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If you are cooking for one, two or three people, you may wonder how much to prepare for a meal to serve four or more. Many recipes are easy to double or triple the ingredients. Cooking for two can mean trying new recipes, down-sizing the amount of ingredients used or increasing the amount for a larger amount of people you serve. But you know that already don't you!

Cooking for two can mean trying recipes that you've not made before, It's a challenge to make a meal that can be served to anyone, even if you're a “fussy eater.” Lets see if you might like to try one or more of todays recipes.

CHILI MACARONI
1/3 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 pound lean ground beef
¼ c. diced onion
1 c. canned, diced tomatoes (you can use petite diced tomatoes)
¾ c. tomato juice
¾ c. canned kidney beans or chili beans, undrained
1 small garlic clove, minced
3/4 t. chili powder
1/8 t. each, crushed oregano leaves and pepper
2 t. sweet pickle relish
Cook macaroni according to pkg. directions. Meanwhile, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
Add tomatoes, tomato juice, beans, garlic, chili powder, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; stirring, uncovered for 10 minutes. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Stir in pickle relish; heat just to a boil. Remove from heat. Makes 2 servings.

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CREAMY PASTA SALAD
1 c. cooked spiral pasta
1/3 c. grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 c. shredded cheese
3 T. each, diced onion, cucumber and green pepper
2 T. shredded Parmesan cheese
2 T. sliced pepperoncinis
2 radishes, sliced
1/8 t. pepper
1/4 c. ranch dressing

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except dressing. Drizzle with dressing. Combine gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before servings. Makes 2 servings. Note: Pepperoncinis are pickled peppers that come whole or sliced in jars. You can substitute pickled pepper rings, if you wish,

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TASTY VEGGIE 
PATTIES
3/4 c. shredded yellow squash or zucchini
1/2 c. peeled, shredded potato
1/4 c shredded carrot
3 T. flour
2 T. yellow cornmeal
2 T. beaten egg
1 T. finely diced onion
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1 t. canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine first 10 ingredients, mixing well. Shape into 4 patties. In a large skillet, cook patties in oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings. Note: Serve with a creamy pasta salad and a platter of fresh veggies and dip.

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MINI APPLE CRISP
2 medium apples, peeled and sliced (about 1/4-inch thick), Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Haralson,
2 T. flour
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 T. butter or margarine
1/4 c. quick cooking oats
1/4 t. cinnamon

Topping:
Whipped cream, whipped topping, or a scoop of ice cream, optional

Put apple slices in a 1-1/2 qt. greased baking dish. In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats and cinnamon; sprinkle over apple slices. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until tender. Cool to room temperature and serve with a topping, if you wish, Makes 2 servings.

Thought for the Day: Signs of age: you have too much room in the house, (unless you live in a mobile home), and not enough room in the medicine cabinet.

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