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Any pasta can be used for recipes that call for cooked pasta. For example, in place of penne, you can use macaroni or corkscrew. If you prefer spaghetti, go for that over linguine or fettucine.
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Does a recipe call for canned beans? Go for what's in your cabinet, whether it's garbanzo beans, red beans, pintos or limas. Or you can use chili beans or canned beans with chile peppers.
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Any ground meat can be used in recipes calling for ground beef or turkey (try ground chicken, pork or lamb).
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Love the taste of basil? It can be substituted for parsley or cilantro. Out of chili powder? Other spice blends can be used, such as Italian or Cajun seasonings.
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Canned tomatoes can work in many different recipes; diced tomatoes can be stirred into a meatloaf or burger mixture, while whole tomatoes can be whirled into a quick sauce. Spicy tomatoes with green chiles. Get an Italian flavor using diced tomatoes with garlic, basil and oregano.
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Feta or blue cheese a bit strong for your taste? Use shredded cheddar cheese, or your favorite sliced or shredded cheese or cheese blend.
Source: “Food recipes” segment-Better Homes and Gardens, March 2011
Four Asparagus Tips from associate food editor Erin Simpson:
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A half-cup serving of asparagus has just 20 calories and no fat. It contains vitamins A, C and K and some protein.
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Fresh asparagus can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days (place the spears upright in a tall container in about an inch of water, then loosely cover the top with plastic wrap).
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Asparagus comes in three colors: the common green, an all-purple variety and a creamy-white version.
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Thin asparagus is tender with a slight crisp center. Thick asparagus has more of a meaty flavor and therefore more crunch and texture.
Source: “Food recipes” segment-Better Homes and Gardens, March 2012
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