The Big Book of Casseroles

The Big Book of Casseroles
250 Recipes for Serious Comfort Food

By Maryana Vollstedt

The Big Book of Casseroles
As the colder winter months approach, we desire heartier, more substantial meals—some mouth-watering comfort food reminiscent of our mom's good old-fashioned cooking. Remember, for instance, how delicious a casserole could be? Now there's some good news. With today's home cook in mind, Maryana Vollstedt introduces, The Big Book of Casseroles, chock full of wonderful recipes for almost any kind of casserole.

Bubbling cheese, golden bread crumbs, tender vegetables, and succulent meats—what's not to love about casseroles? Now, thanks to Maryana Vollstedt, busy cooks don't have to call Mom in order to make delicious one-dish meals for family and friends. Comfort food just doesn't get any cozier; or more convenient.

From a tried-and-true all time favorite like Tuna-Noodle Casserole to some international classics like Arroz con Pollo and Osso Bucco, The Big Book of Casseroles boasts over 250 recipes (including low-fat and vegetarian dishes), plus handy planning, freezing, and storage tips.

An amazing array of creative fish and shellfish recipes with flavorful toppings include Jambalaya, a tangy New Orleans Creole dish influenced by French and Spanish cuisine that combines seafood, poultry, ham, sausage, tomatoes; seasonings, and rice; Cioppino, an Italian fisherman's stew that combines a bounty of the sea with an herbed tomato sauce; Baked Seafood, Orzo, and Feta Cheese Casserole; and Seafood Lasagna.

For the vegetarian, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a delicious casserole. Oven Ratatouille's focus is on herbs, olive oil, and fresh vegetables slowly simmered in the oven in their natural juices. Also included are the Artichoke and Broccoli Casserole with Mushroom Sauce; Corn and Black Bean Polenta, and Minted Carrot and Zucchini Strips.

And for the calorie and health-conscious, Vollstedt has included a section of recipes calling for low-fat, light, or nonfat products, lean meats, and proportionately more vegetables. Garden Lasagna; Spinach, Parmesan Cheese, and Rotini with Pine Nuts; Shrimp and Scallops with Rotelle; and the Greek Meatballs in Tomato-Yogurt-Mint Sauce are only some of the creative recipes that are offered in this wonderful and easy-to-use cookbook.

For hot-from-the-oven dinners equally at home in the dining room or on the kitchen table, cooks need look no further than The Big Book of Casseroles, because serious comfort food never goes out of style.

About the Author

Maryana Vollstedt is the author of more than a dozen cookbooks, including What's for Dinner? and Pacific Fresh, both from Chronicle Books. She lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Buy the Book!

The Big Book of Casseroles
250 Recipes for Serious Comfort Food
By Maryana Vollstedt
Chronicle Books, January 2000
Paperback, $19.95
352 pages
ISBN: 0-8118-22660-5
Information provided by the publisher.