Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Mac and Cheese

This was good. It would have been better had I not overcalculated the amount of milk needed. I ended up with a very soupy mac and cheese. I have adjusted the recipe accordingly. I must say--this was even BETTER as left-overs.

What's Needed:
1/4 stick butter (2 T.)
1 1/2 C. UNcooked macaroni
3 C. milk
3 C. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

1. Microwave butter for 30 seconds or until melted.

2. Scrape the butter into the crockpot. Add macaroni, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir well.

3. Cover the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 3 hours.

Husband's Grade: B
PointsPlus: 11 (serves 4)

Inspired by Fix-It and Forget-It Kids Cookbook

Tortilla Casserole

More like a bean dip than anything else, but this hit the spot for dinner. I could sit on the couch with this, a bag of tortilla chips, and just go to town! This would be a great meal for Superbowl Sunday.

What's Needed:
1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
16 oz. can fat-free refried beans
1 1/2 C. grated cheese (I used sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend), divided
bag of tortilla chips (for eating the casserole)

1. Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray.

2. Spoon the mean into the crockpot. Add taco seasing and mix well.

3. Sprinkle 1 C. of cheese over the top of the meat.

4. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the beans on top of the cheese. Spread the beans out in an even layer. Be careful not to move the grated cheese while you do it.

5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on beans. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.

Husband's Grade: A
PointsPlus: 6

Inspired by: Fix-It and Forget-It Kids Cookbook

**NOTE: The original recipe says it serves four, but I could easily see this serving at least 6. The points are calculated on 6 servings (NOT including tortilla chips).