Dried-Mushroom Risotto Mix

A "cheater" risotto made by covering with a lid during cooking takes less effort than the traditional stirred method but is still rich and creamy. Make the mix at home, then add fresh onion and Parmesan cheese at the campsite. If you like, add pieces of dried sausage or beef jerky with the last addition of water.

Pesto Pasta

Lemony, basil-scented pasta is always a hit. Look for a prepared pesto that is lower in sodium, and mix it up by using a sun-dried tomato version instead of the basil one once in a while. Or omit the pesto altogether and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each dish to finish.

Turkey Bolognese Sauce

This recipe makes enough for five servings of sauce. We recommend cooking 3 oz (90 g) of spaghetti for each serving. While she's at it, Melissa can boil and freeze (separately) enough pasta for the Spaghetti Frittata and the leftover sauce. If you eat dairy foods, unlike Melissa, you can sprinkle the pasta and sauce with Parmesan cheese.

Crispy Polenta with Vegetable Ragù

A bit of pesto adds complexity to this quick sauce, without the need to simmer it for hours. This recipe feeds a larger group, so it's perfect for easy entertaining, but it can easily be halved for an everyday dinner. Top the ragù with a bit of extra shaved Parmesan, if desired. Serve with our Sautéed Kale with Golden Raisins.

Lasagna

This recipe, in a slightly different version, was given to me by a co-worker 40 years ago. Over the years, I have adjusted it to include the shredded mozarella, adjusted the spices, replaced cottage cheese with ricotta and added the Parmesan. The meat sauce is also the same sauce I use for spaghetti and the base for chili. It is the most frequent request of one of daughters and my husband for birthday dinners.

Minestrone with Pesto

Chunky vegetables, rich broth, nourishing beans, nuggets of pasta and a golden sprinkle of Parmesan — that's amore, or minestrone. It's more than just a soup. Perfect for cold weather and lean times, minestrone has the look, taste and aroma that's satisfying enough for body and soul. Learn how to chop vegetables neatly and quickly and make a quick pesto dress-up for a soup that tastes as good as it looks.

Beef Ragu Sauce

Simmer up any of these flavourful sauces to store in the freezer. About 1 cup (250 mL) sauce is enough for 3 oz (90 g) pasta (spaghetti is ideal), or one serving. In fact, you may want to double the batch; just increase the simmering time by 1-1/2 hours. Serve over pasta with Parmesan and basil in season or parsley. Beef Ragu Fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of this simmering ragu, an Italian meat sauce for pasta. For a faster, somewhat smoother sauce, pur?the tomatoes before adding them to the pan and reduce the cooking time by 45 minutes.

Linda's Home-Style Baked Macaroni

Baked macaroni is one of our Sunday dishes that we serve with stewed chicken or beef, rice, stewed red beans and potato salad. This will stick to your bones and you won't be hungry too quickly thereafter. Baked macaroni is definitely a tasty comfort food that all ages will love. Best served hot and leftovers are just as good. For those who are lactose intolerant, omit the can of evaporated milk and substitute with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. You must also increase the amount of breadcrumbs by 1/4 cup. Don't use too much broth as the mixture will not bind together. Any Canadian marbled cheese and parmesan cheese can be used.

Creamy Spinach & Lemon Spaghetti

Herbed Green Bean Casserole

Enjoy this dish as a side with any meal.