Crockpot Mac n' Cheese

Our lives have been a bit on the hectic side lately and I have completely fallen behind on blog updates so there will be several posted over the next few days. I’ve been on a cooking craze lately (as I’m sure you’ve noticed from my posts) but I haven’t been sharing all my recipes. So, here is just one of the new ones I tried last week. Definitely one to add to the recipe book!

Last week my office had a “Welcome to the New Building” Potluck. Since it seemed as though everyone else was making some sort of dessert, I figured I would make a side. Not many people that know me realize making and thinking of a side dish gives me anxiety. I’m sure you think I’m embellishing but sadly, I’m not. Give me a dessert any day but sides make me stressed. Yes I know I’m weird.

As soon as the words “Sign me up for a delicious side” spilled out of my mouth I instantly regretted it. Luckily, I have two sisters who are also great cooks so I called up one of them and asked for her Crockpot Mac n’ Cheese Recipe. I am slightly embarrassed to share this because it was so incredibly easy to make but we can keep that little secret between us. Everyone raved about it and I decided to let them think it took me a long time. ☺

My Recipe Rating: A

What you’ll need:
3 ½ - 5 quart crockpot
1 medium saucepan
1 bowl- for melting the butter
1 mixing spoon

Ingredients:
1 (16 oz.) pkg. macaroni- I used Safeway brand
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 can evaporated milk
1 ½ cups milk- I used skim because that’s what we drink in our house
1 Teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup melted butter

Preparation:
Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain well. Grease bottom and sides of crockpot. Toss hot macaroni in slow cooker with the vegetable oil then add all remaining ingredients. Stir gently to combine then cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

And there you have it folks! As I said, it’s pretty darn easy. I would highly recommend for the next time you need a quick side that will feed a hungry crowd.

A Tolley Family Winter Staple

Of the many things Midwesterners do well, making a hearty soup is one of them. My Mom’s recipes are up there with the best of them. I have a few that I make often but her vegetable beef has always been my favorite. I used to request it for my birthday dinner and remember sitting in the kitchen on many cold, blustery days waiting for it to be ready.

Today Nick and I finally made it and my mind kept going back to the farm as the soup simmered all day. Since we love the soup so much, I thought I’d share. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Note: This recipe used to feed a family of six so plan to invite some friends over for dinner or have plenty of leftovers.

Ingredients:
2-3 lbs steak (we use chuck)
3 cups tomato juice
1/3 cup chopped onion
4 tsp salt
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp chili powder
2 bay leaves
1 1lb can diced tomatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 can corn
1 can green beans
1 can peas (optional but we like the addition)
1 cup sliced carrots
1-2 cups cubed potatoes

Combine meat, tomato juice, onions, seasonings and six cups water in large pot. Cover and simmer for two hours.





Remove meat and bay leaves from pot.





Cut meat from bone, remove any fat and cube. Add meat and vegetables to large pot. Cover and simmer for one hour.



And enjoy!



Thanks Mom!! And yes...I know I need to finish my milk.