What can I make that will impress family when they know I am not a cook?

Ziti Bake l-lb ziti jar pasta sauce pint of ricotta cheese 8oz. mozzarella cheese parmasean cheese Cook pasta mix cheeses with an egg, salt and pepper Mix pasta, sauce and cheeses in a casserole dish, sprinkle with a little more mozzarella and parm. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, make a salad and some crusty bread and...voila!!!

Lasagne. you can make it ahead of time, it's super easy to make, and it looks great! Follow the directions on a box of lasagne noodles. If you want to, layer in some grilled veggies (you can get these usually at a supermarket in the deli or cheese bar area) Add fresh basil to the sauce to make it pop, and sprinkle with more fresh basil and shredded parm when serving. You can reheat it there. I love substituting smoked gouda or smoked mozzarella for the reg. mozzarella cheese for really great flavor.

Mr. Happy, if they know you are not a cook, then you can make anything that is aethetically pleasing. As a cook myself, I would suggest something that is very simple but delectable to the taste buds. (It is O.K. to use a cook book because even professional do:))

I have a wonderful recipe for chicken marsala that is very simple and elegant. This resturant quality dish is perfect for entertaining as it is very impressive in both flavor and presentation. Plus, your kitchen will smell wonderful afterward: 4 boneless, skinless chicken brest haves, trimmed of most fat 1 8 oz. package sliced button mushrooms 1/2-1 cup marsala wine (drinking quality) 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoon olive oil Pound out the chicken breasts individually in between two sheets of wax paper. Combine flour, salt, and basil. Heat oil and butter in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour (this process simple means putting the chicken in the bowl, covering it completley with flour on all surfaces, and shaking off excess, so as to create a light coating of flour) Cook chicken in the skillet until lightly brown (2-4 minutes) Turn chicken and add the mushrooms, cook for 2-4 more minutes. Add wine to the pan, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with hot pasta or rice. Enjoy, and good luck. I would love to here is this works out for you.

If you're looking for a side dish, try a green bean casserole -- they're very easy. Here's a recipe: http://www.campbellkitchen.com/recipedetail.aspx?recipeID=24099 Or you can make an Italian pasta dish. Such as Mostaccioli -- here's a pretty basic recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/classic-baked-mostaccioli/Detail.aspx It will be good as is, but even better if you either substitute ground Italian sausage for the ground beef or add an Italian seasoning blend to the ground beef. I'd also suggested adding some pepperoni. Good Luck and Happy Cooking!

In my opinion, if you start cooking now, they will never let you quit. I understand you want to make an impression on these people, but this is not therapy! Go to the store and buy the 5 lb bag of Armour frozen meatballs. Go to the nearest bread store. They have the best gravy mixes I have ever had and they are only $1. Get one large beef and one large peppered white. If you don't have a bread store where you are, you can find something similar at your local store. Make the gravy as directed. Get out your large crock pot. Dump meatballs in; pour gravy on top; stir occasionally. Serve warm. Grab a large loaf of Italian bread or something to accompany it. Or, get a 9x11x2 Pyrex dish. Spray with Pam. Put frozen ravioli's in dish. Spread favorite spaghetti sauce (or homemade) a top and put in oven at 350 for 35-40 min. Take out and uncover and top with mozzarella and or parma. until melted. Serve with garlic toast or bread. Both are very good and easy. Good Luck

i would suggest a spiral cut ham. they usually come with a glaze packet, just grab a can of sliced pineapple to put on the top the last hour. all you need to do with a ham is heat it up in the oven. try 350 or 325 the package should have directions. while the ham is in the oven place idaho potatoes, wrapped in foil, rubbed with a little olive oil and seasoned with salt, along the side of the pan in the oven. you can steam any fresh vegetable to go with this. make sure you have plenty of butter and sour cream and fresh chives for the potatoes. good luck.

Try a roasted whole chicken, very simple, new potato halves with rosemary, and steamed whole green beans sauteed in butter, garlic, and slivered almonds. Brownies from a mix with cream cheese frosting. These are all very easy. Email me if you want more specific directions.

stew or pizza steak bean salad