1 (8 oz.) pkg. noodles
1/4 cup butter
2 (16 oz. each) cans beef stew
1 (3 to 4 oz.) can mushrooms
1 (3 1/2 oz.) can French fried onions
1/4 tsp. thyme (optional)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf

Cook noodles following package directions; rinse and drain. Combine noodles with melted butter. Put into a greased 1-quart ring mold. Set mold in pan of hot water and heat in a moderate oven (350°F) for 15 minutes.

Combine beef stew, drained mushrooms, onions and seasonings. Simmer about 10 minutes to blend flavors. Remove bay leaf. Loosen noodle ring around edge and unmold on serving platter. Fill center with beef mixture.

Makes 6 servings.

Submitted by: Jennifer Kirby