brebakes

I combined two pasta sauces and added Cajun seasoning for kick in this quick- mix casserole. Using frozen onions and peppers speeds things up even more. Or try adding mushrooms or frozen peas. Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Yield: 8 servings. Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine 1 large sweet onion, halved and sliced 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups cubed cooked chicken 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions: Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion and peppers in oil until tender. Add the chicken, Cajun seasoning and garlic; heat through. Transfer to a large bowl. Drain fettuccine; add to chicken mixture. Stir in Alfredo and spaghetti sauces. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-...

My family simply loved the lightly toasted coconut crust that paired so well with the pale green pistachio pudding in this quick pie. Coconut Pistachio Pie Yield: 8 servings Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups flaked coconut, lightly toasted 1/3 cup butter, melted 2 cups cold 2% milk 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix 1 cup whipped topping 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, optional Directions: In a small bowl, combine coconut and butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Spread 1-1/2 cups over crust. Fold whipped topping into remaining pudding; spread over pie. Sprinkle with pistachios if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

There's no need to bring confetti to your next snack-time gathering. Just carry in this colorful pizza that's topped with a rainbow of crunchy vegetables! Fresh Veggie Pizza Yield: 8 servings Ingredients: 1 tube (8 ounces) reduced-fat crescent rolls 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix 2 tablespoons fat-free milk 1/2 cup each chopped fresh broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green pepper, sweet red pepper and mushrooms Directions: Unroll crescent roll dough into one long rectangle. Press onto the bottom of a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray; seal seams and perforations. Bake at 375° for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, salad dressing mix and milk until smooth. Spread over crust. Sprinkle with vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Cut into 16 pieces.

This lovely company dessert can be made a day or two in advance. Banana Cream Cheesecake Yield: 10 servings Ingredients:     1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs     1/4 cup sugar     1/2 cup butter, melted     FILLING:     1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened     1/2 cup sugar     1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided     3 to 4 medium firm bananas, sliced     1-3/4 cups cold milk     1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana cream pudding mix Directions: In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan or 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 5-7 minutes. Cool on wire rack. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in 2 cups whipped topping. Arrang...

This soup is made in minutes. Add a salad for a complete meal that's really tasty! Bart's Black Bean Soup Yield: 4 servings Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 3/4 cup chunky salsa 1/2 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained Dash hot pepper sauce 2 teaspoons lime juice 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped green onions Directions: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes or until heated through. Pour into four serving bowls; drizzle each with lime juice. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions.

  Give the cod an Asian twist with a quick side that has a hint of heat. We loved this recipe with its bright, crisp-tender snow peas and carrots, but you could easily substitute any veggies you have on hand. Asian Spaghetti Yield: 5 servings Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 cup fresh snow peas 3/4 cup shredded carrots 4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the mushrooms, snow peas, carrots and onions in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar and cayenne. Drain pasta. Add pasta and soy sauce mixture to skillet and toss to coat. Heat through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

For me, the ideal dessert combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this rich treat, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It's a cinch to whip together because it doesn't require any baking. Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert Yield: 12-16 servings Ingredients: 20 chocolate cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, divided 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup peanut butter 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided 1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided 15 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped 1 cup cold milk 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate fudge pudding mix Directions: Crush 16 cookies; toss with the butter. Press into an ungreased 9-in. square dish; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter and 1 cup confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over crust. Sprinkle with peanut butter cups. In another large ...