Casseroles get a bad rap these days. Children refuse to eat them; spouses raise a wary eyebrow, trying to identify the contents. These dishes are often stereotyped as frightful concoctions of tuna, peas, and any variety of cream soup found skulking in the back of the pantry-certainly nothing you would ever think about serving guests.
This is quite an unfair assumption. True, the ordinary casserole may not qualify as haute cuisine, but there are some scrumptious recipes out there, and many are quite flexible if you like experimenting. Best of all-you get to use those beautiful casserole dishes long ago banished to the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet!
Cooks in possession of fine casseroles from their wedding day should be looking for any occasion to show off their exiled serving dishes, as well as the many interesting bowls and chafing dishes that hardly ever see the light of day. How many people wait for that illusive occasion that is “special” enough to bring out the fine table ware? Indeed, it is a crime to let lovely things sit idle. They should be brought out and enjoyed, not saved for high brow dinner parties or special celebrations.
Think of all the serving bowls you have on your shelves collecting dust! Challenge yourself to bring them out of hiding and find uses for them! Wow your family or guests with a recipe elegant enough to be served in a silver lidded vegetable dish or a gleaming tureen. Anyone who loves to cook should enjoy the fun of presentation!
Fine China and good serving dishes were not made to hide in the cupboard. Such nice pieces look rich on any table and heighten anticipation for the meal to begin! Your family will appreciate the elevation of any meal to something special. And who knows-they might even grow to relish that dreaded tuna casserole!

