Cook’s Corner

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 March 21, 2007 08:39 am

— There’s no denying that our busy schedules limit the amount of time we can spend in the kitchen. And when there’s a chill in the air, you need recipes that are not only hearty, but simple to prepare.

Potato Pancakes
6 medium potatoes
1 large onion
1 medium carrot
1/2 C. milk
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C. flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil

Peel and grate potatoes and onion; squeeze out excess liquid. Peel and grate carrot. Combine potatoes, onion, carrot, milk, egg white, egg, flour, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
In a large skillet heat enough oil to cover bottom of pan with 1/4 inch oil. Using 1/4 cup measure spoon batter into skillet. Fry each pancake until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels, keep warm and serve.
Yield: 6 servings

Pineapple Casserole
10-oz. can pineapple tidbits, undrained
1 C. grated cheddar cheese
3 Tbs. flour
1/2 C. sugar
8 Tbs. margarine, melted
1 pkg. Ritz crackers, finely crushed

Pour pineapple into greased 9-inch square baking dish. In separate bowl combine cheese, flour and sugar. Sprinkle over pineapple. Combine melted margarine and cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over cheese mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and brown.
Yield: 4-6 servings

Beef Stroganoff
1-1/2 lbs. lean round steak, cut in 1/4-inch strips
2 Tbs. dry onion soup mix
1 can (6 oz.) sliced mushrooms
1 C. fat free sour cream

Brown round steak in skillet. Add soup mix and can of mushrooms with liquid to skillet. Heat until bubbly. Slowly add sour cream and cook until thoroughly heated. Good served with noodles.
Yield: 6 servings
Calories, 161; Protein, 31 g.; Total fat, 2 g.; Carbohydrate, 3 g.; Saturated fat, 1 g.; Cholesterol, 49 mg.; Sodium, 219 mg.; Fiber, 1 g.
Exchanges: 4 ounces lean meat.

Helpful Hint: Perk up the flavor of winter tomatoes with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and serve them at room temperature.

Ann Hudson lives on Cottonville Road. She loves cooking and sharing recipes with others.