My kids say this is example of me making up words and phrases, but I think I heard this one somewhere before. And not just in my head. I am doing a little pantry cooking. I stock up on so much food sometimes, I forget what is in the freezer and pantry. So I am trying to use what we already for meals. This means getting a little creative and looking for ideas. So right now my focus is elbow macaroni. I have quite a few boxes and want to find some more recipes  besides just mac and cheese. Even though my kids love to eat it, I am getting a little tired of  making it. So I was sitting here thinking where could I look for some recipes and then it hit me. Creamette has to have a website! Not all of my elbow macaroni is Creamette but it really does not make a difference. Here are a few recipes I found that I think I can tweak a little here and there.

 ONE-STEP TACO CHICKEN & ELBOW MACARONI

In large skillet over high heat, heat water and taco seasoning mix to boiling; stir in uncooked pasta. Cook 10 minutes, uncovered, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY or until pasta tastes tender and most liquid is absorbed. Reduce heat; stir in chicken until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. 6 servings. Variation: If desired, stir in 2/3 cup (2-1/4 oz. can) drained sliced ripe olives along with chicken.

 Ingredients:

5-1/2 cups water
1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix
2-1/2 cups (10 oz.) CREAMETTE ELBOW MACARONI, uncooked
2 cups (about 10 oz.) chopped cooked chicken pieces
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

FRUIT SALAD

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well. In large bowl, sprinkle lemon juice over apples and bananas; toss lightly. Add cooled pasta, pineapple chunks, cottage cheese and mandarin orange segments; toss gently. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Serve immediately. 7 servings.

 Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups (8 oz.) CREAMETTE ELBOW MACARONI, uncooked
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups chopped apples
2 cups sliced bananas
2 cups (20-oz. can) pineapple chunks,well drained
2 cups (16 oz.) lowfat cottage cheese
1-1/2 cups (16-oz. can) mandarin orange segments, well drained
Ground nutmeg

Easy Chili Supper

In 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, brown meat; add green pepper, onion and garlic. Cook until tender, but not brown; drain. Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; stir in uncooked pasta. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. 6 to 8 servings.

 Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-1/2 cups (two 14-1/2-oz. cans) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup (8-oz. can) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cups (12 oz.) CREAMETTE ELBOW MACARONI, uncooked