Shine Supper Club

For an easy main dish, I like to take a box meal such as Velveeta Skillets or Zatarain's and substitute beans vegetables for the meat.

The usual ratio I use for substitution is: 1 can of beans and 2 cans of vegetables per pound of meat.

If I'm working with fresh vegetables I substitute 1 can of beans and about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of vegetables.

My usual method of preparation is to mix the noddles or rice and flavoring with the vegetables in a microwaveable container. I don't drain the cans. The liquid from the cans and vegetables makes up for the water called for on the back of the box.

I microwave the ingredients on high, stirring every six minutes until the rice or noodles are cooked and the liquid is gone. It usually takes about 24 minutes.

Then I mix in any cheese that came in the box. I let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sometimes I even add sunflower seeds or nuts.

Every time I do this I use a different combination of a vegetables and beans so it's always a little different. It's also a great way to use vegetables that were leftover from other recipes.