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Recipe Tip Use common items and ingredients in new, creative ways. Search your shelves and refrigerator and cook up unique, interesting combinations, altering the typical ingredients and cooking methods!
What about...
English Muffin Pizzas (pictured here)? Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread about 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce evenly on an English muffin half (muffin shouldn't be toasted-just take it from the package), Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of oregano on top of the tomato sauce,
Sprinkle about 1 or 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese (or a slice of American cheese or cheddar cheese) on top of the tomato sauce and oregano, And bake in a pan in a 325 degree oven for about ten minutes or until the cheese is melted.
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Sprinkling ginger or cinnamon on popcorn instead of salt? You'll probably use about 1 or 2 teaspoons of cinnamon or ginger per each bag of microwave popcorn. You'll want to taste and season to your preference!
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Frying (saute), over low heat on the stove top, cooked pasta in a bit of oil or margarine or butter, and flavor with a favorite herb or spice such as basil, rosemary, or oregano (or all of these!)? For one to four servings of pasta, use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of butter, margarine or oil, and about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each of your favorite spices. You will saute the pasta and spices for about 5 to 8 minutes to heat the pasta and spices through. Keep stirring while cooking. Once the frying pan is off the stove burner, you can toss in a bit of shredded cheese (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) with the pasta and stir it all together.
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Frying (saute), over low heat on the stove top, cooked rice in a bit of oil or margarine or butter (about 1 to 2 teaspoons for 1 to 4 servings of rice), and add frozen vegetables for a stir fry delight? Use vegetables such as pea pods (fresh or frozen), or water chestnuts (canned-drain them, and dice them) for a change. You will cook the rice and vegetables for about 10 minutes to heat through. Keep stirring while cooking.
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Adding cut up, cooked meats to a lettuce salad for a protein surge and a new taste? You can also add some canned beans such as garbanzos or black beans (drain them and rinse them before putting them on the salad!).
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