One-dish wonders can save time and money by serving hot and hearty all-in-one meals. Basically, what I love to do is take my Southern food roots and kind of combine them into local ingredients and put a different twist on them.
Mexican Pizza
1 package crescent rolls
1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
8 oz. sour cream
1 cup finely chopped broccoli
1 cup finely chopped cauliflower
3 Roma tomatoes (cut into small pieces)
1 cup Dorito chips, crushed
1 cup grated cheese
Roll out crescent rolls into a 9×13-inch pan. Sprinkle garlic over the crescent roll. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely. Mix taco seasoning and sour cream. Spread over rolls. Then, add in order: broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, Doritos and cheese. Chill and cut into squares.
Andy’s Note: This pizza is so good and really very healthy. I sometimes add a few finely chopped green onions. What would we do without crescent rolls? These are real attractive squares served on a beautiful tray!
Vegetable Casserole
One large bag of frozen vegetables or 2 cans mixed vegetables
1 cup extra-sharp cheese, grated
1 cup mayonnaise
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 stick margarine, melted
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
Cook vegetables until tender. Mix first five ingredients and pour into a casserole dish. Top with crackers mixed with margarine. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
Andy’s Note: This is the wonderful vegetable casserole that was served in the lunchroom at Gaston School for years. It was a favorite of teachers and students! Delicious!
Sybil Money’s German Apple Cake
5 chopped apples (I used Granny Smith)
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
Toss and set aside!
In a large bowl, mix:
3 cups plain flour
2 ½ cups sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons soda
Mix and add:
1 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup orange juice
4 eggs
Mix well and layer apples with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for one and one-half hours. Bake in a tube pan.
Andy’s Note: After one hour, begin to check with a toothpick. My oven did not take that long. As you can see in the picture, I added a cinnamon glaze, which I mostly did for appearance. It is definitely not needed.
I feel so honored to share this fabulous recipe from such a wonderful Southern cook as Sybil Money. Her devotion to her church and her community will never be forgotten. This cake is delicious!
Happy Cooking, Andy
“Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell” may be purchased at The Messenger at 1957 Rainbow Drive.