Crockpot Mac & Cheese

This is probably the recipe I get asked for more than any other. It is heavenly! If you like creamy, cheesy, gooey mac and cheese, this recipe is for you! The youth at church ask me to bring it to every pot luck dinner, and they scrape the pot clean! 
 
 
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
 
 
Ingredients:
4 cups dry macaroni noodles
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cans evaporated milk (you can use regular milk if you don’t have this)
3 cups milk (Ok, I never measure this…I just add it until it looks almost right. See photo and note below.)
4 eggs, beaten
8 cups shredded cheese (I personally like the shredded Mexican Blend, but sharp cheddar is yummy too.)
Salt and pepper to taste 
 
Directions:
1. Cook macaroni noodles in salted water until done. Drain off water and put into crock pot.
 
2. Pour in melted butter, evaporated milk (or a few cups of milk), beaten eggs, salt and pepper. Stir until mixed.
 
3. Add about 6-7 cups of the shredded cheese. (You want to save a cup or two to spread over the top.) Mix in the cheese and add a few more cups of milk. Keep adding a little milk until you have it just right. You know you have enough milk when you pull back the noodles, and you can see milk a little below the surface. See photo. I have never measured the milk, because this is how my grandma and mom taught me to do it. : )
 
4. Put a cup or two of shredded cheese over the top of the mixture and cover with lid.
 
5. Cook on HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour (until it’s nice and hot), and then turn it to LOW or WARM for another few hours. In my crock pot, if I leave it on LOW, it will burn the edges and overcook it, so I turn it down to WARM. It’s done when the milk and eggs are absorbed and set.
 
6. Enjoy every last bite of this delicious macaroni and cheese! 
 
Notes:
1. This recipe makes enough to fill a huge 6 quart crock pot. If you have a smaller crock pot, you might want to half the recipe. You can also cook a half recipe in a casserole dish in the oven. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. It’s done when the milk and eggs are absorbed and set. Some people like to take the foil off and let it bake uncovered for about 10 minutes so the cheese gets crusty. I like creamy and melty cheese, so I keep mine covered the whole time.
 
2. You can use whatever cheese you like, and as much or as little as you like. I have a friend who puts in some Velveeta cheese, although I would never do that because I am crazy over cheddar cheese. My point is, use your favorite cheese and make it your own!
 
3. I often make it without the evaporated milk and just use 2% milk or whatever I have in the fridge. I’ve even used reconstituted powdered milk and it turned out great. 
 
Source: I have made this for years and years and cannot remember when or why I first made it, or who might have given me the idea. All I know is that it is the best mac and cheese I have ever had!
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

With Easter around the corner, I thought that this would be a great time to share my favorite way to cook and serve asparagus. Although this asparagus is wrapped in [turkey] bacon, it has a very light taste and fits easily into a healthy diet.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Serves four. (I usually double this!)

Ingredients:
1 bunch of asparagus, about 20-25 spears, stems removed
4 slices turkey bacon (you could also use pork bacon)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (I used a cooling rack). Spray the rack with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together oils, brown sugar and garlic. Set aside.
3. Bunch together 5-6 asparagus spears and tightly wrap a piece of bacon around the bundle. Place on the wire rack seam-side down and repeat.
4. Using a brush, a spoon or hands ;-), brush the spears thoroughly with the oil/sugar mixture. Give each bundle a hefty sprinkle of sesame seeds. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Serve warm.

Source

Artichoke….my favorite Veggie!

Every time I buy Artichokes at the store the cashier has no idea what it is.  They are missing out!  At our home it is a special treat that would be chosen over desert any day (seriously it is my kids favorite).  So I decided that you all needed to know just how to prepare an artichoke!
 I first cut off the tip.

 I then cut off the tips of each leaf.  This isn’t necessary but some of the tips are prickly and since my kids are eating them I like to cut them off. 
 I like to wash the Artichoke, again this isn’t necessary but sometimes there is a little dirt in there that I like to get out. 
 Place in a pan and steam in salted water for 30-40 min.  You will know they are done when you can pull off one of the top outside leaves easily.
 While the artichoke is steaming mix together about 1/2 cup mayonnaise, juice from 1/2 a lemon, and salt to taste. (You can tweak this to your tastes).
 When the artichokes are done take one leaf off at a time, dip into the mayonnaise/lemon sauce and scrap off the meat of the leaf with your bottom teeth.  As you get deeper into the artichoke more and more of the leaf will be easily scrapped off.

Now this is the best part,  the heart.  Once you get to center scrape out the hair like leaves at the center (do not eat these).  Once they are scraped out spread the sauce on the heart and enjoy!!!

Spanish Rice Salad

Ingredients:

2 c. cooked white rice
2 (11 oz.) cans Mexicorn, drained
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

3/4 c. chunky salsa
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. chili powder

Directions:

Put salad ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine dressing ingredients.  Add to salad and toss to coat.  Chill.

Source:  Melva Burke

Broccoli & Cheese Quinoa

I’m in LOVE with quinoa! It’s been so nice having something new and so versatile in my diet. Have you tried cooking with it yet? You really should give it a shot. My kids gobbled this right up. We served it with some chicken and carrots on the side. Made for a tasty dinner. Plus, it cooks up so quickly!

Broccoli & Cheese Quinoa

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions
1. Put quinoa, broth and broccoli to a pot and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered until the broth has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender,about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix in the cheese, let it melt.
3. Enjoy!

Want some more Quinoa Recipes? Check these out…
Quinoa Primavera
Moni’s Quinoa Mac & Cheese

Sesame Noodles

Did you know that Chinese New Year is this Sunday? I’ve never really celebrated it since I have no ties to China. Well, I do now! My brother in law is fluent in Chinese and convinced my sister to move there for a while. While there they adopted the sweetest little Sheltie, Toby. (honestly, he is the most tame sweet dog I’ve ever known) So, now I have a Chinese nephew who I love dearly. (yes, in my family dogs are people)
This recipe is so easy and SO tasty. I love this and look forward to making it again this Sunday!

Sesame Noodles

Ingredients
12 ounces, Thin Noodles, cooked & drained (look in your ethnic section, my grocery store had some Chinese noodles)
1/4 C. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Sugar
4 cloves Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp. Rice Vinegar
3 Tbsp. Sesame Oil
1/2 tsp. Hot Sauce (the original recipe called for Hot Chili Oil, I didn’t have it nor did I want to buy it!)
4 Tbsp. Canola Oil
4 whole Green Onions, Sliced

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients except noodles and green onions together in a bowl.
2. Pour sauce over warm noodles and green onion and mix until the sauce covers all the noodles.
3. Serve & Enjoy!

Adapted very slightly from The Pioneer Woman

Our Favorites from 2012

 

Last year around this time we posted the most popular recipes of 2011.  This year we thought we’d do something different…..this time we are sharing OUR favorites!  Each of the Mavens has chosen their favorite personal recipe of 2012.  We hope you’ll give them a try if you haven’t already!

from Emily…..Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin
 
from Anna…..Mexican Street Corn
 
from Melissa…..Amazing Crockpot Grits
 
from Audrey…..Mom’s Rolls
from Niki…..Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
from Julie……Cottage Ranch Dip
 
 
from Amy…..Cobbler Custard Cups
from Kara…..Spinach Dip
 
Care to share what some of your favorite Maven recipes have been?  We’d love to hear from you!
 
image source: Microsoft Office Clipart (manipulated through Picmonkey)
 

Corn and Blueberry Salad

Call me crazy but I love this fruit and veggie combo.  It keeps pretty well in the fridge too.

Ingredients:

6 fresh sweet ears of corn, husked
1 c. fresh blueberries
1 cucumber, sliced
1/4 c. finely chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 T. lime juice
2 T. olive oil
1 T. honey
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt

Directions:

1.  In Dutch oven bring salted water to boiling.  Add corn.  Cook, covered, 5 minutes, or until tender.  When    cool enough to handle, cut corn from cobs.

2.  In a serving bowl combine corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, cilantro and jalapeno.  For dressing, in screw-top jar combine lime juice, oil, honey, cumin and 1/2 t. salt.  Cover; shake well to combine.  Add to salad; toss.  Cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours).  Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Source:  Better Homes and Gardens

Quinoa Primavera

My husband and I are trying to eat healthier. We don’t eat a lot of meat to begin with, but we thought it would be a good idea to have one totally meatless meal a week. I thought quinoa would be a great dish to serve since it’s high in protein and a great food.

This was actually my first time cooking (and eating) quinoa, and it definitely will not be my last. This dish is so yummy and very filling. Although we ate it as a main dish, it would also make a great side dish.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
3 cups chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (I used light cream cheese)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3-5 cups thinly sliced or bite sized pieces assorted uncooked vegetables (I used a bag of frozen mixed cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots)
Grated  Parmesan cheese

Directions
– Bring quinoa and broth to boil in a saucepan; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes or until broth is absorbed. (Follow package instructions)
– While quinoa is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook garlic in butter for about one minute, stirring frequently, until golden. Stir in vegetables. Cook about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender. If you are using frozen vegetables, you’ll just need to cook them until they are warm/hot.
– Stir cream cheese and basil into cooked quinoa. Toss vegetables with quinoa mixture and sprinkle with cheese.

Adapted from Christy’s Culinary Collection

Moni’s Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Let it be known to all that I have finally tried Quinoa.  Yes it is true.  I tried this recipe that I found on Pinterest and I must say it is quite tasty.



Ingredients:
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium leek white and green parts halved and sliced (1 cup)
1/2 cup diced tomato or red/green pepper
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
pinch of salt
a few grinds of seasoning salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups water (or stock)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese plus more for topping
Panko Bread Crumbs for topping, optional

1.  Heat oil in medium pan over medium heat.  Add leek and tomatoes; cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender.  Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until grains start to turn opaque (they will not be fully cooked at this point).

2.  Add 3 cups chicken stock and season with the salt and Seasoning Salt.  Cover and reduce to medium-low and simmer 15-20 minutes or more,  or until most liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

3.  Preheat oven to 350 F.  Coat 13 x 9 dish with cooking spray.  Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl.  Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese (add more cheese here if you need it).  Stir well and let some of the cheese melt.  It will be a little “soupy” but that’s okay,  It will firm up.

4. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with Panko Crumbs.  Bake 25-35 minutes, or until browned around the edges.

TIPS:  The original author of this recipe suggests using salsa, scallions, sour cream or hot sauce as toppings.

SOURCE:  A Pinterest Re-Pin from Monica Nelson