Tuna Casserole

To begin, cooking is not the same as baking.  I have been baking since I was ten or so and it was probably pretty easy for my mom to convince me to learn how to bake.  I wouldn't know though because I don't even remember learning how to bake.  Cooking, on the other hand, I started when I was about 18.  It is ingrained in my mind: my mom tells me to defrost the meat.  I say I don't know how.  She throws the meat at me in disgust and says to just do it.  I flee (it may not have happened like that but by this example you can tell that cooking and I didn't exactly get along at first; you can also see that yes, indeed, I did act like a teenager).  Then came the college years; years of mac and cheese from the box and ice cream and oatmeal and at least one instance of burning water.  I finally began cooking on my mission and I guess cooking isn't so bad now. 

So, as requested, I will now occasionally post about my homemade dinners.  While I do cook dinner, it is not my favorite thing to do.  I rarely try new recipes and often just choose what is easiest.  So, after I've posted my 20 favorite dinners, I'll probably run out of material.  Then again, I may be inspired to try out some new recipes.

What Mormon housewife doesn't love a good casserole?  Is it even possible to be Mormon and not make casseroles?  I think not.  In any case, this stereotypical housewife is almost professional when it comes to casseroles.  The basic ingredients include: noodles, cream of something soup, meat, and various spices.  Combine all and throw it in the microwave.  You just can't go wrong.  I recently made the ever-exciting and satisfying tuna casserole.  The best part about it is you don't have to cook the meat.  The other best part is that my husband hates tuna so I get to eat it all!  Here are my ingredients minus the various spices.

Don't forget when you're cooking the noodles to lay a wooden spoon (or fork in my case) across the top of the pan.  This prevents boiling over.  You should try it if you haven't done it before.

I usually use the same spices for all of my casseroles: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and some red pepper.  No measuring either; just season to taste.  Throw it in the microwave for five minutes, add some cooked peas and bam!  Dinner is served.  Very exciting, I know.