Texas Mac and Cheese

This recipe is very similar to this recipe, but I made a few changes & it was so yummy that I had to share! I'm also happy to share that the family LOVED this take on macaroni and cheese & I loved that it had great flavor!  Not just same old mac n cheese, friends!  For this super yummy macaroni and cheese, you'll need:

•  24-32 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 3 tbs flour
• 3 tbs butter
• about 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (more if desired, I just didn't want it to over power the mac)
• about 1/2 cup crushed cheddar crackers (I used cheez-its, but I've also used goldfish :)

Cook macaroni according to package directions.

Melt butter over medium heat and thoroughly mix in flour.  See previous recipe for pics on how to make the roux and sauce.  Add milk all at once.  Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly.  Lower heat and add 2 cups of cheese until melted.  Add pepper, chili powder and garlic powder.  Mix thoroughly.    

Drain macaroni and add to sauce.  Pour in a greased (I use olive oil) baking dish.  Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.  Sprinkle crushed crackers on top of cheese.

Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 10-20 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Our mac has half crackers bc our house is a house divided on liking the crackers.  I think they are so yummy, but, ahem, some members of the family prefer no crackers (even though they eat them in the leftovers lol)

Served with fresh broccoli - sooooo goooooood!!  Enjoy, Cowtown Friends!

Broccoli Feta Pasta

As you have probably noticed, I'm having a hard time adjusting to 2012!!  Hard for me to get into the swing of things bc 2012 has been cRaZy at our house and I've found myself just trying to keep up!  So here is a fabulous recipe that my husband and I stumbled upon on the Food Network one weekend.  It's a Sara Moulton recipe & it's super fast, super easy, and super yummy!  My family loves it!  And I love it because it's SO easy!

You'll need:

• 5 oz crumbled feta cheese
• pinch (to taste) crushed red pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 13.25 oz thin spaghetti (or angel hair)
• 2 heads fresh broccoli

So easy:  just steam cook your broccoli in a small amount of boiling water until desired tenderness.  I had forgotten how fresh broccoli goes from a dull green to a brilliant green in just a few minutes!  I'm a nerd, but I think it's so pretty!

Then, boil your spaghetti (original recipe called for angel hair, but all I had was thin spaghetti & it worked fine) for half the time on package.  Drain spaghetti and put it the boiling chicken broth (original recipe called for veggie broth, but I used my homemade chicken broth that I have sitting in my freezer awaiting times like these).  Cook for a few more minutes in the broth until pasta reaches desired doneness.

Add cheese and crushed red pepper.  Mix thoroughly and serve.

My picture isn't that fabulous bc I was SO hungry and ready to eat!  The Mister loved this recipe and I loved that it took about 15 minutes from start to finish with practically zero prep!  Plus, I used whole grain spaghetti plus the fresh broccoli, I have to believe it's pretty healthy :)  

A good way to start the new year!  I'm hoping this is the beginning of more consistent posts on Cowtown Cooking in 2012 :)  Happy New Year!

Top 5 Favorite Recipes of 2011

I thought I would organize a little countdown of my favorite recipes from this blog this year - granted, I started this blog in August so it's really just half a year, but when I went through all the recipes I tried, I was surprised that these were the ones I deem the yearly best!  You'll be surprised - they aren't all sweets!! :)  But the ones that aren't sweets have cheese, so I guess that's my vice.  Good thing my new year's resolution is not to cut back on cheese :)

So, no need to wait any longer, my top 5 goes like this...

5.  Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

A family favorite, these are easy, yummy & everyone will eat them - bonus!!


4.  Baked Penne with Italian Sausage Tomato Sauce

I just loved the flavor of this recipe.  I had never tried italian sausage in my tomato sauce before this recipe - and now I'm hooked!


3.  White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These need no explanation!!  Go to the store.  Get the ingredients.  Make these now!!  You. will. not. regret. it!!


2.  King Ranch Chicken

Just looking at this picture makes me want to stick a fork in my computer.  We will be having this again next week, I do believe.  Insanely good, especially for all you Texas friends who are King Ranch Chicken Enthusiasts.

1.  Texas Peach Cobbler

I picked this as number one bc it combines several favorites:  the Cream Biscuits for the topping, the sweet fruit, but not too sweet, and Blue Bell Ice Cream (a staple in our house).  My husband said it was like an old fashioned cobbler, not too sweet.  I have to say, that's how I like 'em!  This picture also reminds me that I need to try some other cobblers with this recipe - maybe some sort of berry??  Or...??  


So, tell me Cowtown Friends, what recipes are on your top 5?  


Happy New Year, Everyone!!!