Pizza Casserole

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained and chopped

2 to 4 ounces pepperoni, chopped

1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper

1 teaspoon salt, optional

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 leaf oregano

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups water

2 cups noodles, uncooked

1 cup shredded Mozzarella

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Crumble ground beef into plastic colander; add chopped onion.   Place colander in 1 quart glass measuring cup.  Microwave, on high power, 6 minutes or until meat is set, stir once.  Drain fat.  Place meat and onion mixture in 3 quart casserole; add remaining ingredients except cheese.  Blend well.  Microwave on high power cover 15 to 17 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring 2 or 3 times.  Sprinkle with cheeses.  Microwave on high power uncovered 2 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Microwave Caramel Corn

3/4 cup popcorn kernels

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pop popcorn in microwave.  Set aside.  In microwave dish, combine butter or margarine, brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, and baking soda; melt in microwave.

Placed popped corn in brown paper bag.  Pour melted caramel mixture over popcorn and shake.  Microwave on high for 1 1/4 minutes.  Shake.  Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.  Shake.  Microwave on high for 30 seconds.  Cool.  Store in covered container.

Whole Cauliflower with Peas

1 medium head whole cauliflower

1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon mustard

2/3 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

paprika

Remove base from cauliflower, leaving head whole.  Wash under cool running water.  Wrap cauliflower head in waxed paper and place on microwave safe serving plate.  Microwave on high setting 6 to 7 minutes per pound.  Cook peas in microwave according to package directions.  In a 2 cup glass measure, mix mayonnaise, salt and mustard.  Heat on 80 per cent power, about 30 seconds or until warm, to blend flavors.  Spread mayonnaise mixture over the head of cauliflower and sprinkle Cheddar cheese over all.  Heat 1 minute on 80 per cent power or just until cheese melts.  Sprinkle with paprika and encircle the frosted cauliflower with the bright green peas.  Serve immediately.