Confetti Pie

2¾ cups crushed ice cream sugar cones

2 Tbsp. plus ½ cup sugar, divided

½ cup butter, melted

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

¼ cup cold water

2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 tsp. butter flavoring

1 tsp. almond extract

1/3 cup assorted sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine crushed sugar cones and 2 tablespoons sugar with melted butter. Using the bottom of a glass, press cone mixture onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Bake until set, 12-15 minutes. Cool complete on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 5 minutes. Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Slowly beat in cream, butter flavoring and extract. In a microwave, heat gelatin on high until melted, about 10 seconds; beat into cream cheese mixture. Fold in sprinkles; transfer filling to crust. Refrigerate, covered, until set, about 3 hours.

Top with additional sprinkles.

Prep time: 10 minutes. Bake time: 15 minutes + chilling. Makes: 10 servings.

Whole Wheat Pasta Bake

2 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta

½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

3 Tbsp. butter, divided

1 medium zucchini, chopped

¼ cup chopped onion

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1½ cups half and half

¾ pound process cheese, cubed

½ tsp. Italian seasoning

Topping:

1 cup dry whole wheat breadcrumbs

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

½ tsp. Italian seasoning

¼ tsp. salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté chicken in 1 tablespoon butter until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.

In the same skillet, sauté zucchini and onion in remaining butter. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in cheese and Italian seasoning until cheese is melted; add chicken.

Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 8-inch square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, butter, Italian seasoning and salt; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Total time: 25 minutes. Makes: 4 servings.