What's your favorite recipe, one that is easy to make and doesn't involve a lot of ingredients?

	Ask the Expert Dorcas Miller Outdoor cookbook author Dorcas Miller believes ingredients should have zing - or they should stay at home. Ask Dorcas a question Meet Dorcas Previous Answers

Mac & Pesto is a top contender for favorite recipe. This dish has only five ingredients -- and all you have to do is boil water. Look for pesto paste in the spaghetti sauce section of your supermarket; it comes in metal tubes (like toothpaste) and glass jars. The tubes are lighter and hold up well.

I use multicolored elbow macaroni because they add taste and are visually pleasing. If you like pine nuts, substitute 1/2 cup for the cheese. Or, pack along some pine nuts in a zipper lock bag to add as garnish - - they add a nice crunch to the meal. This recipe makes two hearty portions.

Mac & Pesto

Also pack:
2.8-ounce tube of pesto paste

On trail:
Boil 12 cups of water in a large pot. (If you only have a 2-quart pot, use what you have --- but the pot will be very full.)

Place tomatoes and mushrooms in a small pot; cover with boiling water (about 1-1/2 cups), then with a lid. Set aside and let the vegetables rehydrate. Add more water if needed.

Add macaroni to the large pot, bring the water to boil again, and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Pasta should be cooked al dente, or still a bit firm; it should not be mushy.

When pasta is done, drain water. Add rehydrated veggies, pesto paste, and cheese.

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