Better than Kraft Mac & Cheese

Who doesn’t love Macaroni and Cheese? The neon orange food color explosion of Kraft aside, Mac & Cheese is one of those childhood foods that brings a warm gooey comfort to even an adult meal. However, could I have my easy cheesy goodness without all the artificial junk, kick it up a notch on the nutrition level and keep it fast and simple in the skillet? Yes, yes I can…

As a newer convert to the Americas Test Kitchen, I can wholeheartedly assure you. Their Skillet Mac&Cheese with Garlic and Broccoli is WAY better than the Neon Explosion your used to. Check out the recipe for your self here.

I’ll be posting more pictures and comments of yummy home cooking to share and inspire. Anyone can cook, and it sure is better for you!

Tags: America's Test Kitchen, atk, cooking, Scratch

Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes

Mmmmmm what better way to start the Halloween weekend than with a batch of pumpkin pancakes for breakfast!

Makes 16-20 Pumpkin shaped pancakes

Whisk Dry ingredients in large bowl; Set aside.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon each cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

In Med bowl mix;
2 cup milk
12 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree (I prefer Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin Pie Mix available at New Seasons)
4 tablespoons melted butter (30-60sec in microwave then cooled)
2 eggs

Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients. On a 350 degree griddle (if using Med-Hi skillet make 1-2 cakes at a time and hold in 200 Degree oven on a cookie sheet to keep warm while cooking entire batch), pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Use a spoon to drizzle a “stem” at the top of each. Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup.

*I prefer Log Cabin brand cheap syrup since it’s one of few that don’t use High Fructose Corn Syrup, but if you can spring for the real pure maple stuff… Even better!

Tags: breakfast, cooking, halloween, pancake, Pumpkin, Scratch