Easy Cheesy Mexican Rice Food

CLASSIC CRISPY RICE TREATS

Steps:

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each of the longer sides. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray.
• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and cook, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
• Working quickly, add the rice cereal to the pot and stir with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press into an even, compact layer. (Spray your hands with a little cooking spray to keep them from sticking when pressing the cereal mixture into the pan). Decorate with toppings if using (see Cook's Note).
• Let sit at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes. Cut into 24 squares. Store the cereal treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

ZUCCHINI BREAD

Steps:

• Adjust rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Whisk together the butter, oil, vanilla and eggs in a medium bowl. Fold in the zucchini.
• Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Gently stir the zucchini mixture into the flour mixture until just combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with the back of a spoon.
• Bake, rotating the pan about halfway through, until puffed and golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

CLASSIC SHRIMP SCAMPI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is just golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp to a plate. Add the wine and lemon juice to the skillet and simmer until slightly reduced, 2 minutes.
• Return the shrimp and any juices from the plate to the skillet along with the linguine, butter and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Continue to cook, tossing, until the butter is melted and the shrimp is hot, about 2 minutes, adding more of the reserved cooking water as needed. Season with salt; stir in the parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
• Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

THE BEST SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Put the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic in a large bowl. Mix vigorously until combined and smooth. (If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Add the spinach to the cream cheese mixture, breaking it up as you add it. Add the artichokes, mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, mixing to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Bake until the dip begins to bubble, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and continue to cook, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn, until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, chips or toasted bread.