In the United States, few foods inspire feelings of comfort and joy the way macaroni and cheese does.  For at least a few hundred years, this dish has been the go-to comfort foods for millions of Americans who find pasta and cheese irresistible together.  There are about as many ways to make macaroni and cheese as there are ways to count sheep.  Some people enjoy it as simply as it can be made:  cooked pasta, and melted cheese.  Others need a more fancy recipe to satisfy them.  It might feature eggs, heavy cream, butter, and panko crumbs or seasoned rustic bread crumb topping.  Some people include sour cream, but others do not.  So while most people agree that macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, we don’t all agree on the best form of this tasty delight.

This year marks the first year that my husband and I will host the family Christmas event at our own home.  It’s our first Christmas out of an apartment and in our home, so needless to say we are both pretty excited about it, but while I am worrying over seating and decorations he has one thing on his mind…food.  He is in charge of the meat for this get together, and he has seriously been obsessing over it for over a week.  The decision he made was to go with a standing rib roast.

This week is a big week for food.  It’s Thanksgiving, and if you are anything like me it means that counting calories is off limits and you are going to enjoy all sorts of tasty food while enjoying time with family and football.  Thanksgiving foods are some of the best home cooked examples of food that is good for your soul that I can think of.  Delicious turkey, honey ham, casseroles, potatoes, pies, pies, and pies all have a special place on the table and in my heart.  Can you tell what my favorite Thanksgiving foods are?  Oh yeah, I love pie.

When I make Mexican food at home, it is essential to have guacamole lathered on every dish in excessive amounts.  It is the perfect addition to cool down an extra spicy burrito or to add some kick to plain chicken nachos, depending on what ingredients you choose to mix in.  I am constantly experimenting with new additions and varying recipes to customize my dip and find all new flavors to enjoy.

TOP SECRET!

Everybody knows that Panera Bread makes the most wicked, creamy, delicious macaroni and cheese currently available to Earthlings.  Unfortunately, it is also among the most expensive substances known to man.  If you only had the ultimate, gooey, cheesy top secret recipe yourself, just think how great it would be to be able to reconstruct the art that is Panera Bread macaroni and cheese in your own kitchen!  Well, it’s possible, or darn near it, thanks to our technicians who spend a good part of the weekend creating the ultimate copy-cat recipe for this coveted dish.