After our two children became adults and left home, I continued to cook meals as usual. Soon we became tired of having to eat the same leftovers several days in a row, so I sat down and came up with this pared-down recipe, which quickly became one of our favorites. -Marilyn MacIntyre, Rome, New York

Soft Bread Crumbs

To make soft bread crumbs, tear bread into pieces and place in a food processor or blender. Cover and pulse until crumbs form. One slice of bread yields 1/2 to 3/4 cup crumbs.