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It is said that "good things come in small packages" or in this case, in twos. But finding recipes that serve two isn't always easy. And, some recipes for four or more are not always easy to downsize. However, cooking for mini households is much easier today. It was once difficult to find food products, such as 8 oz. cans of fruits or veggies, but manufacturers are now doing more for those with limited needs and tight storage space. We now fall into that category so I can vouch for that, as I'm sure many of you can too.

So, today I have recipes for two.

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Lasagna may seem like more work than it's worth for two people, but this recipe is a mixed up version of lasagna with a lot less time involved. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and just 20 minutes to bake.

LAZY LASAGNA

1 c. bottled spaghetti sauce* (your favorite)

1/2 c. cottage cheese (pour off some of the liquid if it's runny)

3/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1-1/2 c. cooked wide noodles (about 1 c. uncooked) or use bow-tie pasta

2 T. grated parmesan cheese

In a medium saucepan, warm the sauce, stir in cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese. Fold in noodles. Turn into lightly greased or non-stick cooking sprayed 1 qt. casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Makes two servings.

*Freeze rest of spaghetti sauce for another use or refrigerate and use in three to four days.

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This bread recipe, to go along with the lasagna, is not exactly for two but eat what you wish, freeze the rest, wrapped in plastic wrap and put into a plastic bag. When you want to have some type of bread with your meal, thaw and heat in microwave for a minute or so on 50 percent power.

BERNIE'S CHEESE BREAD

1 egg, beaten

1/2 c. milk

1-1/2 c. biscuit mix

1 c. grated American or cheddar cheese, divided

2 T. melted butter or margarine

2 t. poppyseed (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine biscuit mix, egg and milk. Fold in half of cheese and spread in greased or pan-sprayed 9x9 baking pan. Sprinkle with rest of cheese and drizzle with butter; sprinkle with poppyseeds if you wish.

Bake at 375 degrees 22-25 minutes.

Bread is really tasty if served warm with any dish. Makes 9 servings.

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If you're having a busy day, out and about, stop by the grocery store and pick up a slice of ham and salami to use in this salad recipe.

BUSY DAY SALAD

Salad:

3-4 c. torn lettuce

1/4 c. julienned strips cooked ham

1/4 c. julienned strips salami

2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1/2 c. diced cheese (your choice, optional)

Dressing:

1/4 c. mayonnaise (lite or regular)

4 t. ketchup

2 t. sweet pickle relish, drained, or chopped sweet pickles, drained

2 t. diced onion or chopped green onion

1/2 t. lemon juice

1/4 t. salt (optional)

In two salad bowls (I use soup bowls.) divide salad ingredients equally.

In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients; mix well. Serve with salad. Makes 2 servings.

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And, a quick soup to make using broccoli.

BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

1/4 c. diced onion

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. flour

1/4 t. each salt and pepper or to taste

3/4 c. chicken broth (can make broth using bouillon or use canned)

1-1/2 c. milk

1 c. chopped, fresh or frozen broccoli

1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper, cook and stir until smooth and bubbly. Add broth and milk slowly. (I heat in the micro until hot and then add to the sauce.) Cook and stir over medium high heat until mixture boils and thickens. Add broccoli, simmer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Makes 2 servings.

NOTE: I make double the amount and have it the next day again. Bud doesn't mind.

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And, a dessert for two . . .

MINI APPLE CRISP

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced thin

2 T. flour

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 T. butter or margarine

1/4 c. quick cooking oats

1/4 t. cinnamon

Put apple slices in a 1 quart greased or sprayed baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple slices. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve with cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you wish. Makes 2 servings.

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Thought for today: I have been thinking about the change of seasons. I don't want to miss spring this year or any year. I want to be there on the spot the moment the grass turns green.

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