Wagon Wheels With Baked Ham And Creamy Mustard Dressing Food

DUMP-AND-BAKE WAGON WHEEL PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray.
• In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together dry (uncooked) pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt and basil (if using). Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake (covered) for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5-10 minutes -- or just until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender.
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

WAGON WHEEL COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts if desired. Cover dough and chill for at least one hour.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll the dough into walnut sized balls. Roll the balls in confectioners' sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto the cookie sheet.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

CREAMY HAM 'N' MACARONI

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in the milk, bouillon and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, ham, Parmesan cheese and macaroni., Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

WAGON WHEELS WITH CHICKPEAS AND CREAMY LEMON DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again.
• Combine the pasta, chick peas, celery, onion and green pepper in a large bowl.
• Separately whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, dill, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper until blended.
• Fold the dressing into the pasta mixture and serve.