Mac and Cheese Kielbasa Casserole

Today, I want to share a mash-up recipe. If you have been a regular follower, you have seen kielbasa and macaroni and cheese show up a few times.  Well, they are easy meals to prepare and are some of the comfort foods that many people like. So, I figure if you are going to cook, you should cook what you like to eat, right?  And what better way to satisfy your hunger than by combining two items you like to make a third. This recipe uses the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from earlier this week…

Sidecar

It’s Friday again and you know what that means… my weekly cocktail post!  Tonight’s featured cocktail is the Sidecar. A simple, yet delicious cocktail that can and has been tweaked through the years.  My version is no different, of course. One resource states the standard ‘by the book’ Sidecar is 3 parts cognac or brandy, 2 parts Grand Imperial, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, and 2 parts lemon juice (freshly squeezed, naturally!). Combine the ingredients with ice, shake, strain and enjoy. So I will stay with those proportions and…

Moro de Habichuelas

I know, I can hear it now… “What is this ‘More habits’ dish?”  Basically, it is red beans and rice. A Caribbean style red beans and rice – in the style from the Dominican Republic (or so I read). This dish was an experiment in trying to scale the dish down to cooking for one, while still keeping the flavor and texture that makes this dish the staple it is.  Overall, my effort tasted fine (maybe it needed a bit more salt for the amount I made) and the texture was…

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Tonight I made one of my standard side dishes – roasted brussel sprouts.  It is a recipe so easily upgraded with the addition of a few additional ingredients. One of my favorite ways to make this dish is with bacon or pancetta. The smoky, sweet flavors really combine well with the caramelized sugars in the roasted brussel sprouts. But alas, that is not the recipe I made tonight. I opted to toast some roughly chopped hazelnuts and slivered garlic and tossed it together with some balsamic glaze to bring vibrant flavors to the dish. This side…

Sloppy Joes

Here is another comfort food recipe for everyone to enjoy. It has been a long time since I made Sloppy Joes and I cannot even come up with a good reason why. Since these are easy to make and delicious to eat, they should be enjoyed more often. I will have to put this meal into the rotation – they deserve a spot, don’t you think? Save Print Sloppy Joes Prep time:  15 mins Cook time:  35 mins Total time:  50 mins Serves: 2   Ingredients 8 oz lean ground…

Macaroni and Cheese

Ahhh, the joys of comfort food. There is something about homemade macaroni and cheese that is so satisfying and it is so easy to make. This recipe will show you how to make a delicious macaroni and cheese in about the time it takes to boil the pasta.  So pick up some tasty cheeses and let’s get busy making one of the classic comfort foods! Save Print Macaroni and Cheese Prep time:  10 mins Cook time:  10 mins Total time:  20 mins Serves: 2   Ingredients 6 oz shell or…

Alfonso Special

Tonight’s cocktail is a very interesting one – and not one I would have ever really considered – but wow, is it tasty!  A strange mix of ingredients (well, what I believe to be strange) really makes this cocktail shine in flavor and looks. Let’s get to enjoying this Friday evening with a wonderfully crafted tipple – the honey hued Alfonso Special! Save Print Alfonso Special Prep time:  5 mins Total time:  5 mins Serves: 1   Ingredients 1½ oz Gran Imperial (or Grand Marnier) ¾ oz dry…