Give sides center stage

Friday, October 9, 2015
Macwich

Fall is a busy time for families on the go, but dinner can still be approachable and wholesome. One easy solution: trans­form a simple everyday side dish into a meal that will have your family asking for more.

These recipes, created in partnership with lifestyle expert Sandra Lee, feature Bob Evans' collection of high-quality, like-scratch side dishes ranging from mashed potatoes to macaroni and cheese. The sides, found in the refrigerated section of most local grocery stores, are made with real ingredients and the perfect blend of seasonings to make entrees taste just right.

Find more mealtime solutions that put side dishes at the fore­front at Farm Fresh Ideas (bobevans.com/ recipes), a club that provides recipes, a personalized recipe box and helpful tips in the kitchen.

Macwich

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

8 slices garlic bread, frozen
1 package Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
16 dill pickle chips (optional)
1 can tomato soup, prepared (optional for dipping)

In large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, heat 8 bread slices for 3 minutes and flip over to evenly warm through.

Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions.

Place 1/2 slice of cheddar cheese on each piece of garlic bread.

On 4 pieces of garlic bread, evenly spoon 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of macaroni and cheese on top of cheddar cheese/garlic bread slices.

Place remaining 4 slices of garlic bread on top of macaroni and cheese stack.

Toast both sides for an additional 2 minutes or until bread is toasty brown and cheese is melted. Serve with dill pickle chips and tomato soup for dipping.

Orzo with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms and Spinach

Prep time: 10 minutes

Orzo with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms and Spinach

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth
1 pound hot or Italian sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
10 ounces baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

In a large sauce pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add orzo. Stir until lightly browned. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, add sausage and crumble with potato masher until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Add onion and mushrooms, and continue to cook until onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds or until garlic becomes fragrant.

Turn heat down to low. Add spinach and cover pan to allow spinach to wilt. Set aside until orzo is done.

When orzo is done, add sausage mixture and Parmesan cheese and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Prep time: 10 minutes

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Cook time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Serves: 6-8

1 package Bob Evans Glazed Apples
1 cup frozen sweet cherries
1 cup blackberries or raspberries
1 cup pear, diced

Heat oven to 375 F.

In large mixing bowl, mix together glazed apples and fruits. Pour into 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

While fruit is baking, mix together ingredients for streusel.

Streusel Topping

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Mix together brown sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon until evenly combined. With fingertips, blend in butter pieces until small clumps form and butter is well incorporated, about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit and place back in oven uncovered. Bake until streusel is lightly browned and fruit is tender, about 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and let set 5 minutes before serving.

Baked Potato Pizza

Prep time: 5 minutes

Baked Potato Pizza

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 12

1 package Bob Evans Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 premade large pizza crusts
1 cup cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 450 F.

In bowl, mix together mashed potatoes and bacon crumbles.

Place each pizza crust on cookie sheet. Spread half of mashed potato mixture evenly over each pizza. Top each pizza with cheddar cheese.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Cut into wedges and serve.

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