Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a great side dish to add to any type of meal.  There are many variations but this one is quick and easy and also has ingredients that I usually have in my pantry.  I got this recipe from Taste of Home.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs or butter crackers

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni.
2. Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown. 
3. *** This can also be eaten without baking if time is running out.

Crispy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks

Having something quick and easy to fix with burgers, hot dogs or chicken tenders is a must.  This is one you can easily fix for a quick weeknight dinner.  Thank you Neighborfood Blog for this easy recipe.

Crispy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 8 string cheeses or about a 12 oz. block of cheese
• 24 wonton wrappers (find them in the refrigerated area of the produce section!)
• 1 egg white
• About 1-2 cups oil, for frying 
• Sea Salt
• Grated Parmesan
• Marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Cut your string cheese into 3 equal pieces, or cut your block of cheese into 24 pieces that are about ½ an inch wide and 1½ inches long.
2. Place a wonton wrapper in front of you in the shape of a diamond. Use a pastry brush to brush egg white on the surface of the wrapper. Place string cheese in the center. Fold in the north and south diamond corners then take the eastern corner and roll it around the cheese until the whole thing is completely covered. Seal up the corners. If the seals don't feel secure, brush with a little more egg white and press together. Repeat with remaining cheese and wrappers.
3. Heat fry oil in a deep saute pan to about 375 degrees. Carefully drop mozzarella sticks into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from oil and place on a plate. Sprinkle with sea salt and grated Parmesan. Serve HOT with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Jalapeno Cheese Dip

I love the Frito Lay Cheddar Jalapeno Dip but I try to stay away from processed foods as much as I can.  So I created this recipe to help with my cravings.  This is a simple recipe but you can add diced tomatoes, cilantro or anything else you want.

Ingredients:
3 Tbls oil or butter
3 Tbls all purpose flour
2 cups of milk
1 - 2 8oz blocks of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 can of hot diced green chilis

Directions:
1.  Heat a sauce pan over medium high heat.
2.  Add the oil or butter and the flour and whisk until well mixed.  Continue to whisk until bubbly and cook for 1 - 2 minutes, making sure not to burn.
3.  Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly and cook until thickened.
4.  Add the cheese and stir until melted.
5.  Add the green chilis and stir.
6.  Serve and enjoy!

Broccoli Soup

This is an easy and very delicious soup but I love anything broccoli.  This recipe is from my church cookbook that I helped to put together about 20 years ago, and this particular recipe belongs to Karen Biddle.

Ingredients
1 1/2 quarts water
1 bunch broccoli, chopped fine
3/4 cup onion, chopped fine
2 teaspoons of chicken base (you can also use bouillon cubes - if you do you need to use 3-4)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, chunked
2 cups of milk, cream or half and half
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup cornstarch mixed into 1/2 cup coldwater for thickening

Directions
Bring the water to a boil.  Add chicken base, broccoli, and onions and lightly boil for 10 minutes or until tender.  Turn the heat down to medium to medium high and add spices and cheese.  Stir until cheese melts.  Add milk and butter and stir until butter is melted.  Add the thickening mixture and bring to a boil.  Watch carefully because it can burn easily.