Preparation of a whole week of evening meals seems like a lot of work for most. However, if you sit down and figure out what you have for your evening meals each week and get your grocery list prepared, you will save a lot of time in the long run. Doing so, you will know what you are preparing and have your needed items already bought.

Lighten Up Pasta Salad

This salad may save a few calories and be just as delicious with the “light” ingredients. I hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients

1 box tri-color noodles

1/2 cup lite mayonnaise

1/2 cup lite sour cream

1/2 cup skim milk

8 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)

1 package dry ranch seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tomato, chopped (optional)

1 can sliced olives (optional)

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl and refrigerate. When noodles are finished, drain and rinse with cold water. Add noodles to the refrigerated sauce mix. Mix well. Chill for at least an hour. Yields 8 servings.

Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake

Recently we had a coffee cake at my sister-in-law’s home and what a treat that was. I have not had coffee cake in years. It was something that my mom used to make when I was growing up. I have always loved anything with cinnamon in it.

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup milk

3 teaspoons baking powder

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each one. Add milk one-third at a time. Sift baking powder with flour and add some to butter mixture after each one-third cup of milk. Add vanilla and blend for three minutes.

Filling:

5 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

Dash of salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Mix all ingredients together and place in a pan in layers (batter, then filling mix). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until brown and crack forms in the center.

Five Can Chicken Casserole

This would be a simple recipe to throw together for anyone who has a busy week. The main thing is to have the ingredients purchased ahead of time.

Ingredients

1 small can boned chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can chicken noodle soup

1 can chow mein noodles

1 small can evaporated milk

Instructions

Combine and place in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Melt one stick of butter; toss 6 to 7 slices of bread broken into small pieces in the butter. Then sprinkle over the top of the casserole. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni

1/3 package regular or low-fat Velveeta cheese (cut in cubes)

1/4 cup margarine

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Melt margarine in a large pan over low heat. Blend in flour; remove from heat. Gradually add milk. Return to heat and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Add Velveeta cheese and stir. Place in a greased covered casserole dish. Top with shredded Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 10.

Loretta’s Cooking Tips

• Cutting bars is easier if you score the bars right as the pan leaves the oven. When the bars cool, cut along the scored lines.

• Did you know that tin coffee cans make excellent freezer containers for cookies? I’m sure the present day plastic ones would work great as well.

Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 35 years of newspaper experience. Have any favorite light or regular recipes you would like to share? Email them to me at krahling93@gmail.com.