spanish Conquistadors who encountered South American Incas dining on small white roots the size and shape of a peanut. This early ancestor of the potato was introduced to Europe where it suffered many misunderstandings. misunderstand-ings. Not only was the potato thought by some to cause leprosy, but it was also forbidden by some to cat because it was not mentioned in the Bible. The potato was even believed at one time to be an aphrodisiac. Today, the potato enjoys wide-spread popularity. With the introduction of potato mixes, it's easy to enjoy exciting potato dishes because the tasks of peeling, long cooking and slicing have been eliminated. A great menu idea is hearty Mushroom Beef Casserole and it's very quick to make and very inexpensive. Mushroom Beef Casserole 1 pckg au gratin potatoes 2'2 c. boiling water 2 T. margarine or butter 1 can evaporated milk (23 cup) 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 c. cut-up cooked beef 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained (4 oz) 2 T. chopped onion 1 c. shredded cheese (abt 4 oz) Vi c. crushed corn flakes or cracker crumps. Heat oven to 400. Mix all ingredients except cheese and corn flakes in ungreased 2-quart round casserole; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 35 minutes; sprinkle with corn flakes. Bake 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 6 servings. Sometimes don't you crave something sweet and chewy but you're afraid of the calories. One of my wise tncnds mentioned that bagels are very satisfying and contain only 55 calories per slice and would you believe they are loaded with the essential B vitamins the body needs for red blood cell reproduction. All you neea to ao to make them sweet, is add about a tablespoon of grape jelly, jam or preserves keeping in mind that there are 35 calories here. You can even add a slice of cheese or eat with cottage cheese. |