The Cheater's Guide to Homemade Food

Beef Stroganoff, Deli-Style

Sautéed strips of beef with mushrooms in a sour-cream sauce over buttered noodles is a traditional winter dish, but it can take all afternoon to make. The speed version uses a pound of deli roast beef and the consummate cheater's secret weapon, cream of mushroom soup. Sauté a small onion in butter, stir in the beef (cut it into a 1/2-inch dice first) and a handful of sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper, then add the soup and a half can of water. Let it bubble away for 10 or so minutes, then mix in a cup of sour cream. Serve over buttered egg noodles.