The Casserole Queens Cookbook

May 30, 2011
In this kitschy cookbook, the owners of the Austin, Tex.âbased casserole delivery company Casserole Queens share their one-dish recipes, which they describe as classic but updated with a "retro-chic, gourmet flair." "Fun for the Whole Family. Neat-O!" includes staples like baked spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole, and "Keep Austin Weird" Spam casserole. "The Savory Gourmet" incorporates more specialty ingredients like lobster (a lobster boy casserole), lamb (in a Greek pastitsio), and squid, clams, and mussels (paella). "Meet the Lighter Side" is all about lower-calorie dishes, and "Sides That Take Front and Center" includes broccoli cornbread and onion surprise. Crescent roll casserole is for breakfast; sweet indulgences like Mom's glazed oatmeal cake and peanut butter freezer pie are dessert. A final section gives the option of making casserole staples like pie and pizza dough, salsas, broths, and cream of chicken and mushroom soups from scratch. There are detailed instructions on freezing as well as tips for lightening up most dishes. In the end, this is a fun book for casserole fans.