Sprucing Up a Casserole

Here's a little tip that will spruce up any casserole: toasted breadcrumb topping.  It's about the easiest thing you can do to jazz up a casserole, and give it a little flavor boost.

Melt about a tablespoon of butter in a frying pan, and pour in a good amount of breadcrumbs [I used Italian style].  I usually work on a medium-heat setting, stirring the breadcrumbs around to let them absorb the butter.  Then, I try to let them sit for a few minutes, and you'll notice them getting browner.  Stir a few times until the color is appealing.

This particular night, we had had a busy day -- and we were short on groceries.  As it turned out, though, there were several boxes of macaroni & cheese.  I used two, preparing them per the package directions.  When the mac & cheese was prepared, I poured it in a casserole dish, covered with the browned breadcrumbs, and baked at 350F for about 30 minutes.

There were a few upturned noses when the kids realized I had taken a perfectly perfect food (their opinion) and tried to make it better.  But, much to their surprise, they LIKED their "old favorite" with the new breadcrumb topping.

Score another point for Mom.

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