Homemade Mac & Cheese

 Before we get started on this post we have a question to ask.

Have you ever had a total FAIL on the grill 

that ends up being one of the best things you've ever ate?

That is exactly what happened to us.

We wanted grilled burgers.

We seasoned the burger with dry Italian salad dressing seasoning.

Formed patties.

Placed them on the grill.

A great seasoned burger, right?

While Angie was in the kitchen preparing the mac & cheese

Johnie came yelling at the back door.

"Angie! Come quick! We have a serious problem!"

Johnie placed the burgers on the grill grate,

grilled one side like normal,

went to flip them and they fell apart.

Crumbled!

So Johnie's idea was cast iron skillet.

Angie ran inside to retrieve one.

Johnie finished the burger meat on the grill in a cast iron skillet.

He melted (glue) some garlic and herb goat cheese crumbles 

in with the meat.

We piled the meat and cheese mixture on toasted onion buns,

and it tasted just like the meat you would find in a gyro.

It was fantastic! 

So a total FAIL has the chance to be a total PLEASURE.

And the story behind the mac & cheese.....

A post from Walking on Sunshine came through the

Facebook feed for homemade mac & cheese.

We jotted down the ingredients that were needed 

and we made a mad dash to the grocery store.

While we were in line at the check-out this magazine jumped

off the shelf and into Angie's hands.

Isn't it crazy how that works?

Johnie and Angie looked over the recipe and decided

that Johnie should purchase this magazine for Angie.

Hey, Angie paid for the food items......

We will show you how we dressed this up a bit.

It is very easy to make,

and after it is all thrown together it just takes 

3 minutes under the broiler.

 We used whole wheat pasta spirals.

Added bacon pieces.

Threw in some dry spices (which does not add to the calories).

The bacon adds to the calories, but not much.....

We cooked up some bacon slices for our burgers.

When we had about 5 slices left we cut them in pieces and 

browned them for the mac & cheese.

This is what we did:

Homemade Mac & Cheese

10 oz. whole wheat spiral pasta

1 TBS olive oil

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 1/4 c. chicken broth, divided

1/2 c. 2% milk

8 tsp. flour

4 oz. cream cheese

1/4 tsp. salt (we did not salt)

1/4 tsp. ground pepper corns

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less, up to you)

1 tsp. dry mustard

5 strips bacon, fried and crumbled

2 c. Mexican blend shredded cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.

Preheat broiler to high.

Heat a med. sized pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic to pan. Heat for 3 minutes. Add the bacon during the last minute.

Stir in 1 c. chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute.

In a bowl combine remaining chicken broth, milk, flour, and dry spices, stirring with a whisk until flour dissolves.

Add to bacon mixture.

Bring to a boil and whisk for 5 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken.

Remove from heat and add cream cheese. Stirring until smooth.

Add pasta and toss to coat.

Let stand 5 minutes.

Pour pasta mixture into a 2 quart casserole dish.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Place casserole under broiler for 3 minutes. 

Ours didn't take that long. You don't want the cheese to get too brown.

Oh and, Johnie threw together a foil pack of butter,

sliced mushrooms, and onion on the grill.

Those also went on our super failed burgers.

Foodie Friends Friday!

Best party ever!! Come check out all the great recipes.

See ya'all soon