Sloppy Joes

Today was a rainy, yucky day.  At times, it sounded like someone was dumping buckets of water from the heavens.  Such a day called for comfort food.  Plus I forgot to take the chicken breasts out.

I like to throw veggies in, but if you are more traditional in your sloppy joe tastes, leave out the green pepper and cut down on the onion.

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion
1 green pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder (or a couple of cloves of garlic)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
salt and pepper
Buns
Shredded cheese

Brown ground beef.  Saute onions and green peppers until soft.  Add chili powder and garlic.  Cook 1-2 min.  Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard and ketchup.  Bring to a low simmer, cook 5 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve on buns and top with shredded cheese.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Today was a day for comfort food.  While not cold by Canadian standards, the wind was brisk.  What is better than macaroni and cheese for those kind of days?  This one is super simple and practically foolproof.  You boil the pasta in the milk and the starch released will thicken it all into a super creamy sauce.  I then baked it all with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, since Jon loves the crunchy top, but you can easily serve it as is.

Ingredients
3 cups milk
2 1/2 cups pasta
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 tsp dried mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Place pasta and milk in a saucepan.  Heat on medium-high, stirring constantly.  Cook 10-15 minutes (depending on the type of pasta you use) until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened.  Stir in cheese. (I used a mixture of extra-old cheddar and Parmesan, but you can use whatever is your favourite combo.  I wouldn't use mild cheddar though - you need a stronger cheese.)  Add mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

If you are baking the macaroni and cheese, pour into a baking dish.  Top with more shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.  Bake in 350º for 15 minutes, or until top is browned and crunchy.  Enjoy!

Recipe Source: Adapted from Heavenly Homemakers

Monster Cookies

Peanut butter, chocolate and oats.  Is there a more perfect combination?

Ingredients
3 large eggs
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
2 cups chocolate chips/chocolate candies
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups oats

Preheat oven to 350º.

Beat eggs, add sugar and mix until well combined.   Add vanilla, peanut butter and butter.  Stir in chocolate chips, baking soda and oats.

Drop by tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet.  Flatten slightly.  Bake for 8-10 min.  Cool for 1-2 minutes on cookie sheet before removing to cooling rack.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Roasted Squash, Sweet Potato & Garlic Soup

Ingredients
1 sweet potato
1 acorn squash
4 shallots
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
4 cups stock
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375º.  Cut the sweet potato, squash and shallots in half lengthwise.  Coat cut edge with oil.  Place vegetables cut side down in a shallow baking pan.  Add unpeeled garlic cloves.  Roast for 40 minutes or until tender.

After allowing the vegetables to cool, scoop out the flesh of the vegetables.  Add to soup pot with stock.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 min.  

Allow the soup to cool and puree.  

Reheat and season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Easy Soups