Baked Mac & Cheese

I received this recipe from my sister-in-law awhile back. I'm not sure where she got it, so I apologize to the original source! I haven't made this in a long time, but it was sounding really good so I made sure to put it on my menu. It also helped me use up the macaroni noodles that have been in the pantry for quite some time.

I'm going through and trying to make recipes using up a lot of the things in my pantry. I know it may be a little early since we're not moving until September, but this will help me remember to not stock up at the grocery store. Plus, we aren't planning to take ANY food with us on this move even though I've heard they will move non-perishables. It just makes me nervous to think about some food sitting in our container or whatever for 6-8 weeks or more on its way to Hawaii. Yep, we're moving to Hawaii!

But anyway, food. cheese. yummy. :)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

8 oz. macaroni noodles
2 T butter
1/2 C dry bread crumbs
1 T flour
8 oz. cheddar cheeses (I use block sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe)
1/2 t salt
1/4 mustard powder
1/4 t pepper (I add more since I really like pepper in my mac and cheese)
1 1/2 C milk

Boil macaroni noodles according to box instructions and drain well.

In a saucepan, melt the butter on LOW HEAT. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard and pepper until blended. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.

Sometimes I like to combine the dry ingredients that go in together in a small bowl. 1. It makes me feel like I'm on a cooking show (lol) and 2. It makes it really quick to add everything in. Other times I just measure and pour directly; the choice is yours.

Gradually stir in the milk and cook until mixture thickens. (I honestly have a hard time with the mixture thickening, and it's turned out fine each time. My advice is to give it a little bit of time to try and thicken, and if it doesn't, keep moving on.)

Add cheese slowly, stirring constantly. As you can see in the pictures, the sauce will change a lot of color as the cheese melts.

I started shredding it since it melts better, but got tired since I injured my back lifting weights this week :(

 

Place macaroni in a greased two quart pan. Pour the cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs (feel free to use more or less depending on your tastes. I also used seasoned last time and it turned out really yummy!)

Baked at 350° for 20 minutes. It will be bubbly and the bread crumbs should be golden brown.

What's Cookin' this week

Time for my weekly menu!

I thought I'd also share how I make my menu. I try my best to vary it, but it doesn't always end up that way. A few rules I follow for each week:

1. one chicken meal
2. one beef meal
3. one vegetarian
4. Fridays alternate between homemade pizza and homemade calzones
5. look at items that may be leftover from the week before (such as carrots, tortillas, etc.)

Those are just a few things I follow, but if I go off of that, there are only two days left to fill in so it works out pretty good for us :)


Monday: Roast and potatoes
Tuesday: Stirfry
Wednesday: Chicken Gyros (new recipe!)
Thursday: Baked Taquitos
Friday: Homemade Calzones
Saturday: "Gourmet" (haha) Toasted cheese and tomato soup 
Sunday: Pork tenderloin


Quick side note; It's an ongoing argument between my husband and myself; I grew up calling grilled cheese toasted cheese and insist to continue!

Living in the Moment

It's already February. I knew before this year even started it was going to go fast, but I never expected it to go this fast. I feel like every day consists of planning or looking ahead.

A few weeks ago a friend shared some advice she received from someone. We are both getting ready for big moves this summer. The advice was simple:

Don't forget to enjoy the right now.

So simple, but so hard. It seems too easy to pull away from people and events with the thought of "I'll just be gone in a few months anyway." But that's not a way to live because then I'm afraid I'll end up with regrets.

So instead, I've got to make it a daily goal to enjoy my right now. Reflect on the last three years of living here. Sure there is a ton of planning to do with this big move, but I know it will all come together if I put my trust in Him and His perfect plan.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

Psalm 37:23

So enjoy today because it will be gone all too soon. :-)