The Sophisticated Mac & Cheese

The funny thing about being a person who's frequently in the kitchen trying new recipes is that people expect me to be some kind of Wolfgang Puck. The truth is my taste buds have not matured much since the days of Lunchables and corn dogs in third grade. While I try to find recipes that are new and refreshing, most of them are pretty simple in technique and don't require an array of ingredients. With the exception of Go-Gurt, my favorite foods have remained the same; I have just stepped up the presentation. This recipe is not as easy as your out-of-the box Kraft variety, but I promise you it is well worth the trouble. 

And of course, you don't have to use bread crumbs from home made bread. In fact, you don't have to use bread crumbs at all if you don't want to.

The Better Wish (That Won't Come True)

Sometimes I really wish there was a way to prepare a plate for each and every one of my readers. I don't know how it would work; maybe you would click a button and next to your keyboard a little takeout box containing food from my kitchen would appear. This desire of mine always creeps up when I prepare something especially delicious, and last weekends dinner was one of those occasions. 

An herb roasted chicken, asparagus, and mashed potatoes may not seem like anything particularly special, and for the most part it's not. However, I have perfected the method for cooking poultry, and I am dying to share it with the world. 

Directions

1. Marinate chicken overnight in favorite marinade, making sure to puncture the breast for thorough flavoring.

2. Stuff chicken with an onion or apple (something that has a good amount of moisture).

3. Put chicken on its breast then wrap pan with plastic cling wrap, then wrap with a layer of foil.

4. Bake chicken.

5. 30-45 minutes before chicken is finished cooking remove from oven and flip on back.

6. Remove foil and plastic wrap, and allow it to brown in the oven for the remaining cook time.

{Sauteing asparagus}

{The dinner table}

{Garlic, parmesan mashed potatoes}

{Backyard garden}

The Better Artichoke Spinach Dip

Saturdays in my household are known for being filled with good food, lots of TV and board games (if my dad feels up for getting beaten by me). This week I adjusted a recipe from Real Simple, and made this scrumptious artichoke spinach dip. It goes perfectly with homemade, (or store-bought) toasted French bread. This recipe will forever hold a place in the Party Recipes file on my computer. 

{Ready for the oven!}