Recipe Monday: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Just another Manic Mondayyyyyy. I wish it was Sundayyyyy.  Cause that's my fundayyyyy. My i don't have to run dayyyyy.  But it's just another FRIENDSgiving Mondayyyy. So I'm thinking that's okayyyyyy.  Because I'm gonna stuff my face todayyyyyy. And I leave for New York on Wednesdayyyyy!

Alright - enough of trying to write my own lyrics (I'm just so daggone excited!), let's talk about the goods. The extra cheesy, carb-o-licious, melts in your mouth, buttery goodness of this crock pot mac and cheese recipe goods that is just what the gal goddesses ordered for our Annual FRIENDSgiving.

*Crock Pot Mac and Cheese*

Ingredients:

 (This recipe makes about 6 servings, i always double it)

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• you can use just about any cheese you like, i always use a mix of whatever i have in the fridge, but you should have SOME cheddar in there :)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• I've made it with both regular and reduced fat, i can't seem to tell any difference. so if you're looking to save some cals, feel free!
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• here's another I've made it with whole and skim, can't tell a difference - so more room to save!
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Boil the macaroni in water for about 6-7 minutes
• (this is the only part that cheats, you don't actually cook the macaroni in the crock pot, so you actually get 2 dishes dirty, BUMMER! ... but i always practice the "if it's just boiled noodles the pot's clean" approach, so it ain't too bad!...Shhhhh. that's our little secret)
2. Combine all ingredients in crock pot including cooked macaroni
3. Cook on low for 2-4 hours stirring occasionally
1. Cheese tends to brown near sides
4. Serve.
1. Voila! Cheesy, buttery, melty goodness.  ALWAYS a crowd favorite. Although I've never met a mac and cheese i didn't like :)

Special Edition: Eat Me.

Happy Friday everyone.  I can't help but be extra cheery today, because it's almost "THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!"  I just received an email from my neighborhood and holiday decorations go up this weekend at the lodge and on the light poles, and it's got me all excited.  I may have even listened to Holiday Pandora for an hour today...MAYBE ;)

Now, that being said, we are "After Thanksgiving" decorators and always have been; but I don't really know if that's by choice or pure happenstance. You see, both of my parents are from the Cincinnati, OH area and every other year since I've been a kiddo we take a trip to NYC for Thanksgiving to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, ice skate in Central Park and just soak up the big city holiday atmosphere ( I know poor me right).  The point I'm trying to make is: its RARE that we are actually ever home for Thanksgiving.  Plus, the hubs added another kicker to the holiday. All of his father's side of the family lives in the Chicago area; so it's become common that the year we aren't in NYC, we are up in the Windy City visiting with the fam.  *Cough*Cough* these are NOT complaints.  I LOVE traveling for this holiday and wouldn't have it any other way. Plus - i am SPOILED rotten by being in two of the best east coast cities for Black Friday Shopping - Lucky me!

In my mind Thanksgiving is such a great parlay into Christmas and always gets me so excited.  And more importantly, the FOOD! Thanksgiving food, geesh. Obviously I'm obsessed as this is my second discussion about Thanksgiving food this week.  But seriously, equally as exciting, because food is a constant thought in my hungry brain, i happen to have a top 5 list of my favorite "Holiday Time" foods. 

When i see these bad boys on my grocer's shelves - I STOCK PILE.  I'm talking TLC's Sugar Mama from Honey Boo Boo coupon clipper status where i need a special rack for the ridiculous quantities i buy.  There really is not a single reason or explanation i have for doing this because i always go back and get more before they officially take them off the shelves, but i think that's part of the fun.  Plus the reaction on Shane's face as he helps me unload 15 boxes of oreos ain't too shabby.  (He loves to give me the Katie, you cannot be serious - how much did these ridiculous overpriced holiday special edition boxes cost - "LOOK"--- Sorrrrrrrrrrrrry, Shane.)

Alright, Alright, I know you're on the edge of your seat.

So, without further delay, *DRUM ROLL PLEASE* here are my

Special Edition: Holiday Grocery Favorites that scream EAT ME:

1.  Limited Edition White Fudge Covered Oreo's
HOLY MOLY, are these babies heavenly.  I can't eat too many at one time because they're so rich. but OMG. STOCKPILES galore.

 

2.  Andes Peppermint Crunch Mints
Confession: I am a sucker for after dinner mints. Don't take me to Olive Garden unless you're okay with me sneaking a handful of those lil' Andes into my purse.  So, my friends - if you're an after dinner mint lover like me and you haven't had these or have never heard of them, thank me later. SO GOOD.

3.  Diet Coke in Glass Bottles
Okay, so this probably isn't a turn "Only at Christmas Time" treat, but when you are Penny's daughter Glass Bottle Cokes makes you think of one thing: St. Nick. 

Side story: My brother's and i went to Catholic Grade School and the story of St. Nicholas is a Patron Saint who brings goodies and puts them in your stocking (left outside by the front door) on December 6th (it is THE BEST prelude to Christmas).  And yes, if you must know: Even when i was away at school and now that i am married. St. Nick STILL visits me, every year.  Meaning a couple of things: 1) again, I'm spoiled rotten 2) I'm obviously on the "Nice" list 3) My mother loves me.
So, anyways, keep your judgements and eye rolling to a minimum, i can't help it I'm still a child.  St. Nick always bring Cokes, in glass bottles.  And when i turned 18 he realized i no longer drank regular and was nice enough to switch my bottles to Diet. What a great lil' guy that St. Nick.

4. William Sonoma Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Marshmallows
This is another Penny-ism.  The moment this deliciousness hits the shelves Madre is ON IT buddy.  And it's Hot Chocolate at least 4 times a week every day until Christmas.  PLUS, my parents are HUGE fans of fires, so you can bet on a cold night this is the ultimate cure to cozy up and smile.  Believe it or not, this sometimes even replaces my nightly glass of Kung Fu - GASP!-

5. Coffee Mate - Italian Sweet Cream
Italian Sweet Cream in my Coffeeeeeeeeeee! The phrase i cannot WAIT to bust from my lungs the first morning i have the massive bottle in our fridge.  Okay, this is another arguably non-holiday item as you can buy it all year round. But my Aunt Toby (her real name is Treva) introduced this to me a couple of years ago around the holidays and therefore it makes my holiday list.  If you're a French Vanilla fan or something similar, TRUST ME, it's worth a try.  AND while googling this image to share, I've just learned they came out with a Fat Free version - can't WAIT to try that bad boy out.

Well gang, there you have it.  The most immaculate holiday grocery shopping list known to man: cookies, sweat cream, chocolate mints, chocolate drink and soda.  I'm such a health nut ... Oh come on and live a little, it's almost CHRISTMAS!

..FRIENDSgiving..

Remember when i told y'all about my beloved gals' nights? (if you missed it, you can catch up on that here)  so, just like Halloween & pumpkin carving if there is a holiday or theme we can parlay into our outings you can bet your bottom dollar we will.

Thanksgiving, or 'FRIENDSgiving' as we call it - is definitely no different. This calorie packed gal's night is hosted at my sweet friend Laura's house who conveniently has the largest dining room and dining room table known to man.  I think their dining room used to an attached garage or something, that has been transformed into a cozy sunken dining room - with a table that could seat an entire NFL football team.

We arrange it as a potluck, in which everyone is in charge of a different delicious dish.  Last year - BIG FAIL - FRIENDSgiving is no different than any other Thanksgiving dinner in which leftovers seem more abundant than the original meal.  And after our feast, we forgot to get cheapy Ziploc Tupperware and extra plastic bags, so divvying up the left overs amongst everyone was a bit of a challenge.  You can bet your little behind however, I'm on it this year, and have been stock piling my extra Chinese carry out containers, so I'll so up ready to battle, and that extra spoonful of dumplings will be coming home with none other than yours truly :)

Because, we ladies love our starchy sides we determined it would be better for everyone to make a yummy sides recipe and that to be our main focus.  Then, we cheated a little bit and bought some pre-cooked Kroger chickens - so no one was stuck with the everlasting job of basting a turkey for that many people.  HOWEVER, this year i have heard grumblings that our lovely Jessie Belle has some coupons for a sweet and salty Honey Baked Ham!  We're movin' on up ladies!!!

So far group text (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Apple for this incredible invention!) lets me know there are several delicious goodies on the menu. 

 Some talk of what dishes are coming includes:

• Stuffing
• Truffle mac and cheese
• Corn pudding
• Pear and poppy seed salad
• Cheesy potatoes
• Sister Schubert's rolls (if you haven't had these, think O'Charley's - YUM)
• Teddi cakes aka cinnamon cakes (a secret family recipe I am still trying to crack...and getting close!)
• Honey Baked Ham (fingers crossed!)
• Hash brown casserole
• Surprise dessert ... I've heard orange cake
• Something green (because we can't be ultimate carb-a-holics)

Oh man, all of this food talk has my tummy grumbling!  So, I'm trying to decide what delicious concoction i should make.  Last year i brought my infamous Chicken and Dumplin's - always a crowd favorite. But, SO filling amongst all of the other dishes, and i just made them for the Pumpkin Carving party - so it may be too soon?

A couple of things I'm considering:

1. Green Bean Casserole
• I've only ever made the French's recipe and probably would again, but bringing green beans to a gals night dinner when there would be so many other delicious carb filled dishes overshadowing my measly greens ... I think I'll pass (that was a tough decision)
2.  Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
• This is one my favorites and a frequent dish i like to bring to the office for potluck lunches.  It's beyond the best comfort food around and the consistency is bar none.  I think I'll duke it out with Holly and see if I can bring the Mac and Cheese and let her focus on the Stuffing :o)
• IF i end up choosing Mac and Cheese, I'll share my recipe with you Monday - heck, even if I don't I may share it anyways!
3. Something Pumpkin
• Is it just me or did the introduction of Pinterest and the Pumpkin Spice Latte create an overwhelming number of "OMG I LOVE EVERYTHING PUMPKIN ENTHUSIASTS"?!
• Don't get my wrong, i love pumpkin pie as much as the next ole' lady who makes her weekly trip to Frisch's Big Boy for extra whip cream. But seriously this is a fad i never saw coming.  It's like Bubba Gump Shrimp company meets Pumpkin Flavoring. 

• pumpkin cookies
• pumpkin potatoes
• pumpkin cheesecake
• pumpkin cream cheese
• pumpkin dip (pictured)
• pumpkin tacos
• pumpkin nail polish remover (alright so it's polish...but close enough)

okay, it may not be that serious, but you catch my drift -- if you don't believe me get on Pinterest and search Pumpkin...T.A.K.I.N.G. O.V.E.R. I tell ya!

(I feel the need to also share, i wrote the above pumpkin items down randomly in efforts to be funny, thinking of things that could possibly be "pumpkin" and LATER searched them on Pinterest...and they actually existed!?...need i say more?)

Nevertheless, it is delicious and Tis' the season so maybe I'll head down that road.

Feel free to give me any suggestions if you've got a good recipe lying around that would knock the gal's socks off.  Oh, Friendsgiving....I'll be dreaming of you...Can't wait to see you again Monday.

Recipe Monday: Chick'n & Dumplin's Y'all

Considering this blog was created with the intention of sharing some cooking, baking and general recipes with you - I'd say it's about time to get it started don't ya think?! Nom...Nom.....Nomm...

With the weather cooling off (although this weekend was a GOD SEND and absolutely gorgeous outside) and the days getting dark so soon, soups and crock pots are my best friends. 

Also, because our household generally operates on a similar weekly routine when it comes to food - i will start sharing some of my favorite recipes with your every Monday to start our week and our tummy off right!  But, before jumping into the recipe, let me share the routine:

• Sunday-Tuesday
• large batches of soups or crock pot meals are created
• these are readily available for the hubs and his bottomless belly at all times
• also substitute for great leftover reheats when I've decided dinner just isn't happening that night
• Wednesday
• gals night
• Hub's is on his own (hence, Sun-Tues meals are great)
• Thursday
• i generally cook
• Friday
• dinner out with friends
• date night
• Saturday
• it's a toss up and completely depends on what's happening
• Sunday
• crosses over with above, but we often have Sunday dinner with hub's entire family
• when we have Sunday dinner - large soup and crock pot meals become Mon-Tues
• GOT IT?! : o) .... Don't mess with our routine .... we're getting older and stuck in our ways! ; o)

So, that being said, here is a SUPER quick and easy - never fails fan favorite 

Chick'n and Dumplin's.

What You'll Need:

•  1-3 boxes chicken broth
• I use Swanson - any brand will do
• or you can use water and add bouillon cubes or flavoring if you prefer
• # of boxes is 100% contingent on if you want them more soupy or not
• 1 roasted chicken
• I but the already cooked kind from Kroger or wherever
• You can also roast your own chicken, or use only breasts if you like white meat, i just prefer the pre-cooked because it's ready when i need it and tends to shred easily
• 1-2 bags of Reames frozen dumplings  
• i use 2 because i make a large serving, 1 is suitable if you're not looking for leftovers
• it’ll be in the frozen bread isle

• bag looks like this - these are the best
• TRUST ME - I've made my own and tried other brands - these are the BEST
• 1/2 large white onion - chopped
• A couple stalks of celery
• Peas and Carrots (options)
• You can add peas and carrots (chopped) (if you like those in there)
• I only add carrots – but you can use peas too
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A BIGGG ole dash of parsley
• freshly chopped or from a spice jar

Alright are you ready for these super challenging instructions?!

1. In large pot, bring broth or water to boil
2. Add celery, carrots, and onions
3. While the veggies are softening up (about 10-15 minutes)- begin to tear apart chicken
• I toss the skin
4. Add dumplins to boiling pot
• make sure the dumplins stay in the freezer until you add them to the pot
• once you ad dumplins stir frequently as they are defrosting to avoid them sticking together (they're not as good when they bunch up)
• continue to boil
5. Once chicken is torn apart, I chop it into even smaller bites
1. this is 100% preference, i just generally eat mine with a spoon so I prefer the chicken bits to me small and throughout, some people however like big slivers of chicken
2. add chicken to pot, stir
6. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste
7. I let mine simmer for as long or as little as you like (usually at least 30-40 minutes) and VOILA.

Alternative method - I have also made my dumplins in a crock pot and they are equally as delicious. Essentially those directions are even easier.  You can add all ingredients at once and turn the pot on low for 4-6 hours.  The only draw back with the crock pot is the dumplins tend to stick together more easily.  However, you can easily sub the dumplins for egg noodles and you'll have a super simple chicken noodle soup!

Happy Cooking!