Rikki's Mac and Cheese

My daughter makes the world's best macaroni and cheese. Really, it is SO good. Warning, this recipe is not for the health conscious. It calls for lots of butter and lots of cheese. But in my opinion, it is still healthier than a boxed alternative and certainly much tastier. You may have to play with how much milk, butter, and cheese you add to get it to the right flavor and consistency for your family, but this recipe gives an approximation of what she throws into the pan.

2 lbs pasta, cooked
4 c. milk
2 sticks butter
15-20 slices American cheese

Immediately after the pasta is cooked, add the milk and butter. Place some cheese slices on top and turn heat on med-low. Once the cheese slices begin to melt, mix them into the pasta. Repeat by adding more cheese slices, a little at time until it is cheesy enough for you. Serve immediately with salt and pepper.

Menu Plan Monday

I firmly believe one of a day to day cooks most valuable tools is a menu plan. Whether you plan for one week, two weeks, or a month at a time (or longer), having meals planned in advance will save you time and money, and keep the day to day cook an awful lot of frustration.

Every Monday I will be sharing ideas and resources to help you master menu planning. It took me awhile to work out all of the kinks in my own personal menu planning system, and a lot of trial and error; so if you are new to menu planning, don't expect immediate perfection. But if you implement some of the ideas I share here week by week, and do a little trial and error of your own, I know you will find a menu planning system that works for you.

I will also share my weekly menu plan with you. I hope this gives you some ideas and lets you see how easy it really can be!!

Happy Menu Planning!!

This week's menu:

Monday:
breakfast~cream of wheat
lunch~vegetable soup
dinner~chicken n rice

Tuesday:
breakfast~eggs n toast
lunch~sandwiches, pretzels and fruit (picnic)
dinner~bbq pork sandwiches, mac n cheese

Wednesday:
breakfast~bagels
lunch~leftovers
dinner~steak, twice baked potatoes, carrots, and rolls

Thursday:
breakfast~oatmeal
lunch~quesadillas
dinner~chicken pot pie

Friday:
breakfast~crumb cake
lunch~baked potatoes
dinner~pizza

Saturday:
breakfast~pancakes
lunch~salad
dinner~sloppy joes

Sunday:
breakfast~muffins
lunch~hot dogs, potato salad, and melons
dinner~chicken tacos