R&R

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Saturdays?  I know everyone does... but man they're good. Aside from Ole Miss football, we had a spectacular day here in our little comfy apartment.  Perhaps the best part of our Saturday was a visit from: 

JACK!  My cutie brother-in-law who is a freshman at Ole Miss... he's something else, really.

We decided to go out for cheeseburgers and ice cream... indulgence is so good.  I forgot all about my concern for processed beef... really, just eat a cheeseburger.. its good for you.  

On the other hand, I fell in love with a cookbook at B&N... .Super Natural Everyday.. just reading the forward made me want to move to San Francisco, become a vegetarian, and grocery shop in the garden on the outskirts of the city... Reading her took me to the farmer's markets of SF and for a moment, I forgot that I was actually in the middle of Mississippi and I had just consumed a giant Cheeseburger with a large fry from FiveGuys... but I still don't regret it. Not one bit. 

Among the plethora of things that I "want to be"... I'm serious about being a good cook.  I've narrowed my life "to do/be" list down a bit... as I know the Lord will change most of my plans.. and that in itself is perhaps the most comforting part.  I did, however, leave these things: 

-To be a good cook

-To use my camera often

-To be a "hostess with the most-est" 

-To be able to run like my husband (at least somewhat)

-To deeply and consistently study the Word. 

-To be an encouraging and serving wife

-To be the best mother I can possibly be

-To take healthcare to those who don't have it.

-To be a cheerful giver

-To help save someone's life 

-To have a home like this: 

 That's a pretty ambitious "to do" list, I know... but I'm sure going to give it all I've got.  

Now, on to catching up on my Real Simple while the boys play video games.  Pancakes and Redeemer tomorrow... I love Sunday's too! :)  Happy weekend!

check.

Actually, I believed HE could, so HE did. 

Praise the Lord, I passed. 

Comfort with a KICK!

Ok, so despite my lack of time this week, I took on a rather labor intensive meal Monday night... maybe for procrastinations sake, maybe because I haven't cooked for my husband in a week, or maybe just because I was craving some comforting mac'n'cheese and wanted to eat the most unhealthy version of it out there...

So I made this:

This is what I like to call, buffallo mac'n'cheese... basically a combination of super cheesey macaroni with chunks of buffallo chicken. The ultimate comfort food with a little kick to it... It's not too difficult if you're somewhat familiar with the kitchen ;)  Here's the recipe:

*RECOMMENDATION: I'd either half the buffalo sauce or replace it with extra mild... or else your mouth won't be the only thing watering... (I think it brought tears to Chad's eyes... and probably sent his acid-reflux into overdrive, but he didn't tell me- good move Chad.)

Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘N’ Cheese Casserole

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 8 slices white bread (cubed into small pieces)
• 5 cups low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups grated jack cheese
• 1 pound cooked pasta (al dente)
• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
• 3/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot buffalo wing sauce (go minimal with this)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a 3 quart casserole dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tbsp of the butter then whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk the mixture until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
3. Slowly add the milk to the mixture, continuing to whisk to break up clumps. Continue to whisk the mixture until it thickens (about 10 minutes).
4. Add the seasonings, 4 cups of the cheddar cheese and 2 cups of the jack cheese to the mixture, continuing to stir until all of the cheese is melted.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, buffalo sauce and onions and toss until well mixed.
6. To build the casserole, place a layer of noodles over the bottom of the dish, then layer with the cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo chicken, repeating until all of the food is layered.
7. Melt 2 tbsp butter and toss with the bread cubes, then spread across the top of the casserole.
8. Bake at 375F until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling (about 30 minutes).

Enjoy! 

On days like today, I must...

I hope you do, too!