Many recipes call for seasoned bread crumbs. How can I make them? —T.B., Fulton, Illinois
It's a snap to make seasoned bread crumbs. Unless a recipe specifically calls for soft bread crumbs, use dry bread crumbs. To make them, simply break slices of dried bread into pieces and process in a blender or food processor until you have fine crumbs. Then season the crumbs to accommodate your family's tastes. A basic recipe may include dried basil and oregano, garlic and onion powder, grated Parmesan cheese, salt and paprika. Start with small amounts of these seasonings and add more as needed. Experiment with different herbs to suit your preferences. Timely Tip: One slice of dried bread will yield about 1/4 cup of fine dry bread crumbs.
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
For a simple yet sensational dinner, try this recipe. This is a quick way to put a zesty twist on a traditional main dish.—Debra Hartze, Zeeland, North Dakota