July 18, 2023 – Kitcheeen

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How To Make Creamy baked Mac And Cheese

Baked mac and cheese. It’s nearly the universal comfort food, and there are SO many variations! In fact, I almost didn’t post this recipe, as there are SOOOO many mac and cheese recipes available, and most people already have their favorite way of making it.

Of course, there’s no “right” way or “wrong” way, so I’m here sharing the way I like to make my mac and cheese (the way my family loves it too).

Ingredients

1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
½ cup salted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, at room temperature (I use 2%, but whole milk will also work well)
2 cups half-and-half, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese, at room temperature
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg

How To Make Creamy baked Mac And Cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggestion for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

While the pasta boils, melt butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Very gradually, whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat.

Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add all of the Velveeta cheese and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the salt, dry mustard, pepper and nutmeg. Add cooked, drained pasta and stir to coat.

Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar on top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly.

For a crispier, browner top, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Crescent Rolls are not just Holiday dinners or special times. Today, we use crescents for so many different meals and food items. These Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the bomb! They are savory and delicious.

They make a perfect breakfast! Serve them up with a side of eggs and you have a full meal right there.

Ingredients

1 lb. Ground sausage, breakfast, Italian or other
1 C. Shredded cheese of choice
8 oz. Cream cheese softened
2 Cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Pepper to taste

How To Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Roll the crescent rolls out flat, and cut each triangle in half lengthwise.
Cook the ground sausage until it is completely browned.
Add the cooled ground sausage to a mixing bowl with the cream cheese and shredded cheese of your choosing as well as pepper to taste. Stir to combine completely.
Spoon a small ball of the sausage mixture into the top of each piece of crescent roll where it is fattest.
Starting at the widest end, roll the crescent roll dough over the sausage filling forming a mini stuffed crescent roll.
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies

Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies are just like your favorite Peanut Butter Balls but with a crispy filling thanks to the rice krispies. This delicious candy is great for the holidays and cookie trays! Truly, the perfect combination of sweet and salty. A must make for Christmas!

Ingredients

1 cup of crunchy peanut butter (the chunkier, the better!)
6 tablespoons of honey (for that extra touch of sweetness)
1/8 teaspoon of salt (just a pinch to enhance the flavors)
3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal (the classic crispy goodness)
1 1/2 cups of vegan chocolate chips (because who doesn’t love chocolate?)

How To Make Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies

Grab a muffin pan and line it with liners. Give them a light spray of non-stick spray to make sure your treats come out easily.
Time to melt some goodness! In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the peanut butter, honey, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is melted and well combined. You’ll start to smell the delicious aroma!
Once the mixture is smooth and melted, take it off the heat. Now it’s time to add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir it in until all the cereal is coated and mixed well. You want every bite to be packed with that peanut butter flavor.
Get your muffin pan ready and evenly distribute the mixture into the liners. Press it down firmly to make sure everything sticks together nicely. You don’t want any crumbly treats!
Now for the chocolaty goodness. In another saucepan over low heat, melt those vegan chocolate chips. Keep stirring constantly until they’re perfectly melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
Spoon the melted chocolate over each treat in the muffin pan, making sure to distribute it smoothly and evenly. Get creative and make some swirls or patterns if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s time to chill out! Pop the muffin pan in the refrigerator and let the treats firm up. It won’t take too long, just enough time to build up your excitement.
Once they’re firm and ready to go, take them out of the fridge. Peel off the liners and get ready to indulge in these irresistible Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself – no judgment here!
So, go ahead and treat yourself to these delectable goodies. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness that will satisfy your cravings in no time. Enjoy every bite and savor the deliciousness!