Independence Day celebrations will soon be here, and if you’re looking for a couple of great recipes to take along to a potluck lunch or dinner or to serve at your own gathering, here are two to add to your menu. Both are easy to make. They’re tasty and filling, too.
This Hamburger Cheese Bake was one of my mom’s favorites to make when she held Fourth of July dinners many years ago. And, this Old-Fashioned Strawberry Dessert is a good choice while fresh strawberries are still plentiful.
Hope you enjoy them. Happy July 4th!
HAMBURGER CHEESE BAKE
Nonstick cooking spray
12 ounces lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion (1medium)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups dried elbow macaroni (8-ounces)
1 cup cottage cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup sliced green onions (about 3)
1/4 cup chopped green, red or yellow sweet pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 2-quart oval or rectangular baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large skillet. cook the ground beef and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, green onions and sweet pepper until combined.
Spread half of the macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Top with about half of the meat mixture, then all of the cottage cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining macaroni and remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until heated through. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Makes about 8 (1-cup) servings.
OLD-FASHIONED STRAWBERRY DESSERT
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold butter
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Drain strawberries on paper towels; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping. Pat remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
In a bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; stir in strawberries. Spoon over the prepared crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm, with or without whipped topping or ice cream. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Brotherton offers website readers one or more stellar recipes a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email her at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and she’ll see if she has it.
