Say the words "Tuna Casserole" and immediately, you can separate the oil from the water, so to speak. People reside in two camps: they either LOVE tuna casserole or they LOATHE it. I am here to tell all the tuna casserole haters of the world-- those days are over! Because right here, right on this very webpage, is a recipe that not only is good in my opinion, but it WON a recipe contest! Seriously! If you don't believe me you can check it out yourself at Lynn Nelson's site at About.com.

The contest was called, "Not Your Mother's Tuna Casserole." The only rule was you couldn't add a can of soup to make your casserole--anyone who knows me knew that wouldn't have been an issue. And you had to be able to make it quick and make it easy and could use other convenience foods--just not canned soup. Why would a busy cooking site known for its quick recipes be asking for two hours worth of intense labor to make a casserole?

I made this recipe up one night when the cupboards were looking rather scrawny and I needed to get dinner on the table fast. I was surprised at how good it was and the next time I made it, I tinkered with it a little more till A Star Was Born. When I saw Lynn's contest, I entered it and won first place.

Boil water to make boxed mac and cheese. Cook pasta and drain. In the meantime, chop your onion, open and drain your tuna and get ready to launch into tuna casserole land.

In a medium-sized skillet, melt your measly 1/2 tablespoon of butter. (I'm trying to be good about the butter, but sometimes I slip a little extra in.) Now sauté your onion and as it turns clear, add the drained tuna. Then add the milk, butter and sauce packet from the box of mac and cheese and cook till it thickens. Schlep everything together except the saltines and cheddar and stick it in a lightly greased casserole dish. Top with saltines and then cheese.

Bake for about 15 minutes, give or take. If you are like me, you will be
a) blown away that something so easy could taste so good

b) make it so often everyone eventually begins to groan

c) sneak the leftovers for lunch before the kids find out.

Per serving: 216 Calories (kcal); 11g Total Fat; (46% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 19g Carbohydrate; 25mg Cholesterol; 430mg Sodium

Food Exchanges: 1 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates

NOTES : Make SURE you only use solid white albacore. That cheapie stuff smells like cat food when you open the can. If it smells like cat food...well....