Photo: Michael Lovitt

Crystal Cook (right) and Sandy Pollock (left) started dressing in '50s-era ensembles--full skirts, pearls and heels--long before the throwback style made a resurgence. The Joan Harris look made total sense for the two friends, who live in Austin, since they run a home delivery casserole business and wouldn't dare come to your door bearing a pot pie without wearing hose. The Casserole Queens, as they're called, serve dishes that are as retro as their outfits--meatball pie, corn dog casserole, tuna noodle casserole--which is one reason to love them. And if you don't live near Austin, there are many more reasons to make your own casseroles: They're easy; generally don't cost much; and can be made months ahead of time and frozen--then heated and served when you're ready. Cook and Pollock's new book, Recipes from The Casserole Queens Cookbook: Put Some Lovin’ in Your Oven with 100 Easy One-Dish Recipes, has recipes for the aforementioned dishes, plus advice on everything from the perfect casserole dish to how to a frozen one in time for company. For 21 more one-pot wonders--including five from the Queens--check out our slideshow of Casseroles for Every Taste.