The Cookbook Saga continues….

I did not realize the vast collection of recipes crammed into my Main Dish file. I was getting tired of this section, when to my delight I came across recipes that I had originated in the early 90’s. I used to be so creative in the kitchen! Creativity can work against you with some dishes. For example, if you modify a crock pot recipe it can go very, very wrong.

Usually I get new recipes from Taste of Home magazine, or the food section of the local newspaper.  Friends and relatives are a good source, and I am not too shy to ask a waitress for “take out” recipes. I proudly have in my possession the Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe from

Just because I have a recipe for a wonderful dish, doesn’t mean I won’t tamper with it.  I can’t help myself. A little of this, some of that, disregard those things, etc.  Always looking for the Perfect Meal.

However, lately I am looking for the Easy Meal. I have spent over 1/2 my life in the kitchen and I want to explore the other rooms now. Most “easy” meals seem to have common ingredients. Condensed Cream of Something and Bisquick. Oh well. An example of:  You Can’t Have Your Easy and Like it Too.

I will share with you one of the tastiest “easy” entreés I conjured up.

Pasta with Asparagus & Mushrooms
1 small package of Vermicelli or Spaghetti
1 bunch of fresh Asparagus
6-10 fresh large white Mushrooms
1-2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tbls Butter
2 Tbls Olive Oil

Break pasta in half and cook according to package directions. Rinse in warm water and drain.
Clean veggies. Cut asparagus into 2 inch pieces, slice mushrooms.
In a large non-stick pan, sauté the garlic in butter & oil for a minute on medium heat. Add the asparagus and mushrooms. Cook on medium-low heat until asparagus is tender. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated. Salt and Pepper to taste. (May need to sprinkle more olive oil if pasta not coated well.)  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

That’s All Folks. To make it a complete meal toss in some cooked chicken, fish, ham or steak.

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