Comfort Classics recipes Page 23

Slow-simmered soups, bubbling casseroles, crispy fried favorites and old-fashioned desserts for meals that take their time. The soups run from creamy leek and potato to Outback-style potato soup and a silky slow cooker butternut squash. Casseroles like John Wayne casserole with Bisquick and a Southern chicken bake feed a full table, while Salisbury steak with gravy and stuffed bell peppers suit a Sunday dinner.

For something crunchier, try chicken katsu or homemade tenders. Dessert leans toward banana pudding with Nilla wafers, apple strudel and a brown butter ice cream. Choose a soup or casserole when you want leftovers, a fried dish when you want a quick weekend treat, and a baked sweet when guests are coming.