Everyday Menus: Impossible Pie

Impossible pies were developed by General Mills in the 1960s as a way to get consumers to use their new baking mix, called 'Bisquick'. These recipes aren't traditional or classic pies; a batter holds all the ingredients together so the dishes hold their shape when cut. The batter does get nice and crisp on the bottom so it resembles a pie crust. I love the combination of three kinds of cheese, tender chicken, and Italian seasonings.

These pies can be modified to just about any taste and any cuisine. Once you know the basic formula, substitute any kind of cooked meat, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own masterpiece. And when you do 'invent' a classic, be sure to record the recipe so it's not lost.

And you can make your own baking mix to control the amount of sodium. Think about substituting whole wheat flour for some of the white flour in this recipe for added nutrition.

A crisp green salad is the best accompaniment to this rich and filling entree; but this isn't your typical green salad. Green beans combine with artichoke hearts and some chopped nuts for a super easy, unusual, delicious salad. And for dessert, Peach Creme Brulee uses just three ingredients for a creamy, crunchy, juicy dessert your family will love.

Impossible Italian Pie

• Impossible Italian Chicken Pie
  A cheese combination is layered with chicken, tomato paste, and Italian seasonings to form this good and easy main dish. You could substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you like.
• Green Bean and Artichoke Salad
  Three ingredients combine to form an unusual and tasty salad that's tender and crunchy at the same time.
• Peach Creme Brulee
  And this three ingredient dessert recipe takes minutes to assemble and broil. After it's cooked, you could top it with your favorite granola for a bit of crunch.