Sunday, June 6, 2010

Jen's Macaroni and Cheese






Here is a recipe for Mac n' Cheese the girls love and I make it often. Since I have been doing it this way, they refuse to eat it out of the box anymore! This makes a lot and it is ok with us, especially with summer vacation coming up. We use different types of pasta every time we make it, this happens to be our favorite when we can find it.

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
• 1 package Fusilli (16 oz)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 ¼ C milk
• 8 ounces Four Cheese Mexican cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Nacho & Taco cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente, about 9 minutes, and drain.

White Sauce (base for Mac and Cheese)

Time Required: 15 minutes

Directions:

1. In a small, heavy saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.

2. Blend 2 tablespoons of flour into the melted butter.

3. Cook over low heat, whisking, for 4 to 5 minutes. Cooking for this length of time will minimize 'flour' taste.

4. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly, so there are no lumps, reserve ¼ cup of milk.

5. Continue cooking slowly until smooth and thickened.

6. For thin white sauce, follow the instructions above, but use 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour. Thin white sauce is used in cream soups.

7. Reduce heat to low and add cheese, stir until melted. May add reserved if you want it creamier.

8. Add pasta, stir thoroughly to make sure all is coated.

Tips:

1. Light stock, cream, evaporated milk, or a combination may be used in place of the milk.
2. Add more flavor by seasoning with celery salt, nutmeg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, onion juice, or sherry, or a few tablespoons of chopped chives or parsley.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Brownies



For me brownies are the devil, the devil I tell you. I could eat a whole pan and not even think twice. They are even better warm with ice cream. Now that I have shared one of my deep dark food secrets I will share my famous brownie recipe. Which I cannot believe I am doing in the first place. Some recipes should never be shared, but I am willing to take a risk with this one. Please do not share it with anyone else or else there may be some consequences to face. Muaaawww-aww-aww!


1 box of Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie mix (yup, you read it right, a boxed brownie mix. Oh, My!)

You Will Need:

Fudgy Brownies (I make it exactly how the recipe says, it is on the back of the box as well.) :

2 Eggs
1/4 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil



Pan Size/Bake Time:

* Metal Or Glass Pan:
* 13"x9": 27-30 minutes
* 9"x9": 34-37 minutes
* 8"x8": 42-45 minutes
* Makes 20 Brownies

1. Prep: PREHEAT oven to 350°F for glass or metal pans, 325°F for dark or non-stick pans. GREASE bottom of pan with shortening or cooking spray.

2. Mix: EMPTY brownie mix, egg(s), oil and water in large bowl. STIR until well blended (about 50 strokes). SPREAD in greased pan and bake immediately.

3. Bake: BAKE following times listed. ADD 3-5 minutes for dark or non-stick pans. Brownies are done when toothpick inserted 1 inch from edge of pan comes out clean. COOL completely in pan before cutting and serving.




I have tried so many different brownie recipes and all are very good, but whenever I make these to take somewhere for a potluck or for a meal for someone they get rave reviews. So, I figure, why mess with something as good as these.