DIY Network

Transforming Store-Bought Food Learn how to create special recipes with store-bought food. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-133

Cooking a meal from scratch every night can be tough. Sometimes you just don't have time. Karen Bussen, Home Made Easy's cooking expert, joins host Stephanie Lydecker and shares three great recipes—an appetizer, an entree and a dessert—that transform store bought food into something a little more special

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Chicken Mushroom Soup

Chicken Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

1 can mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded chicken
1/2 tsp. tarragon
croutons for garnish
chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Open the can of soup and pour into a saucepan. Then, instead of using water to thin the soup, use milk (either whole milk for richer soup, or low-fat milk for something healthier). Take the shredded chicken from your store bought chicken (most stores have them, if not you can always use leftover chicken from a previous dinner). You can add as much as you like—usually around a cup.

It is always nice to add a little extra spice to store bought food. Add 1/2 teaspoon tarragon to add a kick of flavor. Make sure you taste for salt and add a twist or two of ground pepper.

Serve the soup with crispy croutons and fresh parsley.

Serves: 1-2

Pasta Sauce

Pasta Sauce

Ingredients:

one 26 oz. jar of your favorite tomato pasta sauce
1/2 cup roasted red peppers
3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
handful of crumbled bacon
handful of shredded mozzarella for garnish
handful of grated pecorino, romano or parmesan for garnish
your favorite pasta

Preparation:

Take your favorite tomato pasta sauce and add 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers. You can usually buy the roasted red peppers in the grocery store—they usually come jarred in oil or water. They will add a great smoky flavor to the sauce. Add 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar adds balance and acid to the sweet tomatoes. At the last minute, add a handful of crisp crumbled bacon. The bacon adds tons of flavor and gives a little extra texture.

Once the sauce is complete, ladle it over a bowl of your favorite pasta (rigatoni is a good choice), add a handful of shredded mozzarella and finish with grated pecornino, romano or parmesan cheese.

Serve with a salad and crusty warm bread.

Serves: 4-6

Easy Fruit Compote

Easy Fruit Compote

Ingredients:

1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup peaches
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. brown sugar
whipped cream for garnish

Preparation:

Place the fruits (you can use your favorites) in a saucepan and add 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes or until the liquid is concentrated. Then add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon butter and simmer for another minute or two.

Pour the mixture over a piece of store bought pound cake and top with whip cream, if you like.

Serves: 4-6

GUESTS :

Karen Bussen
Author, Simple Stunning Weddings
E-mail: Karen@karenbussen.com
Website: www.karenbussen.com