Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

This is a recipe given to me by my aunt. She has made it for years, and I have no clue where she got the recipe. It's a favorite of mine, but for obvious reasons, I don't make it too often. My kids love it, then again, what kid doesn't love mac and cheese?

Ingredients

1lb box of large pasta shells

1/2 cube of butter

1/4 cup of flour

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups of warm milk

8 oz block of Tilamok medium cheddar cheese (I do 4 oz medium 4 oz sharp - up to you)

1/4 teaspoon tabasco sauce

Pepper to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350*. Grate cheese. Cook noodles according to package. Warm milk in microwave for about 2 minutes or until warm. Drain noodles when done.

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter, add flour when frothy. Stir. Add milk and stir. Add cream, stir for a couple minutes. Add desired amount of pepper, tabasco and grated cheese. Stir until everything is well combined, thick and hot, but not bubbly.

Put noodles in a shallow casserole type dish, pour cheese sauce over noodles and mix well. Cover with foil and bake at 350* for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Stir and enjoy.

Chef's notes: This is one of those recipes you can easily play with. I add more then 8 ounces of cheese. I probably do more like 9 oz, I love cheese and think the cheesier the better! I also add closer to 1/2 tsp of tabasco. My kids don't mind spicy, but its easy to over spice this with the tabasco, so just be careful. You can taste it to see how the spice is and add as you like.

Bon Appétit

-Katie

Quesadilla- Patty's way.

1 medium flour tortilla(s)
chopped onion (to taste)
chopped, seeded jalapeno (to taste)
2oz low-fat Montorrey cheese shredded
1/4 cup grilled chicken breast

5 points on Weight Watchers*

In a heavy skillet, heat one flour tortilla. Spread shredded cheese on the tortilla and top with 1/2 the chicken mixture. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup cheese over the chicken and top with another tortilla. When bottom tortilla is lightly brown and cheese has started to melt, flip quesadilla and cook on the opposite side.

You can serve it with guacamole or pico de gallo on top. I'll share a recipe for both soon.

Enjoy!

*I forgot to add in my introduction post that I am currently battling weight loss. I'm on the Weight Watchers program so my recipes will have the Weight Watchers points on them for those looking for some new low fat recipes.

Quesadilla - Katie's way

We all make quesadillas. So, this is nothing special, just my quick and easy way to make them. It's a favorite of mine for a quick lunch.

Here are my ingredients:

Mission flour tortillas

Kraft or Sargento Mexican blend shredded cheese

La Victoria green taco sauce (medium)

La Victoria red taco sauce (medium)

Tapitio hot sauce (if you're brave)

A container of the Just Chicken - breast strips from Trader Joes cut into small pieces

And here's how it goes together:



Microwave on high for 1 minute to 1 minute 10 seconds...or until cheese is nice and melted. You can peek between the tortillas to check.

I do think it would be fun if we all shared how we make quesadillas, just to see how different we all are. So, if you're inclined, please share!

Bon Appétit!

Katie