Sample These Tasty Pages

This book is the next best thing to having the Southern Living Foods staff in your kitchen.

We don't want to toot our own horn too loudly, but we think The All-New Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook will become an indispensable tool in your kitchen.

Whether you're a new cook or a skilled gourmet, you'll be impressed by the wide selection of recipes, step-bystep features, and glorious photography. Editor Julie Gunter (pictured at right) especially likes the "Kitchen Basics" chapter. Enjoy a taste of what's inside with these recipes and tips. -DONNA FLORIO

You can find this cookbook wherever books are sold, or call 1-800-765-6400, or visit www.oxmoorhouse.com.

Caramelized Onion Macaroni and Cheese

MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS

PREP: 20 MIN., COOK: 20 MIN., BAKE: 1 HR., STAND: 10 MIN.

Feel free to omit the pecans in this recipe. It will still taste fantastic.

1 (8-oz.) package large elbow macaroni

2 Tbsp. butter

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp. sugar

1 (16-oz.) block white Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese

32 saltine crackers, finely crushed and divided

6 large eggs

4 cups milk

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

1. Prepare macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and 1 tsp. sugar. Cook, stirring often, 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are caramel-colored.

3. Layer half each of macaroni, onions, cheeses, and cracker crumbs in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Layer with remaining macaroni, onions, and cheeses.

4. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over macaroni mixture.

5. Stir together remaining cracker crumbs, melted butter, and, if desired, pecans. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni mixture.

6. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until golden brown and set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Lemon-Baked Cauliflower

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., BAKE: 1 HR.

You can prepare this dish a day ahead and then bake it an hour before serving.

[fraction one-third] cup finely chopped shallots

¼ cup butter, softened

¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 large head cauliflower, cored

1. Stir together first 8 ingredients.

2. Place cauliflower on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil; spread butter mixture over cauliflower. Bring sides of foil to top; seal edges. Place on a baking sheet.

3. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until cauliflower is tender.

Julie's Favorite Tips

* Pasta needs plenty of room to roam in rapidly boiling salted water (1 Tbsp. salt per 1 Ib. pasta). Resist the urge to add oil to pasta water. oil merely coats the pasta and prevents sauce from sticking to it.

* Freeze lemon and lime wedges, and use them to dress up cold? drinks in lieu of ice.

* For well-rounded muffins, a lumpy batter is desirable. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Creamy, luscious Caramelized Onion Macaroni and Cheese is one of the outstanding recipes in this new cookbook.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2006
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